Wissenswertes » coaching the KHLs Metallurg Magnitogorsk to a Game 7

LANDOVER, Md. -- Johnny Manziel raised his middle finger toward the Washington Redskins bench as he returned to the huddle late in the third quarter. It was one of the few times a Cleveland Browns quarterback actually found his intended target. Manziels latest hand gesture was one of many lowlights for the Browns in a 24-23 Monday night loss that did little to make coach Mike Pettines decision any easier when it comes to selecting a Week 1 starter. If the choice is based solely on numbers, theres not much either Manziel or Brian Hoyer did to show he deserves the job. If its based on composure, the hot-shot rookies obscene gesture lost him some ground to the nondescript sixth-year veteran. "It does not sit well," Pettine said. "Its disappointing, because what we talk about is being poised and being focused. ... Thats a big part of all football players, especially the quarterback." Manziel called the moment a "lapse of judgment." Teammate Joe Haden said opposition fans and players were giving "Johnny Football" plenty of unprintable verbal grief for the second straight week. Manziel was openly mocked by Brian Orakpo when the Redskins linebacker raised both hands and performed the 2012 Heisman Trophy winners "money" gesture after a sack by Ryan Kerrigan in the first quarter. "I get words exchanged throughout the entirety of the game, every game, week after week, and I shouldve been smarter," Manziel said. "It was a Monday Night Football game and cameras were probably solid on me, and I just need to be smarter about that. ... Its there, and its present every game, and I just need to let it slide off my back and go to the next play." Meanwhile, Pettine needs to pick a quarterback. The performances were so unspectacular that the coach suggested he might audible from his previously stated plan of announcing his regular-season starter on Tuesday. "All the options are still on the table," Pettine said. Hoyer started Monday night and completed 2 of 6 passes for 16 yards. His self-assessment: "It probably couldnt have been any worse. Its disappointing. It was embarrassing." Manziel, the No. 22 overall pick in the draft, was 7 for 16 for 65 yards and a touchdown. Of his series early in the game, he said: "I really tried to force everything and not let it fly like I should have. I need to get better at that and throw the dang ball." Those stats, as mediocre as they are, were padded by series against the Redskins backups. In the first quarter -- when Washingtons starters were in the game -- Manziel was 2 for 7 for 29 yards, while Hoyer was 0 for 2. "They both missed some throws," Pettine said. If theres any hint as to which way Pettine is leaning, its worth noting that Hoyer started for the second consecutive game and played mostly with the first-team offence, while Manziel was sent out with the backups to play in the second half. Manziel took advantage by leading a 16-play, 68-yard drive capped by an 8-yard pass to Dion Lewis for Clevelands first touchdown. The sloppy game included 21 penalties and five turnovers. The Browns were particularly susceptible to the NFLs new emphasis on hindering receivers: Clevelands defence was whistled five times for holding or illegal contact in the first quarter alone, including twice on one play. The Redskins dont have a quarterback competition, but their former Heisman winner -- Robert Griffin III -- also needs some work to get to regular-season form. He finished 6 for 8 for 112 yards, including an off-balance throw that was picked off by Haden. "I just cant throw it late," Griffin said. "And if I do, it has to be a humdinger -- and it wasnt a humdinger. I kind of floated it out there." Designed QB runs are being marginalized under new Redskins coach Jay Gruden, but Griffin was nevertheless hit hard several times as he scrambled four times for 24 yards and earned a thigh bruise along the way. "Its nothing to worry about," Griffin said. "I know anything that happens with me -- or quarterbacks in general -- guys get a little worried." Notes: Browns WR Travis Benjamin left with a rib injury. ... At least the game had an exciting ending. Connor Shaw hit Emmanuel Ogbuehi on a 45-yard Hail Mary as time expired. The Browns 2-point conversion attempt failed. Tyler ONeill Cardinals Jersey . Numbers Game looks at the As getting Jon Lester from Boston, sending Yoenis Cespedes to the Red Sox along with a deal involving the As and the Minnesota Twins. The Athletics Get: LHP Jon Lester, LF Jonny Gomes, OF Sam Fuld and cash. Adam Wainwright Jersey . Neither side would publicly confirm or deny any discussions were taking place, until the near unexpected happened. On Saturday night sources confirmed to TSN, the league and players agreed to terms on a new, tentative CBA, pending ratification by the unions players. A league source confirmed the CFLs board of governors must also ratify any potential agreement. http://www.authenticcardinalspro.com/cardinals-kolten-wong-jersey/ . He reps the 4-1-6The insecurity of Canadian basketball fans is not what it once was with the home grown talent making its way to the big leagues, but it is still nice to see the local kids remembering where they come from once they make their way south. Orlando Cepeda Jersey .J. Ellis have avoided arbitration, agreeing to a one-year contract. Matt Carpenter Cardinals Jersey . Kalish got his first hit since Sept. 11, 2012, when he rapped an RBI triple in the first inning Sunday in the Chicago Cubs 8-3 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies.Each week, The Reporters put their thumbs out to the good and the bad in the world of sports. This week, they discuss preparations for the Rio Olympics, the exciting first round of the NBA playoffs, Mike Keenan victorious in Russia and the prolonged wait for the NFL Draft finally coming to an end. Bruce Arthur, Toronto Star My thumb is down to the International Olympic Committee and…I know, I know…you feel like weve been here before, but this is a new frontier because the concept of an Olympics in Rio was new when the IOC awarded Brazil the 2016 games seven years ago. Concerns about readiness, inequality and about the way the country might react? Dont worry! Rio! Now with two years to go, the IOC is shocked…shocked…to find that they gambled on a country that hasnt built the establishment. Seriously, Rio is in major organization trouble with whole complexes unbuilt and with public unrest still simmering, the IOC is lamenting the fact that they cant employ Beijing-style slave labour. Theyre blaming it on Rio. Guess who they should be blaming instead? Steve Simmons, Toronto Sun My thumb is up to the first round of the playoffs and Im not talking about the Stanley Cup playoffs, which have been marvelous, as usual. Im talking about the NBA playoffs, where, normally, the first round is about favourites winning and not much else, but not this year. A last-second three by the sensational Damian Lillard of Portland meant there were five Game 7s in the first round, instead of a record-breaking six. There have been eight overtime games and the road team has won 21 of the first 36 playoff games - this from a league that usually sees the home teams win 70 per cent of the time.ddddddddddddAnd, of course, there is Game 7 in Toronto today with the possibility of 2 million people watching on TV. If this isnt fun, I dont know what is. Michael Farber, Sports Illustrated My thumb is up to Mike Keenan, who reminds us that a coach is a coach is a coach, no matter the team or the time zone. Keenan always dreamed of winning a Cup, although probably not the Gagarin Cup. Two decades after the New York Rangers memorable Stanley Cup run, Iron Mike did it again on the far side of the erstwhile Iron Curtain, coaching the KHLs Metallurg Magnitogorsk to a Game 7 win over Lev Prague. Note one striking similarity in the championships: as he did after beating the Vancouver Canucks in 94, Keenan celebrated in the dressing room by singing karaoke - this time in Russian, of course. The Red Army choir is not giving up its day job. Dave Hodge, TSN My thumb is up to May 8, which is coming soon - on Thursday - and thats why my thumb is up, because when May 8 finally arrives, it brings with it the National Football League Draft…finally. Did I say "finally?" When the NFL moved the draft from April to May, we might have known wed be sick of mock drafts by now. There is actual analysis that proclaims winners and losers of mock drafts! Ive heard so much about Jadeveon Clowneys awesome talent and alleged laziness that Im sure there are two Jadeveon Clowneys. Im not sure if the Houston Texans will take one of them or which one or if the Texans will take Johnny Manziel or if theyll trade down - I only know they cant trade up and I dont care anymore what they do, I just want them to do it. On May 8. ' ' '