“No, I didn’t feel like I lost the team because like I said, I thought that they were still trying and still playing but when you go from a first string quarterback to a fourth string quarterback, there is a difference in talent and ability. So generally, that fourth stringer, he’s not as good as the first stringer.”

The last month or so of the season is where true Browns fans discovered who the really valuable players are on the roster. Considering how hopeless the last several games turned out to be for the Browns, it was almost inspiring to watch players like Shaun Rogers, Josh Cribbs, Jamal Lewis and D’Quell Jackson give great efforts, despite the situation they were facing. Although I criticize one and all when it comes to players, based solely on effort, these four are among the jewels of the current roster.

And in looking back again…which brings us back to the same spot…

Temperature Keeps Rising for Tannenbaum

And if success is determined by whether the Jets made it to the playoffs, the various moves from a season ago fairly can be regarded as a massive failure.

Tannenbaum, however, didn’t shoulder the blame for the misadventures. Instead, coach Eric Mangini was fired, after only three years on the job.

The next time owner Woody Johnson decides change is needed, Tannenbaum likely won’t be quite so lucky.

In the wake of Mangini’s departure, Tannenbaum has continued to throw the ball deep. This year, he traded up 12 spots in the first round of the draft, via a deal with Mangini’s new team, to land quarterback Mark Sanchez.

But serious potential problems remain.

For all the Browns fans who seriously think that Mangini has softened in his dictatorial approach to running a team, think again. After losing to GM Mike Tannenbaum in the off season front office power struggle, Mangini should be more determined than ever to not lose his grip of power during his time in Cleveland. Obviously, the hiring of George Kokonis was a shining example of Mangini fully asserting total control over the franchise.

It should be interesting to keep an eye on the Jets’ fortunes in 2009 and beyond, both on the field and in the front office. If the Jets struggle this coming season, which is a possibility considering they may start a rookie quarterback who has few offensive weapons (sound familiar?), then GM Mike Tannenbaum may be on his way out of New York. Why does this matter for a Browns fan? You could view Tannenbaum’s dismissal as a bit of validation for Eric Mangini. And also, if the Browns can surprise in 2009, then possibly the Jets may begin to reevaluate their past decisions.

And then finally, a team other than the Browns can live in the past…at least for a while.

Posted by DK

CLEVELAND REBOOT

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