CLEVELAND -- The chants of "Johnny, Johnny" got loud with 8:48 left. Cleveland Browns fans were pleased with what they got from Johnny Manziel on Sunday. The Browns had to be as well.
Manziel returned after missing two games because of a disciplinary matter and guided the Browns to a 24-10 win over the San Francisco 49ers, helping them snap a seven-game losing streak by throwing for 270 yards and a touchdown.
He also picked up where he left off in his 372-yard game against Pittsburgh. He seemed to know where to go with the ball, and he showed a quick release and strong arm in completing 68 percent of his passes.
Aside from one poor decision -- an interception late in the first half -- Manziel looked poised, comfortable and in control. He threw from the pocket when he had the chance, and he escaped the pocket and made a play when he needed to.
If the Browns were looking for some sign of hope from the young quarterback heading into the season’s final three games, Manziel gave it to them. He now has won two of the four games he has started this season, beating San Francisco and Tennessee and losing to Cincinnati and Pittsburgh.
What it means: The competition gets tougher, with Seattle, Kansas City and Pittsburgh up next. But after two months of struggles and pain, the win over San Francisco was a good way to start the final quarter of the season.
A reason for excitement: The Browns finally got their running game going. Their season high entering the game was 116 yards, and that came in the second game of the season against Tennessee. Sunday they had 230 yards, with Isaiah Crowell romping for 145 on his own. The Browns had their best day running the ball since they had 351 against Kansas City in 2009.
A reason for concern: Receiver Brian Hartline (eight receptions, 108 yards) left the game in the third quarter with a broken collarbone that will require surgery, ending his season. The Browns had started the game without Andrew Hawkins and Taylor Gabriel -- two of their other top four receivers.
Fantasy watch: Gary Barnidge continues to put up numbers. He caught his eighth TD pass of the season, and now has touchdowns in seven of the Browns' 13 games.
At long last: The Browns' defense finally can smile. The beleaguered group sacked Blaine Gabbert nine times. Midway through the fourth quarter, the 49ers had seven first downs and 114 total yards.