The more-accurate evaluation of the Coming of Johnny Football is found in this clip, beginning at about 0:40 and continuing through about 1:20: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hq8WdROWpAc
I think he’ll work out about as well as did the person being discussed in the clip, i.e., not very well.
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Hoge, on ESPN, had what I think is the correct evaluation of Johnny: he’s not up to the complexity of the NFL game and doesn’t get the concept of passing the ball (can’t check down receivers), always plays “in a panic” and his first instinct to is to run – “that’s what he’s programmed to do”. “First round hype with sixth-round talent” and “whoever put a first-round tag on him in Cleveland should be fired.” I foresee the decision to start Manziel will serve him and the Brownies about as well as Snyder’s/Shanahan’s use of RG3 and last about as long. Two years ago, when the Redskins drafted RG3, the DC sports sections were awash in articles proclaiming Him the Second Coming and that Glory Days for the ‘skins had arrived and would stay (see the link above). He got pushed into the starting role about this time (maybe earlier – I’d have to go back and look to be sure and don’t have the time now) in the 2012 season and did pretty well at first. Then he took some wicked damage and hasn’t been the same since. Now there’s the expected “will he or won’t he” make it back talk, RG3 is shooting off his mouth and asserting a leadership role he, frankly, hasn’t earned, and talk coming out of the Washington locker room that he’s a nightmare as a teammate. RG3 was used by Snyder (ownership) about as well as a rented mule – slaveowners took better care of their slaves – and we all see how well that worked out. Snyder got plenty of press for his plaything team, the ‘skins are no better than before – the sump of the NFC East – and RG3’s knees are going on shot if not already there. What could have been a good-to-great career has been mutilated for Snyder’s ego.
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We’re seeing (and saw, earlier this year) the same coming out of Cleveland with Manziel. I expect his juvenile punkdom (thanks, Hoge!) will continue even after he gets laid out by some defenders. Character doesn’t change. He and his antics have succeeded in painting a big target on himself beyond the one quarterbacks ordinarily wear. But this comes with the added bonus (especially for us Stillers fans) that he’s already reputed to be a major ass as a teammate and therefore (logic tells us) his O-line may be less-than-fully motivated to protect this panicky running jerk. That, and his tendency to play the way he does means he and his O-line will not be fully coordinated, making him more likely to get laid out more often.
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I don’t mind that a bit. As one Stillers fan (not me) posted on a Browns fan site some time ago, when it comes to the Browns and their fans’ woes: “your pain nourishes me”. I see a holiday banquet coming.
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As to the Cards, I note that Tim Tebow is available, uninjured and keeping himself in shape. Make his phone ring, ownership!
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As to the Stillers-Falcons, I agree. I am worried about Ryan finding people deep. The deep ball has been the Stillers’ Achilles heel the last month and, frankly, I haven’t heard Troy’s #43 called much if at all during that time. The Pittsburgh corners are getting beat, I dunno where Polamalu is and teams are keying in on that. Kiesel wasn’t getting that much in the way of tackles and sacks but he was providing a strong prop (for lack of a better word) on his end of the line. This gave others the opening to get the tackles and sacks. Without Kiesel to button down his end of the D-line, the Stillers are quite a bit weaker. Harrison is not getting free nor are the other LBs. I thought this would have been exposed more last week but, frankly, I think the Bungles quit sometime after the half and mailed it in.
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As to Iggles-Owboys, I have been looking forward to this game since the schedule was announced months ago. The only thing which could make this more perfect would be snow in Philly, but we can’t have everything. Since, as you know, my litany of rooting interests goes “Steelers, Who’s playing Dallas?, Eagles, who’s playing the J-E-T-S?” I get a two-fer from this game. I don’t want to predict anything, but I think it entirely likely the Eagles win if, as noted above, they can keep the Owboys’ run game tangled up. And this, with Mark Sanchez – run out of town in NY for … ineptitude and eating too much sushi or something – running the offense. ESPN is saying as I write this that Jerry Jones has declared this a “playoff game” and that his pronouncement has “trickled down to the locker room”. I will reiterate my opinion on all things trickle-down – that’s a synonym for being pissed on. That would be more like Jerry.
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I have to go meet some commitments….

Hi again. The more I thought, the more fun this thread sounded so I had to come back to join in. My first post was in response to bloopie2 but it didn’t show up where it was supposed to.

Anyway, right now, my most favorite team is the Seahawks – R. Wilson and M. Lynch – go get ’em. I also like Peyton and the Broncos, Alex Smith and the Chiefs, and also M. Stafford and the Lions; oh and the Panthers and the Steelers are also cool. And I’m sorry I seem to know mostly quarterbacks. With only catching most teams only sporadically, it’s hard to learn all the players.

Regarding Johnny football – I guess the jury’s still out, but really, Heisman winners have a VERY mixed record in the NFL. I scanned through the winners list and here are a few notables:

Successes: Roger Staubach, Tony Dorsett, Earl Campbell, Hershel Walker, Cam Netwon.

Not so much: John Huarte —- I just had to include him. I’m dating myself I guess, but I remember him as he played in the first football game I ever watched – ND vs Mich. State.; Mike Rozier (my cousin taught him when he was in high school); Doug Flutie; and the infamous Mr. Tebow.

Then there is the matter of Mr. Griffin III. Will he up his game or be a disappointment? Time will tell. It seems to me he really needs some serious coaching and mentoring.

Anyway, talking football is fun, after all!