Will the Browns stick with Johnny Manziel? Is Josh McCown more than a bridge quarterback? Will Robert Turbin press Isaiah Crowell for reps?
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Hey Mary Kay!
Hey Mary Kay: Will the Browns stick by Johnny Manziel in light of this latest incident?
-- Jeff Stieritz, Columbus, Ohio
Hey Jeff: I think the Browns will look further into the incident and definitely have more of an in-depth conversation with Manziel about it. I also think that he'll be disciplined by the Browns and possibly by the NFL if he's in the substance abuse program. For now, it seems the Browns plan to stick with him, but I believe they'll monitor the situation closely and try to determine if Manziel needs more help. I think they'll also talk to him about some of the allegations made by his girlfriend in the police report to make sure there are no serious issues that need to be addressed. If the Browns are comfortable with Manziel drinking alcohol, I think they'll ride it out. If they're not, they'll consider moving on. Coach Mike Pettine refused to address it right after the 26-23 OT loss to the Broncos, but we'll go back at it Monday. Bill Cowher thinks the Browns should cut him. I think he should go back to rehab.
Hey Mary Kay: Do you think the Browns would consider trading Barkevious Mingo? Do you think they could get anything for him?
-- Nate Scavone, Lakewood, Ohio
Hey Nate: Mingo actually got a little more playing time against the Broncos and made the clutch interception in overtime that could've helped knocked off the Broncos had the offense not gone backwards in three plays when needing just 9 yards to kick a field goal. Whether or not it will be enough to keep him and his agent from thinking about greener pastures remains to be seen. The trade deadline is Nov. 3. With Scott Solomon on injured reserve with a knee injury, Mingo will get more reps in his role as the Sam, or coverage 'backer, after only four snaps in Baltimore.
Still, he won't be doing much of what he was drafted for: rushing the passer. He still feels that's his strongsuit, and I think he'd welcome the opportunity to do more of that --whether it's here or elsewhere. The 2013 No. 6 overall pick has a tradeable contract, and the Browns might be able to get a second- or third-rounder for him. In the end, though, I doubt he'll ask and I doubt they'll deal him.
Hey Mary Kay: Do you think Josh McCown can be more than a bridge quarterback for the Browns?
-- Ben Jones, Macon, Ga.
Hey Ben: I do think that McCown can start for the Browns for the foreseeable future if he continues to play well. He's 36, but he plays much younger because he hasn't had the wear and tear on his body throughout his 13-year career. He's signed through 2017, and can probably play at a high level for the length of the contract. Especially with Manziel's struggles, it seems like McCown can become more than just a stopgap measure. However, McCown needs more weapons to excel. His only bona fide target in the end zone right now is Gary Barnidge, and that's just not going to cut. The Browns need to add some blue-chip receivers in the offseason.
Hey Mary Kay: Will running back Robert Turbin press Isaiah Crowell for playing time?
-- Scott B., Palm Desert, Ca.
Hey Scott: Turbin had some nice runs against the Broncos to set up the gametying field goal in regulation. However, he bobbled the ball on the pitchout on the Browns first play in overtime, which put the Browns in second and 13. It was a costly mistake and led to back-to-back sacks that killed the drive. But Duke Johnson was sidelined with a shoulder injury at the time. That's a tough situation for a new running back to be in. Turbin can be powerful and explosive once he learns the schemes and the tendencies of his blockers. He averaged only 2.7 yards against the Broncos, but will press Crowell for playing time once he gets acclimated.