It's Not the Right Time to Dump Johnny

In this article by Gary Davenport, a pretty convincing case is made for getting rid of Johnny Manziel right now.

I don't contest anything Gary said, except that he listed a lack of arm strength as one of Johnny's faults.  

The thing is, dumping Johnny now would tip Ray Farmer's hand and deprive him of leverage, both with potential veteran free agent quarterbacks and in potential draft trades.

In re the draft, it would change the whole dynamic.  At 12 or 19, for example, other GMs would know that Ray is likely to grab a quarterback, and trade up to get ahead of him.

So it's not good business.

Then there are a lot of variables.  While it seems unlikely, it is still possible that the kid will start over next season (with a new coordinator and system) with a better attitude and more maturity.

As it is, Manziel is almost worthless in a trade.  Retaining him at least until next year's camps costs zero, and the coaches should know pretty quick if he's still a punk--and dump him then.

This whole Johnny and Josh Gordon hanging out together also got me to thinking.  This is a quarterback and wide reciever, and they might work together.

Both kind of have their backs to the wall, and are persona non grata.  I think it not just possible, but likely that they'll push eachother to stay in the playbook, cut at the right spot, do one more rep--whatever.

Each of these guys individually might be immature and lazy, but together, and knowing what they've got to correct, they might work and study harder.

If you're laughing at this, you don't understand human psychology as well as I do, and probably have a short memory.

I'm not predicting anything.  Just saying it's possible.  If anybody can keep reminding Josh Gordon that he can be the best wide reciever in the NFL, it's Johnny Manziel.  If anybody can make Johnny look good, it's the best wide reciever in the NFL.

Or not.  But let's just see, ok?

And re-sign Hoyer.  There's more good than bad there.