Pettine is watching Manziel very closely, though, in his transition from irresponsible rookie to rehab stint to a quarterback the Browns can trust. Just as important, he said, Manziel (who is working out with the second team in minicamp) has to remember how many others will be scrutinizing him non-stop, too.
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“When you come into the league with the reputation that he had and go through what he went through that’s going to happen,’’ Pettine said. “I know he’s a very polarizing figure. People either want him to succeed in a big way or want him to fail in a big way. That adds to the pressure that he’s under.”
Pettine said he’s talked to Manziel about it, although he didn’t elaborate on what he said. It was part of a bigger conversation about what he expects from him, and what he needs to see to make him feel more comfortable about his personal and professional progress.
“It’s doing what he’s doing,’’ Pettine said. “Taking it one day at time. Coming in here, putting the work in. Buying into what we’re doing. Buying into the coaching. He’s being coached hard, and we’re asking a lot of him.
“It’s being the total package,’’ he continued. “You can’t just turn it on during practice. We stress that to all of our guys about being a pro and getting your sleep and making sure you’re hydrated and making sure you’re eating right, all those things. He’s no different. I don’t want to treat him any different.
“It’s early, but as I’ve said before, it’s so far so good. Time will tell. Training camp is going to be real important for him, but I think he’s in a good place and headed that way.”
As for the fumbled snaps … Pettine was serious about not seeing Manziel do it.
“Usually my eyes are elsewhere than the snap,’’ he said.
