Why Mangini is winning me over

Just a few weeks ago I wrote about how Cleveland Browns head coach Eric Mangini was taking the Browns on a road to nowhere. I laid out arguments about he was an arrogant jerk despite his lack of success in New York, how his teams play boring football, and lamented the general absence of progress in the first seven games of the season (including the four preseason games).

Well…I’m starting to change my mind. Sure, trading malcontent and general pain-in-the-ass Braylon Edwards helped with my opinion. Shedding the franchise of a guy that seemed to blame everyone but himself for his problems and didn’t want to be a part of the Cleveland Browns demonstrated to me that Mangini actually cares enough about the franchise to only include guys willing to put in the work for the betterment of the team. Mangini could have taken the easy way out, but he made a deal, got a few players in return, and then the team went out and won a game. Case closed.

So back to why I’ve changed my mind. Over past three weeks (OT loss to Bengals, win at Buffalo, expected loss at Pittsburgh) the team has made genuine progress. The defense is still giving up big plays, but more and more, they are finding ways to get off the field. Special teams play has been outstanding. The offense, while still unable to mount anything closely resembling a passing game, hammered out two consecutive 100-yard rushing performance by two different backs. It’s still not anywhere near where it needs to be…but its better. And the whole quarterback thing – well, we’re just going to have to make do and wait another year.

The cause of this improvement you might ask? In my mind, the change in demeanor. I’ve suddenly noticed Mangini smiling a bit more. Perhaps the Ravens beat down knocked out much of his spite, but Mangini seems to be employing a program that allows his players to have some fun while simultaneously trying to win football games. It shows. The Browns are showing some fight. And the creativity helps, too. The Cribbs wildcat formation kept the Steelers on their heels and infused some much needed energy into the team.

With all that I just said, however, there is still work to be done. The lack of talent will mean that a lack of winning will continue. I’m not quite sure about the vision of the team and the question at the quarterback position must be answered in the offseason. And what I said last week still holds true – Mangini has yet to win big, he still rubs many in the game the wrong way, and the Browns will certainly own a Top 5 pick in next year’s draft. But, unlike last month, I’m more willing to give him a chance.