Johnny Manziel Makes AAF Debut, Fails to Impress

Memphis Express debut in AAF game against Birmingham Iron

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MARCH 24: Quarterback Johnny Manziel #2 of the Memphis Express looks on after their 31-25 overtime win against the Birmingham Iron during their Alliance of American Football game at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium on March 24, 2019 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Joe Robbins/AAF/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MARCH 24: Quarterback Johnny Manziel #2 of the Memphis Express looks on after their 31-25 overtime win against the Birmingham Iron during their Alliance of American Football game at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium on March 24, 2019 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Joe Robbins/AAF/Getty Images)
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Though he was back playing football on American soil, the same issues that plagued Johnny Manziel during his time in Canada followed him back to the United States.

Though he did not turn the ball over, the former Heisman winner failed to impress during his Alliance of American Football debut on Sunday night.

Over the course of three series under center, Manziel went 3-for-5 for 48 yards, rushed for 20 yards, and took a sack. Following a defensive score by his team, the Memphis Express, Johnny Football also had a failed two-point conversion.

The lone highlight of Manziel’s day was a 36-yard pass to Alton Howard, but that scoring drive stalled in the red zone.

Memphis starter Brandon Silvers played the bulk of the game against the Birmingham Iron and helped lead the Express down the field for a score to tie the game with 24 seconds left.

Then, in overtime, he secured Memphis’ second victory on the season with a 10-yard touchdown pass. The final score was 31-25.

Even though Silvers badly outplayed Manziel in the comeback win, there’s little doubt the new AAF player will get another shot under center based on name recognition alone.

Despite that, head coach Mike Singletary did his best to downplay any talk of a quarterback controversy.

“Right now, Brandon is our quarterback,” Singletary said. “I’m very excited about what Johnny does and what he brings to the team, but Brandon is our starting quarterback.”

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