If Browns linebacker Paul Kruger was making the decision on the starting quarterback for 2014, he would go with Brian Hoyer over rookie Johnny Manziel, reports NFL.com.
"In my mind, Hoyer's the guy," Kruger said during a radio interview on KFAN-AM in Utah. "Hoyer came in, won us four games, unfortunately got hurt. The guy was on fire when he was healthy and he's proven himself at a different level and has worked extremely hard."
Hoyer actually started three games before an ACL injury ended his 2013 season. As it stands coming into training camp, coach Mike Pettine said Hoyer is "securely ahead" of Manziel. But Pettine also added Hoyer's lead wasn't "insurmountable."
"You let the preseason go, see how they look and then make a decision," Kruger said. "In my mind, Hoyer has been a good leader for us and somebody who has been able to win us a few games. It's tough to say but I think the preseason will be a big deal for both of them."