Brian Hoyer may be holding onto his job, but that doesn't mean that the Cleveland Browns can't make good use of Johnny Manziel's hype and athleticism. Although the Ravens bested the Browns 23-21, the thing that really made news was Hoyer connecting with Manziel on a little hideout play. Manziel's reception was good for 39-yards, but was called back due to an illegal shift by running back Terrance West. After the fact, however, Fox analyst Mike Pereira commented that the play itself was illegal and should have garnered a penalty.
Credit offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan for finding creative ways to involve rookie Johnny Manziel. After running a play for a short loss, Brian Hoyer came in, as if to replace Manziel. But ol' Johnny Football stayed on the field near the sidelines and, when the ball snapped, he went out for a pass.
Manziel caught the ball for a 39-yard gain, but it was called back due to an illegal shift. On top of that, officiating expert Mike Pereira says it was an illegal play because Manziel was too close to the sideline (via ESPN):
"'You cannot line up and set within five yards of your sideline when you are in front of your bench area,' Pereira said. 'The bench area is defined as between one 32-yard line and the other 32. Lining up within five yards of your sideline between those yard-lines is a 15-yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct.'"
It's good to see Johnny get involved, though Hoyer has proved to be a rock under center. So it seems as though the veteran's job is safe for now (via NFL Spin Zone):
"He's played well. He hasn't graded out 100 percent and he's his own toughest critic, too. ... I just think (quarterback coach Dowell Loggains and offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan) have done a good job not just with the quarterback but the entire offense of playing to our strengths."
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