NFL Guide

By TOM WITHERS, AP Sports Writer

CLEVELAND (AP)-Mike Holmgren has not officially taken control of the Cleveland Browns. However, his grip is already being felt.

When the Browns host the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, it will first game in Cleveland since Holmgren agreed to become team president, an all-powerful authority who will give free rein to do what he deems necessary to repair a broken organization.

The Big Show, as Holmgren is known, may exert a great sword.

Heads and helmets could ride along the shores of Lake Erie, so see the Browns play this week as an opportunity to impress their new boss.

"I think it's an audition for everybody," said quarterback Derek Anderson, propelled back into the starting lineup with Brady Quinn maintenance of late-season foot injury last week. "We all continue to do good things and make plays and just play and do the things we have done in recent weeks."

Drive a modest two-game winning streak, the Browns (3-11) have not won three consecutive titles since 2007.Ascent unexpected end of the season gave coach Eric Mangini a necessary boost to potentially save his job. It is widely admitted Holmgren, who will be introduced as director of football in Cleveland next week, Mangini will fire and hire his own coach, who shares his philosophy on the West Coast offense and 4-3 defense.

Imminent arrival Holmgren apparently put more pressure on Mangini to finish strong. But beyond a victory or two to close his first season in Cleveland, Mangini could benefit from the Browns show more signs of progress.They have improved in several areas during the last months and perhaps another step Holmgren would break, assuming he has not made a decision on Mangini already.

Mangini declined to the idea that he is facing a win-or-else scenario.

"I believe in things we did," said Mangini, who has had to withstand several rounds of questions on Holmgren these days. "I think the progress we have made. I know what type of personnel we have. I know the different situations we have faced, and I feel comfortable with where we are and the progress we have made....

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