Staying with Brian Hoyer at quarterback right play by Cleveland Browns

Instead of inserting their No 1 draft pick, quarterback Johnny Manziel, into the starter's spot for the final four games of the regular season, they have decided to play it safe with Brian Hoyer. This is the right move.

Johnny Manziel, right, will have to wait his turn. The Cleveland Browns have decided their best chance to reach the play-offs is with Brian Hoyer , left, who has been their starting quarterback up to Show more

The Cleveland Browns have a good chance of making the play-offs for the first time since 2002.

So instead of inserting their No 1 draft pick, quarterback Johnny Manziel, for the final four games of the regular season, they have decided to play it safe with Brian Hoyer.

This is the right move.

If this were any other season during the previous decade, when Cleveland were typically blundering in December, then sure – put the youngster in. See what happens. He is the future of the franchise.

This year is different.

Hoyer has experience, has a good grasp of the offence, and more importantly, he has started every game this season. The Browns hold a respectable 7-5 record and are within striking distance of the AFC North division crown.

He deserves to see this through. But football is about momentum.

Winning is infectious.

Look at the San Francisco 49ers. Colin Kaepernick replaced an injured Alex Smith late in the 2012 and then was the spark for his team during their run to the Super Bowl.

Kaepernick is struggling now, but he came out hot because defences had not adjusted to him.

Manziel, with a similar scrambling ability, could have a similar effect.

Do the Browns want to tip-toe into the play-offs, or do they want to march in with momentum?

Hoyer can probably get the job done.

Manziel could possibly be the missing ingredient to a surprise season in Cleveland, but it looks like he will have to wait until next year.

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