NFL needs to adjust schedule to get Browns more primetime appearances; Manziel saga produces record draft rating for ESPN

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Based on what happened last night, it might be time for the NFL schedule-makers to revise the primetime lineup for the fall.

As of now, the Cleveland Browns are slated for only one primetime appearance: a Thursday night game Nov. 6 at Cincinnati. Initially, the lowly Browns only got that game because of a requirement that each play on Thursday night.

The Browns, though, just got a lot more attractive with their selection of Johnny Manziel. If anyone doubts his appeal, just check the ratings for last night. Cleveland hasn’t been this excited over a draft pick since LeBron.

ESPN did a 6.8 overnight rating, its highest ever for first-round coverage; NFL Network added another 1.2. ESPN’s rating was up 48 percent over last year.

It couldn’t have broken any better for the networks, with the Browns and everyone else passing on Johnny Football until the No. 22 pick.

The saga of when he would get picked kept everyone glued to their televisions deep into the telecasts. It is a different story if Manziel gets selected in the top 5.

So now the Browns become a must-watch thanks to Manziel. Assuming, of course, he gets on the field.

 

One thought on “NFL needs to adjust schedule to get Browns more primetime appearances; Manziel saga produces record draft rating for ESPN”

  1. Ed:

    With respect perhaps everyone needs to wait and see:

    1. IF he actually starts and plays a lot
    2. IF Cleveland can actually win some games

    before “anointing” them as worthy of more prime time games.

    This can be looked at again next year…no sense in jumping the gun.

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