Andrew Hawkins denies TMZ report that starters are upset with Manziel benching

A report published by TMZ Sports early Tuesday quoted several anonymous offensive starters for the Cleveland Browns voicing displeasure over the team's decision to go back to Josh McCown.

"I love both Johnny (Manziel) and Josh but it's f---ed up when you have Johnny come in and play well and has proven to the team that he is the right person for the job," one player said.

"It's frustrating to him and us when you sit a player down when he is playing well. Coach has got to understand you are messing up the chemistry and timing with players and it's f---ed up."

Added another: "The team plays better when (Manziel) is in the game. I play better when he plays. You can't get better unless you play. We won when he played and coach has got to trust him like he trusts Josh."

A third player also called for head coach Mike Pettine to make a change.

"When Johnny in the game it puts the defense on edge," he said. "He doesn't just sit in the pocket, he makes plays. Coach has got to make the change now."

Browns wide receiver Andrew Hawkins, however, says there's no truth to the report:

Manziel led the Browns to a 28-14 victory over the Tennessee Titans in Week 2, completing 8-of-15 passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns. Despite that, Pettine gave McCown the start for Week 3 after he cleared the NFL's concussion protocol.

Asked Monday if he's considering going back to Manziel, Pettine replied, "No."

- With h/t to Cleveland.com