Browns Vs. Bills: Eric Mangini Facing A Must-Win Scenario

The Browns face the Bills in what essentially is a meaningless game when it comes to the playoff race. Even if you do all the fancy math and say the Browns have an outside shot of earning a Wildcard berth, let's not fool ourselves.

For the Browns to even have a chance at a Wildcard, not only do they have to win their last four games, but the Ravens, Jets and probably one other team also have to lose the last four games.

So let's move on from playoff talk and move on to the coaches.

Eric Mangini has grown on me. I was indifferent to his hiring, liked the way he cleaned house prior to the 2009 season and then was mystified by his in-game coaching decisions, culminating in a "It's time to fire Mangini" post after the team went to 1-11.

The problem, I felt, was that Mangini hadn't kept any of his promises for "better, smarter, football," and that the team actually had regressed. I still believe that's where that particular team was at that time and it looks like owner Randy Lerner agreed, because he brought in Mike Holmgren and things immediately improved.

Once free of all front office duties and finally getting a real wake up call as to his attitude and approach, Mangini rattled off four wins in a row, re-evaluated how he did his job in the offseason,and this team all of a sudden is more fun to watch, even if the record isn't what anyone really wants it to be.

I like the 2010 Eric Mangini much better than the 2009 version because he's out there being Eric Mangini instead of trying to be Bill Belichick. A mistake another certain coach *COUGH Josh McDaniels COUGH* fell prey to with his first shot at the big chair.

The McDaniels' situation is another argument for another day, but it does bring up my next coaching point, offensive coordinator Brian Daboll.

I have been accused in the past of being too hard on the guy and I'll take those lumps gladly, because my offensive philosophy and his offensive philosophy don't mix.

At all.

My philosophy involves moving the ball down the field and scoring touchdowns, using the tools you have to the best of their ability, taking a few risks and hoping for the best.

Daboll's appears to be a form of chess game, utilizing proven players, shutting down the rest and hoping the defense can't stop what you have on the field.

To me this is too conservative, predictable and, ultimately, self-defeating. Check five of the Browns losses this year for proof as to why Daboll's methods stink.

That being said, I approved of Daboll's gameplan last week versus Miami. I didn't love it, thought it could've been adjusted a little more, but that's just quibbling on my part. Daboll and Mangini decided they weren't going to let Jake Delhomme throw the game away and that was a good plan.

Bernie Kosar has endorsed Daboll and that's fine, but everyone seems to love how Daboll breaks down film and prepares for the game. That's all well and good, but if the guy can't make adjustments while the game is going on, I don't care how good he is at prep. The game is over and the Browns probably won't be on the winning end.

The fact is injuries happen. The other teams are adjusting and the Browns aren't. When you have a game where the offense benefits from five turnovers and only gets three points, you have to ask the coaches what they're trying to accomplish.

Now to the game at-hand. The Buffalo Bills, despite their record, can and will score points. Their defense isn't the best, but Ryan Fitzpatrick has thrown himself into a starter's job next year. If not at Buffalo, then somewhere else.

The Browns are forced to go with Delhomme because Colt McCoy is injured and, for some reason, Seneca Wallace's performance from earlier in the season has been forgotten. The right side of the offensive line is back to its 2009 level and a mobile quarterback like Wallace is much better suited for the team right now than Delhomme, who can't move as well as Wallace.

But, Delhomme it is and we still have Peyton Hillis, so we have that going for us. The defense seems to be doing their tackling drills and we have one of the best special teams units in the league. If you don't know how important special teams units are, just ask the San Diego Chargers.

The Browns will have to shut down Fitzpatrick and rely on Hillis again. The Bills are ranked dead last defending the rush, so there's no reason HIllis shouldn't have a good day. This also would be a good opportunity to use a different running back and give Hillis a little breather. I'd like to see him next year as well.

With so much speculation on Mangini's job, you have to think every game down the stretch is "must win." Holmgren has said he might return to coaching, Jon Gruden's son said his father might end up in Cleveland,and the Browns are facing a team that was pencilled in for a "W" when the schedule was announced.

I hope the Browns win and I hope Mangini stays. I like the direction the team is going in, even if I hate the offense at the moment.

I'm predicting a 20-17 Browns win. To see all my picks, check out NFL Week 14 Picks: First Look Predictions For Every Game