Browns quarterbacks unimpressive
Johnny Manziel and Brian Hoyer didn’t make Mike Pettine’s decision any easier. Good luck picking a starting quarterback after this mess, Coach.
Manziel struggled to hit open receivers and added another gesture to his repertoire – a middle finger apparently aimed at the Washington Redskins’ bench – while Hoyer completed only two passes in five series. Neither the hot-shot rookie nor the nondescript sixth-year veteran looked ready to claim a No. 1 NFL gig, failing to live up to the big-time setting of a final audition in the Cleveland Browns’ 24-23 Monday night loss to the Washington Redskins in Landover, Maryland.
Pettine has said he plans to announce his regular-season starter today. His choices are Manziel, the No. 22 overall pick in the draft who completed 7 of 16 passes for 65 yards and a touchdown, and Hoyer, who was 2 for 6 for 16 yards. The Redskins don’t have a quarterback competition, but their former Heisman winner – Robert Griffin III – also needs some work to get to regular-season form. He finished 6 for 8 for 112 yards, including an unwise off-balance throw that was picked off by Joe Haden.
Just “Washington”
Two influential NFL voices – CBS lead analyst Phil Simms and NBC studio commentator Tony Dungy – said they likely won’t use the term “Redskins” when discussing the franchise. CBS, NBC and Fox are allowing their announcers discretion as to whether to use the team’s nickname or not.
Bortles goes first
The Jaguars got a glimpse of the future as rookie quarterback Blake Bortles took repetitions with the first-team offense in practice.
The team insists that, barring injury, Chad Henne will be the team’s starting quarterback for the regular-season opener against Philadelphia.
Wilson tries track
Former Giants running back David Wilson, who was forced to retire due to a neck injury, intends to train in the triple jump with an eye on making the United States team for the 2016 Rio Olympics. Wilson competed in the event in high school and at Virginia Tech.
Around the League
Running back Jamaal Charles is uncertain for the Kansas City Chiefs’ next preseason game after turning his foot while moving. … New York Jets rookie wide receiver Jalen Saunders is back with the team after being hospitalized over the weekend following a car accident. … A person close to the situation tells the AP that Buffalo Bills receiver Sammy Watkins is day to day after tests confirmed a diagnosis of bruised ribs. … Tight end Rob Gronkowski is participating in contact drills with the New England Patriots for the first time since his knee surgery. … Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Darnell Dockett tore the ACL in his right knee during practice and will have season-ending surgery.