CFL East

Johnny Manziel showed plenty of rust in his first CFL start by going 11-of-20 passing for 104 yards with no touchdowns and four interceptions before being removed in the fourth quarter of the Montreal Alouettes' 50-11 blowout loss against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. 

Anticipation was high for the former Heisman Trophy winner after not playing in a competitive football game since December 27, 2015, with the Cleveland Browns. 

Things unraveled quickly for Manziel when his first pass was picked off by Tiger-Cats linebacker Harry Dean:

Johnny Manziel's first career @CFL pass is an interception.#CFLGameDay #FNF pic.twitter.com/mykB0jZFPZ

— CFL on TSN (@CFLonTSN) August 3, 2018

That was just the beginning of a day that everyone associated with the Alouettes would like to forget. The Tiger-Cats tied a CFL record by scoring 28 points in the first quarter, with 21 of those coming off turnovers.

Things were so bad for Manziel in the first half that he is now on a list of quarterbacks that includes Nathan Peterman:

Rough debut for Johnny Manziel.

Manziel's 4 interceptions are the most in a CFL game this season.

How often does something like this happen in the NFL?

Nathan Peterman is the only QB to throw 4 Int in the 1st half over the last 10 seasons.

That's it. pic.twitter.com/oWHs0I8Pc4

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) August 4, 2018

Johnny Manziel and Nathan Peterman pic.twitter.com/qC46pgRcuy

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) August 4, 2018

Prior to the game, Manziel noted he wouldn't be nervous about returning to the starting lineup:

https://twitter.com/ComebackSZNshow/status/1025412472973520898

In that game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Manziel went 10-of-18 for 80 yards with two interceptions and was sacked three times. Looking at the glass half-full, he did have more completions and passing yards Friday. 

Johnny Manziel's debut did not go as planned. pic.twitter.com/c2qpZf9PSC

— ESPN (@espn) August 4, 2018

Manziel was fighting an uphill battle in this game. He's been out of football for three years, starting for a team that entered Friday with the CFL's worst record (1-5) and scored the fewest points in the league (92).

After being named Montreal's starter Wednesday, Manziel acknowledged he still needed more snaps with the first-team offense. 

"It's good to be back in here," he said, per ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert. "I felt like the thing I've been missing, even over the course of this year and a couple years, is reps. And as you guys have seen the last couple days, a chance to get with the 1s and get some reps is what I feel like I really need and what I've talked to a lot of people about."

Despite the overall performance by Manziel, there were occasional moments when he showed off the unique playmaking ability that made him a thrill to watch at Texas A&M:

Johnny scramble. #CFLGameDay #FNF pic.twitter.com/nEVSlPicXm

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) August 4, 2018

Johnny Manziel records his longest pass of the game so far, a 21-yard completion to Geno Lewis.#CFLGameDay #FNF pic.twitter.com/VYzXEnTbCS

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) August 4, 2018

CFL players Nik Lewis and Kamar Jorden were watching the game and offered their support for Manziel:

Did I tell u that I feel bad for @JManziel2. This is pro football, if they cared about his career they wouldn't have put him in this situation. They did it to pack the stands. I hope u can grow from this J, I know Ur passionate about playing. #Respect

— Nik Lewis (🐝, 🐝) 1126 (@nikel18) August 4, 2018

Despite everything, you can tell Manziel is just genuinely happy to be on that field man. I appreciate that 🙏🏾

— Kamar Jorden (@justcallmeKJ_) August 4, 2018

This comeback is an ongoing process for Manziel. It would have been a tremendous story if he made an immediate impact in his first start for Montreal, but he's had just 10 days to learn head coach Mike Sherman's offense since being acquired in a trade with the Tiger-Cats on July 23. 

Having more time to work with Sherman and the rest of the coaching staff will increase Manziel's comfort level and his chances of succeeding in the future. 

Former NFL quarterback Johnny Manziel is set to make his first CFL start Friday night when his Montreal Alouettes take on the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Molson Stadium.

Manziel, who was traded from the Ti-Cats to the Alouettes last month, is going to take the reins of the Montreal offense following the team's 1-5 start to the season. It will mark his first professional start since Dec. 27, 2015, with the Cleveland Browns.

OddsShark noted the Als are listed as seven-point underdogs in Friday's contest.

              

Viewing Information

Where: Molson Stadium in Montreal

When: Friday, Aug. 3 at 7:30 p.m. ET

Watch: TSN (Canada) and ESPN2 (U.S.)

Live Stream: TSN Live (Canada) and WatchESPN (U.S.)

             

Manziel Preview

Manziel quickly rose to prominence at Texas A&M en route to becoming the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy in 2012. His success across two seasons with the Aggies led the Browns to select him with the 22nd overall pick in the 2014 draft.

The Texas native couldn't translate his collegiate success to the NFL level, though. He completed 57 percent of his throws for 1,675 yards with seven touchdown passes and seven interceptions in 14 appearances across two seasons. He added 259 rushing yards and one score on the ground.

Cleveland released Johnny Football in March 2016 following a series of off-field problems.

In February, Manziel told T.J. Holmes of ABC News he started taking medication for bipolar disorder to reduce his dependence on alcohol to deal with depression and said the "goal of this comeback is to get back to the NFL, ultimately."

"I am coming back from a huge downfall," Manziel said. "I don't know what kind of comeback it will be, but I know I want to get back on a football field, to what brought me so much joy in my life."

He added: "I am watching all the other guys doing what I want to be doing, and I am sitting on a couch being a loser."

Manziel took part in The Spring League earlier this year and earned some preseason snaps with the Tiger-Cats before taking on a reserve role behind Jeremiah Masoli when the regular season started.

Now, at age 25, the dual-threat quarterback will receive his most expansive opportunity since being released by the Browns to showcase the playmaking ability that once made him a coveted NFL prospect.

"It's good to be back in here," he told reporters Tuesday. "I felt like the thing I've been missing, even over the course of this year and a couple years, is reps. And as you guys have seen the last couple days, a chance to get with the 1s and get some reps is what I feel like I really need and what I've talked to a lot of people about."

Expectations must be kept within reason, though.

Not only is Manziel making his first pro start in almost three years, but he's taking over an offense that ranks last in the CFL at 15.3 points per game.

In addition, the Hamilton pass defense rates second in the league, giving up an average of just 212.7 passing yards through six contests.

Manziel shouldn't be judged too heavily based on his first start. Alouettes head coach Mike Sherman said after the trade the team "didn't bring him here to have him sit on the bench." So the quarterback will likely see plenty of starts over the remaining 12 games.

Nevertheless, a lot of eyes will be on Johnny Football when he takes the field Friday night in his long-awaited return to a starting lineup.

Johnny Manziel's much-anticipated CFL debut will come Friday when he starts at quarterback for the Montreal Alouettes. 

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Manziel will start against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. 

The Tiger-Cats signed Manziel in May but traded him to Montreal on July 22, as he was stuck behind Jeremiah Masoli on the depth chart. 

"This is a move both (Alouettes GM) Kavis Reed and I felt we needed to make at this time," Montreal head coach Mike Sherman said about the deal. "Neither one of us believes in the status quo and felt we needed to shake things up. Johnny is someone we believe can elevate one of the most important positions on our team."

Manziel redshirted at Texas A&M during the 2011 season, Sherman's final year as head coach of the Aggies. 

The Alouettes are 1-5 through six games and tied with the Toronto Argonauts for the CFL's worst record. Their 92 points scored are the league's fewest.

A day after trading for quarterback Johnny Manziel, Montreal Alouettes head coach Mike Sherman suggested that Manziel could potentially make his first start for the team Thursday.

"We didn't bring him here to have him sit on the bench..." Sherman said, per the CFL. "We will see how the week plays out."

#AlsMtl Sherman says Manziel’s introduction to the field will depend on how quickly he absorbs the playbook. Wouldn’t commit to suiting up Thursday, but still has two more practice days. #CFL #TSN

— John Lu (@JohnLuTSNWpg) July 23, 2018

On Sunday, Manziel and offensive linemen Tony Washington and Landon Rice were acquired by Montreal in exchange for defensive end Jamaal Westerman, wideout Chris Williams and two first-rounders (2020, 2021).

Manziel, 25, signed with the Tiger-Cats ahead of the 2018 season, though he was brought aboard as Jeremiah Masoli's backup and didn't start for the team in the regular season. In the preseason, he completed 21 of his 31 passes and threw for a touchdown.

Despite spending the season as a backup, Manziel is remaining patient with his new team.

"When I'm ready, they will give me the chance," he said in his introductory press conference, per the CFL.

Expectations are high in Montreal, however. 

"We have acquired an exceptional quarterback with undeniable talent," general manager Kavis Reed said, per ESPN.com. "With his great mobility, his athletic abilities and his instinct we believe that he will have a positive impact on our offense."

"This is a move both Kavis Reed and I felt we needed to make at this time," Sherman added, per Herb Zurkowsky of the Montreal Gazette. "Neither one of us believes in the status quo and felt we needed to shake things up. Johnny is someone we believe can elevate one of the most important positions on our team. I look forward to reuniting with Johnny again and working with him."

Sherman and Manziel have indeed come full circle. Sherman recruited Manziel to Texas A&M in 2011 when he was the Aggies head coach, though Manziel became the starter under Kevin Sumlin in 2012.  

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League traded former Cleveland Browns quarterback and 2012 Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel on Sunday even though he never played a single down for the team.

Duane Forde of TSN initially reported the news, and the CFL announced details of the trade.

The Montreal Alouettes acquired Manziel, international offensive lineman Tony Washington and national offensive lineman Landon Rice and sent national defensive end Jamaal Westerman, international wide receiver Chris Williams and first-round selections in 2020 and 2021 to the Tiger-Cats.

Manziel sat behind quarterback Jeremiah Masoli with Hamilton, and the CFL's announcement noted the former Oregon Ducks signal-caller tied a league record with nine consecutive games with 300 or more passing yards. The former Texas A&M quarterback likely wasn't going to see much playing time staying put.

That could change with Montreal, though, which is in need of a boost. The Alouettes are an ugly 1-4 through five contests and rank dead last in the league with 69 total points. They are also a mere seventh out of nine in passing yards.

There is also familiarity in place, as Montreal is coached by Mike Sherman, who was Manziel's college coach during his redshirt freshman campaign in 2011.

Sports Illustrated noted Manziel is signed with the CFL through the 2019 season, but the 2014 first-round pick of the Browns appeared in 15 NFL games and has told TMZ he wants to return to the league in the future.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats head coach June Jones believes Johnny Manziel deserves a second chance to play in the National Football League. 

Per ESPN's David Hamilton, Jones explained that Manziel's work with the CFL team will help him get another shot in the NFL. 

"I've been pleasantly surprised the last three weeks what a good teammate he is, how smart he is, how he sees the game," Jones said. "He should be playing in the National Football League, and I believe he will when he gets through with us."

Jones also offered a potential timetable for Manziel to get back to the NFL. 

"It'll take two years," he said. "They're [NFL executives, coaches] waiting to see that he's taken care of his off-the-field problems."

After being out of football for more than two years, Manziel signed a two-year contract with the Tiger-Cats in May. 

"Made the decision today to sign my contract with the CFL and further my football career after a long break," he wrote on Twitter. "Very grateful for everyone that's been supporting me along the way. I believe this is the best opportunity for me moving forward and I'm eager for what the future holds."

Now 25 years old, Manziel announced in February he had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He was cut by the Cleveland Browns, who drafted him No. 22 overall in 2014, after two seasons.

Manziel is the backup quarterback to Jeremiah Masoli for the Tiger-Cats, who opened their season on June 16 against Calgary. The 2012 Heisman Trophy winner went 12-of-20 for 88 yards in a June 9 preseason game against Montreal. 

Hamilton Tiger-Cats quarterback Johnny Manziel threw his first career touchdown pass in his second CFL preseason appearance against the Montreal Alouettes on Saturday.

Johnny Football entered the game in the second quarter and finished with 88 yards and one touchdown on 12-of-20 passing, as well as 19 rushing yards on four carries in Hamilton's 30-15 win at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium in Montreal.

Manziel's touchdown toss came with just over four minutes remaining in the first half, as he found former Green Bay Packers and New York Jets running back Alex Green in the flat for a three-yard score:

In his second CFL preseason appearance, Johnny Manziel has his first CFL touchdown! 🚨 pic.twitter.com/D7DX33t3Mt

— CFL on TSN (@CFLonTSN) June 9, 2018

The 2012 Heisman Trophy winner is known for celebrating his touchdowns in style, but as pointed out by TSN's Matthew Scianitti, there was nothing over the top about his reaction:

Johnny Manziel just threw his first touchdown in the #CFL. No money sign.

— Matthew Scianitti (@TSNScianitti) June 9, 2018

Prior to Manziel taking the field, Hamilton was trailing Montreal 14-0 and struggling to get anything going offensively.

Starter Jeremiah Masoli didn't play Saturday in preparation for the regular season, which led Hamilton head coach June Jones to give Bryant Moniz the start.

Moniz went just 3-of-7 for 17 yards and one interception during his stint.

Manziel's second drive was more challenging, as Jabar Westerman set him back with a sack on second down, leading to a punt:

Manziel unable to escape the clutches of Jabar Westerman #CFLGameday pic.twitter.com/toXVit92Xe

— CFL on TSN (@CFLonTSN) June 9, 2018

The Ti-Cats got the ball back shortly thereafter, and the former Cleveland Browns signal-caller went to work with his legs:

https://twitter.com/CFLonTSN/status/1005500386495684608

Manziel and Co. could not muster any additional points, though, and they entered the locker room trailing 14-7.

Late in the first half, Montreal linebacker Henoc Muamba took down Manziel with a late hit.

In a halftime interview with Didier Ormejuste of RDS (h/t Scianitti), Muamba seemingly admitted to trying to send Manziel a message, saying he wanted to show Johnny Football "we're here, and we're not going to back down."

Manziel didn't appear to be shaken, as he remained in the lineup to start the second half and kept the Ti-Cats offense moving.

Arguably his most impressive play of the game came early in the third quarter when he rolled to the left, threw against his body and completed a pass for a first down:

Scrambles and Completes ✔️#CFLGameday pic.twitter.com/qcmCtyuvGs

— CFL on TSN (@CFLonTSN) June 9, 2018

That drive led to a field goal, and Manziel followed that up with another field goal drive to cut Montreal's lead to 14-13.

A pick-six then put the Tiger-Cats on top by a 20-14 margin before Manziel extended the lead to 23-14 with another drive that ended in a field goal.

The key play on that drive was another accurate first-down pass while Johnny Football was on the move:

May not be pretty, but it gets the job done #CFLGameday pic.twitter.com/xtW7ornl20

— CFL on TSN (@CFLonTSN) June 9, 2018

That drive marked the end of Manziel's day, and it was a successful outing considering Hamilton scored 23 unanswered points after he entered the game.

Manziel is set to serve in a backup capacity to Masoli to start the regular season, and the Tiger-Cats' first game will take place next Saturday against the Calgary Stampeders.

Johnny Manziel's CFL debut included a heated moment when he exchanged words with some members of the Toronto Argonauts during Friday's preseason clash at Tim Hortons Field.

"I'm not here to be pushed over," Manziel explained, per ESPN.com's Mike Rodak. "You can come at me, 'cause my name's in the papers, because my name's on TV—you can come at me. I'm not backing down. I'm here for a reason; I'm here to play ball. I'm not gonna be treated like s--t."

Johnny Manziel wants the entire @CFL to know he doesn't plan on backing down from anybody. pic.twitter.com/1Jgk9Mwfsg

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) June 2, 2018

Other than the brief verbal altercation, Manziel acquitted himself nicely in his first game with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Operating in relief of starter Jeremiah Masoli, the Cleveland Browns' 2014 first-round pick completed nine of 11 passes for 80 yards. He also logged 10 yards on two carries.

The Tiger-Cats will be back in action June 9 against the Montreal Alouettes.

Johnny Manziel returned to the professional gridiron Friday night for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats' preseason opener and flashed a bit of promise against the Toronto Argonauts at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton, Ontario.

HEEERRRREEESSS JOHHNNNNNY!@JManziel2 is now under centre!#CFLGameDay pic.twitter.com/DmOsbGnXAk

— CFL (@CFL) June 2, 2018

Manziel, who last suited up in 2015 for the Cleveland Browns, finished his CFL debut 9-of-11 passing for 80 yards after entering as the second-string signal-caller in the second quarter.

Jeremiah Masoli drew the start ahead of Manziel and completed eight of 13 passes for 115 yards, one touchdown and a pair of interceptions.

Once Masoli's evening came to a close, Manziel entered to a nice ovation from the home crowd:

Here he comes! Johnny Manziel is entering the game for the @Ticats! pic.twitter.com/KvLL23JX9X

— CFL on TSN (@CFLonTSN) June 2, 2018

The 2012 Heisman Trophy winner proceeded to fire a nine-yard strike to former Oklahoma wide receiver Jalen Saunders on his first snap before his opening drive ended in a turnover on downs:

Johnny Manziel off to a good start in a @Ticats uniform. pic.twitter.com/wiWE8lzHO6

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) June 2, 2018

Following a 3-of-3 start, Manziel trotted out for a second drive that ended in one of Hamilton's seven first-half turnovers:

Johnny Manziel’s second possession wasn’t pretty. He got pass off after bad snap on first play, but WR dropped it. Then Manziel completed his second pass and had the WR fumble it.

— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) June 2, 2018

Manziel 4/5 at the half. 4.8 air yds per attempt (CFL average in 2017 was 9.6). All horizontal routes. 1 inaccurate completion, 1 a hair off target. #Ticats

— Derek Taylor🏈 (@DTonOB) June 2, 2018

Manziel stayed in to start the second half, but a two-and-out that featured some questionable decision-making forced him back to the sidelines to regroup before heading out for his fifth and final series.

Johnny Manziel’s fourth possession went nowhere. He was pressured and dangerously lobbed ball on first down, completed pass for only 6 yards on second down, and Hamilton had an illegal punt out of bounds on third down.

— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) June 2, 2018

Manziel bounced back on the Ticats' ensuing possession and ripped a 21-yard completion to Damarr Aultman after rolling to his right:

Vintage Manziel on this play. #CFLGameDay pic.twitter.com/wjt1kvSNbv

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) June 2, 2018

Some #Argos players are sharing their sideline “scouting report” of Manziel with me. The clean version: “Keep (Manziel) in the pocket, and he’ll have problems... if he gets out of the pocket he can do things” #CFL

— Matthew Scianitti (@TSNScianitti) June 2, 2018

Head coach June Jones has made it clear Manziel won't start Week 1, but if he can continue to get comfortable in Hamilton's quick-strike offense and settle into a more comfortable rhythm as a pocket passer, it stands to reason he could contend for snaps later in the season.

Johnny Manziel's night is done. Pretty solid showing for first game in 2.5 years.

Finished 9-12 for 80 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT, 2 carries for 10 yards, took 2 sacks.

Flashed athleticism, ability to extend play and keep eyes down field, decent arm strength.

— Lorenzo Reyes (@LorenzoGReyes) June 2, 2018

The Tiger-Cats will wrap their preseason slate June 9 against the Montreal Alouettes as they continue preparations for a Week 1 clash with the Calgary Stampeders.

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are the No. 2 betting favorite behind the Calgary Stampeders to win the Grey Cup in the 2018 CFL season.

According to OddsShark, the Tiger-Cats have 11-2 odds of capturing their ninth Grey Cup. The Stampeders, who lost in the 2017 Grey Cup final to the Toronto Argonauts, have 11-5 odds.

Hamilton will be hoping 2012 Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel can make a big splash in his first season north of the border. He announced Saturday he formally signed his contract with the Ticats. Manziel hasn't played competitive football since Week 16 of the 2015 NFL regular season.

The Ticats are coming off their second straight losing season and missed out on the playoffs for the first time since 2012. Jeremiah Masoli returns as the team's starting quarterback, having thrown for 3,177 yards, 15 touchdowns and five interceptions in 2017.