'Put in Johnny,' jokes Browns' Joe Thomas after Josh McCown's big game

Josh McCown has silenced the critics who implored the Cleveland Browns to start Johnny Manziel after McCown got hurt Week 1 against the New York Jets.

All McCown has done the past three weeks since returning from a concussion has thrown for 1,154 yards (8.2 yards per attempt) with six TDs and one interception on 96 of 141 passing (68.1 percent) and given his team a chance to win each of the past three games.

Browns left tackle Joe Thomas couldn't help himself. The stoic team leader has stood up for Manziel recently in terms of his personal growth but had to have fun with the Johnny truthers a bit after the Browns' overtime win Sunday over the Baltimore Ravens.

Yes, Browns fans, it appears Thomas and the coaching staff are right in starting McCown right now. They've been competitive and shockingly effective with McCown running the ship.

Now, will it continue? The Browns' schedule stiffens considerably with the Denver Broncos, St. Louis Rams, Arizona Cardinals, Cincinnati Bengals, Pittsburgh Steelers up next before the Week 11 bye. If McCown struggles through this gantlet, then — and maybe only then — should the "Put Johnny in" folks pipe back up.

But until further notice, Cleveland should be McCown's town.

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Eric Edholm is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at edholm@yahoo-inc.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Eric_Edholm