BEREA, Ohio -- A daily review of the hot topics coming out of the Cleveland Browns training camp:
Rex Grossman wasn’t too keen on the notion that at this point in his career he is more tutor/mentor than player. He said Tuesday there was "more to it" than him being brought to the Browns to be Johnny Manziel’s tutor. “I don’t even subscribe to that,” Grossman said. “I’m just coming here to play football, and if that helps out then good.” Grossman and offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan are in the mutual admiration society. “When he gets in a rhythm calling plays it’s the best I’ve ever seen,” said Grossman, who worked out for the Dolphins before joining the Browns. Miami signed ex-Brown Brady Quinn. Quarterbacks coach Dowell Loggains called Grossman “a veteran presence that knows the offense.” He added: “We’ll see what he does and handles as he gets in there.”Brian Hoyer had a very good day throwing the ball with the backups against the backups. He was more accurate than Manziel and his throws were made quicker than Manziel’s with the ones. The best throw of the day came when Hoyer dropped a 20-yard out into the hands of Taylor Gabriel at the sideline. While the world tries to interpret every situation, statement and throw, Hoyer says he’s just continuing to play. Manziel, unofficially, was 12-for-27, per the regular report of Jason Gibbs of ESPN-Cleveland. He had at least five throws dropped. Manziel has been below 50 percent all three days this week.
The NFL Network reported that the Browns-Lions preseason game had 2.82 million viewers, a 36 percent increase over the previous preseason high of Steeler-Saints in 2007. “I think the phenomenon still surprises all of us,” coach Mike Pettine said of the Johnny Manziel factor. “We want attention on this team because we’re a good football team and we’re winning games. It’s nice to have media attention here, but we want to get to the point where it’s for the right reasons.”
Pettine reiterated that he will give serious weight to the feelings of Shanahan and Loggains when deciding the starter for the regular season. “I’m making decisions based on what’s best for the football team and what gives us the best opportunity to win,” he said. “Those guys are coaches. They’re right there in the front lines with them working with them every day. I think it’s important to take their input. I’m just not going to make a decision based on what I feel. If it’s unanimous then that’s easy, but if there’s a tie that has to be broken, I’ll do it.”
Pettine talked up the play of rookie fullback Ray Agnew, saying he provides a toughness element he likes. … CB Justin Gilbert returned to practice, but DL Desmond Bryant missed. Josh Gordon also returned after missing one day. … WR Nate Burleson missed his second day with a hamstring.
Up Next: The Browns return to the practice field Wednesday morning at 9:30 a.m., then will have Thursday off.