NFL Spy Games: The Biggest Loser

I hardly think the timing of Billick's shot across the bow was an accident. The coaching fraternity may not love Belichick, but they believe he has earned a certain amount of respect. Mangini hasn't. And if the "Mangenius" didn't learn this from his cameo on "The Sopranos," nobody likes a snitch. It's impossible for Mangini to claim any moral high ground, since he was essentially blowing the whistle on the very system that he was once part of. Moreover, if he was simply intent on halting the practice rather than exercising a grudge against a guy he feels hasn't been gracious to him, he could have sent a message to his former bosses through private channels that the videotaping wouldn't be tolerated.

Mangini certainly succeeded in his mission to embarrass Belichick, and, as a division rival, the Jets may believe that any Patriots' loss is also the Jets' gain. But Mangini also embarrassed Bob Kraft, the Pats' popular and respected owner. That may come back to haunt the Jets coach the next time he is looking for a head coaching job. Gamesmanship, dirty tricks and sneaky tactics are apparently widespread in the NFL, not just the province of a single team. NFL owners are a close-knit bunch, and it's unlikely that any of them would find Mangini an appealing job candidate now that he has stabbed his former bosses in the back.

Mangini, after making the playoffs in his 10-6 rookie season, may not think he will have to worry about that next job for a long time. But last season the Jets rode a soft schedule, the reward for a last-place finish in the division the previous year. This year's lineup is far more perilous. And in getting off to an 0-2 start, the Jets appear to have gaping holes on both sides of the ball, particularly on the line of scrimmage. Team owner Woody Johnson has generally been patient with his coaches and his front office. But it is now approaching 40 years since the Jets won their only Super Bowl. If Mangini aspires to be the next Belichick, it is worth remembering that, in Bill's first head-coaching job with the Cleveland Browns, he was canned one year after an 11-5 season.

© 2007