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Johnny Manziel era begins after Browns make switch

Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, left, talks to quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) during practice at the NFL football team's facility in Berea, Ohio Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2014. After spending 13 games as a backup, Manziel will start Sunday when the Browns, with their playoff chances on the line, host the Cincinnati Bengals. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, left, talks to quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) during practice at the NFL football team's facility in Berea, Ohio Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2014. After spending 13 games as a backup, Manziel will start Sunday when the Browns, with their playoff chances on the line, host the Cincinnati Bengals. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)

By Associated Press 1 min read

BEREA, Ohio (AP) – Browns rookie Johnny Manziel is practicing for the first time as an NFL starting quarterback.

Manziel was promoted Tuesday, when Browns coach Mike Pettine benched slumping starter Brian Hoyer in favor of the popular first-round draft pick. Pettine said he’d “be a liar” if he said he wasn’t excited to see Manziel play this Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Pettine said the switch at quarterback was necessary because of Hoyer’s struggles over the past four games. Pettine added it was “very hard” to deliver the news to Hoyer, the hometown kid who helped get the Browns (7-6) into playoff contention.

Pettine believes Manziel has earned the respect of his teammates who will “see him in a different light.” Pettine said Manziel spent extra time at the team’s facility Tuesday getting a “head start” on the game plan.

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