Twitter's in love with Johnny Football again
The butt of bad quarterback jokes during his rookie season, Johnny Manziel’s had a rough start to his NFL career, but his production through two games during the preseason for the Cleveland Browns has sparked widespread love across social media from former detractors.
At times, he’s looked like vintage Johnny Football with touchdown drives in consecutive outings.
Manziel completed 10-of-18 passes for 118 yards and a touchdown during Thursday night’s game against the Buffalo Bills, directing a 96-yard drive that ended with this nice throw to the back of the end zone.
Johnny Beautiful Touchdown. pic.twitter.com/6rkLgub11X
— TexAgs (@TexAgs) August 21, 2015
“I think a 96-yard drive is better than the 30-yard drive we had (against Washington),” Manziel said after the game. “So that was better. I felt like things were slowing down still. I was able to make some protection calls and get our guys lined up.
“I’m still going out trying to play my best and make an impression. That’s what I want to do. I want to have these guys go into the film tomorrow and turn on the tape and say, ‘This guy’s really doing things right and this guy’s really fighting hard to pick things up and make some plays.’ That’s what I’m trying to do.”
Facing as much off-the-field scrutiny since he was drafted in the first round as he did on it, Manziel volunteered to enter inpatient alcohol rehab earlier this spring and seems to have exited the 10-week program a more focused quarterback. His previous party-boy image hasn’t shown up since, a sigh of relief for Cleveland’s front office.
Look at the Twitter reaction during Thursday night’s solid effort against the Bills:
In the space of one week, Tim #Tebow and Johnny #Manziel have scored touchdowns in the #NFL. Deal with it.
— Tom McLaughlin (@TheTomMac) August 21, 2015
Johnny Manziel, only 22, is starting to look like a starting NFL quarterback. Way to go, young man.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) August 21, 2015
No comparison last yr to this for @JManziel2. Confidence, comfort level and just enjoying playing the game are night and day different
— Billy Liucci (@billyliucci) August 21, 2015
It’s preseason, but that’s a nice drive by @JManziel2 . He made some accurate throws on the move. Something to build on for Week 3.
— Bucky Brooks (@BuckyBrooks) August 21, 2015
The boy Johnny did his thing tonight #JohnnyFootball
— Reggie True (@TrueSavage4Life) August 21, 2015
Manziel looks great. Finally playing with a sense of purpose. Keep it up. And he'll start over a lousy Josh McCown. #JohnnyFootball
— Levi Warner (@LeviticusWarner) August 21, 2015
Agreed. Translated his Johnny Football act to the NFL there. Was good to see. Johnny is doing all good things so far https://t.co/lgbIv9TvrI
— AllWeNeedIsAQB (@scott2824) August 21, 2015
Not to mention Johnny. Might not be "Johnny Football" anymore. Maybe "Johnny Clutch"? Those 4th quarter passes were alert, sound and smooth.
— Felix (@fd_3rd) August 21, 2015
I really hope Johnny Manziel has a good year this year!
— FrenchyMontana (@GPdaGREAT) August 21, 2015
Johnny Manziel is the obvious QB starter. @Browns
— Armando Escalante (@escalante__aj) August 21, 2015
Not sure if this is a popular opinion, but I don't really care. I want to see Johnny Manziel start for the #Browns. He's just fun.
— Shaun Church (@NFLChurch) August 21, 2015