Colts to Face Hoyer, Not Manziel, Against Browns

The Indianapolis Colts won’t be facing the supposed future of the Cleveland Browns this Sunday. The Browns announced today that Brian Hoyer will remain the starting quarterback for at least this week.

Hoyer has started every game this season but was pulled late last week against the Buffalo Bills for Johnny Manziel. Hoyer had thrown two interceptions and Manziel took over in the fourth quarter.

On his first drive, Manziel threw into double coverage and was nearly intercepted but turned into a big gain. He then ran the ball in for a touchdown.

On his second drive, Manziel fumbled the ball and it was recovered by the Bills in the endzone. For some reason, the play was overturned and called a forward pass.

The Browns lost 26-10 to the Bills.

Hoyer hasn’t been bad this season, but he also hasn’t set the world on fire. He’s completing 59.8-percent of his passes for 3,056 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.

But in November, Hoyer has been awful. His completion percentage is just under 55 percent and he’s thrown just three touchdowns to eight interceptions. He’s also taken 10 sacks.

The Browns were 2-2 in November. They dominated the Bengals on Thursday night football on the road. Then lost badly at home against the Texans. Hoyer threw three interceptions against the Falcons, only to lead a game winning drive thanks to poor clock management by Atlanta. And finally the recent loss at Buffalo.

The Hoyer – Manziel controversy has persisted since the preseason. Hoyer didn’t exactly do enough to win the position, but neither did Manziel. Considering he was a first round pick, Maziel is likely the future of the franchise but his off the field behavior leaves a lot to be desired.

Hoyer is well liked in the locker room and holds the respect of his teammates. Given his work ethic and stabilizing influence, Hoyer likely gives the the Browns the best chance to win on Sunday.

The Colts have feasted against AFC North quarterbacks not name “Roethlisberger” this season. Andy Dalton and Joe Flacco combined to complete 52-percent of their passes for 361 yards, no touchdowns, and an interception.

The Browns are 7-5 and still very much alive in the playoff hunt. The Colts are a virtual lock to win the AFC South but have yet to beat a team with a winning record on the road this season.