Johnny Fingerball: Manziel Claims He's No 1 with Raised Middle Digit

The consensus believes the Cleveland's QB Idol contest has no clear winner after the Browns' 24-23 pre-season loss to Washington.

Johnny Manziel begs to differ.

In the third quarter, after an incomplete pass to wide receiver Jonathan Krause, the rookie quarterback uncorked a single finger, somewhere in the vicinity of the middle of his hand.

While all and sundry assumed it was directed at the tittering, taunting Redskins' bench, Manziel was adamant it was simply an indicator of his place in the Browns' QB pecking order:

"I was just expressing a view that I'm the guy who should be under centre on opening day," said Mr Football, the offending digit cloaked in a tiny towel. "I'm the best pivot on our roster and my offensive playbook is coming along."

When asked if it was more customary to use an index finger for an 'I'm Number 1!' assertion, Manziel brought the bird out for an encore.

"How could this possibly be misconstrued? It's nothing! This is just you guys trying to make me out to be some immature, undisciplined yobbo."

The Cleveland Browns next preseason game is this coming Saturday.