Updated throughout the day with quick takes from staff.
The Browns were predictably slaughtered on the road in Baltimore yesterday. The offense is anemic even when running on all cylinders, evidenced by the fact that the team now has only one offensive score in its last nine games. Brady Quinn was yanked at halftime of the 34-3 Ravens beatdown, with Derek Anderson having only marginally more success in the second half (hey, he did lead them on a 66-yard scoring drive, which resulted in a field goal, of course) but then he also threw three interceptions to Brady Quinn's one. Kind of a wash, if you ask me.
So what's a head coach to do when the starter can't produce any points and the backup can only gin up one measly field goal? It's obvious - be purposefully vague about what form of mediocrity you're unleashing on the competition next week. And that's just what Eric Mangini is doing. The Browns coach said he'll keep his decision about who will start Sunday's game against the resurgent Bengals close to the vest until the middle of the week. Naturally, there's a slightly different approach for preparing for either Derek Anderson or Brady Quinn. One will deposit passes into the awaiting hands of corners while the other will simply drop the ball on the ground while flushing out to his right.
Meanwhile, Mangini has other frustrating personnel matters apart from the embarrassments on the field. No, not just Coye Francies punching teammates for indulging in minor pranks. That would be too easy. There's a report that the coach is facing up to five grievances filed against him with the league by his own players, at least one stemming from the well-known (but disputed by CBS' Charlie Casserly) $1,701 fine of a player for not paying for a $3 water bottle.
But at least he didn't lose to the Lions.
This post originally appeared on the Sporting Blog. For more, see The Sporting Blog Archives.
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Yikes. It’s hard to stomach the thought of what could have been had the Browns NOT moved to get Quinn in 2007.
Thomas, Wright, TRENT EDWARDS, Laron McCLain, Nick Folk (no offense to Phil Dawson), and then either Felix Jones or Chris Johnson in 2008. Instead the Browns have Quinn, Thomas and Wright. Ouch.
Kevin Kolb wouldn’t have hurt either.
by boulin on Sep 28, 2009 5:25 PM EDT reply actions
Another genius move by Mangini!
I’m starting to feel bad for my friends here in Cleveland, this coach is a complete D-bag.
by PinkFloyd on Sep 28, 2009 10:24 PM EDT reply actions
It’s not an easy task wearing out your welcome as a new coach just 3 weeks into the regular season, but Clevelands Mangini has managed to do just that.
This guy has been bad news from day one. He has very little fan support, is losing his grip and respect of his players, can’t decide on a starting quarterback to save his life, and thus far has shown very little as an NFL head coach. I’ll be amazed if he’s still Clevelands head coach at the end of the season. NEXT PLEASE!
by rbdonovan on Sep 29, 2009 12:57 AM EDT reply actions
THIS TEAM IS A REFLECTION OF THE OWNER’S INEPTNESS!!! His personell decisions have always been questionable….who else would hire Mangini within days of his Jets termination.
by AkronFats on Sep 29, 2009 9:36 AM EDT reply actions
bring back bernie kosar
by smk73 on Sep 29, 2009 11:10 AM EDT reply actions
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