Although it is nice to see the Browns win back to back games, many of the same question marks that I was hoping to be answered about this team still remain. Foremost is the question about head coach Eric Mangini's future. Mangini has been on the hot seat all season long for his team's poor play. Have 2 consecutive victories earned Mangini a stay of execution ? With the possibility of Mike Holmgren taking over football operations do the 2 wins even matter? It's possible that Mangini could win his remaining 2 games and still not be back next season if Holmgren or someone else is hired to reevaluate the organization. These questions about the front office and the coaching staff are critical ones right now. The Browns are facing what could be the most important draft in franchise history. They are a team in need of upgrading their talent level at many positions. With 11 picks in the upcoming draft it is critical that the team lands several players who can make an immediate impact. Randy Lerner needs to figure out quickly who will be in charge of the draft, and he needs to pick the right man this time around. Another mismanaged draft by the Browns could set the franchise back for years, especially with so many picks available. Adding to the Browns' riddle are Brady Quinn's inconsistent play at quarterback and a lack of identity on offense. Quinn has looked good in a few games but not consistently enough. Regardless of who plays Q.B. the Browns can't continue to run an offense with no identity and seemingly no idea how to attack opposing defenses. Will Jerome Harrison become a one hit wonder after yesterday's incredible performance or will he surface as the feature runner the Browns lack? Has the offensive game plan been handicapped by a lack of talent, or have the players on offense been held back by poor play calling?
While I certainly didn't expect the season to be filled with wins I did hope the Browns would use this rebuilding year to answer all the questions regarding this team. Too many question marks still linger for my satisfaction. One thing is certain, Randy Lerner and the Browns organization better have all the answers come next springs draft.
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I didn’t see the Brown’s game yesterday as adding questions marks to the season or to the team as a whole. Too often we look at things from – I will call it - the “college football” perspective.
ReplyDeleteIn college football, a team could loose to Middle Tennessee in week one and still have a shot at the national title. However, if a team loses to a team in week 8 or 9, they are essentially done. So with respect to the Browns, I do NOT believe the inverse is true.
Because the team won two games, I look at their OVERALL record. 3 wins and 11 loses doesn’t cut it. As far as I am concerned, that answers the question as to the merits of the coaching staff.
Want more proof – they set an NFL record for ineptness in the middle of the season for lack of scoring; breaking a record that had stood since the 50’s.
More proof? Here you go. Jerome Harrison, the same individual who now owns the Browns single game rushing record was INACTIVE for the Detroit Lions game. INACTIVE!
I don’t think the handling of Harrison adds questions – I think it simply answers questions when in comes to talent evaluation. Even if he is a one-hit wonder, having him inactive for a game this season, especially when we are setting a record for fewest points scored, is inexcusable. Moreover, the handling of our second round picks also speaks volumes to the talent evaluation.
Sure, we can all question in-game decisions; but before we ever get to the game itself, the players who dress on Sunday is critical. And if took them 15 weeks to figure it out the players – shame on them. There is roster turn-over every year – no one has the luxury to take 12, 13, or 14 weeks to figure it out. It is here that the current regime has failed. No question about it.
You can't establish anything in any sport or business if you change the people in charge over and over again....Pittsburgh, maybe the best frachise in NFL history, has had how many coaches? Three...ever. The Browns have had more than that since they returned to the league!!!
ReplyDeleteYou win with players and players who know what you are trying to do, not re-learning what you're trying to do every few years.
Yankee, I agree once again but I would also add that teams like the Steelers also have a philosophy. The front office people understand what they are trying to accomplish and find those players that fit the mold. Although, let me say that if Big Ben keeps having to throw the ball 40 plus times in the middle of December they may be on the way to their own problems.
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