According to Peter King of MMQB.com, Browns first-round pick QB Johnny Manziel has “significantly” closed the gap on veteran Brian Hoyer for the team’s starting job.
“It’s been fierce,” safety Donte Whitner said. “Two guys fighting for their lives. It’s close. I’d say [the locker room] is split about 50-50. We know they both can play.”
This fits with a report from ESPN’s Bob Holtzman who mentioned over the weekend that it appears as though Manziel is already ahead of Hoyer in the competition.
By a number of accounts, Manziel outplayed Hoyer during their first preseason game this past Saturday.
Aditi Kinkhabwala reports that Hoyer was the first quarterback in for the team’s 11 on 11 drills Monday, but he wound up throwing an interception in the first three plays.
All indications are that Hoyer will need to really step up his game in the coming weeks in order to hold off the rookie for the starting job. Cleveland will be up against the Redskins this week.
Looking for the latest NFL Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow NFL Trade Rumors on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NFL News and Rumors for all 32 teams!
