Comment on Manziel’s benching costs him chance to shine Monday night

CLEVELAND — Johnny Manziel has only himself to blame. This was going to be his big night, the main attraction under the bright lights. This was his chance to show how much he’s progressed, thrill his fans with those ad-libbed Johnny Football moves and prove he’s more than hype. This was going to be Manziel’s coming-out party — on Monday Night Football. He celebrated a little too early. Manziel’s demotion from starter to third stringer — without playing a game — after a video and photos of him partying in a Texas club during Cleveland’s bye week has stolen much of the luster from the Browns’ matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, which was already going to struggle for interest and TV ratings. Two bad teams, both riddled by key injuries — Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco is done for the season — and out of the playoff conversation were going to make this a tough sell anyway. At least Manziel would have provided a sexy subplot to an otherwise nondescript matchup. Not anymore, and Manziel might be inactive as the Browns (2-8) begin a six-game stretch which could determine whether their offseason will bring more change. Manziel’s swift descent has been a distraction the Browns could ill afford. The 22-year-old took a major step forward in his comeback with a 372-yard passing performance on Nov.