Small Talk, Big Hopes: Cleveland Browns Fans' Begins Dialogue Here

This is the start of a new source for Cleveland Browns fans to sound off. Each article will be based on topics that you, the fans, want to talk about.

Have a question? I'll do my research and give you my best response. Have a comment? I'll sift through and post the best ones you send me. I'll even add my own take on it. Only questions and comments sent directly to arendjd@gmail.com will be considered.

I'm not a professional journalist, just a fan like the rest of you. Consider this a place similar to the water cooler, break room, or dinner table; a place to talk about anything Cleveland Browns.

This week, I'll get the conversation going by talking about the hot topic of Browns beat writers: new head coach Eric Mangini.

Mangini introduced himself to the fan base by assuring them of his dedication to winning and his knowledge of the Cleveland Browns tradition. Those statements are already being called into question by the media who cover the Browns on a regular basis.

Terry Pluto of the Cleveland Plain Dealer is the only writer in northeast Ohio who has consistently written positive articles in favor of the new authority in Berea.

Most other writers seem to be upset that their easy access to players and easy-going coaches is gone, and feel they need to take out that frustration by nitpicking every move owner Randy Lerner and Mangini make.

Do not get me wrong. I'm not always on board with some of the decisions I hear are being made, but sometimes change is for the better.

The first major controversy stirred up by the Mangini was painting over a mural in the training facility. The mural depicted the likes of Browns greats such as Paul Warfield, Lou Groza, and Jim Brown. Many said this was the biggest disgrace a man could bestow upon those names that brought so much pride to the shores of Lake Erie.

I look at it differently. Anyone who has ever succeeded knows they did it by looking forward while respecting the past. There are plenty of other shrines to the past scattered around Berea and Cleveland Browns Stadium. Does adding a little space to look forward actually hurt that much?

The other big controversy with Mangini is his reluctance to allow pretty much anyone to influence his authority. He is completely tight-lipped with media and talks to his own players only when he absolutely has to. This is his way of keeping things in-house and out of the hands of the opposition.

This is a great thing for the organization. Not so for the media covering it.

Because they have absolutely nothing to write about, the media has taken the "crucify him" approach. Fortunately for the Browns organization, I don't think Mangini much cares about that. If he can make this team a winner, no one will care what the media says about him.

My suggestion for Browns fans would be to have patience and give Mangini a chance before you join the ranks of the media. Like it or not, he's our best hope for the foreseeable future.

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