Browns Name Brian Hoyer Starter over Manziel

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images(BEREA, Ohio) — The Cleveland Browns announced that Brian Hoyer will be the starting quarterback entering the 2014 season on Wednesday.

Hoyer and Johnny Manziel were in a quarterback competition all camp and preseason, but Hoyer’s veteran experience is what put him over the top.

“He was the clear leader from the beginning,” Browns head coach Mike 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.”

The announcement comes after the No. 22 pick in this year’s draft gave the middle finger to fans during their Monday night game against Washington.

“I need to earn everything for me to get in,” said Manziel.. “Nothing should be given to me, I completely understand that. I need to continue to come in here every day and get better and be around these guys and let them know who I am and how I am.” Coach Mike Pettine said after Wednesday’s practice that there are no plans to develop a package of plays for Manziel, who starred at Texas A&M but has been slow to adjust to playing under center and learning a new playbook. Manziel said the coach gave him no reason for the decision.”

Hoyer has only four starts in his career and completed 2-of-6 passes for 16 yards on Monday night.

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