Johnny Manziel Named Starting Quarterback Replacing Brian Hoyer For Cleveland Browns

After much debate and discussion, Johnny Manziel will start for the first time Sunday for the Cleveland Browns against the Cincinnati Bengals, according to ESPN. Browns coach Mike Pettine was intentionally glib Monday when asked at a press conference about whether Manziel, the 22nd overall pick in last year's NFL Draft, would replace struggling starter Brian Hoyer.

But Tuesday, the Browns made the move, choosing 2012 Heisman Trophy winner Manziel to start under center from this point forward.

Here's what both Pettine and Manziel had to say about the decision, courtesy of Bleacher Report. 

Manziel: I'm very appreciative of the opportunity that Coach Pettine and the coaching staff have given me to be the starter on Sunday. I've tried to spend my entire season learning what it takes to become a pro and it's been great to watch Brian because he knows what it takes. I've prepared every week to be ready to help the team however possible and my focus has been on improving every day. I'm very excited to get out on the field with my teammates on Sunday and to have the opportunity to make the Dawg Pound proud.

Pettine: This decision is really not about Brian Hoyer or Johnny Manziel, it is about the Cleveland Browns. We are always going to make decisions that we feel are in the best interest of the team. Brian has done everything that has been asked of him and he has done so as a true professional. It's never just any one position when a unit is not functioning at the level you'd like. We are trying to get the offense to perform at a higher level. Johnny has worked very hard to earn this opportunity and it will be very important for every member of the offense to elevate their play for us to obtain our desired result.

Hoyer struggled mightily after leading the Browns to a 7-4 start, and has only orchestrated one touchdown in his last 29 drives, according to ESPN. Manziel replaced Hoyer on November 30 against the Bills and led Cleveland to an 80-yard touchdown drive. But besides that, his action this season has been limited after Hoyer was named the starter in the preseason. Hoyer completed just 14 of 31 passes in last Sunday's 25-24 loss to the Colts, and was intercepted twice. Manziel scored 93 touchdowns in two seasons at Texas A&M, 63 through the air and 30 on the ground.