There wasn’t much chatter about Johnny Manziel today.
That’s because for the first time this season, Manziel just played. No spotlight. No controversy. No suspension to deal with.
Just a regular game against FCS power Sam Houston State.
And Manziel was his typical self, going 28 of 41 for 400 yards, with three touchdown passes and one interception in a little over two-and-a-half quarters of play. He also rushed the ball seven times for 39 yards and a score as Texas A&M beat the Bearkats, 65-28
We’re already seeing a different Johnny Football this year.
Last season, Manziel rushed the ball more than any other Aggie -- 201 times. So far this season, however, he’s rushed 13 times in two games and has just 58 yards on the ground, which could be indicative of his coach’s stated desire to improve his worth as a pocket passer going forward.
Maybe it’s too early to say for sure, but I think that a Manziel who stays in the pocket more and who confines himself to a traditional quarterback role is a less effective player. Part of what made A&M such an effective and exciting team to watch last season was the way Manziel was able to improvise with his legs. Would a Manziel who stayed in the pocket still lead A&M over Alabama? I doubt it. In fact, very few of his 201 rushes last season were designed runs. Yet he led the SEC in rushing.
That’s not going to happen this year. And Manziel is not going to win the Heisman this year, either. It seems like he’s on a different type of journey right now -- one of personal development and self-control.
And that means today’s brief respite from the Manziel media circus is good news, although it’s sure to start up again next week when No. 1 Alabama comes to College Station.