Johnny Manziel better in second start, but in losing cause
By admin - 2018-12-22 01:39:57

Johnny Manziel’s second start over the weekend was a complete about face from the dreadful interception-laden performance of his CFL debut, but his Montreal Alouettes still fell to the Ottawa Redblacks.

Manziel completed 16-of-26 for 168 yards and no touchdowns, but the most telling stat line was no interceptions after the former Heisman Trophy winner tossed four in the first half of his first CFL start last week.

“I mean, we didn’t turn the ball over, we didn’t throw four picks in the first half,” Manziel said, per ESPN. “Anything is better than last week.”

Manziel added 36 yards rushing on three attempts and came within a hair of running one into the end zone, but he took a violent hit at the goal line and fumbled. One of Manziel’s teammates fell on the loose ball in the end zone for a touchdown.

So, after two games, Johnny Football’s comeback bid has gotten off to a lukewarm start. He’s 27-of-36 for 272 yards, no touchdowns, and four picks. That’s an average of 5.9 yards per attempt, which is significantly below where he wants to be if he’s got any chance at getting back to the NFL.

Manziel’s NFL career was short-lived, to say the least. After two tumultuous season, in which he posted a a 74.4 passer rating in 15 appearances, he was cut by the Cleveland Browns in 2016 following accusations that he assaulted his girlfriend at the time. The charges were ultimately dismissed as part of a plea deal.