Brian Hoyer Beats out Johnny Manziel as Browns' Starting QB in Week 14 vs. Colts

The Cleveland Browns apparently aren't ready to hand over the offense to Johnny Manziel quite yet. Brian Hoyer is set to start the team's Week 14 clash with the Indianapolis Colts despite getting benched during last week's game.    

Jay Glazer of Fox Sports reports the veteran was made aware he'll get the nod on Sunday:

The Browns later confirmed the decision, via Andrew Gribble of ClevelandBrowns.com:

"

"After thorough evaluation and talking to the staff, we feel Brian gives us the best opportunity to win on Sunday," Pettine said. "This is a football decision and those are always going to be based on what we think is best for our team. Brian has led our team to a 7-5 record. I’m confident that we can get the entire offense playing at the level needed to accomplish the goals we set at the beginning of the season. Those goals are still very much attainable."

Hoyer was adamant in interviews Sunday and Monday that he was the right quarterback to lead the Browns to their first playoff appearance in more than 10 years.

"I don’t have any doubt in myself," Hoyer said Monday. "I never have throughout this entire process, going back to last year. I feel like we’re 7-5. We still have a chance to attain all of our goals. It’s still there in front of us."

"

Aditi Kinkhabwala of NFL.com provided more insight from Pettine on the decision:

Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon-Journal added more from the coach regarding the decision:

Pettine also talked about Hoyer recovering from the benching, and whether the quarterback would have less margin for error this week:

Manziel remained upbeat regarding the decision per Zac Jackson of Fox Sports Ohio:

Hoyer took a seat after throwing no touchdowns and two interceptions against the Buffalo Bills in Week 13. Manziel proceeded to immediately lead the previously dormant Browns offense on a scoring drive that he capped off with a 10-yard touchdown run.

His second drive was less successful, as it nearly ended with a defensive touchdown for Buffalo. The initial ruling on the field was that he fumbled, and the Bills recovered the fumble for a touchdown. The ruling was overturned, but the Browns turned it over on downs one play later. The series led to questions about which quarterback would get the call this week.   

Glazer added that the choice within the locker room was clear, despite the team's efforts to get the rookie more reps under center during practices:

Andrew Brandt of ESPN wrote that it all comes down to which player gives the team a better chance right now despite the jolt "Johnny Football" briefly provided:

Ian Rapoport of NFL.com also reported on other factors that went into the decision:

That doesn't mean the outlook can't change in the near future, though. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler laid out a timeline for a potential changing of the guard and ownership's involvement in the decision:

Hoyer provided the Browns with some much-needed stability under center to open the season. He's tossed five interceptions over the past two games, however. And, with Cleveland's playoff hopes hanging in the balance, it wouldn't be a surprise if there's a quick hook on Sunday.

That said, the Browns still think he gives them a better chance to win than Manziel at this point.