Speaking at a log-rolling and pancake-eating festival in Northern Ohio earlier this week, Cleveland Browns head coach Eric Mangini let it slip that he thinks the progress his new team is making this offseason could pay big dividends this year.

"I know the fans may find this hard to believe," said Mangini while wiping syrup from his chin with a hatchet. "But I really think that with all the hard work we've been putting in, and all the talent we've assembled on this team, the Cleveland Browns have a real chance of being mediocre this season."

"Maybe even very mediocre."

When told of his new coach's comments, wide receiver Braylon Edwards dropped his jaw. And his car keys. And a small child he'd been carrying.