CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- A few thoughts on the Cleveland Browns' 17-13 loss to the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday:
What it means: The almost six quarters of Johnny Manziel were not a success. Manziel left with a hamstring injury late in the first half with one nice third-down throw to Andrew Hawkins and 4 yards passing on his other seven throws. The Browns seemed to try to tailor things to Manziel, but to little avail. He led a field goal drive in the first half, but two of his three full possessions ended after three plays.
Stock watch: Reading the Browns' quarterback spot at this point in time is like reading the stock market during the 2008 election: There’s no predicting. Manziel looked better than he did in his first start but still wasn’t terribly effective. Brian Hoyer came in and threw an 81-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Cameron but led a sputtering offense.
Designed run: Manziel was injured late in the first half on what looked like a designed run to the left. From an empty backfield, Manziel tucked the ball and immediately ran left. Hawkins was blocking, and the line blocked as if the run was designed. Clearly it looked like a run call by offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan. Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly ran step for step with Manziel, and Kuechly and safety Colin Jones combined for a nasty hit on Manziel. The quarterback left the field with his head covered with a towel, and the news was relayed soon after that he had a hamstring injury.
“Johnny Numbers”: Manziel had the ball for three full possessions and one play of a fourth possession. He totaled 16 plays, completed 3 of 8 passes for 32 yards and had two runs for 3 yards. One of the completions was his best, on third down for 28 yards to Hawkins. On his possessions, the Browns had two first downs, one by penalty. In six quarters as the starter, Manziel has seven first downs, three by penalty.
Game ball: Cameron's fourth-quarter touchdown catch showed his value to the offense. Cameron can catch and run as well as most any other NFL tight end, and when he was not on the field this season because of his concussion, the offense suffered. Cameron's 81-yard score was the longest play by the Browns this season and the longest road touchdown reception by a Browns player since 1969, according to ESPN Stats & Information.
What’s next: The Browns conclude a season slowly slipping away next week against the Ravens in Baltimore. The Browns have one last chance to avoid a losing season for the first time since 2007.
