After a rough debut, it was inevitable that Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel, always under plenty of scrutiny, was going to receive some criticism.
ESPN analyst Merril Hoge ripped Manziel, and the Browns for drafting him in the first round, on Sunday.
NFL on ESPN posted Hoge's comment on Twitter:
Here's what Hoge said on ESPN:
"As I've said before, it's going to be a quick exit and it's unfortunate, because whoever drafted him in Cleveland, they need to be fired,'' Hoge said. "Because it's unfair to the kid. He has sixth-round talent but first-round hype, and you draft him there and now regardless of what happens from here on out, he will be expected to play like a first-rounder and that's unfair to him.
"He doesn't have the skill set to withstand that expectation and that's not his fault, it's the Cleveland Browns' for drafting him that high.''
Manziel was asked about Hoge's comments.
"Obviously, Merril has his opinion and it's very well known he's not a big fan of mine," he said. "That's his opinion and he's entitled to that all that he wants to be entitled to. But for me, I'm not listening to the outside noise and what everyone else has to say.
"I know that I need to play better and if I don't, people are going to continue to say things like that, but for me, I am going to focus on what I can control and with these guys in the locker room."
