CLEVELAND -- Selling offseason optimism after a December free fall is difficult even with good quarterback play.
The Cleveland Browns' outlook at the game’s most important position is spiraling down to the bottom of the NFL unless Johnny Manziel can take ownership of the job this offseason.
Manziel was drafted before Minnesota’s Teddy Bridgewater and Oakland’s Derek Carr, yet both franchises have more quarterback security than the Browns do, in part because those rookies were able to play through mistakes. They also got better late in the season.
Manziel didn’t get that luxury but also did little to show he’d be prepared for that rookie evolution.
The Browns aren’t the only team in the league with questions at quarterback. Let’s see whether the Browns -- with Manziel, Connor Shaw and Tyler Thigpen on the roster, the No. 12 and No. 19 picks in the first round and the ability to sign a free agent from a relatively weak quarterback pool -- have a better or worse situation than these teams.
Jets -- Better. Manziel seems to have more upside than Geno Smith, and the Jets’ No. 6 overall pick doesn’t guarantee a high-level quarterback in this draft.
Bills -- Worse. EJ Manuel doesn’t look like a high-level starter, but he’s been serviceable. He’s a good fallback.
Texans -- Worse. Houston coach Bill O’Brien is a factor. He can help turn marginal quarterback play into wins. Ryan Mallett showed potential in his few starts, and there are some evaluators in the Browns' facility who liked Tom Savage.
Titans -- Worse. Questions still surround Zach Mettenberger, but he looks the part. Tennessee could take Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota with the No. 2 pick.
Rams -- Tie. There’s no guarantee Sam Bradford can remain healthy, and the options behind him are scarce. If Bradford returns to form, clearly the Rams have a better situation.
Redskins -- Better. Washington seems ready to start over after Robert Griffin III's benching, which means they have no solutions at all save a draft gem.
Bucs -- Worse. Manziel is better than the current stable of Bucs quarterbacks, but having the ability to draft Mariota aids Tampa Bay’s cause.