Remember last year Ray? Bridgewater--then Bortles--then Carr? And what bugged you about Teddy, anyway? That he said to his agent he preferred Minnesota? Kyle didn't like him! That's it, isn't it? I know it couldn't have been his Pro Day where he threw without his trademark gloves...could it? RAY! TELL ME IT WASN'T THE PRO DAY that made you just flush all his films down the toilet!
It's okay, Ray. There's still a chance Manziel will come back from this stronger. He sure has a lot going for him. There's a chance.
Of course, you can't count on it, can you? I know you haven't really "moved on" as in given up on him, but you need more certaintly.
You know that people who think Josh McCown is the guy from last season are idiots. Having an offensive line helps somewhat, no? A healthy arm (wrist?) No midseason system change--you know little things like that?
So you're facing a nightmare scenario, aren't you? A journeyman quarterback with a strong line, running game, and decent recievers in a West Coast, with a strong defense.
Hovering at the edge of the playoffs...and maybe that's all. Light a candle for Johnny?
Yeah I guess so. But I told you, Ray: I know Johnny, because he is like me. I have his same weaknesses. Johnny loves to play, and hates to work. As in study. It does not interest him.
He's not like Peyton, or Tom. And guys like us--we just can't make ourselves love all those details, and all that repetition.
Don't get me wrong here: I'm in the kid's corner, big-time. He's demonstrated a much deeper understanding of football and his position than me, indicating that he has some natural interest in it.
But you can't count on him, and if not Johnny, then who?
So there he is: Marcus Mariota. Probably your only shot before you eventually get fired. You've got two firsts in the top fifteen, and that's as close as you'll ever get to a real franchise guy--and advancing into the playoffs, and winning a Superbowl.
Without that guy...
Marcus is the real deal, Ray. John Gruden (disclaimer: John never met a quarterback he didn't love, but listen to the specific things he says about this quarterback) just added his voice to the list of legitimate experts who believe in this guy.
He's got the most important ingredients. A cool head. Work ethic. Love for the position and for the game. Dedication. Maturity. Mentally, he's like Bridgewater. Except Bridgewater doesn't have a didactic memory.
That's got to be plan A, Ray. Both the firsts, and something else to get up to number two. Too many others are after him, and it's got to be number two.
You read this stuff, Ray? "Too many other needs?" "Who's he going to throw to?" Aint it funny?
You know and I know, a number one wide reciever would be ideal, but the team HAS no other immediate needs! You inherited a lot of talent and upgraded it since you took over. This is a GOOD TEAM! That's why Josh McCown (if not Johnny) will win a lot of games just by managing it!
You've got stuff piling up, of course: Mack might leave, especially since they so massively overpaid that other center. Schwartze too. You've got a 33 year-old safety and inside linebacker. You really could use that field-stretching double-team demanding number one reciever. You may not have replaced Cameron well enough.
But we both know, quarterback is job one. Recievers can develop, and you can for sure get one with the tools in round two, or even later, in this draft.
You can find offensive linemen and inside linebackers there, too. Remember that tight end, Tyler Croft? Third round, or even lower!
See if you can interest Tennessee in Johnny Manziel as part of the deal. They have a good young quarterback, but might see Manziel as a lottery ticket. When the two firsts aren't enough, try to add Manziel. If that's not enough, Manziel and a 2016 third rounder.
You know, the Titans are NOT a good team. They need a LOT of help.
If they're myopic or stupid, and just take that one stud, Mariota, or some other lesser trade (get used to working for the Browns, Ray. That happens all the time)...
Plan B is, offer a third rounder for Zach Mettenberger--the perfectly talented young quarterback they'll be dissing. That guy already has some experience, and will step right in to try to push McCown and Manziel aside. Mettenberger can be like Big Bird Flacco, except a little less athletic. Maybe better overall, though. Great upside.
Mariota is just a sky-is-the-limit guy, though. He's got to be job one.
And if you snag another 6'2", 220 lb wide reciever who clocks under 4.4, catches everything, and is always open, release an old veteran before you try to put him on the practice squad this time, ok? Can't believe you just let Charles Johnson go kick ass in Minnesota like that. See what happens when you don't listen to me?
What is that crap with old geezer wide recievers being mandatory, Ray? Really, it's NOT rocket science! Johnson could have kicked ass here just like he kicked ass there! You'd be coming into this season with your number one already HERE! C'mon, man!
Oh well, water under the Bridgewater. (Couldn't help myself sorry).
At least I trust you've learned your lesson. Always listen to Wile E Coyote.
Now GO GET MARCUS MARIOTA.
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