Sherman: Manziel ‘deserves the opportunity to play’ against Bombers

MONTREAL — After it was announced that Johnny Manziel would get the start at quarterback for the Montreal Alouettes this week, Antonio Pipkin wasn’t disappointed in the decision.

“Not at all,” Pipkin said after practice this week when asked about getting benched. “Like I said before, that’s above my pay grade, that’s not my decision. I know I’m still ready and I’m going to continue to be a great teammate.”

Last week the Montreal Alouettes offence sputtered against the raging BC Lions defence.

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The team’s offensive line allowed Pipkin to get sacked seven times while the 23-year-old pivot tossed four interceptions – two of which were returned for touchdowns by Anthony Orange and T.J. Lee.

“Both quarterbacks will probably play some,” head coach Mike Sherman said. “I just felt like, Pipkin, he’s done a great job. He’s going to be a hell of a quarterback. He’s going to take a step back a little bit, catch his breath.

“Things came on pretty fast and I think John (Manziel) deserves the opportunity to play this week based on last week.”

With Manziel sidelined while he underwent concussion protocol, Pipkin made four starts, winning two of them. In his first career win against the Argonauts, a 25-22 victory, Pipkin rushed in two touchdowns while also connecting on 22 of 32 passes for 303 yards and one interception. His second win against the REDBLACKS in Week 12, he completed 18 of 27 passes for 242 yards and two interceptions.

In the two games that Manziel has started this season, the 25-year-old has throw for 272 yards, four interceptions and no touchdowns. The former Heisman Trophy winner does have the ability to win football games and will be looking to do just that on Friday night.

The Alouettes will hope to get just their third win of the season this week as the team heads to Winnipeg to take on the Blue Bombers. Kickoff is at 8:30 p.m. ET.