Quarterback Johnny Manziel's winning performance in Week 2 for the Cleveland Browns was not enough to secure him the starting nod as head coach Mike Pettine decided to start veteran Josh McCown against the Oakland Raiders.
McCown, who suffered a head injury in Week 1 against the New York Jets, was already given clearance to practice last Wednesday after being in the National Football League's (NFL) concussion protocol.
"He's done everything we've asked of him in the offseason and so far this year. He'd earned the right to be our starting quarterback," Browns head coach Mike Pettine said last Wednesday about McCown.
Pettine added that the 36-year-old quarterback gives them the best chance of winning and that was the main basis of the decision.
McCown missing their Week 2 game against the Tennessee Titans gave Manziel a chance to shine and he delivered.
Manziel aided the Browns to their first victory in the 2015 NFL season last Sunday, completing 8 of 15 passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns facing the Titans.
But despite the good numbers, Manziel had two fumbles in their game against Tennessee, which totals his tally to four fumbles in just two games played this season.
Although following his performance, the 22-year-old footballer was expected to be the Browns' starting quarterback moving forward.
"I was just told this morning coming into meetings. I think I took it alright. It is obviously disappointing," Manziel told reporters about the decision last Wednesday.
The 2012 Heisman Trophy winner also said that Sunday's performance against the Titans showed that he can play in that level of competition, also displaying how his game improved and progressed than last season.
"Obviously I'm not going to sit here and say I love the decision. I respect Coach Pett," Manziel stated but also expressing his readiness to play whenever he is needed.
Meanwhile, McCown told reporters that he is feeling better, adding that he did not doubt his preparedness to play.
