Bengals defensive coordinator thinks Johnny Manziel 'needs more time'

Almost everyone has an opinion on Johnny Manziel, even the Cleveland Browns' biggest rival.

Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Paul Guenther offered his two cents to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, saying the Browns shouldn't give up on Manziel just yet.

"Honestly, I think the kid needs more time," Guenther said.

Guenther was tasked with slowing Manziel down in his first career start last season. He succeeded. It was nothing short of a disaster for the Browns signal caller, who threw for just 80 yards and a pair of picks against Cincy.

The Bengals got to Manziel by forcing him to stay in the pocket, although Guenther believes the quarterback has a chance to make that part of his game work, despite being undersized.

"Drew Brees did it," Guenther said. "I know Drew is a little bit thicker than Johnny but about the same height. ... I don't see any reason why he can't do it up there. (Manziel) was such a high-profile guy out of college and everyone expected what he did at Texas A&M, but it's a man's game, it's a lot different, and it takes time. You have to take your lumps a little bit."

There's a good chance Manziel will be watching much of this season from the sidelines, playing behind Josh McCown, which may or may not be good for his development. Ultimately Guenther feels Manziel can be a great player, but the Browns have to be willing to let him learn from his mistakes.

"I think he has good feet, is obviously a threat to run it, and I think in the right system he can be a good player," Guenther said. "There was so much expected in his first game, and maybe some of that was self-warranted, but it was so much from the fan base that you have to let him make mistakes."