Photo Credit: Andrew Weber/USA TODAY Sports
Being an NFL quarterback is tough and some QBs just aren’t cutting it these days. For the 49ers, it’s a performance issue and for the Browns, it’s an injury to their main quarterback. While it might seem like this is a punishment for the two QBs, the new starters at least for this week should give some hope to both franchises and maybe allow them to win a game.
For the 49ers, Colin Kaepernick has been a shell of his former self and has been more than embarrassing for a franchise that were so close to winning a Super Bowl with him under center. Right now, the 49ers are fourth in the NFC West division and their record is a measly 2-6, having only beaten the Minnesota Vikings and the Baltimore Ravens. Kaepernick’s stats shed some light on the reasoning for his benching with only six touchdowns to five interceptions and one fumble. It looks like the benching could possibly help Kaepernick though, because if he has time to evaluate not only his performance, which is the reason for the benching, he might be able to improve. How long Kaepernick will be benched is unknown at this point, but the real answer will come when Blaine Gabbert gets the chance to show everyone what he can/can’t do.
The Browns are starting Johnny Manziel out of necessity, unfortunately. Current starting QB Josh McCown was supposed to be playing through a rib injury, but instead it has sidelined him. While starting Manziel is ultimately their only option at this point, this could either end very well or end very poorly, because of all the recent off the field drama Manziel has been involved with. The NFL’s investigation of Manziel’s incident with his girlfriend is still ongoing, but that has taken a back seat. Manziel has thrown three touchdowns to one interception and this will be his fourth start of the season after replacing an injured McCown earlier in the season. Hopefully, Johnny Manziel can show that he’s mature enough to steer the team to a win against the Bengals but with Andy Dalton and his crew, his chances seem very slim.
