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A good half brings a whole lot of satisfaction for Solon in win at Mentor


Cleveland Browns' Josh Cribbs catching on as a receiver

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Josh Cribbs continues to evolve as an offensive threat as he expects to play a large role at receiver for the Browns in 2010.

josh cribbs.jpgView full sizeJosh Cribbs has been a valuable player for the Browns as a returner and out of the wildcat formation, but coaches say he is making great strides as a receiver as the team gets ready to begin the regular season.

BEREA, Ohio — Browns receiver Josh Cribbs watched himself on film the day after the Detroit preseason game making a 30-yard sideline catch and felt like he was having an out-of-body experience.

"I definitely looked at that play when I caught the ball and I was like, 'Hey, look at him! Look at that guy!' " Cribbs said. "I was just kind of looking at myself in the third person. I saw the growth and saw how far I had come at being a wide receiver -- being comfortable, begging for the football, just wanting it and having that drive of being a legitimate wide receiver."

That sideline catch of a Jake Delhomme throw -- one that led to a TD -- came as no surprise to coach Eric Mangini, who kept insisting last season that Cribbs would be a good receiver despite all the raised eyebrows and snickers.

"I really believed it last year, and he caught 20 balls," said Mangini. "I think the difference now is that he's got the routes, he's got the system and he's adding the subtleties of the position and that's been really fun to watch.

"He's got excellent hands and he's made some impressive catches. That one on the sideline was a big-time catch. Not only that, but he blows people up when he's blocking. You can run him on reverses, play him at quarterback -- he makes me happy."

Cribbs finished the preseason fourth on the team with eight catches for 77 yards with one TD, a 15-yarder from Seneca Wallace against the Rams. He led the team with five catches that game for 30 yards, and caught a 9-yarder from Delhomme on a fourth-and-3 to the Rams' 10. The Browns scored two plays later.

"Josh is always going to have the element of playmaker with him because that's the way he is," said Delhomme.

He recalled that some people questioned receiver Steve Smith in Carolina, and Smith responded with a breakout year. "Those playmakers," Delhomme said, "they just have a way, a sense, a feel of how to get open. They're just special."

Cribbs is using his background as a quarterback at Kent State to help him in his new role.

josh cribbs 2.jpgView full sizeCribbs has been working on improving his receiving skills.

"One thing I've worked on is showing late hands," he said. "A lot of receivers, when the ball is coming, they're running with their hands [out]. . . . Wait until the last possible second to put your hands out there and it fools the defensive back. He's keying on your eyes and hands. I also try not to make my eyes get this big when the ball is coming. It's real tough.

"And I've been crying wolf a lot on running plays, acting like I'm getting the ball and running a go, so when it's actually coming, they downplay it and I'm able to catch the football."

His doubters have been a tremendous help, too.

"Oh yeah, that's the motivation I'll use throughout the year -- the negative comments or naysayers about me being a receiver," he said. "I thrive on proving people wrong."

Besides lining up at receiver in different formations -- with two, three and four receivers -- Cribbs will also still get reps in the "flash" package and Wallace's "cyclone" package -- both versions of the wildcat. But defenses have more to think about now.

"I'm not just the gadget guy anymore," he said. "I'm a legitimate receiver. A lot of it has to do with coach believing in me, saying 'you're the man, so strap up.' I feel somewhat of a swag about myself, but at the same time staying humble enough to be on my responsibilities."

Of course, Cribbs is just as happy making a good downfield block as he is a catch. With his size (6-1, 215) and strength, it's a jolt to defenders.

"We're trying to make ourselves known as one of the toughest receiving corps in the league," said Cribbs.

"When you play us, you better be on your game. The safeties, they fear us, so we want that reputation and we want to let them know, 'we're going to block you as well, so back off.' "

Cribbs had amazing chemistry with Wallace all preseason, and developed it with Delhomme toward the end when Mohamed Massaquoi was out for a while with a hamstring injury.

"Jake and I hooked up a couple of times in the Detroit game, and I'm getting as comfortable with Jakes as I was with Seneca throughout [preseason]," he said.

Offensive coordinator Brian Daboll acknowledged that Cribbs will have plenty of chances to touch the ball on offense as well as kick returns.

"I'm looking for him to have a good year, both at receiver and whatever else we ask him to play," said Daboll. "We do have a lot of stuff in for him because he's a very good playmaker. I hope he's excited about it. I hope he goes out and he does a really good job with the multitude of things he's going to have to do."

Fausto Carmona pitches three-hitter as Cleveland Indians defeat Minnesota Twins, 2-0

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Carmona snaps a six-start losing streak with his gem against the Twins.

fausto carmona.jpgView full sizeCleveland Indians' Fausto Carmona raises a fist after pitching a gem, a 3 hit shutout over Fausto Carmona has a good reason to celebrate after throwing a three-hit shutout against Minnesota on Friday at Progressive Field.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Indians right-hander Fausto Carmona has struggled with the Twins the past three years, but he owned them Friday night.

Carmona pitched a three-hitter and Matt LaPorta homered as the Tribe won, 2-0, at Progressive Field.

Thanks largely to Carmona and Twins starter Carl Pavano, the festivities wrapped in 1 hour, 57 minutes -- second-fastest for a nine-inning game in ballpark history. On Aug. 29, 2004, the Tribe and White Sox needed 1:56.

Friday's game ranked among the fastest in the majors this season. The fastest entering Friday was 1:44, when the Indians fell to Armando Galarraga and the Tigers, 3-0, June 2, in Detroit. Carmona was on the losing end that near-perfect night.

In the Indians' previous game, Wednesday in Anaheim, Calif., they lost to the Angels, 4-3, in 16 innings. Time elapsed: 4:57.

The Tribe (58-83) pulled within 25 games of first-place Minnesota (83-58).

The Twins, who had a six-game winning streak snapped, are 38-20 against division opponents but just 7-6 against Cleveland.

Carmona (12-14, 3.86 ERA) snapped a six-start losing streak, during which he posted a 5.00 ERA in 39 innings.

"Fausto was filthy," Indians manager Manny Acta said.

Gallery previewCarmona did not allow anyone to reach base after Jason Kubel's one-out single in the fourth inning. He finished with one walk and seven strikeouts in notching his third career shutout. He threw 108 pitches and faced two over the minimum.

Carmona had not beaten Minnesota since Sept. 5, 2007. He was 3-8 with a 5.52 ERA in 16 previous games (12 starts) against them in his career.

Interestingly, Carmona's first career shutout came against the Twins on May 17, 2007.

"Fausto had a good sinker -- he was staying on top of the ball really well -- and a good changeup," Acta said. "The changeup has been the difference-maker for him."

In mid-August, Acta and pitching coach Tim Belcher told Carmona he needed more speed variance between the fastball and changeup.

"Teams were hitting the changeup like it was another fastball," Acta said.

Belcher and bullpen coach Scott Radinsky worked with Carmona on pushing the ball more into the palm. Now Carmona can throw the pitch with full arm action and not worry about it going too fast, thereby flattening out.

A changeup is important for pitchers throwing to the opposite hand. Lefties have given Carmona trouble in his career, but he did a terrific job with them Friday. The most dangerous, three-time American League batting champion Joe Mauer, went 0-for-3.

The Indians took a 1-0 lead with two outs in the second. LaPorta smacked a Pavano changeup over the left-field wall.

Carmona escaped his only legitimate trouble in the third.

J.J. Hardy led off with a single. Drew Butera chopped to the mound, where Carmona triggered a double play. After Denard Span tripled to right, Orlando Hudson lined to third.

In the Tribe half of the third, Michael Brantley tripled to right with one out, extending his hitting streak to 11 games. The throw from relay man Hudson was in time but third baseman Danny Valencia failed to secure it. Asdrubal Cabrera grounded to first, where Michael Cuddyer made a dive toward the line, snagged the ball and held Brantley. Shin-Soo Choo walked and Travis Hafner whiffed.

The Indians made it 2-0 in the fifth. Jason Donald singled to right and moved to third on Lou Marson's double to left. After Brantley lined to second, Cabrera hit a sacrifice fly to left. Delmon Young caught the ball in foul territory near the railing and had no shot at Donald.

Carmona has thrown two straight complete games. On Sept. 3 at Seattle, he gave up one run on four hits in eight innings of a 1-0 loss.

Pavano (16-11, 3.47) went the distance, giving up the two runs on six hits. He walked one and struck out three.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: dmanoloff@plaind.com, 216-999-4664

Cleveland Indians plan to turn Progressive Field into off-season winter wonderland: Michael K. McIntyre's Tipoff

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The Cleveland Indians plan to turn Progressive Field into a money-making winter wonderland in the off-season. Best feature: A snow ramp for innertubes from the top of the bleachers to the field.

814_snowdays_bg.jpgThe Indians Web site carries this promotional flier with an artist's rendering of the new winter wonderland.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Indians don't have a snowball's chance in you- know-where of making the playoffs this year. But the snowball has a great chance in Progressive Field after the regular season ends.

The team is set to roll out a new plan to put Progressive Field to good use during the cold off-season in Cleveland. They're calling it "Snow Days" and the plan is to turn the ballpark into a winter theme park. Instead of sitting vacant for four months, the ballpark will be outfitted with an ice rink that loops around the warning track, a fire pit on the home run porch and -- Tipoff will be first in line for this -- an innertubing hill that descends from the bleachers and onto the field.

And, of course, there will be concession stands open. The winter wonderland would open Nov. 26, the day after Thanksgiving.

The team has made no announcements but posted an artist's rendering in the fan forum section of its website with the promise that further details, presumably hours and ticket prices, will be announced Sept. 23.

A Tribe spokesman simply said the team has big plans and will make them known on the 23rd.

We're hoping those plans include an appearance by Albert Belle, "Mr. Freeze" himself, the man who once took a bat to the clubhouse thermostat because someone turned up the temperature.

The other guy: County Commissioner Tim Hagan got a chuckle on a dark day after former Auditor Frank Russo resigned via fax. Carbon copied on the letter: Commissioner Tim Hagen.

Hagan has complained that voters now lump all elected officials together as crooks.

"I can say nobody ever offered me a dime in my life," he said.

And as further proof he wasn't in Russo's inner-circle: Hagen.

Fightin' words: Ed FitzGerald, the Democratic nominee for Cuyahoga County executive, didn't take long after Tuesday's election to rally the troops. He had a press conference with his opponent, Terri Hamilton Brown, and her supporters – notably U.S. Rep. Marcia Fudge and Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson – pledging their support on Wednesday. He also sent out an e-mail to supporters warning that attack against him was imminent. He gave coded reference to the attackers

"This campaign is about the people who ride the bus and drive the bus, not the person who has the money to put his face on the side of the bus," he wrote, referring to Independent Ken Lanci's campaign ads on RTA buses.

"This campaign is about the Indians fans who root for the home team no matter what, but yearn for a winning season, not the family who spends money on a campaign rather than a star reliever," he said, referring to Republican nominee Matt Dolan and his Indians-owning family.

PolitiFact ought to get on that last one. A star reliever wouldn't have helped the Tribe. What they need is a Cy Young Award winner. Now where can you find a couple of those?

Vote late, vote often? Julian Rogers was so diligent in reminding his supporters to get to the polls that he sent out an e-mail at 8 a.m. urging them to vote. That's 8 a.m. Wednesday, the day after the election.

No matter. Rogers won his Democratic primary race for Cuyahoga County Council District 10.

He explained that he'd sent the e-mail on a timer to be sent and must have scheduled it twice.

Ohio State Buckeyes bury Miami Hurricanes and some doubts with convincing win

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UPDATED: A fired-up Buckeyes team overcomes some early mistakes and uses dominating defense to beat the Hurricanes at Columbus, 36-24.

ohio state 1.jpgView full sizeOhio State lineman Dexter Larimore sacks Miami quarterback Jacory Harris in the fourth quarter Saturday during the Buckeyes' victory in Columbus.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Maybe the victory started Saturday at the pregame meal with the last Buckeye who made the last play the last time Ohio State met Miami.

Cie Grant was the OSU linebacker who put pressure on Miami quarterback Ken Dorsey in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl to finish the Buckeyes' national championship victory over the Hurricanes, and now, in the hours before kickoff eight seasons later, he was putting the pressure on a new generation of Buckeyes.

"I'll tell you what," OSU quarterback Terrelle Pryor said. "We need to have that guy here every week. He had us fired up."

Older Buckeyes said it was one of the longest and best pregame speeches they'd ever heard, Grant talking of love for your teammates and accountability and putting the past away and winning for this team.

"Cie Grant got the game ball, and we never give out game balls," OSU center Mike Brewster said. "He was just speaking from his heart and telling us how much this means."

ohio state 2.jpgView full sizeOhio State cornerback Chimdi Chekwa intercepts a pass intendend for Miami's Travis Benjamin in the second quarter. Chekwa had two interceptions in the game.

And then Pryor came out and looked overhyped and missed some early targets, the Ohio State special teams disintegrated, and the Buckeyes fell behind early in the second quarter.

But a week of history and hype didn't win or lose Saturday's matchup between the No. 2 Buckeyes and No. 12 Hurricanes. Just getting out of your own way mattered a lot more. Ohio State intercepted Miami four times while not turning the ball over at all, and that made all the difference in the Buckeyes' 36-24 win.

"It was a statement for us that we need to get a lot better," Brewster said. "But I think we definitely have a lot of respect, and there's not going to be anymore talk that we're not fast enough.

"It's a huge program win, just to show how far we've come since last year. But I think we're kind of relieved. There was so much talk from '02, but Cie Grant said this wasn't about '02. This was about the 2010 Buckeyes, and we wanted to show the world who we are."

So what are they?

They're a team that has earned its spot near the top of the rankings early in the season.

"I think they're a top-10 team," OSU coach Jim Tressel said of Miami. "In my mind going into the game, I was interested to see if we were a top-10 team. ... I think we are if we keep getting better. I think we proved it this week we're a top-10 team, and now we've got to prove it next week and the next week."

They're a team that, as usual, can rely on its defense, with 14 of the Miami points coming on a kick return and punt return for touchdowns, the first time that has ever happened against Ohio State, according to OSU statistical records that go back to 1936.

"I'll put that in my memoirs," Tressel said. "I'm really glad you brought that up."

But the defense itself allowed only 10 points.

"We flew around," Tressel said. "They've got some good guys, but our defense was smacking them."

The defense gave up 352 total yards while Ohio State gained 414, but cornerback Chimdi Chekwa had two interceptions, defensive end Nathan Williams caught one off a deflection caused by good coverage from safety C.J. Barnett, and defensive lineman Cameron Heyward grabbed one by surprising Harris when he dropped into coverage, then returned it 80 yards.

"I'm still tired," Heyward said after the game of his rumble.

Gallery previewThey're a team that, with a quarterback known for his athleticism, managed the game. Pryor threw two or three passes that could have been picked off, and he admitted he made some bad decisions, but none of them cost him. He completed 12 of 27 passes for 233 yards, not a great completion percentage, but he threw for a touchdown and also ran 20 times for 113 yards, often making Miami pay for playing man-to-man defense the entire game by finding running lanes.

"He didn't have any interceptions, so that's huge," Tressel said. "When you can create four takeaways, you're going to have a chance, and when you have zero giveaways you're going to have a real good chance."

After losing early in the season to USC the previous two seasons and ruining their national title hopes, two games into the season the Buckeyes have a chance. The game was odd, no doubt, the special teams coverage units a major issue to be addressed this week. And if anyone was looking for Pryor to storm to the front of the Heisman race with a magical performance, it didn't happen. But he threw for 200 yards, ran for 100 and didn't commit a turnover, which in Tressel's mind is ideal. And his team won.

"I feel like we can play with anybody," Pryor said, "especially with the defense we have. If we play like that the offense motivates the defense, and the defense motivates us, we can be great."

And, finally, after eight years of waiting for the rematch, the Ohio State-Miami national title game is really over. The Buckeyes won that one and this one. The next time Cie Grant speaks to the Buckeyes, they'll have something else to talk about.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: dlesmerises@plaind.com, 216-999-4479

Akron Zips fall to 0-2 after losing in overtime to Gardner-Webb

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The Akron Zips fail to shut down Gardner-Webb early, then fall prey to their own critical mistakes down the stretch to finally lose in overtime, 38-37, to the Bulldogs.

akron gardner.jpgView full sizeAkron's Jeremy LaFrance outruns a trio of Gardner-Webb defenders in the first quarter.

AKRON, Ohio — The shadow of an 0-fer season suddenly looms for the Akron Zips and their first-year head coach Rob Ianello as Gardner-Webb stunned the Zips in overtime, 38-37, in a game where Akron (0-2) led throughout. A small but shocked crowd of 10,046 at InfoCision Stadium watched at the end.

The Zips showed more than enough flaws and cracks to allow the Runnin' Bulldogs (2-0) from the Football Championship Subdivision to hang around, and ultimately win with a touchdown and extra point in overtime.

G-W ran more plays than Akron (80-65), gained more yards (391-389), had more first downs (24-22), made fewer penalties (2-5) and had fewer mental mistakes than the Division I Zips.

"The offense had plenty of chances to win the game," Ianello said. "The defense had plenty of chances. Special teams had plenty of chances."

Left unsaid was the coaching staff as well, but they could not be absolved, either. Akron botched the coin toss, winning the flip, but then failed to defer to the second half. "A miscommunication between myself and the captains," Ianello said.

Twice Akron called timeouts for 10 men on the field. And a stubbornness trying to force a hit-or-miss passing game kept the door open for the Bulldogs, when Akron's ground-pounding, 224 yards rushing with a pair of 100-yard performers (Nate Burney, 119, Alex Allen, 110, three TDs) possibly could have sealed a win.

After holding the Bulldogs to three and out, the Zips got in position for a game-winning field goal. But a missed 35-yard attempt with five seconds left sent the game into overtime.

After scoring first in OT, Igor Ivelijic's missed extra point gave G-W a chance it did not misuse. A Juanne Blount 4-yard burst tied the score. And the PAT sealed the Bulldogs' victory -- their first in three tries against a MAC team.

Leading, 31-24, to start the fourth quarter, Akron opted to turn from a running game in favor of a passing game that had been sacked three times and thrown an interception. Five plays later, the Zips were punting, giving the ball to the Bulldogs with 11:33 to go.

A 14-play, 86-yard drive followed, ending with a 13-yard TD pass that tied the game, 31-31, and left the Zips 4:56 to win.

It never happened as a myriad of mistakes followed, leaving the winless Zips staring at games at Kentucky next week, then at Indiana, then at what now looms as a mammoth road game at rival Kent State.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: ealexander@plaind.com, 216-999-4253

Five turnovers too much for Kent State to overcome at Boston College

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Boston College (2-0) has beaten Kent State in three straight seasons by a combined score of 81-20.

kent state.jpgView full sizeKent State defensive lineman Quinton Rainey watches the ball roll into his arms as he recovers a fumble by Boston College quarterback Dave Shinskie during the second half Saturday in Boston.

Jimmy Golen / Associated Press

BOSTON — Dave Shinskie returned after being taken out in the first half and threw a pair of third-quarter touchdown passes, and Boston College took advantage of five Kent State turnovers to win, 26-13, on Saturday.

The Eagles led, 6-3, when Shinskie threw a 23-yard strike through traffic to Bobby Swigert. After Kent State returner Dri Archer fumbled a punt at his own 31-yard line, Shinskie threw across the field into the front corner of the end zone and Clyde Lee brought it down to give the Eagles a 20-6 lead.

Boston College (2-0) has beaten Kent State in three straight seasons by a combined score of 81-20; last year, the Golden Flashes didn't get across midfield until the fourth quarter.

Kent State (1-1) had two fumbles and three interceptions and ran for 4 net yards with starting running back and punt returner Eugene Jarvis out with a groin injury. Without him, Archer fumbled two punt returns -- losing one -- and Leneric Muldrow fumbled away another.

Archer scored Kent State's only touchdown on a 32-yard screen pass with 2:27 left in the game.

Spencer Keith, who had three touchdowns last week in his first game back since sustaining a season-ending shoulder injury against Temple last year, was 23-for-36 for 201 yards and two interceptions. Receiver Sam Kirkland threw the other interception on an option play.

Shinskie was pulled early in the second quarter after going three-, three-, and four-and-out on consecutive drives. Mike Marscovetra failed to get a first down on his first series, and on his second he threw an interception on the first play to set up the Golden Flashes' first field goal.

Shinskie returned and led BC on an 11-play, 74-yard drive to set up a 22-yard field goal as time expired in the first half. On the opening drive of the second half, the Eagles went 77 yards on 12 plays to score when Shinskie connected with Swigert to make it 13-3.

On the two drives combined, Shinskie was 10-for-12 and 98 yards. But Roosevelt Nix forced him to fumble on BC's next possession to set up another Kent State field goal. The BC offense sputtered again, but Archer fumbled away the punt and Shinskie hit Lee on the first play for a 31-yard score.

The Golden Flashes play next Saturday at Penn State.

Cincinnati Bengals will start season with upset win at New England: Tony Grossi's NFL picks

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Plain Dealer sportswriter Tony Grossi makes his predictions for Week 1 of the 2010 NFL season.

Tim tebow.jpgView full sizeThe odds are good that Tim Tebow will make an appearance in the wildcat formation on Sunday for the Denver Broncos.

Cincinnati at New England, 1 p.m.

Line: Patriots by 4 1/2.

Tony's take: Until proven otherwise, I'm expecting big things from the Bengals. Bengals 27, Patriots 24

Atlanta at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.

TV: WJW Channel 8.

Line: Falcons by 2 1/2.

Tony's take: The Steelers' NFL-high seven-game win streak in season openers takes a hit when QB Dennis Dixon struggles in second career start. Falcons 21, Steelers 17

Green Bay at Philadelphia, 4:15 p.m.

TV: WJW Channel 8.

Line: Packers by 3.

Tony's take: Biggest question about Iggles to me is not Kevin Kolb. It's that defense. Packers 24, Eagles 20

Dallas at Washington, 8:20 p.m.

TV: WKYC Channel 3.

Line: Cowboys by 3 1/2.

Tony's take: Mike Shanahan wins his Redskins debut, setting up a fretful year for Cowboys. Redskins 17, Cowboys 14

Carolina at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m.

Line: Giants by 6 1/2.

Tony's take: Panthers are always competitive, but no way Giants christen their new stadium with a loss. Giants 24, Panthers 20

Denver at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.

Line: Jaguars by 2 1/2.

Tony's take: You think the Broncos will unleash their Tim Tebow package in the NFL market closest to his Gator roots? I do, too. Broncos 26, Jaguars 17

Detroit at Chicago, 1 p.m.

Line: Bears by 6 1/2.

Tony's take: Mike Martz and Jay Cutler go nuts on Lions' woeful defense. But watch that guy named Suh. Bears 30, Lions 24

Indianapolis at Houston, 1 p.m.

Line: Colts by 2 1/2.

Tony's take: I don't think the Texans have it in themselves to outscore Peyton Manning at home. If they do, they can make a playoff run this year. Colts 35, Texans 30

Miami at Buffalo, 1 p.m.

Line: Dolphins by 3.

Tony's take: Bill Cowher picks the Bills as his "surprise" team this year. He likes Chan Gailey, their new coach, and recommended him to succeed him in Pittsburgh. Dolphins 20, Bills 19

Oakland at Tennessee, 1 p.m.

Line: Titans by 6.

Tony's take: Raiders my surprise AFC team, but start off on wrong foot here. Titans 22, Raiders 17

Arizona at St. Louis, 4:15 p.m.

Line: Cardinals by 4.

Tony's take: Great opponent for Derek Anderson to break in against. He'll win the game and fantasy leaguers' notice. Cards 27, Rams 10

San Francisco at Seattle, 4:15 p.m.

Line: 49ers by 3.

Tony's take: 49ers should maul Seahawks defense with new offensive line blasting open holes for Frank Gore. 49ers 24, Seahawks 17

GROSSI UPDATE

Last year overall: 167-100 .625

Last year vs. spread: 120-142-5 .459

See Tony Grossi and the rest of the PD staff's picks for the Browns game here


Lake Erie Storm squashed in school's first GLIAC game

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Lake Erie College is given a lesson Saturday in just how far it has to go as Michigan Tech rolls to a 42-13 Division II victory in Painesville.

Joe Magill / Special to The Plain Dealer

PAINESVILLE, Ohio — Welcome to the GLIAC.

Playing its first game in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, arguably the strongest NCAA Division II conference in the nation, Lake Erie College was given a lesson Saturday in just how far it has to go, as Michigan Tech rolled to a 42-13 Division II victory.

Historically one of the top teams in the GLIAC, league coaches (in a preseason poll) picked Michigan Tech (1-0) to finish ninth in the 14-team conference this season. The Huskies, 2-8 a year ago, had more than enough to handle the Storm, which fell to 0-2, 0-1.

"We're playing really good teams," said Storm wingback Dave Romeo (Eastlake North), who had six catches for 148 yards. "Every team we play, their intensity is better than ours. They're no joke, no matter what they did last year."

In front of a record crowd of 2,168, the Storm held first-quarter leads of 3-0 and 10-7, which came after a Sean Bedevelsky (Brunswick) 5-yard scoring pass to Demetrius Gray (Cleveland South).

But a huge shift in momentum came on the ensuing kickoff as Tech's Akeem Cason returned the kick 89 yards for a touchdown.

"I don't know where the breakdown was but that was a back breaker," LEC coach Mark McNellie said. "I thought we had some momentum on our side and that just burst the balloon."

The Huskies led, 21-10, when Lake Erie's Sam Marcotte (Chardon) kicked a 35-yard field goal at 5:51 of the second quarter to cut the Storm's deficit to eight.

Bedevelsky finished with 262 yards passing, one touchdown and two interceptions.

Ohio State sings Carmen Ohio after beating Miami: Video

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Terrelle Pryor and his teammates after their win Saturday

Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor, who throws his arm around running backs coach Dick Tressel, and the rest of the Buckeyes sign Carmen Ohio after beating Miami 36-24 at Ohio Stadium on Saturday


 


 


St. Louis Rams' Sam Bradford has much to live up to, wearing No. 8 in honor of Troy Aikman

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Randy Covitz McClatchy Newspapers St. Louis Rams rookie quarterback Sam Bradford chose to wear No. 8 in honor of Troy Aikman. Now, Bradford will try to follow the career path of Aikman, a fellow Oklahoman and former first overall pick in the NFL Draft. Aikman went on to lead the Dallas Cowboys to three Super Bowl championships and was...

Randy Covitz

McClatchy Newspapers

St. Louis Rams rookie quarterback Sam Bradford chose to wear No. 8 in honor of Troy Aikman.

Now, Bradford will try to follow the career path of Aikman, a fellow Oklahoman and former first overall pick in the NFL Draft.

Aikman went on to lead the Dallas Cowboys to three Super Bowl championships and was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. But it didn't start out so well for Aikman. He was 0-11 as a starter for the Cowboys, who went 1-15 in his rookie season in 1989.

That's usually the case for quarterbacks who were the first overall picks by teams often in dire straits.

Last year, Matthew Stafford went 2-8 -- when healthy -- with the Detroit Lions. John Elway was benched after five starts in 1983 for the Denver Broncos (who acquired his rights in a trade). That's why some first overall picks, like Cincinnati's Carson Palmer, did not step on the field as a rookie in 2003, and others, like Oakland's JaMarcus Russell, were never ready to play.

In Bradford's case, however, he has to play, and he'll start Sunday's season opener at home against Arizona. The Rams are coming off a 1-15 season and need a face of the franchise to sell tickets in a city that has grown apathetic about pro football.

Aikman likes what he's seen in Bradford, the 2008 Heisman Trophy winner who missed all but three games last season at Oklahoma because of a shoulder injury.

"I think he's a heck of a talent," Aikman, now an NFL analyst for Fox, said during a conference call. "I really do. I like his demeanor, I like his athleticism, everything about him from what I have seen."

Aikman also knows what's in store for Bradford.

"Sam is going to get hit," Aikman said. "The Rams haven't been very good. You don't want to see him get banged up. But if he goes through this experience with a team that isn't very good, he's learning and not holding back a team that has high expectations."

In four exhibition games, Bradford, taking advantage of an injury to expected starter A.J. Feely, completed 33 of 55 passes for 338 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions for a passer rating of 95.9. In his two starts, he was 21 of 28 for 257 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions for a 138.5 rating.

But that was in preseason facing teams that were not playing their starters. Compounding that, the Rams lost No. 1 receiver Donnie Avery for the season with a knee injury, so Bradford, with a young offensive line and some inexperienced receivers, will likely encounter some rough patches.

"The hard part for a young quarterback is not to lose confidence," Aikman said. "For me, fortunately, [coach] Jimmy [Johnson] and the rest of the personnel people were able to put some good players around me in short period of time so the struggles didn't last that long.

"I always considered that rookie season a blessing, it made me realize that winning in the NFL is hard. Even when we were winning Super Bowls, every week I knew that winning was hard."

Aikman, who finished his college career at UCLA after two seasons at Oklahoma, was surprised and flattered that Bradford chose No. 8 over the No. 14 he wore in college.

"I had no idea that he even knew what I had accomplished as a player," Aikman said. "It's a big deal. Here you have a guy who's had great success. He's won the Heisman, he's been the No. 1 pick in the draft and for him not to take his college number and take a number and say it was because of him looking up to me, it means a lot.

"They've got to get some players around him," Aikman said. "If they do that, I think this guy's going to be a real superstar."

Cleveland fans can realistically expect a better Browns team: Terry Pluto

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A busy off-season that included the hiring of Mike Holmgren and Tom Heckert means Browns fans can legitimately hope for a better team on the field in 2010, Terry Pluto writes.

fan.jpgIt's been a tough stretch for Browns fans since the team returned in 1999, but some key front office moves in the off-season give fans a reason to be optimistic.
CLEVELAND, Ohio — As the Browns open the season Sunday in Tampa, fans are wondering, "Will this year be any better?"

It has to be, right?

The Browns finished last year on a four-game winning streak. Then again, they also finished with a 5-11 record. It's the fifth time in seven years that they have lost at least 11 games.

It can't be that bad again. Not another season where the team loses four of its first eight games by at least 21 points. Not another fall of guessing who will be the quarterback.

Bruce Hicks e-mailed: "I'm almost 53 and would not be surprised if I left Earth without seeing another solid Browns team. That said, I do feel different about our latest edition. Why? This is the first time in many, many years I had the impression that the people leading the team actually have an understanding about what they want to accomplish."

Welcome new team President Mike Holmgren, who coached two different teams to the Super Bowl.

Welcome new General Manager Tom Heckert, whose drafting helped the Philadelphia Eagles contend year after year.

And Eric Mangini is still the coach, despite a stormy first season that began by the team losing 11 of 12 games, some big-name players being traded and a general manager fired at midseason.

But the Browns won those final four games, including a victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. That broke a 12-game losing streak to the Steelers dating back to 2003, and won Mangini some grudging respect.

"I believe Mangini has brought discipline to this team," e-mailed Josh Abbott.

"To win without talent, we have to be disciplined. . . . We started seeing the discipline that Mangini brought last year . . . a little momentum from a disciplined team, and watch out, we may smell playoffs."

mike.jpgWith Mike Holmgren running the show, the Browns appear to be pointed in the right direction.

Which is so much better than simply thinking the team stinks.

But playoffs? Playoffs? The Browns in the playoffs?

OK, Mike Holmgren, what will your team's record be this season?

"Nice try," he said at the start of training camp. "I'd rather not [guess], but I think we will be improved. I believe we will be improved."

Players embrace team approach

Holmgren is looking for the same thing as most realistic Browns fans -- a team that is better, a team that you can watch without having to reach for the Tums at halftime.

As Paul McIntyre emailed: "I have hope in one thing. Culture change. . . . I'm hopeful that I won't have to turn the game off in the middle of the second quarter because the score may be 10-0 but deep down you know they are playing like the score should be 30-0. . . . They won't win most games but I will be entertained at the end of the day."

Yes, fans are sort of down to this -- please, don't embarrass us!

Mangini doesn't think that will happen. Each year, Sports Illustrated polls players about the coaches they'd most like to play for . . . and the coach they'd least like to play for.

The past two years, Mangini has been near the top of the list of coaches players want to avoid.

But these Browns seem to be buying into the coach.

"This is a hard-working group of guys, a group of guys that really care about their profession," Mangini said. "When you have everybody pulling in the same direction, it's a lot more powerful. If you have everybody focused on the team first instead of individual success or credit or any of that stuff, it's powerful. There are a lot of things that we have to do right day in and day out and but I know that these guys want to do it right day in and day out."

Only 18 of 53 players remain from the team that Mangini took over in 2009. The Holmgren/Heckert front office imported 14 new players since January.

Joe Buck e-mailed: "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. Another year of Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn (at quarterback) would be just unbearable."

Holmgren agreed, which is why he brought in veteran Jake Delhomme at quarterback.

jake.jpgThe addition of Jake Delhomme appears to have brought much-needed stability to the quarterback position,

Understand this is not Bernie Kosar in his prime. It's not another Brian Sipe waiting for a chance, sitting on the end of the bench. Delhomme is a 35-year-old quarterback who led Carolina to the 2003 Super Bowl and was very productive until a horrible 2009 when he had only eight touchdown passes compared to 18 interceptions. The Panthers were so discouraged, they cut him despite owing him $12 million for this season.

ESPN's John Clayton rated the NFL's top 33 quarterbacks. Guess who came in at No. 33?

Clayton wrote: "Interceptions in the playoff loss to Arizona in 2008 led to a downward spiral for a quarterback who won a lot of games for John Fox and the Panthers. At 35, Delhomme has no chance of being a starter anywhere else if he doesn't cut it in Cleveland. Chance of being an elite (quarterback): 0 percent."

Like Holmgren, Heckert and Mangini have been enamored by Delhomme, who completed 38 of 48 passes in the preseason. Many fans agree.

"Jake Delhomme is a true professional and has shown poise, leadership and accuracy in this offense," e-mailed Mark Burnett. "This alone would be a reason to believe."

It's almost impossible for the quarterback play to be any worse. In the past two seasons, the Browns quarterbacks have been the worst in the NFL. They haven't just been terrible, it's historically horrible. In 2008 and 2009, they failed to complete 50 percent of their passes -- something the Browns hadn't done since 1974!

A little respect would be nice

T.J. Falbo e-mailed: "For Browns fans, (it is) refreshing just to see a just-competent quarterback. We may not be 10-6, but there's an important difference between being 5-11 with an average margin of defeat of 10+ points, and a 6-10 team or a 7-9 team that is competitive every Sunday."

Holmgren called Delhomme's struggles in 2009 "an aberration." Delhomme naturally agreed, adding: "It's a fresh start for me. It's new and it's exciting. I enjoy the guys, I enjoy our locker room and I enjoy the way the guys work. This atmosphere doesn't happen at all places."

Some Browns fans are holding back.

As Ed Neugebauer e-mailed: "I know better than to get my hopes up on the Browns, they are like that beautiful girl you had a crush on when you were a kid . . . and she always broke your heart."

Then he added, "All I can say is the Browns are moving in the right direction."

Some fans bleed their team colors. Other fans feel as if all they do is bleed.

"You stub your toe, it hurts like a son-of-gun first and then it bleeds," e-mailed Tom Green. "I have been a Browns fan all my life. I bleed brown. With the upper management in [place], the coach can now concentrate on coaching -- and I have a gut feeling the Browns will . . . be a surprise to everyone in the NFL . . . and earn a little respect."

Given the recent history of this team, a little respect would go a long way.

Tribe sends Justin Masterson to bullpen as precaution: Cleveland Indians Insider

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Indians pitcher Justin Masterson would like to remain a starter, but manager Manny Acta is sending him to the bullpen to make sure he's not overworked.

justin masterson.jpgView full sizeJustin Masterson has pitched a career-high 166 innings this season for the Indians.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — If he were making the decision, Justin Masterson would have done it differently. Since he's not, he'll spend the Indians' last 21 games of the season in the bullpen after making 28 starts and going 6-12 with a 4.88 ERA.

The Indians are limiting Masterson's workload. He's pitched a career-high 166 innings this season after pitching 129 1/3 last year.

Masterson, if left to his own designs, wanted to start, take a week off, start, and take a week off.

Manager Manny Acta felt differently.

"We didn't want him making one start and then sitting around the rest of the season," Acta said.

Acta said Masterson will pitch "eight to 10 innings" in relief. He said he'll use him in "high-leverage" situations.

"We want to take advantage of that arm," Acta said. "He could pitch setup. He could pitch in the seventh inning."

Headed into next year, Acta sees Masterson as a starter.

"He'll condition during the off-season as a starter and go into spring training as a starter unless we sign five Bob Fellers," said Acta. "Then we'll move him to the bullpen."

Masterson bounced between the bullpen and the rotation with Boston before the Indians acquired him in a trade last year.

"In retrospect, we saw [the move] coming," Masterson said. "That's where we're at. The guys in the bullpen said I got a promotion."

Masterson wants to start and feels he's done enough to start next season.

"I think starting is my role," Masterson said. "The second half, overall, has been pretty good. You're going to have a few [bad ones] thrown in there now and then. That's life, that's baseball that's the imperfect human being that I am."

Masterson leads the team with 126 strikeouts. He's walked 73 and allowed 185 hits. His WHIP is 1.56.

"I think I've shown enough in the second half, especially in the last three starts," Masterson said. "There's been a few checkpoints that have helped me to stay consistent in my delivery."

Masterson's 12 losses tie him for sixth in the league. He's learned that a starter often doesn't have a lot to say if he wins or loses.

indians twins rain delay.jpgView full sizeIndians fan Amy Tubbs of Lakewood patiently waits out a long rain delay Saturday night at Progressive Field.

"I'll wear my numbers. I'm not going to throw anybody under the bus. I'll let people talk as much as they want about me, good or bad."

Delayed: Rain delayed the start of Saturday's game 1 hour and 50 minutes.

See ya next year: This isn't exactly shocking news, but the Indians were eliminated from the AL Central race Tuesday.

Said Acta: "We're just going to go home with another 21 ballclubs. Only eight stay. That's the name of the game."

Welcome: Minor-league coordinators Dave Hudgens and Bruce Fields have joined the big-league staff for this homestand. Columbus manager Mike Sarbaugh will join the staff when the Clippers' playoff run is done. Class AAA Columbus advanced to the finals of the International League playoffs with a victory over Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (Pa.) on Saturday.

Acta said unless an emergency arises, no players will be called up from Columbus before its playoff fate is decided.

In honor of: The Indians and Twins wore special-edition hats Saturday to commemorate 9/11. There was a video and a moment of silence before the game.

"God Bless America" was sung during the seventh-inning stretch.

Rapid fire: Fausto Carmona has four complete games this year and he's done them quickly.

On June 2, he lost to Detroit and Armando Galarraga in the perfect game that wasn't in 1 hour, 44 minutes. On June 12, he beat the Nationals in 2:03. On Sept. 3, he lost to Seattle's Luke French in 2:09 and Friday he beat the Twins and Carlos Pavano in 1:57.

A blast from the past from Minnesota Twins sinks Cleveland Indians in 12 innings

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For the second time in the past three games, the Indians go into extra innings at Progressive Field. Saturday's journey isn't as long as their 16-inning loss to the Angels on Wednesday, but the result is the same, this time a loss to the Minnesota Twins.

jim thome.jpgView full sizeFormer Indian Jim Thome adds to his home run resume at Progressive Field, rounding the bases in the 12th inning Saturday after hitting what would turn out to be the game-winner for the Minnesota Twins.

Updated: 1:34 a.m.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The AL Central-leading Twins dodged their second straight loss to the lowly Indians by the narrowest of margins Saturday night at Progressive Field.

Former Indian Jim Thome's bat provided that margin of victory with a 12th-inning homer to give the Twins a 1-0 victory over the Indians. Thome, hitless in his first three appearances, crushed a one-out 2-0 pitch from Justin Germano.

It was Thome's 587th homer, giving him sole possession of eighth place on the all-time home run list. He had been tied with Hall of Famer Frank Robinson. Thome, who did not play Friday because of abdominal injury, has hit five homers in his past four games.

The victory extended the Twins lead in Central to six games.

"We were just trying to scratch out a run," said Thome, who has 23 homers in 245 at-bats this year. "Fortunately, the ball went out of the park."

The Indians missed a great chance to win it in the 11th, wasting the pitching staff's fine effort. Shin-Soo Choo and Travis Hafner opened the inning with singles. Jayson Nix forced Choo at third with a bunt back to the mound, Trevor Crowe fouled out and pinch hitter Jordan Brown grounded out.

The win went to Shaker Heights native Matt Guerrier (4-7), who pitched out of the 11th-inning jam. Matt Capps earned his 12th save for the Twins and 38th overall.

Carlos Carrasco and Nick Blackburn controlled much of the game in a pitcher's duel.

Carrasco went 7 1/3 scoreless innings for the Indians. He allowed five hits, walked three and struck out four on 102 pitches. He threw 66 percent (67-for-102) of his pitches for strikes.

In this series, Tribe starters have held the team with the best batting average and second most runs scoreless for 16 1/3 innings. It was the 15th time in the past 16 games a starter has allowed three or fewer runs. Blackburn went eight scoreless innings, allowing five hits and two walks. He struck out three and threw 66 percent (62-for-94) of his pitches for strikes.

Thome's homer ended the Indians scoreless inning streak against the Twins at 20.

"Another well pitched ballgame," said manager Manny Acta. "I'm extremely happy the way these guys have thrown the ball. We held these guys scoreless for 20 innings, which is a big task with that offense they have over there."

Carrasco has made three starts since being promoted from Class AAA Columbus. He has three no decisions, while allowing five earned runs in 20 2/3 innings.

"When I came up I was looking forward to pitching against the Twins," said Carrasco. "They're in first place, a very good team."

Said Acta, "Carrasco pitched ahead in the count. He had confidence in his secondary pitches. He had a very good breaking ball and change up. He seemed to throw a good pitch whenever he needed it."

Thome hit a change up from Germano (0-2) that hung in the middle of the plate.

"I don't regret the pitch, just the location," said Germano.

Said Acta, "We got beat by one of the greatest home run hitters this game has ever seen. You tip your hat to him and I'm just happy about the way our kids are throwing the ball."   

Rain delayed the start of the game 1 hour and 50 minutes.

The Indians' best scoring chance before the 11th came in the seventh. After singles by Hafner and Crowe put runners on third and first with one out, Jason Donald tried to squeeze home Hafner.

Donald got the safety squeeze down, and Hafner, who came halfway down the line on the pitch, slid home. Plate umpire Brian Gorman, however, called out Donald and ordered Hafner back to third after ruling Donald was hit by the ball after leaving the the batter's box.

Replays were inconclusive about Donald getting hit in front of the batter's box, but they did show that he was hit on the right hand when he bunted Blackburn's pitch. He shook the hand as he was leaving the box.

"I saw the same thing the umpire saw," said Acta. "Without the benefit of the replay, when Jason bunted the ball and it went up, he shook his hand in front of home plate. It looked like the ball hit him in front of home plate.

"That's what the umpire saw. That's what I saw. I went out there to explain it to Jason."

Acta said that's why he didn't argue the decision.

After watching the replay, Acta said it was clear that the ball hit Donald on the right hand when he was bunting and not in front of the plate. Therefore, Hafner's run should have counted and the game should have never gone to extra innings.

"We only have replay for home runs," said Acta.

Donald suffered a bruised right hand and had to leave the game. He'll be examined Sunday.

Luis Valbuena went from third to second and Andy Marte took over at third. Gorman was originally scheduled to work first base, but when plate umpire Angel Campos took ill before the game, Gorman took over behind the dish.

"Baseball is boxing," said Acta. "If you don't hit your opponent, you're going to get hit. We had two chances to win the game, but couldn't get a bunt down either time."

The Indians, who seem to be threatened by no-hitters on almost a weekly basis, went five innings without a hit against Blackburn.

Lou Marson ended Blackburn's bid in the sixth by bouncing a deep single behind second base. Michael Brantley immediately hit into a double play, but Asdrubal Cabrera followed with another bouncing single to short.

Blackburn, 2-2 in his previous four starts, has been knocked around some this season. He's allowed 20 homers and 165 hits in 127 innings. The opposition was hitting .318 against him through 23 appearances, including 21 starts.

What he has done is pitch well against the Indians. He came into the game with a 5-3 record against the Tribe. He hadn't faced them this year, but he's 3-1 against them in Minneapolis and 2-2 with a 2.45 ERA in five starts at Progressive Field.

carlos carrasco.jpgView full sizeIndians starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco gets a well-deserve pat on the back from catcher Lou Marson after throwing 7 1/3 scoreless innings.

Carrasco, meanwhile, had plenty of people on base, but kept dancing away from trouble.

Joe Mauer and Jason Kubel singled to start the fourth. Carrasco got a double-play grounder from Michael Cuddyer to ease the tension. He walked Thome, but retired Delmon Young on a grounder to short.

A double play helped Carrasco in the fifth as well.

After J.J. Hardy reached on Valbuena's throwing error from third with one out, Carrasco walked leadoff hitter Denard Span. Hudson bounced into a 6-4-3 double play with Jason Donald making a nice turn at second with Span all over him.

"I used my sinker to get the double plays," said Carrasco. "All my pitches were working."

Cuddyer hit a one-out single in the second, but Carrasco retired the next two batters on grounders to third. Hardy singled with one out in the third, but he was forced at second on Span's grounder to first. Span went to second when Cabrera's return throw from short skipped past first for an error.

Carrasco ended the inning when Hudson bounced out to first.

In the seventh, Young singled with one out for the Twins' fifth hit. This time Carrasco received some help from his catcher. Marson threw out Span trying to steal second for the second out. Marson entered the game leading AL catchers with a 35.9-percent success rate (23-for-64) throwing out runners trying to steal.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: phoynes@plaind.com, 216-999-5158

Austin Carr has some questions for LeBron; Browns coaches think team is smarter this year; and a look at next year's Tribe rotation; Terry's Talkin'

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Terry's Talkin' Cavs, LeBron, Browns and Tribe

austin.jpgIf Austin Carr, right, could get his microphone close to LeBron James, the former Cavs star and current TV broadcaster says there a couple questions he would like answered. In this photo Carr talks to play by play man Fred McLeod before a game in Indianapolis.

Question: Several fans have e-mailed wanting me to ask you about LeBron James leaving for Miami, so what are your thoughts?

Answer: I'd like to ask him a few questions that no reporter has since he's left.

Go for it.

No one has asked him what happened in those last two games of the Boston series. It's like he went to South Beach, and no one cares. But I want to know.

Why?

I don't want to use the word . . . quit . . . but he didn't play as he normally did in the playoffs in the past. I have never seen a [star] do what he did in the playoffs. People can ignore it, but we all saw it. He has to live with it, and he should have to answer for it.

What do you think happened?

I don't know. I do think that from the moment [Chris] Bosh, [Dwyane] Wade and LeBron signed those three-year contracts, they were thinking about playing together. Was LeBron thinking about that [leaving]? I'd like to know because it now feels premeditated to me.

Do you really think he'd answer these questions?

(Carr's answer is a laugh.) OK, how about this . . . whatever happened to the elbow? He goes to Miami and you don't hear a word about the elbow.

Does LeBron leaving still bother you?

How he did it does . . . it was second class, bush league. He threw Cleveland under the bus when all the people did was love and support him. Hey, we didn't go south on him, he went south on us. He should have nothing to complain about.

Are you looking forward to the season?

I really am. I've gone golfing a few times with [coach] Byron Scott. He's exactly what we need. He will hold the players accountable. He has told them to come to camp in shape and be ready to run. He's old school, and I like that.

Will the team be any good?

I see us as close to .500 and competing for a playoff spot. I think Byron will push and challenge the players. I heard some guys tell me that LeBron would hold the ball and then throw it to them with three seconds left and expect them to shoot. Now, the ball will move. Players have a chance to establish themselves as leaders.

So you disagree with those who think there's not much talent on the team since LeBron left?

Come on! In March, we had the best talent in the league, we were supposed to be the team to beat. Now, we have nothing because LeBron leaves? I don't believe that. Not at all. This could be a fun team to watch if they all pull together, I really believe that.

ABOUT THE BROWNS . . .

1. Browns coaches have been stressing to the players how they believe in them as people, and believe not only that the talent is better than a year ago -- but the character and intelligence are, too. They are pounding away at the basics . . . stay away from penalties, turnovers and make sure you are lined up in the right spot. "Before you can win the game, you have to make sure you don't do things to lose the game," is what Eric Mangini has told them over and over.

2. Look for a lot of no-huddle offense today, and you can thank Brady Quinn for that. While it was the coaches' idea to switch to the no-huddle during the bye week in 2009, Quinn showed how it could work with the right quarterback. The coaches liked how it developed a tempo to help the running game and make it hard for the defense to substitute. They are pleased with how Jake Delhomme ran it during the preseason.

3. That brings us back to the "Before you can win the game, you have to make sure you don't lose the game" speech. Since the Browns plan to use the no-huddle, the wildcat and a variety of formations on defense (four, five, even six linebackers!), it's mandatory they pay attention to details. Guys have to know their assignments. The playbook is not simple. The approach has to be somewhat complicated because the Browns are not a quick or athletic team.

4. Defensive line coach Bryan Cox is in charge of preparing the "Show" defense, which means they tried to mirror Tampa's defense this week. Cox has been able to get his players to mimic different defenses each week. The Browns put more emphasis on the details of the opposing defenses than some teams -- because the no-huddle is a way to probe for weaknesses and catch defenses lined up in the wrong spot.

5. A year ago, Delhomme entered the opening game trying to shake off his five-interception debacle in a playoff loss to Arizona to end Carolina's 2008 season. But to start 2009, he had four picks against the Eagles, a game where he threw only 17 times. That seemed to send him spinning down for the rest of the season. So a good start today is critical.

6. It is interesting that the '09 opener against Philadelphia was one of Delhomme's worst games, yet former Eagles executive and new Browns GM Tom Heckert was supportive of signing Delhomme.

tightend.jpgTight ends Evan Moore, above, and Ben Watson could be key performers in today's season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

7. Look for Tampa to frequently put seven or eight men on the line, daring Delhomme to throw. And look for Delhomme to throw a lot to the tight ends -- Ben Watson and Evan Moore. This also could be a day where Peyton Hillis looks good catching some passes. Tampa is a much quicker team than the Browns, and that is a concern of the coaches.

8. The coaches are stressing to keep Tampa quarterback Josh Freeman in the pocket. They are showing tapes not only of Freeman, but how they played the Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger during the Browns' December victory. Freeman can evade a serious rush, buy time for a receiver and throw well on the run. As they did with Roethlisberger, they want to close the pocket around him, contain him and use the pressure to squeeze him from both sides.

9. Shaun Rogers is not expected to start. While there has been a lot of talk about him playing defensive end, he probably will be mostly at nose tackle in this game as the Browns will alternate a lot of defensive linemen to battle the heat -- expected to be in the 90s.

10. While the Browns practiced the past few days indoors with the heat cranked up, they couldn't get it much past 90 degrees . . . and could not create the humidity they'll experience today. They continually slipped wet balls into the practice sessions to work on avoiding the fumbles they had in the rain-soaked preseason loss to St. Louis.

11. After a slow start in camp because of injuries, veteran offensive lineman Tony Pashos has impressed the coaches the past few weeks and looks ready to play on the right side of the line.

12. I will be talking Browns with Mary Kay Cabot and Tony Grossi at the Pro Football Breakfast on Friday at 8 a.m. at The Plain Dealer. A lot of fans enjoyed the event last season, as we take questions, eat warm food and give away prizes. Cost is $25 per person. Call 216-999-4028 or check at plaindealer.com/footballbreakfast for information.

ABOUT THE TRIBE . . .

travis.jpgEveryone talks about Travis Hafner, but no one is exactly sure what to do with him. Though he is nowhere near the hitter he was when he signed his big-money deal, the Indians believe he can still be productive playing four to five times a week.

1. Last season, Travis Hafner batted .272 (.826 OPS) with 16 home runs and 19 doubles in 338 at-bats. Heading into Saturday, the DH was at .272 (.810 OPS) with 11 HRs and 25 doubles in 339 at-bats. Yes, we have a pattern here. Hafner can be a useful player -- he's at .337 (.942 OPS) in 101 at-bats since the All-Star break. But he has to sit after every three to four games because of chronic pain in his shoulder. At age 33, this probably won't change.

2. Some fans will say the Indians should dump Hafner and his salary ($13 million in 2011 and 2012) for a younger player. The Indians believe they can still get some production from Hafner, if he is used wisely. They also can use another DH on the days when Hafner rests -- perhaps young catcher Carlos Santana, who will be coming off knee surgery in 2011 and should not be catching every day.

3. Among DHs with at least 300 at-bats, Hafner ranks fifth in batting average (.272), sixth in OPS (.810) and eighth in home runs (11).The Tribe's point is even at his current level, he has value to the team.

4. The Indians haven't said as much publicly, but Justin Masterson will enter spring training as a starter and will only lose the spot if he has a total collapse. Masterson is 3-4 with a 4.13 ERA in 10 starts since the All-Star break, and they see him as making progress. It's 3-2 with a 2.95 ERA in his past seven starts. That means Fausto Carmona, Mitch Talbot and Masterson will take up three spots. While Talbot is 1-3 with a 5.54 ERA since the All-Star break, the Indians believe some of that is due to the slight back injury that landed him on the disabled list last month.

5. Battling for the other two spots will be Carlos Carrasco, Jeanmar Gomez and Josh Tomlin. They would love to see Gomez and Carrasco continue their excellent performances, and believe Tomlin can help in relief and as a spot starter. They want at least seven viable options for starters, and David Huff would be the seventh. Huff is 8-2 at Class AAA Columbus, but he has a 4.36 ERA and opposing batters are hitting .288.

6. A few years ago, the hot pitching prospects were Jeremy Sowers, Hector Rondon and Adam Miller. Sowers is on the disabled list with shoulder problems. Rondon is recovering from elbow surgery. Miller is trying another comeback from a finger surgery. Aaron Laffey had a "tired arm," and is expected to compete for a bullpen spot next season. So a team needs depth because of injuries or poor performance.

7. Expected to be in the rotation at Columbus next season are Alex White, Corey Kluber and Zach McAllister, along with those who fail to make the Tribe out of spring training. In his first pro season, White was an impressive 8-7 with a 2.28 ERA at Class AA Akron. Obtained in the Jake Westbrook deal, Kluber was a combined 9-9 with a 3.49 ERA between Class AA and AAA. Picked up in the Austin Kearns deal, McAllister was 9-12 in Class AAA with a 5.09 ERA. The Indians are optimistic about McAllister because he's only 22, and he was 7-5 with a 2.27 ERA at Class AA in 2009.


How does 7 wins for Browns, with 2 against Steelers, sound? Bud Shaw's Sports Spin

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Sports columnist Bud Shaw takes a Spin through the 2010 NFL season and picks the Browns to go 7-9.

ben roethlisberger.jpgView full sizeThe Browns look to welcome the Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger back with plenty of sacks.

Thoughts and predictions on the 2010 NFL season, and how the Browns will go 7-9.

• After the Browns roll Tampa Bay, Gainesville pastor Terry Jones of the Dove World Outreach Center tweets about his tentative plan to burn 53 Buccaneers playbooks. No one protests.

• Brett Favre's consecutive games streak ends in Week 4 as John Madden solemnly stages a candlelight vigil for Favre's ankle.

• Capitol Hill Republicans finally support an Obama initiative when the President presents new stimulus package that will include portable oxygen tank and Segway for Redskins defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth.

• No playoffs for the Eagles. But three-week search for quarterback Kevin Kolb ends happily when rescuers hear a cry for help from under the rubble of the Philadelphia offensive line.

• No playoffs for the Steelers either. With Pittsburgh allowing 50 sacks in 2009, Ben Roethlisberger tells head coach Mike Tomlin he only will return from the suspended list if team adds personal bodyguard to backfield on passing downs.

• Reports of the Jets being overrated are not exaggerated. But despite disappointing season, Rex Ryan declares Jets "greatest 8-8 team in NFL history."

• Rob Ryan rallies his improving defense in 2010. Browns match their impressive 2009 sack total with 40, 39 of them against the Steelers.

rex ryan.jpgView full sizeAn 8-8 season won't keep coach Rex Ryan from declaring his team's greatness.

• Rocky labor relations between owners and players overshadow season. Browns and Buccaneers follow lead of Saints and Vikings by holding one finger up in the air at the start of Sunday's game, but gesture mistaken for union solidarity as players admit they simply had to use the bathroom.

• Worst Placement of the Year, Non-Referee Category: USA Today's Sept. 10 NFL Preview section carried the headline "Best opening-week performances" precariously close to a Viagra ad.

• Disgruntled backup quarterback Matt Leinart, seen on the Houston sidelines sharing a hot tub with Texans cheerleaders, tells head coach Gary Kubiak he thought it was "a time machine."

• Shaun Rogers, Brett Favre and Darrelle Revis announce plans for a collaboration on a book for young athletes -- "Training Camp Schmaining Camp."

• Dolphins receiver Brandon Marshall and LeBron James hold joint news conference in Miami to announce Brandon Marshall and LeBron James will only speak of Brandon Marshall and LeBron James in the third person for the rest of the amazingly important lives of Brandon Marshall and LeBron James.

• Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens end short-lived radio show, citing severely strained vocabularies.

• Fifty-year-old Jim Kelly offered job of replacing Buffalo quarterback Trent Edwards in Week 6 after Bills' brass sees him complete a pass in a Wrangler jeans commercial.

tim tebow 2.jpgView full sizeTim Tebow could use a quicker release on his throws.

• Scouts sound alarm on Tim Tebow's long throwing motion when the Broncos' rookie cocks his arm to unleash a pass in the first half of a game against San Diego and releases the ball late in the third quarter.

• Chiefs coach Todd Haley gives defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel additional title of Clock Management Coordinator. Chiefs show up at 2 p.m. for 1 o'clock game against Browns.

• Derek Anderson's first dump-off pass of the Arizona Cardinals season lands near the south rim of the Grand Canyon. Coach Ken Whisenhunt says Anderson needs to "take a little off" his touch passes.

• The Ryans -- Rex, Rob and Buddy -- will break bread on the eve of Jets-Browns game in Cleveland for an episode of "Dinner For Five."

• Best Game of the Year, Talking Turkeys Category: Owens, Ochocinco and the Bengals at Rex Ryan's Jets on Thanksgiving night.

• Browns will go 7-9 with wins over Tampa Bay, Kansas City, Carolina, Buffalo, Cincinnati at home and Pittsburgh (twice).

No joke.

Dueling he said its

"There's just not a lot of talent offensively or defensively with the Cleveland Browns. With the last couple of years Jake Delhomme has had, I'm not going into this season with a great deal of confidence that he can be the guy who's going to turn around the Cleveland Browns." -- ESPN analyst Tom Jackson

Vs.

"He's got a real presence, and he's got a real control of the offense. He's got a lot of respect." -- Browns coach Eric Mangini, on Jake Delhomme

Recapping: Delhomme either gets tied to his horse or rides high in the saddle this season.

Other than that, Jackson and Mangini couldn't agree more.

He said what?

"[Otis Smith] made a stupid remark. He never made any kind of comment like that when he signed Rashard Lewis and he brought him down from Seattle with a $128 million contract." -- Miami Heat President Pat Riley, on the Orlando GM saying he thought LeBron James was "more of a competitor" than to team up with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh

I don't know from stupid. I just know Pat Riley becomes the first person in the NBA to put Rashard Lewis in the same sentence as LeBron James.

You said it (The Expanded Sunday Edition)

Bud: Does touching a football make a receiver 'wide open'? Does that explain why announcers keep saying that a receiver was wide open, rather than just 'open'? -- Jeff Witmer

Sorry, I wouldn't know. I only watch the Browns.

Bud: What would be more upsetting to us Cleveland fans? Derek Anderson winning the MVP, LeBron winning a title or Braylon Edwards winning a Super Bowl? -- Angelo, Cleveland

The outlawing of the beer bong.

Bud: Any truth to the rumor that you've been signed by STO to reprise the role of Carnac the Magnificent? -- Steve V.

I have agreed to do it only if Albert Belle, with that contagious laugh of his, can be my Ed McMahon.

Dear Bud: Will Terrelle Pryor wear his Miami Heat hat to Cavs games? -- Michael Sarro

Only if it does not draw attention away from his LBJ eye black.

Bud: What will the Browns do with their retired brown pants? -- Julie S.

Not surprisingly, Shaun Rogers has been asked to model them on "Project Runway."

Hey, Bud: In order to fulfill Shin-Soo Choo's military commitment, should the Tribe give South Korea Luis Valbuena and Andy Marte for two years? -- Gary, Wickliffe

Since the military goal of South Korea is to play defense against North Korea, scouts do not believe the Indians have the pieces to make a deal happen.

Bud: It's good to see Terrelle Pryor doing so well as an intern to Jim Brown. -- Jim Lovelace

First-time "You said it" winners receive a T-shirt from the mental_floss collection.

Bud: The Indians' Lou Marson was once minor league "Player of the Year." Is that like being Jamie Spears, or, say, Cooper Manning? -- Tom Hoffner

Repeat winners receive a one-way bus ticket to Columbus.

To reach Bud Shaw: bshaw@plaind.com, 216-999-5639

Manager Manny Acta happy to be in Cleveland thanks to Indians' farm system: Hey, Hoynsie

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Plain Dealer Indians beat writer Paul Hoynes answers questions about the team and Major League Baseball.

manny acta.jpgView full sizeIndians manager Manny Acta says he has no second-thoughts about taking the job in Cleveland.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: I'm wondering if Manny Acta has any second thoughts about choosing the Indians over Houston to manage this year? While the Astros' farm system consistently rates at the bottom of Baseball America's rankings, they have put together a nice run and their record is substantially better than the Tribe's at this point in the season. -- Rich Treibley, Pataskala, Ohio

A: Hey, Rich: Acta has said he's happy with the decision he made in picking the Indians over the Astros. The Indians' farm system was one of the reasons he made the decision not to mention getting an extra guaranteed year on his contract.

The one thing he didn't expect was losing Grady Sizemore and Carlos Santana for the season and Asdrubal Cabrera for more than 50 games because of injuries.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: In your estimation, why does Manny Acta continue to play Jayson Nix at third base, when his fielding is bad and he has other options on the bench? -- Bob Carpenter, Richmond, Va.

A: Hey, Bob: Acta believes Nix is his best option at third base. As for his options on the bench -- would you really play Andy Marte or Luis Valbuena over Nix? At least Nix has a chance to hit.

Nix may hit enough to be the utility infielder, or get a shot at second base, next year. His play at third base has been unfortunate, but he's changing positions during the season, which is never easy.

Look, if the Indians felt they had a better option, he'd be playing third base right now.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: Michael Brantley is the only Indians rookie to show any improvement at the plate during the course of the year. Trevor Crowe, Lou Marson and Jason Donald seem stuck in neutral. With rookies such as Austin Jackson and Brennan Boesch putting up big rookie numbers, I'm starting to wonder if the talent is there. Do these guys project to get better or will they have to overachieve? -- Steve Alex, Gainesville, Fla.

A: Hey, Steve: At some point of the season, I've felt the same about Crowe, Marson, Matt LaPorta and Donald as you do right now about Brantley. That's the way it goes with young players.

There is no substitute for time, patience and putting a player in the right situation.

Remember, as well as Jackson has played for the Tigers, he's struck out 149 times in 535 at-bats.

When it comes to projecting greatness for Brantley, Crowe, Marson or Donald, I'm not qualified to make an accurate assessment. I will tell you that none of them, with the exception of Carlos Santana and Chris Perez, have grabbed me by the throat and hit me over the head with their talent. If I was in the Indians' front office, I'd be concerned about that. Then again, maybe they're just young guys getting used to the big leagues.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: In your Sept. 7 article about the Indians' defense, you made an interesting comment. You said that if the Indians had a better option at third or shortstop they would have called them up from the minors. We all know third is a problem, but I was surprised you mentioned shortstop. How do the Indians feel about Asdrubal Cabrera? Do you think they are down on him and would like to see an upgrade at short? -- Alan Wilson, Fredonia, Wis.

A: Hey, Alan: I think there has been some concern about Cabrera's play at short since he returned from his fractured left forearm. I don't see the Indians making a change there this winter because bringing in a top-flight shortstop would be too expensive.

The Indians have two options at short, Cabrera and Jason Donald. Cabrera is the safer choice even though he doesn't have the greatest range or speed. He's heady, smart and probably isn't fully recovered from his forearm surgery.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: With all of the defensive woes at third base this year, will the Indians consider bringing Omar Vizquel back to cover the position? He has shown his offense is still strong at 43 and his defense is still amazing. -- Brandon Reyes, Avon Lake

A: Hey, Brandon: It's a nice idea, but I don't see that happening.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: Do you feel that Larry/Paul Dolan will follow through on the front office promotions? If so does Manny Acta get "Wedged?" Does anyone get pink slipped? -- M.K., Crestefield, Ohio

A: Hey, Morris: As far as I know, no one is getting fired, especially Acta.

Chris Antonetti, who had a big say in hiring Acta, is going to be the new general manager. Mark Shapiro will be the new president.

Why would Acta get fired? That would be like firing the conductor of a poorly built train just because it stalled on the track. Acta didn't build the train, he's just trying to run it.

-- Hoynsie

Browns vs Buccaneers: Plain Dealer Staff Picks

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Find out which team Tony, Mary Kay, Terry, Bill and Bud are picking in today's Browns-Bucs game.

Mary Kay Cabot headshotMary Kay Cabot was the best PD prognosticator a year ago, going 15-2 in her picks.
The line: Buccaneers by 2 1/2

Mary Kay Cabot
Last year: 15-2
Browns 23, Bucs 20
Comment: Opening act of the Big Show is a hit.

Tony Grossi
Last year: 12-5
Browns 20, Bucs 17
Comment: I’m in the camp that this is a must-win for both teams.

Bill Livingston
Last year: 12-5
Browns 20, Bucs 14
Comment: First opponent with a pulse shows up in Baltimore in third week.

Terry Pluto
Last year: 12-5
Browns 24, Bucs 14
Comment: Best opener for the Browns in years as Jake Delhomme looks sharp.

Bud Shaw
Last year: 12-5
Browns 20, Bucs 13
Comment:
If they can’t win this one, whoa. Not to mention "woe."

(Last year’s records include Super Bowl pick.)

Expect the Cleveland Browns to use a running back-by-committee approach: Hey, Tony!

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Plain Dealer Browns beat writer Tony Grossi answers readers' questions about the team and the NFL.

james davis.jpgView full sizeBrowns running back James Davis should get some carries in the team's offensive system.

Q: Hey, Tony: Do you think the performance of James Davis in the final preseason game will earn him some carries during the regular season? -- PB, Lakewood

A: Hey, PB: I think the Browns will use a back-by-committee approach, primarily featuring Jerome Harrison and Peyton Hillis. I think Davis better be ready if one of the top two backs is injured.

Q: Hey, Tony: I know it's preseason, but here are things I observed while watching the local broadcast (Chicago) without any commentator bias; let me know your thoughts: 1. McCoy is as good as anyone in checkdowns, possibly better than Quinn. That's not a positive. Did he hit a pass for over 5 yards in the air? 2. If they don't sign a backup center they are in real trouble if anything happens to Mack. Big time. 3. Veikune is a project still about 2-3 years away. He's never around the ball. What a waste of a pick. 4. Hardesty looks tough, when he is in. That's not often. 5. Steptoe - is he really 5'6"? 6. If they have to rely on backups at almost any position they may never win a game. 7. Dawson is good. 8. Bowens may be correct; he does not appear to have earned a spot. I looked hard for positives and all I found was #7. Am I missing something? -- Craig L, Tinley Park, Ill.

A: Hey, Craig: I would correct 7 to say Dawson is very good.

Q: Hey, Tony: Is it not fair to be critical of Tom Heckert not only picking a more than injury prone Monterio Hardesty, but also giving up 2 other draft picks to move up to get him? This team needs talent everywhere and to take a chance like that was too risky. Top teams can take chances like that not us. --Michael Spitale, Galena, Ohio

A: Hey, Michael: I don't think the price Heckert paid to move up to take Hardesty was exorbitant -- one third-round pick and two fifths. I would be more critical of the Hardesty pick if he was the Browns' top choice in the first round. Let's fast forward to 2011: if Hardesty is healthy next year -- I realize this is a big "if" -- he will be like a bonus player.

Q: Hey, Tony: With Hardesty injured and Derrick Ward available ... do we look there? -- Dennis Bartlett, Queensbury, N.Y.

A: Hey, Dennis: The Browns have enough depth at running back to avoid picking up a 30-year-old running back.

Q: Hey, Tony: I'm excited to send a positive note about a few Browns players. Last night at the game a man (Billy) we were sitting near offered to introduce us to Aaron Shea. My 11 year old son was thrilled at the prospect, but I was wondering if he would show up, and how he would be. Sure enough, about 15 minutes later Billy told us Aaron was in the concourse. With Shea were Ben Watson, Robert Royal and D'Qwell Jackson. They were completely gracious, signed autographs, posed for pictures and chatted with my son. He was completely awestruck and floated on a cloud the rest of the night. Great to see some pro athletes be so cool with a kid given the negative headlines also out there. -- Tom Forristell, Sagamore Hills

A: Hey, Tom: I wish all athletes realized the power they have to brighten the day, or night, of young people.

Q: Hey, Tony: Your gut feeling; will the Browns win a Super Bowl in our lifetime? -- Dan Trigiani, Avon Lake

A: Hey, Dan: Depends on how old you are.

Q: Hey, Tony: This is a two-part question: 1) Is this latest injury to Montario Hardesty finally enough for you to end your insufferable love affair of the running back? and 2) Who were the players chosen in the draft with the picks the Browns traded (threw?) away to move up and select Hardesty? Thanks. -- Tim, Winter Haven, Fla.

A: Hey, Tim: 1. I just don't understand the non-love toward Hardesty. Like you don't want a back with superstar potential on your team? 2. The Eagles pulled off a couple more trades before using the Browns' picks to select: Kentucky DB Trevard Lindley at No. 105 overall and Clemson DE Ricky Sapp at No. 134. Lindley had a good camp and is listed as the backup to starting right cornerback Ellis Hobbs. Sapp is out for the year with a knee injury.

Q: Hey, Tony: With Montario Hardesty out, is there any chance that the Browns sign a veteran back to help the young core? -- Raj Nanavaty, Mayfield

A: Hey, Raj: No chance.

Q: Hey, Tony: Will Josh Cribbs be the punt and kick returner again this year? -- S Fowler, Palm Harbor, Fla.

A: Hey, S: Geez, I would hope so. He's only the best in the NFL.

Q: Hey, Tony: How much do you think the play calling would be affected if the NFL does away with radio communications? I know the NFL allowed this because (1) the technology was available and (2) it helped speed along the game. Seems like this would add another level to quarterback play, and a smart QB with an below average arm (i.e Brian Sipe) would have an opportunity to excel. -- Joe Rossin, Coumbus, Ohio

A: Hey, Joe: The NFL will never do away with radio helmets. If they did, it would force quarterbacks to become field generals again. No coach wants that (it seems).

Q: Hey, Tony: Why in the world is Scott Fujita listed as the starter at outside linebacker? Wouldn't it make more sense to put a player, such as Marcus Benard on the outside who has more speed and is younger and has shown some flashes of being a special player. Or is he that much of a liablility in run defense? Fujita is now 31 and was with a bad defense in New Orleans. I just don't see what they see in this guy. What are your thoughts? -- Josh Reed, White Oak, Pa.

A: Hey, Josh: You are really short-changing Fujita. He's a solid pro. Having said that, I think his future will be inside. Benard has the most speed among the linebackers, but he's still developing as an every-down player. Eventually, I think the Browns may be better served by inserting Benard as a starter. But it may take some time this year.

Q: Hey, Tony: Since expansion, the Browns seem to have had incredibly bad luck with injuries among their top draft choices and even free agents (e.g. LeCharles Bentley). Is this my loyal fan's bias, or have the Browns suffered more in this regard than most other teams? -- John Turner, Johns Island, S.C.

A: Hey, John: They certainly have had their share of misfortune. But they are not alone. I remember the top two recent picks of the Cincinnati Bengals being wiped out by injury and suspension -- David Pollack and O'Dell Thurman -- but they rebounded from it.

Q: Hey, Tony: When players get released and then signed to the practice squad how does their salary get decided? Is it a set amount or is it negotiated? -- Justin Coulter, Austintown, Ohio

A: Hey, Justin: The collective bargaining agreement calls for practice squad players to be paid $5,500 per week.

Q: Hey, Tony: The recent practice squad signings brought to mind a question about how the practice squad works. Do these guys get worked into the everyday team practices, or do they practice as a separate group, waiting for a chance to get promoted into the 53 man roster? -- Gabe Knuth, Omaha, Neb.

A: Hey, Gabe: Practice squad players do not practice among themselves. They are used at the coaches' discretion.

Q: Hey, Tony: With our division rivals the Ravens signing T.J Houshmandzadeh and Michael Clayton leaving for St. Louis are the Browns confident with their very young unexperienced wide receivers and are they regretting letting Brandon McDonald go with such tough divison match-ups coming there way!! -- Rein Pold, Clarion, Pa.

A: Hey, Rein: The Browns consistently have demonstrated their confidence in their receiving corps. Let's see how it plays out. As for McDonald, I don't sense any regret in releasing him. If Derrick Mason ever makes the Hall of Fame, he should select McDonald as his presenter.

Q: Hey, Tony: I really enjoy your podcasts for their solid, unbiased content. My question is: could you analyze in some detail the individual roles of all the players on each special team since this is the one phase of the game in which the Browns have excelled. -- Grant Crandall, Fairfax, Va.

A: Hey, Grant: Thanks for your comment. Your suggestion would make a nice feature story during the season. Space limitations would prevent me from answering your question here.

Q: Hey, Tony: I just read your former colleague Peter King's annual Ten Things I Think Will Happen In The NFL This Year. How about giving your loyal readers Three Things I Would Like To See Happen With The Cleveland Browns This Year. -- Paul Naudain, Portland, Ore.

A: Hey, Paul: 1. A win in the first game. 2. Two wins against Pittsburgh. 3. At least one win against Baltimore.

Q: Hey, Tony: Has there been any decision by the league office regarding Robaire Smith's gun possession charge? -- Joel Emrick, Sidney, Ohio

A: Hey, Joel: There is no apparent ruling coming down. All indications is this may have been the perfect crime.

Q: Hey, Tony: Being a life long browns fan of 40+ years tell me where the next spark is going to come from? I was mad when I watched Suh from Detroit ruff up Jake but I was more upset that not one Browns player came to support or show Detroit ,don't mess with our guy.I think this team needs exactly that to be a team to notice. We need that guy. -- Allan Cooper, Canandaigua, N.Y.

A: Hey, Allan: I think the next spark comes from the next quarterback. I believe Jake Delhomme will do well in 2010, but he surely is only a bridge to the next guy.

Q: Hey, Tony: One of the questions I have as the Browns head into their 2010 season is, what is your opinion of the job Eric Mangini and his coaching staff are doing? Regardless of this year's record I'd like to see the Browns stick with the people they've got now as far as the coaches and player personnel people. From what I've observed in the past, when you fire the head coach, the new guy is going to want his people and alot of his former players to come with him. From Chris Palmer, to Butch Davis, to Romeo Crennel and now to Eric Mangini I feel like the Browns are always in a state of rebuilding. Even if this team goes 0 and 16, let's go back to the draft, maybe even a couple or three drafts, build the team with players Mangini, Heckert and Holmgren like and then see what kind of win/loss record they can produce. What are your thoughts? -- Greg Dineen, Middletown, Ohio

A: Hey, Greg: I think with a front office of Holmgren and Heckert, the Browns can now lay a foundation of stability. The best organizational set-up is to have a strong GM who can maintain the team's football philosophy in the event of a coaching change.

-- Tony

Cleveland Browns make David Bowens inactive

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Linebacker's streak of 100 consecutive games played is snapped by coach's decision.

 TAMPA -- Linebacker David Bowens, who thought he might not make the Browns' 53-man roster, is among the club's inactive players for their opener against Tampa Bay.

 It snaps a streak of 100 consecutive games played for Bowens -- fifth-longest active among NFL linebackers.

 Other inactives: Receiver Carlton Mitchell, safety Nick Sorensen, linebacker D'Qwell Jackson, guard Shawn Lauvao, center Steve Vallos and tight end Alex Smith. Colt McCoy is the designated third quarterback.

 Some like it hot: When the Browns arrived at Raymond James Stadium at around 10 a.m., the temperature was already over 90 degress and humidity was 82 percent. The Browns have to wear their brown jerseys because Tampa Bay chose, wisely, white.

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