Johnny Manziel draws blank as Cleveland Browns suffer heavy defeat to Cincinnati Bengals
Monday 15 December 2014 07:46, UK
Johnny Manziel endured a nightmare first NFL start as the Cleveland Browns slumped to a 30-0 thrashing by the Cincinnati Bengals.
The much hyped 22-year-old was drafted in as a replacement for regular quarterback Brian Hoyer, but was sacked three times as the Bengals picked up a fourth straight road win.
Bengals rookie Jeremy Hill did back up his boasts, rushing for 148 yards and two touchdowns against a tame Browns defence which leaked 20 points before half-time.
The Cleveland offence also lacked bite, with Manziel finishing with 10 of 18 for 80 yards and two interceptions.
Nicknamed ‘Johnny Football’, the youngster was given a torrid time by the Bengals, who imitated his signature money-rubbing gesture more than once.
Rey Maualuga taunted Manziel after batting down a pass, costing Cincinnati a 15-yard unsportmanlike conduct penalty, while Brandon Thompson also mocked the quarterback after sacking him in the third quarter.
The Bengals' Andy Dalton enjoyed better fortune, completing 14-of-24 passes for 117 yards with one interception for the AFC North division leaders, who remain one half-game ahead of Pittsburgh.
Cleveland, who have now lost three straight, suffered their first shutout since a 2009 loss to Baltimore.
