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Cleveland made some big moves in the 2014 NFL Draft, one of which was trading up with their second first round selection to acquire phenom quarterback Johnny Manziel out of Texas A&M University.  Manziel was a beast on the field during his tenure at Texas A&M, and entering the draft, he was the most discussed pick in the first round.  The discussion was over which team would draft him, and which teams would be the perfect fit for his abilities on the field, ranging from the Dallas Cowboys to the New York Jets.

Brian Hoyer was injured early on last season, so the Browns needed to add a high quality backup to their roster, in the event that Hoyer should go down again this season, or if his performance failed to meet the Browns expectations from their starting quarterback.  Manziel was the perfect fit for Kyle Shanahan's offense out of the quarterbacks available with said pick.

Johnny Manziel was impressive during the pre-season, and talks began swirling around the nation that Cleveland had just created yet another controversy at the position.  Brian Hoyer was etched in as the starter for the Browns, primarily due to his success during the three games he started last season.

Cleveland has been very competitive in the AFC North this season, where they are currently only a half game out of first place, despite being ranked fourth in the division.  Johnny Manziel has been keeping himself primed and ready to go at moments notice, whether he's needed as a starter, or to be utilized on gimmick plays.

The problem for Manziel has been the successful play from starting quarterback Brian Hoyer, who has already thrown for 1,714 yards this season.  Hoyer has also been efficent at the helm, completeing 57% of his passes, while throwing 8 touchdown passes and only 2 interceptions.  His current rating score is 91.0, a rating the Browns haven't witnessed since Derek Anderson's 82.5 rated performance in 2007.  In fact, the last Browns quarterback to finish closest to Hoyer's current rating was Vinny Tesaverde, who had an 87.8 rating in 1995.

Right now this is Brian Hoyer's team, and the starting quarterback job is Brian Hoyer's to lose.  Manziel is a very competitive player and leader on the field, so it's understandable why his impatience continues to grow each week.  That being said, Manziel needs to realize he's in a very good situation right now in Cleveland.

Manziel can benefit by learning from Hoyer, who spent three seasons learning from future Hall of Famer Tom Brady, and head ciach Bill Belichick, while serving as a back up quarterback for the New England Patriots.  The best thing Manziel can do now is learn to display some patience.  His time will come, but he needs to realize that time isn't right now.

Cleveland made some big moves in the 2014 NFL Draft, one of which was trading up with their second first round selection to acquire phenom quarterback Johnny Manziel out of Texas A&M University.  Manziel was a beast on the field during his tenure at Texas A&M, and entering the draft, he was the most discussed pick in the first round.  The discussion was over which team would draft him, and which teams would be the perfect fit for his abilities on the field, ranging from the Dallas Cowboys to the New York Jets.

Brian Hoyer was injured early on last season, so the Browns needed to add a high quality backup to their roster, in the event that Hoyer should go down again this season, or if his performance failed to meet the Browns expectations from their starting quarterback.  Manziel was the perfect fit for Kyle Shanahan's offense out of the quarterbacks available with said pick.

Johnny Manziel was impressive during the pre-season, and talks began swirling around the nation that Cleveland had just created yet another controversy at the position.  Brian Hoyer was etched in as the starter for the Browns, primarily due to his success during the three games he started last season.

Cleveland has been very competitive in the AFC North this season, where they are currently only a half game out of first place, despite being ranked fourth in the division.  Johnny Manziel has been keeping himself primed and ready to go at moments notice, whether he's needed as a starter, or to be utilized on gimmick plays.

The problem for Manziel has been the successful play from starting quarterback Brian Hoyer, who has already thrown for 1,714 yards this season.  Hoyer has also been efficent at the helm, completeing 57% of his passes, while throwing 8 touchdown passes and only 2 interceptions.  His current rating score is 91.0, a rating the Browns haven't witnessed since Derek Anderson's 82.5 rated performance in 2007.  In fact, the last Browns quarterback to finish closest to Hoyer's current rating was Vinny Tesaverde, who had an 87.8 rating in 1995.

Right now this is Brian Hoyer's team, and the starting quarterback job is Brian Hoyer's to lose.  Manziel is a very competitive player and leader on the field, so it's understandable why his impatience continues to grow each week.  That being said, Manziel needs to realize he's in a very good situation right now in Cleveland.

Manziel can benefit by learning from Hoyer, who spent three seasons learning from future Hall of Famer Tom Brady, and head ciach Bill Belichick, while serving as a back up quarterback for the New England Patriots.  The best thing Manziel can do now is learn to display some patience.  His time will come, but he needs to realize that time isn't right now.

Will this be the week? Can the Jaguars finally get the big “W” and silence the fan base that is growing tired of coming home without a win each week. Can the running game show some progress? Can the secondary play a bit tougher and can Blake Bortles continue his progression as an NFL quarterback?

The Jaguars will face a Cleveland Browns team that is making some noise with its impressive record as of late and its quarterback play.

No, I am not talking about how Johnny Manziel is lighting up scoreboards or how his personality has taken the NFL by storm. Instead the Browns are riding the arm of Brian Hoyer, who has led the team to wins over New Orleans and Pittsburgh this season.

If the Jaguars are going to win, here are 10 things to watch for, according to John Oehser and Jaguars.com.

Stop the run

Why are the Browns good? Maybe the biggest reason is they believe they can run – and because they’re right to believe that. They believe it so much they’ll keep trying the run even when it’s not working and even when they’re trailing. The Jaguars’ defense has done a decent job against the run most weeks. Except for a Week 2 loss to Washington, they haven’t let opposing backs take over the game. That must continue this week. If the Browns establish the run, they’ll wear you down with it.

This is the Jaguars’ defensive dilemma

The Browns love to run, but they’re also really good at beating you with play action once they establish the run. That’s a concern for the Jaguars because they’ve given up plays in the passing game while focusing on the run. Do that against the Browns and you’re in trouble.

Protect the quarterback

The Jaguars got better here for a while. Last week against the Titans the Jaguars allowed six sacks. That’s not better. Rookie quarterback Blake Bortles has pocket presence and escapability. Don’t make him use it so much. Give him time.

Run block

Not to focus entirely on the offensive line, but make no mistake: that area will be a huge focus Sunday. The Jaguars have protected the passer OK at times this season, but have yet to get the run game going. To move consistently, you at least need the threat of the run. The Jaguars haven’t threatened much so far this season.

Tackle

The missed tackles that were an issue early in the season flared up again in Tennessee. After a couple of weeks in the single digits, the Jaguars missed 15 tackles against the Titans. The defense didn’t cost them the game, but that many missed tackles means too many more opportunities for the opposition. Wrap up. Get the guy down. You can’t let what should have been fourth-and-4 become first-and-10. NFL offenses turn those sorts of opportunities into points.

Keep tight end Clay Harbor involved

He has been effective since returning from a calf injury, and he has been reliable in the passing game. Whenever he is targeted, he seems to create first downs and touchdowns. The Jaguars don’t have that many skill guys that do that. Use it.

Cover the tight end

This will be an issue until it’s not. Browns tight end Jordan Cameron may not be the biggest-name player at the positon the Jaguars will play all year, but he’s effective. Once the Browns get the running game going, he gets even more dangerous. Quarterback Brian Hoyer is good enough – and accurate enough – in the play-action game to get him the ball.

Make a play

The Jaguars have done little above the Xs and Os this season.  They have made plays on offense and defense, but not many big ones that change games. The opportunities were there last week, and too often they were missed. They’ll be there again, particularly against a Browns defense that struggled this season until beating Pittsburgh last week. When they’re there, make a play. That’s how you get off this losing streak.

Create turnovers

The Jaguars have 19 sacks defensively, but just four takeaways. They have created one takeaway since the regular-season opener. That’s not enough for many teams to win, and it’s certainly not enough for a team still building the roster.

Believe in progress

It’s not vogue to believe in the Jaguars these days. What is vogue is to believe they’re not improving and have no chance on a week-to-week basis. Not so. The team has been competitive since Bortles entered the starting lineup, and the coaches and players are starting to believe in and trust in him more each week. So, yes, let’s go with that: Believe in Bortles … Believe in Blake … whatever. Keep building on what the rookie’s doing. Start making plays around him. It’s a key cog in the foundation, and the best hope going forward.

Will this be the week? Can the Jaguars finally get the big “W” and silence the fan base that is growing tired of coming home without a win each week. Can the running game show some progress? Can the secondary play a bit tougher and can Blake Bortles continue his progression as an NFL quarterback?

The Jaguars will face a Cleveland Browns team that is making some noise with its impressive record as of late and its quarterback play.

No, I am not talking about how Johnny Manziel is lighting up scoreboards or how his personality has taken the NFL by storm. Instead the Browns are riding the arm of Brian Hoyer, who has led the team to wins over New Orleans and Pittsburgh this season.

If the Jaguars are going to win, here are 10 things to watch for, according to John Oehser and Jaguars.com.

Stop the run

Why are the Browns good? Maybe the biggest reason is they believe they can run – and because they’re right to believe that. They believe it so much they’ll keep trying the run even when it’s not working and even when they’re trailing. The Jaguars’ defense has done a decent job against the run most weeks. Except for a Week 2 loss to Washington, they haven’t let opposing backs take over the game. That must continue this week. If the Browns establish the run, they’ll wear you down with it.

This is the Jaguars’ defensive dilemma

The Browns love to run, but they’re also really good at beating you with play action once they establish the run. That’s a concern for the Jaguars because they’ve given up plays in the passing game while focusing on the run. Do that against the Browns and you’re in trouble.

Protect the quarterback

The Jaguars got better here for a while. Last week against the Titans the Jaguars allowed six sacks. That’s not better. Rookie quarterback Blake Bortles has pocket presence and escapability. Don’t make him use it so much. Give him time.

Run block

Not to focus entirely on the offensive line, but make no mistake: that area will be a huge focus Sunday. The Jaguars have protected the passer OK at times this season, but have yet to get the run game going. To move consistently, you at least need the threat of the run. The Jaguars haven’t threatened much so far this season.

Tackle

The missed tackles that were an issue early in the season flared up again in Tennessee. After a couple of weeks in the single digits, the Jaguars missed 15 tackles against the Titans. The defense didn’t cost them the game, but that many missed tackles means too many more opportunities for the opposition. Wrap up. Get the guy down. You can’t let what should have been fourth-and-4 become first-and-10. NFL offenses turn those sorts of opportunities into points.

Keep tight end Clay Harbor involved

He has been effective since returning from a calf injury, and he has been reliable in the passing game. Whenever he is targeted, he seems to create first downs and touchdowns. The Jaguars don’t have that many skill guys that do that. Use it.

Cover the tight end

This will be an issue until it’s not. Browns tight end Jordan Cameron may not be the biggest-name player at the positon the Jaguars will play all year, but he’s effective. Once the Browns get the running game going, he gets even more dangerous. Quarterback Brian Hoyer is good enough – and accurate enough – in the play-action game to get him the ball.

Make a play

The Jaguars have done little above the Xs and Os this season.  They have made plays on offense and defense, but not many big ones that change games. The opportunities were there last week, and too often they were missed. They’ll be there again, particularly against a Browns defense that struggled this season until beating Pittsburgh last week. When they’re there, make a play. That’s how you get off this losing streak.

Create turnovers

The Jaguars have 19 sacks defensively, but just four takeaways. They have created one takeaway since the regular-season opener. That’s not enough for many teams to win, and it’s certainly not enough for a team still building the roster.

Believe in progress

It’s not vogue to believe in the Jaguars these days. What is vogue is to believe they’re not improving and have no chance on a week-to-week basis. Not so. The team has been competitive since Bortles entered the starting lineup, and the coaches and players are starting to believe in and trust in him more each week. So, yes, let’s go with that: Believe in Bortles … Believe in Blake … whatever. Keep building on what the rookie’s doing. Start making plays around him. It’s a key cog in the foundation, and the best hope going forward.

I circled this game on my calendar after the NFL Draft because I thought it would not only be the game we see both Blake Bortles and Johnny Manziel in the a game at the same time, but I also thought it would become the barometer for both franchises.

The idea was that Jacksonville would have three wins by now and Cleveland would be kicking themselves for not selecting Teddy Bridgewater or Derrick Carr. The game is a barometer of sorts, still, but there is no matchup between the rookies and both club are certainly headed in the wrong direction.

Cleveland appears to be on the road to recovery with Brian Hoyer behind center as Manziel waits. The Jaguars are still winless although Bortles is the toast of the town and the best rookie to play in the league since Andrew Luck got drafted.

This is actually a must win for both teams. The Jaguars need a win to find relevance and the Browns need a win to justify keeping a rookie with plenty of moxie and star power on the bench. For those reasons alone, this has the makings of a really good game. Here are five things you need to know,

THE BROWNS HAVE A PROBLEM

Yes, they are surging and have played well of late – beating The Saints and the Steelers, but this team may have a quarterback issue on its hands. Bryan Hoyer is playing well and leading this team to wins. All the while, Johnny Manziel is on the bench. If the team continues to win, Manziel will not see the field.

According to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Brian Hoyer's future with the Browns comes down to this: Do the Browns still believe that Johnny Manziel can wreck this league?

If so, then they probably won't be willing to commit starter money to Hoyer, which could be in the neighborhood of $12 million to $13 million a year. 

But if they have their doubts about Manziel, then it's time for the Browns to start trying to wrap up Hoyer to a long-term deal before his price skyrockets.

ESTABLISHING THE RUN PARAMOUNT

The running back unit does not scare anyone in the NFL. The Jaguars need to establish a running game early to give the passing game some momentum.

When it comes to the running game, Jaguars Head Coach Gus Bradley said Wednesday afternoon what offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch emphasized in the morning:

The Jaguars are going to keep trying. And if it’s not easy at first, they’ll keep trying some more.

Bradley discussed the running game following what he called a good practice as the team began preparing for the Browns, who have won their last two games and who have improved significantly since the Jaguars won in Cleveland 32-28 last December.

The Browns are a team committed to the run, and with an improving offensive line, they have found an identity on offense.

JACKSONVILLE MUST FINISH

The last two weeks have shown the defense is getting better. The past two weeks should have been victories for the Jaguars. This team must finish strong.

Improvement is great.

And not only has Blake Bortles without question improved in his brief time as a starter, the rookie quarterback has given the offense energy – and given the Jaguars more hope.

All of that’s true, and all of that’s great for the future, but as the Jaguars approach midseason without a victory for the second consecutive season, Bortles – preparing this week for his fourth NFL start – said the focus isn’t on simply gaining yards, or moving first-down chains.

Now, the focus is finishing.

“Those are obviously the things that finish drives – a missed block here, a missed throw here, a whatever … those things stick out when you start getting close. Those are obviously the things we have to tighten up and improve on.”

A FAST START FOR A BROWNS PASS RUSH

With 10 sacks on the year, the Browns rank 19th in the NFL. That’s not terrible but it’s not a number to be proud of, either. In terms of more advanced pass rushing numbers, ProFootballFocus.com ranks the Browns 30th in the NFL.

Coach Mike Pettine says you can’t solely judge the pass rush based on numbers. Last week against Pittsburgh was a solid improvement for the players who chase after the quarterback.

“It’s something we feel we can improve on,” said Pettine. “I felt we did a good job. We got to (Steelers QB) Ben (Roethlisberger) a couple times, but I also think we affected him more than a few, as well. We hit him, and I think those hits are cumulative over the course of a game. When you hit a quarterback over three quarters and, all of a sudden, in that fourth quarter they’re chasing ghosts or feeling ghosts a little bit.”

JAGUARS WIN

This may be the week that the Jaguars break through. I know, I said that again last week, but the leash is a little tighter on the running game and while Blake Bortles is getting better, this week and next could lead to two wins.

JAGUARS 24 BROWNS 16

I circled this game on my calendar after the NFL Draft because I thought it would not only be the game we see both Blake Bortles and Johnny Manziel in the a game at the same time, but I also thought it would become the barometer for both franchises.

The idea was that Jacksonville would have three wins by now and Cleveland would be kicking themselves for not selecting Teddy Bridgewater or Derrick Carr. The game is a barometer of sorts, still, but there is no matchup between the rookies and both club are certainly headed in the wrong direction.

Cleveland appears to be on the road to recovery with Brian Hoyer behind center as Manziel waits. The Jaguars are still winless although Bortles is the toast of the town and the best rookie to play in the league since Andrew Luck got drafted.

This is actually a must win for both teams. The Jaguars need a win to find relevance and the Browns need a win to justify keeping a rookie with plenty of moxie and star power on the bench. For those reasons alone, this has the makings of a really good game. Here are five things you need to know,

THE BROWNS HAVE A PROBLEM

Yes, they are surging and have played well of late – beating The Saints and the Steelers, but this team may have a quarterback issue on its hands. Bryan Hoyer is playing well and leading this team to wins. All the while, Johnny Manziel is on the bench. If the team continues to win, Manziel will not see the field.

According to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Brian Hoyer's future with the Browns comes down to this: Do the Browns still believe that Johnny Manziel can wreck this league?

If so, then they probably won't be willing to commit starter money to Hoyer, which could be in the neighborhood of $12 million to $13 million a year. 

But if they have their doubts about Manziel, then it's time for the Browns to start trying to wrap up Hoyer to a long-term deal before his price skyrockets.

ESTABLISHING THE RUN PARAMOUNT

The running back unit does not scare anyone in the NFL. The Jaguars need to establish a running game early to give the passing game some momentum.

When it comes to the running game, Jaguars Head Coach Gus Bradley said Wednesday afternoon what offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch emphasized in the morning:

The Jaguars are going to keep trying. And if it’s not easy at first, they’ll keep trying some more.

Bradley discussed the running game following what he called a good practice as the team began preparing for the Browns, who have won their last two games and who have improved significantly since the Jaguars won in Cleveland 32-28 last December.

The Browns are a team committed to the run, and with an improving offensive line, they have found an identity on offense.

JACKSONVILLE MUST FINISH

The last two weeks have shown the defense is getting better. The past two weeks should have been victories for the Jaguars. This team must finish strong.

Improvement is great.

And not only has Blake Bortles without question improved in his brief time as a starter, the rookie quarterback has given the offense energy – and given the Jaguars more hope.

All of that’s true, and all of that’s great for the future, but as the Jaguars approach midseason without a victory for the second consecutive season, Bortles – preparing this week for his fourth NFL start – said the focus isn’t on simply gaining yards, or moving first-down chains.

Now, the focus is finishing.

“Those are obviously the things that finish drives – a missed block here, a missed throw here, a whatever … those things stick out when you start getting close. Those are obviously the things we have to tighten up and improve on.”

A FAST START FOR A BROWNS PASS RUSH

With 10 sacks on the year, the Browns rank 19th in the NFL. That’s not terrible but it’s not a number to be proud of, either. In terms of more advanced pass rushing numbers, ProFootballFocus.com ranks the Browns 30th in the NFL.

Coach Mike Pettine says you can’t solely judge the pass rush based on numbers. Last week against Pittsburgh was a solid improvement for the players who chase after the quarterback.

“It’s something we feel we can improve on,” said Pettine. “I felt we did a good job. We got to (Steelers QB) Ben (Roethlisberger) a couple times, but I also think we affected him more than a few, as well. We hit him, and I think those hits are cumulative over the course of a game. When you hit a quarterback over three quarters and, all of a sudden, in that fourth quarter they’re chasing ghosts or feeling ghosts a little bit.”

JAGUARS WIN

This may be the week that the Jaguars break through. I know, I said that again last week, but the leash is a little tighter on the running game and while Blake Bortles is getting better, this week and next could lead to two wins.

JAGUARS 24 BROWNS 16

I circled this game on my calendar after the NFL Draft because I thought it would not only be the game we see both Blake Bortles and Johnny Manziel in the a game at the same time, but I also thought it would become the barometer for both franchises.

The idea was that Jacksonville would have three wins by now and Cleveland would be kicking themselves for not selecting Teddy Bridgewater or Derrick Carr. The game is a barometer of sorts, still, but there is no matchup between the rookies and both club are certainly headed in the wrong direction.

Cleveland appears to be on the road to recovery with Brian Hoyer behind center as Manziel waits. The Jaguars are still winless although Bortles is the toast of the town and the best rookie to play in the league since Andrew Luck got drafted.

This is actually a must win for both teams. The Jaguars need a win to find relevance and the Browns need a win to justify keeping a rookie with plenty of moxie and star power on the bench. For those reasons alone, this has the makings of a really good game. Here are five things you need to know,

THE BROWNS HAVE A PROBLEM

Yes, they are surging and have played well of late – beating The Saints and the Steelers, but this team may have a quarterback issue on its hands. Bryan Hoyer is playing well and leading this team to wins. All the while, Johnny Manziel is on the bench. If the team continues to win, Manziel will not see the field.

According to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Brian Hoyer's future with the Browns comes down to this: Do the Browns still believe that Johnny Manziel can wreck this league?

If so, then they probably won't be willing to commit starter money to Hoyer, which could be in the neighborhood of $12 million to $13 million a year. 

But if they have their doubts about Manziel, then it's time for the Browns to start trying to wrap up Hoyer to a long-term deal before his price skyrockets.

ESTABLISHING THE RUN PARAMOUNT

The running back unit does not scare anyone in the NFL. The Jaguars need to establish a running game early to give the passing game some momentum.

When it comes to the running game, Jaguars Head Coach Gus Bradley said Wednesday afternoon what offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch emphasized in the morning:

The Jaguars are going to keep trying. And if it’s not easy at first, they’ll keep trying some more.

Bradley discussed the running game following what he called a good practice as the team began preparing for the Browns, who have won their last two games and who have improved significantly since the Jaguars won in Cleveland 32-28 last December.

The Browns are a team committed to the run, and with an improving offensive line, they have found an identity on offense.

JACKSONVILLE MUST FINISH

The last two weeks have shown the defense is getting better. The past two weeks should have been victories for the Jaguars. This team must finish strong.

Improvement is great.

And not only has Blake Bortles without question improved in his brief time as a starter, the rookie quarterback has given the offense energy – and given the Jaguars more hope.

All of that’s true, and all of that’s great for the future, but as the Jaguars approach midseason without a victory for the second consecutive season, Bortles – preparing this week for his fourth NFL start – said the focus isn’t on simply gaining yards, or moving first-down chains.

Now, the focus is finishing.

“Those are obviously the things that finish drives – a missed block here, a missed throw here, a whatever … those things stick out when you start getting close. Those are obviously the things we have to tighten up and improve on.”

A FAST START FOR A BROWNS PASS RUSH

With 10 sacks on the year, the Browns rank 19th in the NFL. That’s not terrible but it’s not a number to be proud of, either. In terms of more advanced pass rushing numbers, ProFootballFocus.com ranks the Browns 30th in the NFL.

Coach Mike Pettine says you can’t solely judge the pass rush based on numbers. Last week against Pittsburgh was a solid improvement for the players who chase after the quarterback.

“It’s something we feel we can improve on,” said Pettine. “I felt we did a good job. We got to (Steelers QB) Ben (Roethlisberger) a couple times, but I also think we affected him more than a few, as well. We hit him, and I think those hits are cumulative over the course of a game. When you hit a quarterback over three quarters and, all of a sudden, in that fourth quarter they’re chasing ghosts or feeling ghosts a little bit.”

JAGUARS WIN

This may be the week that the Jaguars break through. I know, I said that again last week, but the leash is a little tighter on the running game and while Blake Bortles is getting better, this week and next could lead to two wins.

JAGUARS 24 BROWNS 16

I circled this game on my calendar after the NFL Draft because I thought it would not only be the game we see both Blake Bortles and Johnny Manziel in the a game at the same time, but I also thought it would become the barometer for both franchises.

The idea was that Jacksonville would have three wins by now and Cleveland would be kicking themselves for not selecting Teddy Bridgewater or Derrick Carr. The game is a barometer of sorts, still, but there is no matchup between the rookies and both club are certainly headed in the wrong direction.

Cleveland appears to be on the road to recovery with Brian Hoyer behind center as Manziel waits. The Jaguars are still winless although Bortles is the toast of the town and the best rookie to play in the league since Andrew Luck got drafted.

This is actually a must win for both teams. The Jaguars need a win to find relevance and the Browns need a win to justify keeping a rookie with plenty of moxie and star power on the bench. For those reasons alone, this has the makings of a really good game. Here are five things you need to know,

THE BROWNS HAVE A PROBLEM

Yes, they are surging and have played well of late – beating The Saints and the Steelers, but this team may have a quarterback issue on its hands. Bryan Hoyer is playing well and leading this team to wins. All the while, Johnny Manziel is on the bench. If the team continues to win, Manziel will not see the field.

According to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Brian Hoyer's future with the Browns comes down to this: Do the Browns still believe that Johnny Manziel can wreck this league?

If so, then they probably won't be willing to commit starter money to Hoyer, which could be in the neighborhood of $12 million to $13 million a year. 

But if they have their doubts about Manziel, then it's time for the Browns to start trying to wrap up Hoyer to a long-term deal before his price skyrockets.

ESTABLISHING THE RUN PARAMOUNT

The running back unit does not scare anyone in the NFL. The Jaguars need to establish a running game early to give the passing game some momentum.

When it comes to the running game, Jaguars Head Coach Gus Bradley said Wednesday afternoon what offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch emphasized in the morning:

The Jaguars are going to keep trying. And if it’s not easy at first, they’ll keep trying some more.

Bradley discussed the running game following what he called a good practice as the team began preparing for the Browns, who have won their last two games and who have improved significantly since the Jaguars won in Cleveland 32-28 last December.

The Browns are a team committed to the run, and with an improving offensive line, they have found an identity on offense.

JACKSONVILLE MUST FINISH

The last two weeks have shown the defense is getting better. The past two weeks should have been victories for the Jaguars. This team must finish strong.

Improvement is great.

And not only has Blake Bortles without question improved in his brief time as a starter, the rookie quarterback has given the offense energy – and given the Jaguars more hope.

All of that’s true, and all of that’s great for the future, but as the Jaguars approach midseason without a victory for the second consecutive season, Bortles – preparing this week for his fourth NFL start – said the focus isn’t on simply gaining yards, or moving first-down chains.

Now, the focus is finishing.

“Those are obviously the things that finish drives – a missed block here, a missed throw here, a whatever … those things stick out when you start getting close. Those are obviously the things we have to tighten up and improve on.”

A FAST START FOR A BROWNS PASS RUSH

With 10 sacks on the year, the Browns rank 19th in the NFL. That’s not terrible but it’s not a number to be proud of, either. In terms of more advanced pass rushing numbers, ProFootballFocus.com ranks the Browns 30th in the NFL.

Coach Mike Pettine says you can’t solely judge the pass rush based on numbers. Last week against Pittsburgh was a solid improvement for the players who chase after the quarterback.

“It’s something we feel we can improve on,” said Pettine. “I felt we did a good job. We got to (Steelers QB) Ben (Roethlisberger) a couple times, but I also think we affected him more than a few, as well. We hit him, and I think those hits are cumulative over the course of a game. When you hit a quarterback over three quarters and, all of a sudden, in that fourth quarter they’re chasing ghosts or feeling ghosts a little bit.”

JAGUARS WIN

This may be the week that the Jaguars break through. I know, I said that again last week, but the leash is a little tighter on the running game and while Blake Bortles is getting better, this week and next could lead to two wins.

JAGUARS 24 BROWNS 16

The waiting game is finally over. Head coach Mike Pettine had originally planned on naming his starter on Tuesday, following Monday night’s game against the Washington Redskins, but Brian Hoyer will be the opening day starter for the Cleveland Browns when they take on division foe Pittsburgh. Vic Carucci first reported the news on Cleveland Browns team website.

According to NFL.com, Pettine said in a press release, “He was the clear leader from the beginning.” Hoyer was named starter prior to training camp, given the fact that he has five years of NFL experience. He had three starts for Cleveland in 2013, prior to tearing his ACL against the Buffalo Bills. 

He went on to say, ”We’ve maintained all along that if it was close, I would prefer to go with the more experienced player. Brian has done a great job in the meeting rooms and with his teammates on the practice field and in the locker room.” The decision to make Brian Hoyer the starter clears the quarterback landscape up around the league.

Johnny Manziel currently sits second on the team’s depth chart. With a difficult schedule at the beginning of the season, it may not be long before Cleveland opts in the direction of the rookie over Hoyer. After Pittsburgh, the Browns will face New Orleans and Baltimore before the bye week.

The timing of the Browns' bye week couldn't be more perfect. If Hoyer looks shaky from the start, Pettine could be inclined to make the switch the electrifying Johnny Football.

Today, Cleveland Browns’ Head Coach Mike Pettine decided to name Brian Hoyer the team’s opening day starting Quarterback. This decision might disappoint some of the Browns faithful but it was the right thing to do.  Johnny Manziel, although he played a little better than Hoyer during their two preseason games, simply is not ready to start.

Manziel was a very good college Quarterback and I believe he will be a good professional QB, but he still has a way to go before becoming a full time starter in the NFL. He needs to become more comfortable with the playbook. Learning the playbook is not just understanding the terminology and the layout of the “X’s and O’s”; it involves knowing the personnel groups, formations, options, protections, alignments, hot reads, check downs and more. Manziel must also learn NFL defenses, his keys, stunt and blitz recognition, disguises and much, much more.  Manziel needs time to digest it all.

Those people (fans, reporters and analysts) that were pushing so hard for Manziel to start were not seeing the “big picture. It appears they just want to see “rock star” Johnny Manziel on the field, even if it isn’t in his best interest. Mike Pettine made the right decision. Hoyer gives the Browns their best chance of winning and it gives Johnny Manziel time to hone his craft.

Starting Johnny Manziel against the Pittsburgh Steelers would be downright cruel. The Dick LeBeau led Steelers Defense is tough, disciplined and very sophisticated. They disguise well and they hit hard.  There are reasons why LeBeau has only lost twice to rookie Quarterbacks in his long career and I don’t think Johnny Manziel is ready for the things LeBeau would throw at him.

The second and third weeks aren’t any better. The New Orleans Saints with their defensive architect, Rob Ryan, and the Baltimore Ravens with Dan Pees guiding their Defense roll into FirstEnergy Stadium in consecutive weeks. Both teams would be poised to give Johnny “Football” a very unpleasant and painful welcome.

Although Brian Hoyer has been a career back up, he is currently the best option on the Browns roster. Because Cleveland’s Defense is among the best in the NFL, they will keep the team in games. Hoyer will not be asked to “take the team on his back” and to win the game, but he will be asked to be efficient, to protect the ball and to do nothing to lose the game.

Hopefully the decision to start Hoyer against Pittsburgh ends the pervasive chatter and endless debates (especially on the NFL Network) about Johnny Manziel and the likelihood that he will start the first game of the season. He will not, unless Hoyer is injured or, for some other reason, cannot start.

Being named the starting Quarterback against the Steelers, however, is not, and should not be viewed as, an endorsement of Hoyer. If I read the various comments in press conferences and interviews correctly, Coach Pettine did not seem to be overwhelmed by either Quarterback’s performance.

The starting role for Hoyer appears to be temporary; the result of Manziel not being ready, not the result of Hoyer winning the job. Coach Pettine apparently “held his nose and swallowed” when he made the decision. Unless Hoyer plays “lights out” and wins at least one of those games, look for Manziel to start when the team travels to Tennessee on October 5.

It would be a surprise if Johnny Manziel wasn’t already “penciled in” to start in Tennessee and it would be equally surprising if Hoyer doesn’t realize that. “Johnny Manziel is a first round pick and that makes him more valuable to the team than Brian Hoyer. The Browns are paying Manziel more than it is paying Hoyer; this makes Manziel the greater investment and the team rightfully wants a good return on that investment.  Finally, Manziel is a marketing marvel with tons of marketing “up side” for the Browns and it is needless to say that very few members of the “Dog Pound” will stand in line to get a Brian Hoyer jersey.

The plan seems to be set. Hoyer will “carry the water” until the “Bye”; after that, it will be Manziel. The hope for Hoyer is to pull off a miracle and beats both the Steelers and Ravens or get lots of film “in the can.”