Johnny Manziel, the former Cleveland Browns quarterback, has expressed confidence in Shedeur Sanders’ potential following the rookie’s impressive preseason performance with the team. Sanders, a fifth-round draft pick, has garnered attention for his strong showing in the Browns’ first preseason game, where he led the team to a 30-10 victory against the Carolina Panthers. Manziel, who himself faced high expectations as a first-round pick in 2014, encouraged Sanders to continue grinding and improving during the preseason, emphasizing the value of perseverance in a competitive quarterback room. He also discussed the challenges of playing for the Browns, a team with a history of high expectations and media scrutiny. Manziel, who has partnered with Sling TV to promote its new streaming packages, highlighted the flexibility and affordability of the service, allowing fans to choose the level of access that suits their viewing habits. While Sanders is expected to start the season as the Browns’ quarterback, he recently suffered an oblique injury, which may affect his performance in upcoming games.
The Browns’ quarterback room is expected to be one of the most competitive in the NFL this season. Alongside Sanders, who is entering his first year with the team, the Browns also have third-round pick Dillon Gabriel and former first-rounder Kenny Pickett. Coach Kevin Stefanski has indicated that the team will maintain a rotating lineup to ensure the best preparation for the regular season. Despite the competition, Manziel believes the Browns’ approach to developing their young quarterbacks is a positive one, especially considering the team’s recent struggles and the need for a strong offensive line to support the quarterback position.
Manziel’s comments reflect his understanding of the pressures faced by Cleveland’s quarterbacks. He acknowledged the harsh scrutiny that comes with being a Browns player, especially given the team’s history of falling short of expectations in recent years. While he is hopeful for Sanders’ success, he also warned that media attention and expectations can be overwhelming. Manziel believes Sanders is ready for this challenge, citing his work ethic and preparation. He noted that players who can handle the pressure and stay focused are more likely to thrive in the long run, especially in a league where performance can quickly change with a single game.
In addition to his comments on Sanders, Manziel also promoted Sling TV’s new subscription packages, which offer flexible access to NFL games. He praised the service for allowing fans to choose the level of access that best fits their needs, whether it’s a day pass, weekend pass, or week pass. Manziel, who is an SEC fan through and through, emphasized that the ability to watch games on his own terms is a significant benefit. He also mentioned the cost-effectiveness of the service, noting that it allows fans to avoid paying for unnecessary packages while still enjoying the games they want to watch.
While the Browns have much to look forward to in the coming season, they also face significant challenges. The team has had difficulties in recent years, with inconsistent performances and a lack of sustained success. However, the addition of young talent like Sanders offers hope for the future. As the team continues to develop their roster and prepare for the regular season, the pressure will be on the coaching staff and players to deliver results that align with the high expectations set by the fans and media. For now, the focus remains on the preseason games, where the Browns will continue to test their players and shape their strategy for the upcoming season.
Manziel’s comments provide insight into the mindset of a Brown’s quarterback, one who understands the importance of perseverance and adaptability in the face of challenges. His support for Sanders comes at a time when the Browns are looking for a new direction for the franchise, both in terms of personnel and strategy. The team’s ability to develop and integrate young talent like Sanders could be a key factor in their future success. As the season approaches, the Browns will need to balance the pressure of high expectations with the need to build a strong, cohesive team capable of competing at the highest level. For now, the focus remains on the preseason, where the Browns will continue to refine their playbook and prepare for the challenges ahead.