Most everybody really likes Mike Pettine, the man.
 
It’s hard not to like the guy in that respect. He’s about as nice and respectful of a person as you’ll find in pro sports. As such, he’s the anti-Eric Mangini. But that’s another story for another time.
 
 A lot of people also like Mike Pettine, the defensive coordinator.
 
He’s done enough – really, more than enough – in that regard to be liked.
 
But Mike Pettine, the head coach?
 
It’s hard – almost downright impossible, in fact – to like that guy.
 
Pettine’s in over his head as a head coach. If the fact he’s 2-11 in his last 13 games and just 2-6 this year at the midway point of the season is not enough to convince you of that, then you need to read the following.
 
It’s a comment from Pettine during his press conference, and it’s a one-size-fits-all guide to explain why he and the Browns are where they’re at today as they prepare to play the Bengals in Cincinnati on Thursday Night Football.
 
“I don’t really get too wrapped up in what the outside perception is of our quarterback room, but I just know Josh McCown has done a great job for us. I think somebody told me yesterday we’ve had more passing yards in the first half of the year, the first seven games, whatever it was, than any other team in Browns history. So he’s doing a good job playing the position.
 
“We feel good about where Johnny (Manziel) is and the direction he’s headed. Those are just our circumstances.”
 
For about the 100th time, we’re going to emphasize this point: Is Pettine aware that the object of the game is to win? Is he aware that quarterback is the most important position in team sports, and that the quarterback’s one and only job is make sure his team wins? His goal is not to throw for 300 yards and five touchdowns. It is to win the game. His yards and touchdowns mean absolutely, positively nothing if they don’t come at times in the game when the outcome is on the line, such as on third down, in the red zone, late in the fourth quarter.
 
For the head coach of your Cleveland Browns to say something like that is ignorant and embarrassing. He’s so far from the truth that it is inconceivable to believe he could ever get to the point of leading this team to a winning season, let alone a playoff berth.
 
But he’s still a great guy and I like him a lot. And so do most of you.
 
He just can’t the guy in charge of all the on-field decision on gameday.