Eric Mangini: I Know What You're Doing.

(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Last season, the Cleveland Browns went through four quarterbacks, due mainly to injuries. They failed to score a single touchdown in the last six games. That tells me three things: 1) the offensive line stinks, 2) there aren't enough playmakers, and 3) it doesn't matter who is playing quarterback.

Of the four quarterbacks, the most promising was Brady Quinn. Romeo Crennel already decided that Quinn was the guy going forward. After Derek Anderson's injury, he was in the locker room saying goodbye to reporters and teammates. Even he saw the writing on the wall and was expecting to be looking for a new team.

When Crennel was fired, it was assumed that the decision on who would be the quarterback would be the same as Crennel's. Unfortunately, Eric Mangini saw things differently. Once again there was a quarterback controversy and it was debated the entire offseason.

There were rumors right away that Mangini didn't really like either Quinn or Anderson. I called that a spade from the start. That was just him covering his own hide. He didn't bring in either of them, so he had no obligation to either. He said that there will be a competition throughout training camp. The whole time he doesn't really endorse either one.

Then Mangini makes himself look good by making moves on the offensive line. The only problem is that it looks apparent that Alex Mack will not have the same type of rookie season that Joe Thomas did. It also looks like Floyd Womack and John St. Clair are even worse than the guys they replaced.

Mangini then says he wants to build a running team with a controlled passing game. I thought that was great, because nothing helps a young quarterback like a running game. The problem is that Jamal Lewis is already past his prime and Jerome Harrison has shown flashes, but has yet to establish himself.

Therefore, Mangini would have to bring in another runner, either through free agency or the draft. He signs no free agent and then drafts two wide receivers in the early rounds. The only runner they bring in is James Davis, who came later. I found that puzzling.

Basically, he assembles one of the most pathetic offenses ever and drags the quarterback competition out way too long. The whole time the players were wondering just who exactly the leader of this team would be. Of course, neither were getting the correct amount of reps that is necessary to prepare a quarterback for an NFL season.

My guess would be that it was the same for all the positions, so no chemistry would be developed. Why would Eric Mangini do this? The reason is very clear.

He did not want Quinn from the start. I think that has everything to do with ego. Quinn was not his guy and he wanted to be the one to bring in the franchise quarterback. Therefore, he keeps Anderson in order to plant a seed of doubt among the city and team about Quinn being the quarterback of the future.

He trades away Kellen Winslow, who was Quinn's security blanket. Yes, Winslow had off-the-field issues, but there is no doubt that Quinn looked more comfortable out there with Winslow. Robert Royal is a huge downgrade.

All these months later, we find out that a ball-controlled offense means the most conservative garbage ever created. He totally handcuffs Quinn with the playcalling and doesn't let him throw it downfield. When he did allow Quinn to go downfield, he throws a long touchdown to Braylon Edwards.

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