Rookie quarterback Johnny Manziel is excited to make his first start for the Cleveland Browns in their upcoming match against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.

Manziel, the 22nd overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, will make his first start in the National Football League as Browns coach Mike Pettine and his staff decided to make the change after Cleveland took their third defeat in four games on Sunday, which hurt their playoff chances this season.

The 22-year-old quarterback, who was edged by Brian Hoyer in the race for the starting quarterback position before the season started, said he has been preparing for the opportunity to lead the Browns all-season long.

"I've prepared every week to be ready to help the team however possible and my focus has been on improving every day," Manziel told USA Today. "I'm very excited to get out on the field with my teammates on Sunday and to have the opportunity to make the Dawg Pound proud."

The Browns started the season with an impressive 6-3 record with Hoyer quarterbacking, but they are now fourth in the American Football Conference North standings with their 7-6 record.

In their last four games, Hoyer completed just 74 of his 150 passes with just one touchdown against eight interceptions.

Pettine said they felt Manziel will put the team in a better position to win against the Bengals on Sunday, considering Hoyer's recent struggles.

"We are trying to get the offense to perform at a higher level," he said. "Johnny has worked very hard to earn this opportunity and it will be very important for every member of the offense to elevate their play for us to obtain our desired result."

Hoyer admitted that he was disappointed and hurt after losing his spot, but the 29-year-old quarterback denied that he is not getting along with Manziel, insisting that he will support the former Heisman Trophy winner moving forward.

"I like Johnny. Johnny's a good guy, and this is just a situation we're in," Hoyer said via Cleveland.com. "I'll be there to support him. Any questions he has, and in the same sense I'll be ready to play too because you're only one play away. I've been in this position before. So, I'll stay ready."

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