Manziel is undoubtedly a polarizing figure, and his off-field antics haven't necessarily helped his reputation.

However, where other young quarterbacks are often provided the excuse of being young, inexperienced, and still learning, Manziel's flaws and occasional missteps oddly seem to be noted more often.

Perhaps the lens through which we view Manziel is the problem. Manziel is a second-year quarterback who's blown chances for more on-field action by taking his role lightly, such as when he was benched for partying during the Browns' bye week just a few days after being named the starter. The move cost Manziel two games as he sat as punishment, though it's worth noting that partying during a weekend off is hardly the worst thing an athlete can do or has done off the field.

Looked at through a different lens, Manziel can be seen as a rookie — a player who's only played in 12 games, starting just six of them, playing in an unstable situation with a coach who isn't totally ready to commit to him. Again, while some of that has had to do with Manziel's own missteps or lack of preparation, he still hasn't played a full season, much less had much of a chance as a starter.