Cleveland Browns Quarterback Situation May Give Clues To Eric Mangini's Fate

As much as Cleveland Browns head coach Eric Mangini may try to convince the media his only concern is this Sundays game against the New Orleans Saints, it's clear the Browns are facing some tough long-term decisions.

A loss against the defending Super Bowl champion Saints would mean a 1-6 record for the Browns limping into their bye week.

With the growing prospect of another double-digit losing season on the horizon, the Browns have no choice but to begin to look towards the future.

For Cleveland to end the cycle of writing off seasons at the midway point, there needs to be an emphasis on finding a long-term solution to solidify the quarterback position.

Despite numerous attempts, the Browns have been unable to successfully develop a franchise quarterback since returning to the league in 1999.

As a result, the pressure continues to build on the organization to identify and develop a legitimate candidate who can restore the team to respectability.

Cleveland has made strides this season overall, but until the riddle of the quarterback situation is solved, the organization will continue to muddle in mediocrity.

Of the 12 playoff teams in 2009, all but one had a quarterback who started at least 15 games, a luxury the Browns have enjoyed just three times since 1990.

With a top-five draft pick in 2011 seemingly a lock at this point, there is a very good chance the Browns will be in position to take one of the top quarterbacks coming out of college.

Aside from an injury or his start being a complete disaster this Sunday, it seems completely logical for the team to start McCoy for the remainder of the season to see if he has what it takes to be the long-term answer.

Or does it?

The key to how this situation will unfold rests with Mike Holmgren and how he views the progress made by the Browns in year two under Eric Mangini. The bye week is a time of reflection for coaches and front office personnel to assess the state of the team and implement strategies for the second half of the season.

If Mangini is given a vote of confidence that he will return in 2011, it would alleviate the mounting pressure on the coach to win at all costs. If this scenario plays out, we will most likely see a lot of Colt McCoy over the remaining nine games.

The dynamic of the situation completely changes if Holmgren gives the impression that he's not pleased with the team's progress and may indicate changes are on the way for the coaching staff next year.

Many feel Mangini saved his job for 2010 with a victory over Pittsburgh and the unlikely four-game winning streak over the final month of last season.

If Mangini fails to get the reassurance that his job is safe, the embattled coach will likely turn to the veteran leadership of either Seneca Wallace or Jake Delhomme in a desperate attempt to pull together a similar string of wins.

Wallace has played well this season during his time subbing for the injured Delhomme. Meanwhile Delhomme has looked every bit the part of a washed-up quarterback past his prime.

With both players sidelined with injuries, it makes no sense to force them into action when neither one has a chance of being the Browns' long-term solution.

The Browns were clearly forced to play McCoy sooner than anyone planned, but now that plan C is in motion, it makes no sense to turn back. Despite the loss last weekend, McCoy exceeded expectations, played well and showed poise.

It was evident that the game was not too fast for him to manage. Moving forward, it's likely that the only reason McCoy will be sent back to clipboard duty is if the coach feels he must win each week to save his job.

It will be interesting to see which signal caller is under center for the Nov. 7 game against New England.

It could indicate how Holmgren feels about the state of the team under the direction of Mangini and foreshadow a host of changes are on the way moving towards the end of the season and the 2011 NFL Draft.