Johnny Manziel is projected to be a starting quarterback in the National Football League, but the rookie will have to wait for his chances as the Cleveland Browns named Brian Hoyer as their starter in the upcoming season.

Browns coach Mike Pettine made the announcement on Wednesday, saying that Hoyer has been the favorite to take the spot since training camp started based on his demeanor on and off the playing field.

"He was the clear leader from the beginning," Pettine said in a statement. "We've maintained all along that if it was close, I would prefer to go with the more experienced player. Brian has done a great job in the meeting rooms and with his teammates on the practice field and in the locker room."

Hoyer only started in three games for the Browns last season after sustaining an ACL injury, but Pettine is confident that the Lakewood, Ohio native will be up to the task ahead of them next season.

"I think Brian's been very poised," Pettine said of Hoyer. "I think he's handled the situation well. He's had a lot of things going on. I think it's especially good, as an offensive unit, to go out and play and gain cohesion and chemistry."

Hoyer started in Cleveland's first two preseason games against the Detroit Lions and the Washington Redskins. On Monday, the 28-year-old completed 2-of-6 passes for 16 yards against Washington.

Manziel, on the other hand, completed 7-of-16 passes for 65 yards and one touchdown, but his decent performance in their 24-23 loss to Washington was overshadowed by his behavior during the match as he was seen directing a middle-finger gesture toward the opponent's bench.

It is unclear at this point whether the incident had something to do with Pettine's decision to name Hoyer as starter, but the 47-year-old coach has already made it clear that he saw a lot of positives from the former Texas A&M standout in their first two preseason matches.

"He's certainly made great strides," Pettine said of Manziel. "We are pleased with where he is, and he has shown that he has come a long way in his ability to pick up the playbook, be coachable and lead an offense. We are confident that Johnny is going to have a great future, but we just felt that Brian still had a decided edge on him."

Cleveland will face the St. Louis Rams on Saturday before they go up against the Chicago Bears in their final preseason assignment on Aug. 28. The Browns will open their season on the road against Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 7.

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