Johnny Manziel Discusses Being Named Starting QB vs. Bengals

Johnny Manziel is back. 

The much-maligned second-year quarterback for the Cleveland Browns was named the team's Week 9 starter Wednesday by head coach Mike Pettine. He will make his second start of the season—and fourth of his career—on Thursday Night Football against the Cincinnati Bengals, filling in for the injured Josh McCown.

Manziel did not speak directly to media about his impending start, but the team released a statement from the quarterback, per Zac Jackson of Pro Football Talk: “I’m excited about the opportunity,” Manziel said. “Starting against the Titans [in Week 2] seems like such a long time ago but I’ve been in games for the last two weeks and with every opportunity I get, I try to make the most of them.

Manziel's first career start came last year against the Bengals. It was a rough start to say the least. The former Texas A&M Aggie was just 10 of 18 for 80 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions in a 30-0 loss.

His statement included thoughts on that game, per Jackson: “Obviously, that was not the first career start I would have hoped for or expected when the Bengals came to our stadium last year,” Manziel said. “I did learn from it and I feel much more confident in my abilities now because of the progress I feel like I’ve made over this season. My experience in that game from last year should help me tomorrow night.”

He better hope that experience helps a lot, because the Bengals won't show him any mercy. At 7-0, they are one of four undefeated teams in the NFL, and have allowed the second-fewest points this season in the AFC.

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith doesn't think Manziel will make much of an impact in the game:

One person who could benefit from Manziel being in the game is Travis Benjamin. The fourth-year Cleveland wide receiver had his best game of the season in Week 2 with Manziel behind center, catching three passes for 115 yards and two touchdowns. Benjamin has just one score since.

In addition to that start, Manziel played three quarters in Week 1 when McCown left with a concussion. He combined to complete 21 of 39 passes for 354 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. However,  he's never had any kind of consistency in regard to starting to prove what he really can do in the NFL.

If Cleveland fans are hoping for some kind of miracle from Johnny Football, they will be sorely disappointed Thursday night. He might not be awful, but there is no reason to believe he'll go on the road—a place Cleveland has dropped six of its past seven games—and knock off what could be the most complete team in the league.

Per Jackson, Manziel said he will be heading in to the game with confidence despite his struggles against Cincinnati last year: “I feel like I’ve gotten two solid days of reps with the first team on this short week so I’m confident that I will be prepared and ready to go tomorrow night.”

If McCown's rib injury keeps him out more than a week or two, Manziel may be able to settle in and prove he can compete in the NFL. Thursday night however, looks like it could be a repeat of last season.