>Irony is that Eric Mangini beat the Patriots. :)
>
>Browns are 3-5 with some close losses. And I agree, Colt McCoy is good. There's reason for optimism in Cleveland (which I thought last year, when the Browns beat the Steelers on that last-season Thursday night game)

I'd love to know what was said during the post-game handshake. I did see Belicheck stop Hillis to congratulate him on such a good game - thought that was classy. Bill loves football and that is why I admire him as a coach. Mangini, Ryan and Daboll all used to work for him, of course. The really had a plan. The whatever-it-was play that looked like a busted snap was the next best thing to a fumblerooskie and it sure worked. McCoy running for that touchdown must have warmed Holmgren's heart., It is becoming clear this is a coached team. There isn't a lot of marquee talent but there is a real team identity forming. The really significant thing was Massaquoi and Robiskie actually showing up. We haven't had a lot of production with shots down the middle to the wideouts and that would add a real dimension to our game. McCoy is very very accurate and he doesn't rattle.

I liked him a college but of course everyone says that Texas spread offense doesn't build NFL skills. Maybe not, but smart, athletic kids who work really hard and have natural gifts are going to succeed at the pro level with the right coaching. I think after this game Holmgren is going to give McCoy the rest of the season to build his skills. If the Browns can beat the Saints in NO and then NE when they are 6-1 ( and don't think Bill or Tom got caught by surprise - they knew they were goinig to have to bring it to win ) they can beat anybody on the rest of their schedule.

This puts their heads in a really good place for the Jets - Mangini's old team - coached by Ryan's brother. If they beat the Jets they are going into the jags, panthers, dolphins, bills breathing fire - getting ready for the final 3 against division - ravens, bengals, steelers. Should be interesting.