How were the Cincinnati Bengals able to dominate the Cleveland Browns on Sunday and force Johnny Manziel into such a terrible performance? They went back to his college career to find out his weakness.
Though Manziel was great during his two years in college and won the Heisman Trophy, he was 0-2 in his career against LSU. In 2012, Manziel was 29-of-56 and was picked off three times without throwing a touchdown in a 24-19 loss to the Tigers. In 2013, he was just 16-of-41 for 224 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in a 41-16 loss.
So what was the secret LSU used against Manziel? Don’t let Manziel go left!
That’s what Peter King said Bengals defensive coordinator Paul Guenther emphasized in his game plan for Sunday.
The plan worked to perfection: Manziel was just 10-of-18 for an atrocious 80 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions. Ordinarily a big threat on the ground, Manziel only rushed for 13 yards in the 30-0 loss. The Bengals loved stifling him and taunted him every chance they got.
Now that Manziel knows what NFL defenses will try to do him, it will be up to him to work hard to adjust. How hard he works on improving will let us know how much he wants to succeed as a pro.
