Eric Mangini

I've had a hard time trying to figure out how I should feel about Eric Mangini. The Browns could be 9-4 right now and this team shouldn't even be able to sniff that type of record. Then again the team isn't and have embarrassing losses, including last week against Buffalo.

I think this weeks game against Cincinnati is a game that Mangini has to win to have a chance to keep his job. The Browns have played down to their competition this season. While this team has beaten New England and New Orleans, but totally fell on their face against Kansas City, Tampa Bay, Jacksonville and Buffalo. A loss against Cincinnati would be another loss that this team shouldn't have. A win against the Bengals probably wouldn't ensure Mangini another season, but it would delay a final decision on his fate until after the games against Baltimore and Pittsburgh.

If Mangini does coach the team to victory against Cincinnati, the Browns still need to be competitive against the Ravens and Steelers for him to be able to hold onto his job. One of the Browns' biggest problem has been their poor record against the division. Showing progress against Baltimore and Pittsburgh would be a good sign for Mangini.

Another consideration would be if Mangini would be willing to fall on the sword for Offensive Coordinator Brian Daboll. No matter what, Daboll should be fired. The offense this season has been pathetic. I know there have been flashes of brilliance, but mostly those are way more due to Peyton Hillis' beastliness. Otherwise the Browns' offensive has sputtered, being 30th in the league in scoring. The offense has failed to take advantage of the turnovers the defense has provided. It has become totally stagnant in the 2nd half of many games, which is the primary reason why the Browns' record is so bad. Of course there is a dramatic lack of talent in the receiving core, but the offensive schemes are lacking as well.

Also there is a major question looming over the entire league. That is the potential lockout coming next year. A coaching change might not be advisable in that environment. A new coach doesn't mean much when the players aren't allowed into the building for coaching and no league business, like free agency and the draft, is going on.

Thanks for reading and please comment.

-Michael