In his first year, Mangini took over a 4-12 team from coach Herm Edwards. The obvious similarity between how Mangini handled building a franchise was on the offensive line. In 2006, Mangini's first two picks were offensive tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson and center Nick Mangold. In 2009, the Browns already had a franchise left tackle in Joe Thomas so Mangini went after the best center in Alex Mack. Also in 2006, the Jets drafted Leon Washington and Brad Smith.

Another similarity was Mangini's desire to get rid of high-priced talent in exchange for draft picks. The Jets traded defensive end John Abraham in a three-way deal with the Denver Broncos and Atlanta Falcons to get the 29th overall pick. Mangini and his staff also decided to cut ties with cornerback Ty Law because of financial reasons. Mangini's first year in New York had cap issues whereas the Browns do not. The only thing that surprises me is the talent on each squad was comparable — neither team had much. However, in Mangini's first season in New York, he led the Jets to a 10-6 record and a playoff berth, as they won five of the last six games.

In Mangini's second season in New York, he got Thomas Jones from the Bears to solidify the running game after Curtis Martin retired. The Jets drafted well in 2007 selecting shut-down cornerback Darrel Revis and inside linebacker David Harris. This is where things get a little bit concerning. Although the Jets brought a couple of players that contributed right away, they finished 4-12. Could Mangini have lost the team once they stopped winning or was Chad Pennington's injury-riddled season the problem?

Mangini's third year saw an influx of talent. The most noteworthy acquisition was Brett Farve, which gave the Jets a viable quarterback option in place of Pennington. They also traded for nose tackle Kris Jenkins to give them a beast in the middle of their 3-4 defense. In addition, the Jets went out and signed offensive tackle Damien Woody, guard Alan Faneca and linebacker Calvin Pace. Although the draft cannot be completely evaluated yet, the picks of Vernon Gholston and Dustin Keller in the first round look to be mediocre. Gholston has not yet found his stride. Although Keller is good, he has not yet become an elite tight end.

By infusing this team with talent, Manigini and the Jets went 9-7 and barely missed the playoffs. At mid-season they were thought to be a top-tier team, but a late season collapse proved too trying for the group. They buckled in the last game of the season to seal their fate.

With all of this information, what does this say about Mangini? For one, he wins when he has a consistent quarterback, which can be said of almost any coach. What is most telling is Mangini is willing to go out and add talent he thinks will help his team.

Browns fans have been concerned he is giving away the team's talent. He started out his tenure with the Jets trying to obtain a clean slate. He then went out each of the next two years and made moves for big names, names that are still making an impact on the team today.

Mangini isn't going through this season blindfolded. He has moved talent, but has also freed up cap space and received draft picks to ensure the team stays young.

Now, I still question the moves Mangini made in the 2009 draft. If his previous coaching tendencies are any indication, that doesn't look like it will change. Of his 19 picks with the Jets, only five are starters and two are contributors. Drafting isn't an exact science and rarely are drafts going to bust-free, but Mangini does not have the best track record of drafting.

In free agency, Mangini is not going to spend money on flashy players. This bodes well for the Browns in the long run as they try to build a blue-collar team. We won't see the Mangini era feature flashy, selfish players more concerned about themselves than the team.

With all of that said, Mangini has a style and plan that will work. Would I like to see a guy like Josh McDaniels come in and show emotion? Of course, but Mangini is building a team from scratch and he is taking the right approach.

Who's to say that what is happening in Denver isn't fool's gold? What if the Kyle Orton pass against the Bengals did not bounce into Brandon Stokley's hands? Would the Broncos be the same team?

No one can really say for sure, but the Broncos seemed to rally behind that play. The Browns need something to rally behind. They have been looking better in the past couple of weeks. I know it is cliché, but staying the course is the right move. Mangini has not waivered and eventually he will right the ship doing it his way. Of course, adding little more talent wouldn't hurt, either.