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Cleveland Indians' offensive struggles haven't prevented Shin-Soo Choo's smooth season

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Shin-Soo Choo is putting the finishing touches on a season where he's often been the Indians' only ray of hope on offense. His off-season should be interesting as well.

choo-vert-batting-to.jpgShin-Soo Choo has been the one consistent part of the Indians' batting order this season. "He's been our only legit threat our whole year due to some of the injuries we've had," said manager Manny Acta.

ON DECK: INDIANS VS. LOS ANGELES ANGELS
Where: Progressive Field.
When: Tuesday through Thursday.
TV/radio: SportsTime Ohio; WTAM AM/1100.
Pitching matchups: LHP Scott Kazmir (8-13, 5.98) vs. RHP Josh Tomlin (3-3, 4.18) Tuesday at 7:05 p.m.; RHP Jered Weaver (11-11, 3.14) vs. RHP Jeanmar Gomez (3-3, 3.07), Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. and 3.14) and RHP Ervin Santana (15-9, 4.02) vs. RHP Fausto Carmona (12-14, 3.86) Thursday at 7:05 p.m.
Season series: The Indians are 3-3 against the Angels. The Angels lead, 304-282, overall.
Indians update: They lost two of three to the Twins and their offense is still stagnant. They’ve scored seven runs in 45 innings in their last four games. They took two out of three from the Angels last week at Angel Stadium. Tomlin and Carrasco had no-decisions.
Angels update: They’ve won four straight, including 4-3 victory in 16 innings over the Tribe on Wednesday. Coming off three-game sweep of Seattle. Kazmir held the Indians to one run over six innings in Wednesday’s marathon.
Injuries: Indians — C Carlos Santana (left knee), RHP Anthony Reyes (right elbow) and CF Grady Sizemore (left knee) are on the disabled list. 2B Jason Donald (right hand) and RHP Mitch Talbot (right shoulder) are day to day. Angels — RHP Joel Pineiro (left oblique), 3B Maicer Izturis (right shoulder), 1B Kendry Morales (left leg), CF Chris Pettit (right shoulder) are on the disabled list. RHP Scot Shields (right elbow) is day to day.
Next: Indians open three-game series Friday against Kansas City at Kauffman Stadium.
Paul Hoynes

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- No man is an island, but there are times when Shin-Soo Choo has looked like one this season in the Indians' lineup.

Choo has spent this year hitting second or third for manager Manny Acta. He's spent 87 games in the No.3 spot and 39 in the No. 2 spot. The hitters the Indians have used to protect him have not exactly kept their end of the bargain.

Indians hitters have combined to hit .236 in the fourth spot (13th in the American League), .256 in the fifth spot (10th) and .267 in the No.6 spot (10th). Choo received better support when he batted No.2. The hitters in the No.3 spot -- minus Choo's stats as the No.3 hitter -- hit .282, but the dreariness of the fourth, fifth and sixth spots did not change.

"He's been our only legit threat our whole year due to some of the injuries we've had," said Acta. "He deserves a lot of credit. I know sometimes teams pitch around him.

"But sometimes they just get into a position where they have to pitch to him ... and he's been very good for us. He's won a ton of games for us."

Choo started the year hitting third behind Asdrubal Cabrera and Grady Sizemore. A combination of Travis Hafner, Austin Kearns, Jhonny Peralta and Matt LaPorta hit fourth, fifth and sixth.

Two days in May ruined the top of the lineup as Sizemore suffered a season-ending injury to his left knee on May 16 in Baltimore and Cabrera fractured his left forearm on May 17 at Tropicana Field. The injury kept Cabrera out of the lineup for over 50 games.

Choo moved into the No.2 spot until he injured his right thumb diving for a ball July 2. Since he came off the disabled list on July 22, he's been hitting third.

Regardless of lineup position, Choo has hit. In the two hole, he's hitting .284 (44-for-155) with 27 runs, six doubles, nine homers and 22 RBI. In the No.3 spot, he's at .288 (96-for-333) with 39 runs, 22 doubles, seven homers and 49 RBI.

Overall, he's hitting .287 (140-for-488) with 66 runs, 28 doubles, 16 homers and 71 RBI. He's countered his 100 strikeouts with 70 walks. His on-base percentage is .385 and slugging percentage .451.

Acta and hitting coach Jon Nunnally say Choo's willingness to take walks have made a difference in his season.

"The key when the pitchers aren't giving you anything is to take your walks," said Nunnally. "He's done that. That's what makes him the talent that he is. The guy has a .390 on-base percentage. It's been .390 to .400 all year long."

Choo doesn't appear to be overly concerned if he's getting protection or not. He's seen two cleanup hitters, Carlos Santana and Hafner, go down with injuries. Hafner is back, but Santana is done for the season. Peralta and Kearns, two more bodyguards, were traded in July.

His game is with the pitcher.

"If I'm facing someone like Justin Verlander, I'm going to be more aggressive because he can throw a strike with any pitch," said Choo. "If a pitcher has a lot of walks, if he's struggling to throw strikes, I might take a few more pitches."

Said Acta, "A lot of times players just play. They don't analyze the situation around them. That's our job to see who is a threat and who isn't.

"He knows that once those other ingredients [Sizemore, Santana] are in our lineup next year, everything is going to be easier for him."

Despite getting pitched around, Choo has been good when it counts. He's hitting .291 (34-for-117) with runners in scoring position and .321 (18-for-56) with two outs and runners on second or third.

"I like hitting third," he said. "Whenever you come up, somebody seems to be on base."

The off-season should be interesting. Choo is 28 and owes his country, South Korea, two years of military service before he's 30. He will play for South Korea in the Asian games. If they win the gold, he could be released from his military obligation.

Choo is also eligible for arbitration for the first time. If he goes through the process with agent Scott Boras, his salary could jump from $461,000 to between $2.5 million and $3 million. A multiyear deal is a possibility as well.

"We're going to look at those options at the end of the year," said Chris Antonetti, the Indians' incoming general manager. "We see Choo being here for a very long time."

Choo can be a free agent after the 2013 season.


When it comes to youth soccer, the childish behavior is almost always from an adult: Tim Warsinskey's Take

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Will it ever end? Rude behavior at a youth soccer game doesn't go unnoticed.

youth-soccer-jk.jpgChildren should enjoy their time on the soccer pitch without the distorted emotions of overwraught parents ... but that's a wish in vain too many times, says Tim Warsinskey.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Hard to say where to start this one, so when in doubt, I always say, quote The Godfather:

Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.

I've spent years writing about parents of youth and high school athletes, especially after becoming one. Sitting in the stands and on the sidelines gave me plenty of fodder. Usually, the theme was simple: Don't be an idiot.

It was the furthest thing from my mind Saturday while watching my oldest grandson follow his 7- and 8-year-old teammates chasing a little soccer ball in baggy jerseys draped to their knees. I love being the granddad at games. All the fun. None of the stress.

At this particular game, I delighted in watching the referee, who constantly took the time to instruct and even demonstrate how to properly throw the ball in from the sideline. He asked players their names, and told them "Good job" after they got it right. All around us, parents were cheering and clapping and encouraging.

How wonderful.

Then like a hammer through a window, the serene scene was shattered.

"Pass the damn ball!" boomed a voice from somewhere near us.

It rolled through me like a shock wave. Did I just hear an adult say "Pass the damn ball?"

Yes, my daughter told me, it came from the field behind us.

Oh, brother. I shook my head and tried to go back to watching the little guys and girls scurrying about in front of me, but it was hard to think good thoughts.

Then it happened again.

"Get your ass in there!"

What the...?

I turned around and was glued to the scene unfolding.

The source of the voice was a coach/parent, dressed in black, who was being admonished by a mop-haired, teenage referee.

"I warned you once about your language," the young ref said.

"What are you going to do about it?" the coach challenged.

The referee pulled out a red card and held it up. The coach was ejected, muttered something I couldn't hear and skulked away.

When the game was over, the ref walked quietly toward the parking lot before I had a chance to thank him for doing his level best in a battle against idiocy that has gone on for generations, and apparently is well on its way in the next one.

 

P.M. Cleveland Browns links: Is 0-1 an indication of things to come? Chiefs are next

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Browns, at 59-118, have won exactly one-third of their games since returning as a franchise in 1999. Chiefs, playing tonight, have been as bad as the Browns in recent seasons, but are optimistic. Also, Joe Haden, and more.

eric-mangini2.jpgBrowns' coach Eric Mangini during the final moments of Cleveland's 17-14 loss at Tampa Bay.

Cleveland, Ohio -- IF the Cleveland Browns had been better than 5-11 last season, and IF they had been much better than 59-117 in the 11 previous seasons since their return as an NFL franchise, maybe fans wouldn't be thinking "same old Browns" in the aftermath of Cleveland's 17-14 season-opening loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.

But, things are as they are after yet another Browns' failing.

Plain Dealer columnist Bill Livingston writes that it's not quite time for a "here we go again" malaise, but... And, the Browns' ongoing frustrations are not lost on the national media. Sean Leahy rounds up the NFL's Week 1 and writes:

Biggest thud: The Browns' preseason enthusiasm fizzled quickly as they squandered a 14-3 lead -- helped by three turnovers -- and lost 17-14 to the Bucs, who won just three games last season.

Plain Dealer Browns coverage includes beat writer Mary Kay Cabot's report that quarterback Jake Delhomme will, according to a source, have an MRI on his injured right ankle; beat writer Tony Grossi's podcast analyzing the Browns' loss; a Starting Blocks poll about the Browns' loss.

Chiefs next

The Browns will play their home opener against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. Kansas City plays its first game tonight when it hosts the San Diego Chargers.

The Chiefs were 4-12 last season, and 10-38 in the last three seasons. As Kansas City's season is about to begin, though, there is some optimism that the team is about to return to prominence.

Adam Teicher writes for the Kansas City Star, with references to a former Browns coach and Browns quarterback:

A lot of elements contribute to the rebirth of the Chiefs: last year’s hiring of general manager Scott Pioli and coach Todd Haley, this year’s addition of Charlie Weis and Romeo Crennel to the coaching staff, a rookie class the Chiefs believe could be as good as any in the league and the renovated stadium.

All of those elements come together in tonight’s game.

“I think it might be sooner than 10 years that you look back on this game … as the start of something special,” said former NFL quarterback Trent Dilfer, who will be ESPN’s analyst for tonight’s telecast. “I like the way this team is being rebuilt and the pieces they have in place. I think they’re a little ways away, but I don’t think they’re light years away.”

Hitch-and-go

Browns' first-and second-round draft picks, cornerback Joe Haden and safety T.J. Ward, respectively, played respectably against Tampa Bay in their NFL debuts.

Marla Ridenour writes about the rookies for the Akron Beacon Journal, noting Tampa's game-winning touchdown pass from Josh Freeman to Micheal Spurlock midway through the fourth quarter. Haden had solid coverage on the play, but Freeman couldn't have thrown the football much better than he did.

Ridenour writes about Haden and the play:

But he lamented how he defended Spurlock on a 33-yard touchdown pass with 6:45 remaining that turned out to be the game-winner.

''He ran a hitch, I broke on the hitch, then he ran go,'' Haden said. ''I tried to turn around and catch up. I was feeling good the whole game, then I gave up the play, I didn't like that at all.

''We were in zero coverage, so it was an all-out blitz, you don't have any help. The quarterback's not going to have the ball any longer than two seconds. So the first move you see, you're thinking it's coming right to you, you're going to get it. [Freeman] had a little more time than usual.''

Asked what he would have done differently, Haden said, ''I probably would not have broken as hard on the hitch.''

Through the uprights

The Browns are among the teams with "quarterback issues," writes Vinnie Iyer for SportingNews.com.

Matt Florjancic writes about linebacker Marcus Benard for ClevelandBrowns.com.

Don Banks writes about Jake Delhomme in his "Inside the NFL" report for Sports Illustrated's SI.com.

Jake Delhomme still has his teammates' support, Scott Petrak writes for the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram and Medina County Gazette.

Clark Judge makes a brief observation about Jake Delhomme for CBSSports.com.

 

 

 

 

 

Eric Mangini spreads the blame for Cleveland Browns' offensive struggles vs. Buccaneers

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Jake Delhomme will undergo an MRI to determine the extent of the ankle injury suffered in Tampa.

mangini-bucs-loss-jk.jpg"Because he's smart, he cares, and he understands where the mistakes were," said Browns head coach Eric Mangini in defending QB Jake Delhomme. "I can tell you with those interceptions, I know it always goes back to the quarterback, but it's a group effort."

BEREA, Ohio -- The Browns might have more to worry about with quarterback Jake Delhomme than his two interceptions in Sunday's 17-14 loss to the Bucs.

Delhomme will undergo an MRI on his right ankle as early as Tuesday to determine the extent of the ankle injury he suffered against the Bucs, a source told The Plain Dealer. He apparently suffered it on that momentum-killing interception at the end of the first half, when defensive end Stylez White stormed past Joe Thomas on the left side and grabbed Delhomme's leg just as he was releasing the ball.

"Yeah, we'll get him tested and looked at figure out where he's at," said coach Eric Mangini. "The day after the game is a little tough because everybody's pretty sore. It's usually [Tuesday] that you get a better idea where you're at."

Browns President Mike Holmgren, speaking at a Ring of Honor press conference at the Stadium, said, "They're working him up. He's sore today."

Following the interception, Delhomme seemed to be walking fine. But after his next play, a short pass to Mohamed Massaquoi, he came up limping and grimacing and then walked gingerly into the locker room at halftime.

"His ankle got a little twisted up, but he felt good enough to continue on and I felt good enough with him continuing on at that point," said Mangini.

Delhomme seemed to be walking better when he came out after the break, but CBS analyst Rich Gannon made much of the injury, pointing out how Delhomme was favoring the leg in the second half. He went on to throw another interception in the fourth quarter while completing only nine of 19 attempts for 121 yards.

Should the Browns have kept him on the field -- especially with Seneca Wallace on the bench?

"We talked about that," said Mangini. "[Offensive coordinator] Brian Daboll and [Delhomme] talked, so there was communication. You're constantly going through that. Same thing with the trainer. He'll constantly update me on any injuries that happen in the course of the game."

jake-delhomme-stylez-g-white-john-kuntz.JPGJake Delhomme accepted the blame for the Browns' struggles on Sunday, but Eric Mangini said there was much more to the reasons why the offense labored against Tampa Bay.

Delhomme -- never one to deflect blame -- said after the game "my ankle got a little stiff on me for some reason, but that's no excuse. It's fine."

Whether that's really the case might have to wait until Wednesday, at Mangini's next session with the media. Meanwhile, Mangini spread the blame around for the interception that broke the Browns' back in Tampa.

On first down at the Bucs' 39, Delhomme threw for Benjamin Watson in the right flat while White was grabbing Delhomme's leg, causing him to fall to his right. He side-armed the ball and it was picked off by cornerback Ronde Barber, who returned it 64 yards to the Browns' 3, where Peyton Hillis shoved him down.

On the sidelines, Watson was seen mouthing "it's my fault."

But Mangini divided the blame-pie into three hefty pieces, starting with the fact that Delhomme should've taken the sack instead of flinging it while falling.

"Yes and really that was one component of it," said Mangini. "He should've done a better job there of either throwing it away or eating it -- ideally, throwing it away because of the field position that we had with two timeouts left. Throw it away, move on to the next down. That was one part of it."

Part two was Thomas letting White blow past him, although Mangini didn't name him.

"I don't think we were firm enough in the protection and he shouldn't have been pressured the way he was," said Mangini. "That wasn't a function of a blitz or a game or anything like that. That was a function of us holding up."

Then there was the route-running, in which someone was supposed to run to the middle of the field -- possibly Watson. Instead, Watson and Chansi Stuckey ended up near each other on the right.

"There was a huge a void in the middle of the field where we should have had somebody and that's what Jake was looking for and it wasn't there," said Mangini. "So we ended up with two receivers close to each other as opposed to the proper spacing. That's how it's going to work with a lot of interceptions.

"Jake should have made a better decision, he knows it and I'll expect that in the future, but there were other components there that contributed to that play just as much as that decision."

Mangini said pressure on Delhomme's second interception may have caused him to underthrow Massaquoi.

"I think he wasn't able to step into the pocket as much as he would normally," said Mangini. "That was a little bit of push there and that could have contributed to it as well."

As for the second-quarter throw to Massaquoi in the end zone -- the one where Delhomme threw to the middle and Massaquoi went left, Mangini pinned it on the receiver.

"That should have adjusted to a middle read based on the defense being open, a split safety defense," said Mangini. "It should have bent more inside, based on the initial read."

Mangini said the Browns still felt that going to Wallace in the second half wasn't necessary.

"We felt at that point Jake gave us the best chance to get out of a backed-up situation," he said. "Unfortunately, field position late that whole fourth quarter, we were backed up."

But he's not concerned Delhomme won't bounce back. Why?

"Because he's smart, he cares, and he understands where the mistakes were," said Mangini. "I can tell you with those interceptions, I know it always goes back to the quarterback, but it's a group effort."

Staff writer Bill Lubinger contributed to this report.

Cleveland Browns history gets its due as team unveils Heritage Hall at stadium

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Browns President Mike Holmgren kicks off "Ring of Honor Week" with Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and Steve Perry, of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

holmgren-ring-horiz-li.jpgView full sizeMike Holmgren didn't hide his admiration for the legacy and history of the Cleveland Browns as the team unveiled its "Heritage Hall" Monday evening at Cleveland Browns Stadium. "This is pretty special, I think," he said.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Mike Holmgren slowly soaked it in, admiring the names, jerseys and faces of the greatest Browns who ever played.

Over there, Lou Groza's black high-top cleats, helmet, pads and ageless number 76.

Bobby Mitchell's classic orange helmet with the number 49 on the side.

Quarterback Otto Graham's number 14 jersey and his All-American Football Conference MVP trophy from 1948.

As a kid growing up in the San Francisco area, the boy who would grow to be the Browns' president met Graham after a 49ers game.

"This is pretty special, I think," Holmgren said Monday, marveling at the new Heritage Hall exhibit in the BrownsTown area of Browns Stadium.

Starting Sunday, no matter how their team plays, Browns fans will be able to bask in the glow of the storied franchise history, both on and off the field.

The Heritage Hall is a permanent display of memorabilia, photographs and the actual busts of the 16 Browns enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton. (At some point, the busts will be replicated so the originals can be returned to the Hall. Artifacts will also be swapped out from time to time.)

At halftime of Sunday's home opener against Kansas City, their names will be unveiled in a new Ring of Honor along the upper-deck facade.

steinbach-mack-cribbs-ring-li.jpg"If you think about it, they didn't really make a ton of money back in the day and they sacrificed their bodies the same way we do now," said an appreciative Eric Steinbach (left, with former Brown Kevin Mack and current special team star Josh Cribbs) of the celebrated players at Heritage Hall. "They're really the patriots of the game."

"It was important to us that we honor the men and their families, the people who have contributed to the Cleveland Browns success and people who love this area and love this city," Holmgren said during a press conference Monday to kick off "Ring of Honor Week" with Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and Steve Perry, president and executive director of the Hall of Fame.

The 16 Browns Hall of Famers represent the first Ring of Honor class, with more to come. Most of the players or family representatives are expected to attend, except Jim Brown, who turned down the invitation because of a disagreement with the organization.

Members of the first Ring of Honor Class are mere memories in a display case, faded pictures and scratchy game highlights. But the significance of honoring them wasn't lost on some current Browns at Monday's event.

"It's important to us, too," said guard Eric Steinbach, who has never visited the Hall of Fame. "We respect how much they sacrificed for us to play the game. If you think about it, they didn't really make a ton of money back in the day and they sacrificed their bodies the same way we do now and, obviously, players today are getting a lot more, so they're really the patriots of the game."

Wide receiver and special teams ace Josh Cribbs has visited the Hall of Fame several times, including once when his Pop Warner team played in Pittsburgh and made the jaunt to Canton.

"The heritage of your team means everything," he said.

Mike Holmgren wants his team to believe in success, 'and they will': Browns Insider

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Browns President Mike Holmgren is hoping for a better home opener.

holmgren-closeup-horiz-gc.jpg"Turnovers are killing us right now," Browns President Mike Holmgren said Monday. "I want them to start feeling like good things are going to happen instead of, you know. And they will, they will."

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Browns President Mike Holmgren lamented Sunday's loss in Tampa, but is confident better times are ahead.

"It was a shame," he said of the 17-14 loss while speaking at a Ring of Honor press conference at Cleveland Browns Stadium. "We can't turn the ball over like we did, but the guys played hard. I liked their enthusiasm. Just take some time. Get rid of the bad things."

As for his expectations for Sunday's home opener against the Chiefs, Holmgren said, "You know what, we just have to keep improving. Eliminate the bad things. Turnovers are killing us right now. I want them to start feeling like good things are going to happen instead of, you know.

"And they will, they will."

He said his door is open to Eric Mangini and his staff, but he isn't necessarily offering suggestions.

"Sure, that's the way it is," he said. "It has to be that way. It's nor fair doing it the other way."

Not here we go again: Mangini said he doesn't have to worry about the "here we go again" syndrome with this team.

"This isn't that type of group," he said. "There is nobody in there that I even have the sense feels that way. A lot of guys are new. A lot of guys don't know what 'here we go again' means because they weren't part of that in the past.

"As you look at the tape and even after the game, everybody understood what happened and what needs to be fixed to prevent it from happening again. I'm talking about game-specific things, not any bigger picture-type thing. A lot of veteran guys understand how to fix problems. I don't think anybody feels that way, from top to bottom."

Chris Gocong, who came from the Eagles, thinks the team will respond well.

"This team has seen its turmoil, but we've brought in a lot of guys who won at different teams," he said. "No matter what your history is, you're going to go into a game expecting to win. I think we prepared to do that. Four, five key plays we needed, we didn't get. I think next [week] we're going to be optimistic and we're going to get those plays."

Unlucky 13: The Browns have fumbled 13 times in five games, including the preseason. They fumbled three times in Tampa, losing one. Replays showed that Peyton Hillis may have lost the fumble at the Bucs' 14 when teammate Robert Royal's elbow struck the ball.

"[Even] one fumble for me in five games is a lot," said Mangini. "There's a certain way that you have to carry the ball. Yeah, it's way too many and it's something that we work on.

"We're constantly having the defense pressure the football. You're trying to simulate that as much as you can. What you can't simulate are the collisions -- the helmet on the ball-type collisions -- or going down when a guy's getting tackled. There's really no way to do that during the week. But we talk about the five points of pressure, how to keep the ball as tight to your body as you can. That's the starting point. That's way too many."

Barton slipped: Mangini explained that Eric Barton didn't get up and run with the ball after he recovered a fourth-quarter fumble because he slipped.

"As he was coming forward, he slipped and fell onto the ball and then [Jason] Trusnik saw him laying on the ball and he tried to cover him up," said Mangini. "If he had been able to maintain his footing at that point, he probably would've done that."

Not so special: Mangini lamented the play of the return game, which did little to help the cause. Josh Cribbs fumbled once on a punt return (the Browns recovered), and averaged 9.7 yards on punt returns and 15.3 on kickoffs.

"Our return game was not where it needed to be," Mangini said. "In terms of punt return, we put it on the ground once and did not field a plus-50 punt. We had a punt partially blocked by a guy who we identified as being their core guy in terms of that type of thing."

New faces in the offensive line? Mangini indicated that the right side of the offensive line could change in the coming weeks. Floyd Womack, coming off arthroscopic knee procedure, started at right guard and John St. Clair at right tackle. Rookie guard Shawn Lauvao is still in a walking boot and right tackle Tony Pashos is coming back from a shoulder injury.

"I thought Floyd actually played really well, especially this being his first game back," said Mangini. "And I thought John, for the most part, played well. I'd say it's fluid in the sense that I have a lot of faith in Tony and Shaun."

Staff writer Bill Lubinger contributed to this report.

Buckeye Tweets: Doug Lesmerises answers questions on OSU's Berry and a speedy Wolverine

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You can continue to send Doug Lesmerises Hey Doug questions, but now you can also follow him on Twitter and ask questions to @PDBuckeyes.

berry-osu-run-mf.jpgJaamal Berry has won over some OSU fans who want to see more of his speed.

Editor's note: The Heys have gone to Twitter. You can continue to send Doug Lesmerises Hey Doug questions, but now you can also follow him on Twitter and ask questions to @PDBuckeyes. A few questions will be chosen and used here each week.

@BuckeyeToad75 Should Jaamal Berry be our #1 return guy & starting running back? He is so explosive! He reminds me of Chris Johnson on Titans!

Berry had two kickoff returns of at least 40 yards and that's a nice way to give him a chance to contribute. But he's actually the No. 4 tailback right now, behind not only Brandon Saine and Dan Herron, but Jordan Hall. He's only a redshirt freshman, so Berry's chance should come in future years, but there's a lot more to playing running back than just running the ball. So for now, the current rotation makes sense to me.

@TheKilynSDorio Should we be worried with the red zone offense in future games?

Not counting the end of the game when they took a knee inside the 10, the Buckeyes were inside the 20-yard line eight times against Miami and came away with three touchdowns, four field goals and a missed field goal. That's too many field goals and something to wonder about. It's at the top of my list to discuss this week.

@Buckeyes1117 What's the offensive game plan for Ohio U and EMU? Air it out, get everybody some playing time, or play it close to the vest?

Against Ohio and Eastern Michigan, I expect the Buckeyes to tinker with some aspects of the passing game, like throwing more to the backs and tight ends. And you need to let Terrelle Pryor find a rhythm for at least a half without handcuffs on. But I'd expect the ground game in the third quarter and the backup quarterbacks in the fourth quarter for the nest two weeks.

@T4Tango Does Ohio State have the speed at LB to stop Denard Robinson?

I'd expect the Buckeyes to get into their nickel defense against Michigan, so between linebackers Ross Homan and Brian Rolle and safeties Tyler Moeller and Jermale Hines, Ohio State would be equipped to deal with Robinson. Ohio State would also do a better job at the point of attack, with the speed of linemen such as Nathan Williams and the power of linemen like Cameron Heyward, in not giving Robinson those initial holes. But if Robinson keeps playing like he has and stays healthy, it will be a fun showdown.

Eric Steinbach on running the football, more - Video

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Hear what Browns offensive guard Eric Steinbach had to say about the team's running attack, mingling with Browns fans and what needs to happen for the team to win against Kansas City on Sunday as he spoke to cleveland.com during Taste of the Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium.

Hear what Browns offensive guard Eric Steinbach had to say about the team's running attack, mingling with Browns fans and what needs to happen for the team to win against Kansas City on Sunday as he spoke to cleveland.com during Taste of the Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium.


Alex Mack on Browns fans, his second year in the pros and more - Video

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Hear what Browns center Alex Mack had to say about the Browns' identity, what it's like to play in a town that embraces its offensive linemen, Jake Delhomme's presence and more as he spoke to cleveland.com at Taste of the Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium.

Hear what Browns center Alex Mack had to say about the Browns' identity, what it's like to play in a town that embraces its offensive linemen, Jake Delhomme's presence and more as he spoke to cleveland.com at Taste of the Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium.

Browns Comment of the Day: Any quarterback would struggle with this team

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"I really feel sorry for anyone who quarterbacks the Browns right now. No right side of the line coupled with a collection of receivers who cannot get separation. Add in the fact that your offensive coordinator went into a shell after the second Hillis fumble and you have a pretty good formula for success." - AndyTaylor

carousel-jake-delhomme-sack.jpgView full sizeJake Delhomme struggled on Sunday in Tampa Bay, but some Browns fans believe no quarterback could find success with the current group of receivers.

In response to the story Eric Mangini spreads the blame for Cleveland Browns' offensive struggles vs. Buccaneers, cleveland.com reader AndyTaylor doesn't think any quarterback can succeed with this roster. This reader writes,

"I really feel sorry for anyone who quarterbacks the Browns right now. No right side of the line coupled with a collection of receivers who cannot get separation. Add in the fact that your offensive coordinator went into a shell after the second Hillis fumble and you have a pretty good formula for success."

To respond to AndyTaylor's comment, go here.

For more comments of the day, go to blog.cleveland.com/comments-of-the-day.

Indians Comment of the Day: Don't move Masterson to bullpen

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"I don't like when teams screw around with pitchers like this, switching between starting and relieving. If a guy of his age and build can't toss 200 innings now, when can he?" - rijo

justin-masterson.jpgView full sizeJustin Masterson will finish out the year in the bullpen for precautionary reasons.

In response to the story Tribe sends Justin Masterson to bullpen as precaution: Cleveland Indians Insider, cleveland.com reader rijo think Masterson should just finish the year in the rotation. This reader writes,

"I don't like when teams screw around with pitchers like this, switching between starting and relieving. If a guy of his age and build can't toss 200 innings now, when can he?"

To respond to rijo's comment, go here.

For more comments of the day, go to blog.cleveland.com/comments-of-the-day.

Cavaliers Comment of the Day: Mo Williams the leader

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"Mo is really taking it on himself to be the team leader this season. I hope that they can work together as a real unit and win games this season." - The-only-loyal-one

Mo WilliamsView full sizeMo Williams will have plenty of responsibility this season as the Cavaliers begin the post-LeBron era.

In response to the story Mo Williams on preparing for the 2010-2011 season - Video, cleveland.com reader The-only-loyal-one loves hearing Mo Williams sound like a leader. This reader writes,

"Mo is really taking it on himself to be the team leader this season. I hope that they can work together as a real unit and win games this season."

To respond to The-only-loyal-one's comment, go here.

For more comments of the day, go to blog.cleveland.com/comments-of-the-day.

Ohio State Comment of the Day: Too early to talk Heisman for Pryor

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"Lets not discuss the Heisman until at least half the season is over. I really don't care about the Heisman as long as the Bucks can stay focused and get into the BCS championship game." - z-zz

terrelle-pryor.jog.jpgView full sizeTerrelle Pryor has been getting Heisman buzz since the Rose Bowl last season. A 2-0 start has done nothing to quiet it.

In response to the story Heisman Trophy isn't a requirement for Terrelle Pryor to lead a championship season: National College Football Insider, cleveland.com reader z-zz doesn't want to hear about Pryor and the Heisman just yet. This reader writes,

"Lets not discuss the Heisman until at least half the season is over. I really don't care about the Heisman as long as the Bucks can stay focused and get into the BCS championship game."

To respond to z-zz's comment, go here.

For more comments of the day, go to blog.cleveland.com/comments-of-the-day.

Browns Backers Bash and TweetUp at Cleveland Browns Stadium

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Join cleveland.com, the Cleveland Browns and the Browns Backers at Cleveland Browns Stadium Saturday, Sept., 18!

Every team in the NFL has fans that get behind their team, but only the Cleveland Browns have true Backers!

 

Cleveland Browns StadiumYou can tour the stadium Saturday night!

Your Cleveland Browns will battle the Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday in the 2010 home opener.  To kick the weekend off right, the Browns are opening the stadium on Saturday – exclusively for Browns Backers!


When: Saturday, September 18, 2010, 6-8 PM

 

Where: The Grille at Cleveland Browns Stadium

 

·         Meet former Browns tight ends Aaron Shea (’00-’05) and Darnell Sanders (’02-’03).


·         Enjoy food and beverage specials. 


·         Compete in the Loudest Bark, Best Dressed Fan and Browns Trivia contests.


·         Enter to win Backer raffles and a silent auction.


·         Get a FREE tour of the stadium.


·         Take 10% off your Team Shop purchases.


·         cleveland.com will be on hand filming Browns Backer Confessionals – tell them why you’re the Browns’ biggest fan and your Confessional could be featured on cleveland.com and ClevelandBrowns.com.


·         Cleveland *celebrity* sports tweeps that will be in attendance:

@dan_labbe

@DugOutSportShow

@MikeAmmo

@WFNYCraig

@WFNYScott


 

So we tell you all this and you think, “What’s the catch?  What’s it gonna cost me?”

Nothing.  Admission is FREE!  All you have to be is an official member of Browns Backers Worldwide!

Not yet a Browns Backer?  Join now or sign up the night of the Bash.  Remember, membership is FREE!

Tweeting from the event? Use this hashtag: #clevetweetup.  

The Grille is located on the South side of Cleveland Browns Stadium (100 Alfred Lerner Way, Cleveland, OH 44114) – space is limited.  Paid parking is available along Alfred Lerner Way and in the W. 3rd street parking lot.

Get more information on all Browns Backers events.

Visit BrownsBackers.org for all the details, or email BBWNews@ClevelandBrowns.com with any questions about the event.

Have any questions about the tweetup? Send them to @dawgpndgirl.

Browns QB Jake Delhomme in walking boot, no update yet on status for Chiefs

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The Browns offered no update on whether Delhomme had an MRI exam on his right foot, or its results.

jake delhomme.jpgJake Delhomme will likely not get the majority of reps in this week's preparations for Kansas City on Sunday, as he recovers from his foot injury.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Browns quarterback Jake Delhomme wore a walking boot on Tuesday, two days after injuring his right ankle in the 17-14 loss against Tampa Bay, according to a league source.

But the club had no update on whether Delhomme had an MRI exam or its results.

The source said that all indications are that backup Seneca Wallace could receive the bulk of reps with the No. 1 offense Wednesday in preparation for Sunday's home opener against Kansas City. Delhomme will begin the work week probably listed as questionable.

JB not coming: According to a source who has spoken with Jim Brown, the Hall of Famer will not change his mind about boycotting the Browns' Ring of Honor ceremonies scheduled this week and concluding at Sunday's game.

"He's not coming," the source said.

The Akron Beacon-Journal and Associated Press reported Monday that both owner Randy Lerner and President Mike Holmgren recently sent Brown letters expressing their hope that he would attend.


Cleveland Browns' offense has come to pass, but can Eric Mangini stay grounded in the air game? Bud Shaw

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Sunday in Tampa, Browns head coach Eric Mangini looked stuck between offensive philosophies -- his and Mike Holmgren's -- sports columnist Bud Shaw writes.

mangini-delhomme-jg.jpgDuring the preseason, Browns coach Eric Mangini and quarterback Jake Delhomme could smile about pretty much anything that happened on the field. But with the games now for real and the Browns 0-1, Bud Shaw is wondering how wedded Mangini now feels to the quarterback and the passing offense championed by President Mike Holmgren.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Life is supposedly easier for Eric Mangini with Mike Holmgren around. So why did it look so complicated Sunday?

Mangini didn't believe in his quarterback last year, which is one reason why the Browns averaged 45 rushes a game over the surprisingly successful final month.

Sunday, Mangini looked like he was trying to show how much he believed in Holmgren's quarterback, Jake Delhomme, at the expense of running the ball in Tampa.

Mangini seemed stuck between trying to satisfy the appetite of a boss who wants to see strides made in the passing game and relying on the comfort food that sustained a 4-0 finish in 2009.

The hedged bet was opting for the more physical running back, Peyton Hillis, over Jerome Harrison. Remember Harrison? His last three games of 2009 went this way:

• Kansas City: 34 carries, 286 yards.

• Oakland: 39 carries, 148 yards.

• Jacksonville: 33 carries, 127 yards.

The Browns closed the season by running for 171 yards against Pittsburgh, 351 versus Kansas City, 164 against Oakland and 214 against Jacksonville.

Sunday, they rushed 23 times for 104 yards in a tight game. Hillis carried nine times, as did Harrison.

mangini-holmgren-li.jpgSince January, Eric Mangini and Mike Holmgren have offered a united front in reshaping and revitalizing the Browns. It's only fair to wonder, says Bud Shaw, how firm that relationship is if Jake Delhomme struggles to be the consistent QB the team needs.

No one who understands the NFL would recommend the steady diet of one-dimensional football on display at the end of last year. The Browns passed for less than 100 yards in three of their four closing victories. Their high: 118 against Oakland.

That's fine in Pop Warner, but not where Holmgren hopes to take the Browns.

Mangini, though, is not just being asked to expand the offense, live with the results and hope it's good enough to keep his job at the end of the season. He's being asked to rely on a quarterback who last year threw eight touchdown passes against 18 interceptions.

I'm not sure the definition of "reliance" should be Jake Delhomme throwing 37 times in a close contest.

Mangini knows this drill by now. He adjusted once before in New York during his final season as Jets' head coach when management delivered him Brett Favre, who kept playing hurt and proceeded to throw 22 interceptions.

Mangini shouldn't have to tiptoe nearly as gingerly around Delhomme if the bad decisions that sabotaged the quarterback in Carolina keep cropping up here. Just don't expect him to reel in Delhomme right away. If he were of that mind, Delhomme's ankle injury in Tampa offered an early opportunity.

It was only one game. Mangini might've fallen more in love with the run if Hillis didn't fumble twice. The offensive line wasn't the battering ram it proved to be late last season. Nonetheless, it had to be troubling to see a team identity forged late last year forsaken so quickly in 2010.

The head coach and the offensive coordinator are the same. The difference is they have a new boss whose expertise lies in the passing game.

Holmgren says Delhomme is not here to merely manage the game. Fine. That's necessary for the evolution of the offense. It's also potentially risky for Mangini.

If I'm the head coach of a team coming off a 5-11 season, if I have an error-prone QB and a boss who hasn't ruled out coaching again, I might be tempted to cue up Sinatra's "My Way" after a couple more games like Sunday's.

If I'm gonna die, I'd be tempted to do so with my infantry boots on.

 

DMan's World: Upon further review, Browns RB Peyton Hillis not entirely to blame for fumble

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Upon further review, Week 1: Browns blew opportunities in 17-14 loss to Tampa Bay, but running back Peyton Hills is not necessarily to blame for his fumble in the red zone.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A review of the CBS Sports telecast of the Browns-Buccaneers game confirmed several glaring reasons for the Browns' 17-14 loss. Quarterback Jake Delhomme did not play well, the offensive line periodically teetered in the heat and rain, and Josh Cribbs made minimal impact on special teams. Running back Peyton Hillis also hurt the Browns with a fumble, but I am not going to give him goat horns for it.
 
With the Browns leading, 14-10, early in the third quarter, they had a first down at the Tampa Bay 15. Hillis gained 1 yard, then fumbled. After the game, he told reporters: "I guess it was lack of concentration. It was my mistake, and I need to get that fixed. I lost the ball, and I've got to fix that. No matter if it was hit or ripped out or I was falling down, that's my fault, and I have to take care of that.''
 
Hillis said what a running back should say. He does need to take care of the ball, no matter what. This does not mean, however, that he should absorb all -- or even half -- the blame for what happened on the red-zone run. I submit Hillis was victimized by someone for whom he could not account.  
 
After watching the replay the first time, at regular speed, I figured Hillis was at fault. The ball was in his hands, then it wasn't. He was hit by Tampa Bay linebacker Barrett Ruud, who must have jarred it loose. (The camera angle was from behind the Browns' backfield).
 
But when I routinely watched the play in slow motion, I was bothered by the fact that Ruud did not appear to hit Hillis near the ball. Ruud went low, and neither arm nor his lead shoulder was in the vicinity of the ball. So I kept rewinding. Eventually, I saw an elbow. It did not belong to Ruud or Hillis, but to Browns tight end Robert Royal. I started the play over and followed Royal scraping along the line from right to left. At the last instant, Royal attempted to squeeze into a tight space between the linebacker and Hillis. Ruud appeared to push Royal slightly and into Hillis. Royal's left elbow disappeared into Hillis. Two frames later, the ball was out.
 
I am 99 and 44/100 percent sure that an inadvertent elbow to the football by Royal, with a slight assist from Ruud, caused Hillis to fumble. I think that is why Hillis told reporters that he could not remember if the ball was ripped out or if he just lost it. He couldn't remember because he knew Ruud didn't do it, and he knew he didn't simply drop it, but he couldn't account for what hit him.
 
Therefore, I wouldn't get down on Hillis just yet. He made several superb plays against the Bucs, including a 10-yard TD run. He's agile for a big man and plays with an attitude.
 
Where Royal is concerned, he is not to blame, either. He was simply doing his job. It was just one of those freak plays that can happen in a football game.
 
Here are other observations made from watching the CBS game replay:
 
The Browns, even accounting for their deficiencies, had no business losing that game. They should have been leading at least 21-3 midway through the third quarter. Instead, it was 14-10.
 
The Buccaneers had no business winning that game. They were as bad as they were supposed to be. K2 might get his catches again this year, but his team is in for another long one.
 
Delhomme played at a C-minus level. He did not lose the game, but a quarterback who plays reasonably well wins it. This was the first time in years I watched Delhomme play a full game. He certainly takes passengers for a bumpy ride. He seems to me to be a Brett Favre without the big arm, a gunslinger without the gun. If I'm a Browns fan, I'm nervous about how he periodically winds up to throw in order to get enough mustard on it. His ball has float to it, and I wonder how that's going to play in windy conditions at Cleveland Stadium.
 
Delhomme's worst decision, of course, was to throw the pass that landed in Ronde Barber's lap near the end of the first half. Barber returned it 64 yards to the Browns 3. Delhomme's line did him no favors on the play. Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas was beaten by Stylez White, who grabbed Delhomme's leg(s) as the ball was being released. Delhomme also attempted to side-arm the pass in part because another Bucs defender had broken through and was in his sight line. The pass was in the vicinity of Ben Watson and Chansi Stuckey, who never should have been so close together.
 
Thomas is a great player who did his job on most snaps, but he looked bad again late in the fourth quarter. On a second-and-10 from the Browns 13, Tim Crowder knocked Thomas off-balance with a bull rush and blasted into Delhomme's back, forcing an incompletion.
 
On that play, the Browns were in a four-receiver set, but none was named Cribbs. Cribbs needs to be out there in those type of situations. On third-and-10, he was.
 
For the first time in forever, Cribbs appeared to be just a hair indecisive in the return game. Maybe Tampa Bay's special teams had something to do with it, but my sense is, Cribbs would take responsibility.
 
Delhomme's other pick came midway through the fourth quarter. It was a bad throw, to be sure, but he released off the back foot in part because of pressure. Trouble with a blitz pickup left Bucs lineman Brian Price free enough to put a hand up while flashing past Delhomme. Price had eluded Floyd Womack.
 
On fourth-and-9 from the Cleveland 14 with 1:02 left, Delhomme missed an open Stuckey high and wide at the 31. Based on Delhomme's reaction and a brief clip of Delhomme speaking with offensive coordinator Brian Daboll on the sideline, Delhomme might have expected Stuckey to continue moving left to right.
 
Delhomme's best two passes came on the final series. On first down, he threw long and on-target to Brian Robiskie along the left sideline. But the pass was incomplete because Robiskie, despite his best effort, only got one foot in. On second down, Delhomme connected with Evan Moore on the left side for 22 yards.
 
The Buccaneers' defensive front got the better of the Browns' offensive line in the critical second half.
 
Rookie safety T.J. Ward played well. Ward made a terrific play to force a Tampa Bay fumble near the goal line late in the fourth quarter. He's going to be fun to watch.
 
If the NFL is so popular -- and we know it's wildly popular -- why can't all 32 of its home openers sell out?
 

Fresh faces giving Kansas City Chiefs new energy: Tony Grossi's Scouting Report

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The Chiefs come to Cleveland Sunday riding an emotional wave after a huge win in their opener Monday night against division-rival San Diego.

todd-haley-vert-ap.jpgMonday night's rain-soaked victory over San Diego was a much-needed quick start for second-year Chiefs head coach Todd Haley.

Browns vs. Kansas City, Sunday, 1 p.m., Cleveland Browns Stadium. TV: WOIO Ch. 19; Radio: WMMS FM/100.7

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Like the Browns, the Kansas City Chiefs had one of those "bigger than it should've been" season openers Monday night.

Unlike the Browns, the Chiefs came through and finished the job, out-gutting the division rival San Diego Chargers in the driving rain, 21-14. It was their first victory in Game 1 since 2005.

Kansas City's opener was extraordinarily important for a variety of reasons.

The Chiefs, like most NFL teams, are experiencing slow ticket sales. They needed a good showing in the first real game of renovated Arrowhead Stadium to stir a buzz. Mission accomplished there. The revved-up crowd restored Arrowhead as one of the NFL's loudest stadiums, a distinction it lost after successive seasons of 4-12, 2-14 and 4-12.

Also, the team needed to perform to inspire confidence in the GM Scott Pioli-coach Todd Haley regime.

Pioli's fan-unfriendly methods learned under Bill Belichick did not go over well during his 4-12 debut season. But it will be easier to swallow if the team wins. Plus, the Chiefs got immediate dividends from a potentially banner rookie draft class, which will gain Pioli equity.

First draft pick Eric Berry has been a noticeable contributor in an improved run defense. Second-round pick Dexter McCluster broke a franchise record with a 94-yard punt return for a touchdown. Nickel back Javier Arenas, another second-round pick, also had two punt returns over 20 yards.

And tight end Tony Moeaki, a third-round pick, led the team in receptions and scored a touchdown in his first game.

There are still questions to be answered about the Chiefs, not the least of which is whether quarterback Matt Cassel is capable of being "the guy." Another one is whether the Chiefs can respond from an emotional, gut-wrenching win -- they preserved it with a four-play, goal-line stand at the end -- in a road game on a short work week.

But they are 1-0. And in the NFL, the statistics say that teams are twice as likely to make the playoffs when they're 1-0 than 0-1.

TONY GROSSI'S SCOUTING REPORT

Browns vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Sunday, 1 p.m., in Cleveland Browns Stadium

Record: 1-0

Last game: Beat Chargers, 21-14, Monday night, in Kansas City.

Coach: Todd Haley, 5-12, second year.

Series record: Browns lead, 10-9-2.

Last meeting: Browns won, 41-34, Dec. 20, in Kansas City.

chiefs-moeaki-ap.jpgFormer Iowa star Tony Moeaki made his NFL debut a memorable one with a TD catch from Matt Cassel.

League rankings: Offense is 29th (5th rushing, 31st passing), defense is 29th (18th rushing, 29th passing) and turnover differential is plus-1.

Offensive overview: They revealed little in preseason and rainy weather conditions Monday night further kept their plans under wraps. They are hamstrung, to a degree, by the continued slow development of their passing game. Quarterback Matt Cassel is still a work in progress and the lack of outside threats retarded his growth last year. But they're enthused with having Charlie Weis, an experienced play-caller, at the throttle. For now, their offense would seem to focus around a sound ground game of veteran Thomas Jones and scatback Jamaal Charles and the threat of using rookie receiver Dexter McCluster in multiple roles. Charles' 56-yard TD run and a TD catch by rookie tight end Tony Moeaki were the extent of the offense Monday night. The Chiefs practiced McCluster in the wildcat in training camp, but haven't shown it yet. He'll definitely be the "Dex Factor" of their offense.

Defensive overview: In new coordinator Romeo Crennel, they've added an experienced 3-4 disciple. Now they've got to fill in some pieces at nose tackle and with more speed. But it looks like they're on their way to fielding a better unit. Rookie Eric Berry had his NFL baptism Monday night, getting beat for a TD, but he'll help the run defense. Crennel's main project will be to swiftly develop ends Tyson Jackson and Glenn Dorsey, and inside linebacker Derrick Johnson. Johnson fell out of favor last year, but looked poised for a big year in the win against San Diego. If Berry and fifth-round pick Kendrick Lewis mature quickly at safety, the secondary could be a strength. Corners Brandon Flowers and Brandon Carr are a good tandem and nickel back Javier Arenas, yet another rookie, can play, too.

Special teams overview: This unit gave up two 100-plus yard kickoff returns to Josh Cribbs last season. But they've added their own lightning. McCluster had a 94-yard punt return for a touchdown vs. San Diego and Arenas added returns of 36 and 24 yards. The coverage units last year were great -- except against Josh Cribbs. Kicker Ryan Succop, Mr. Irrelevant in 2009, is coming off a good rookie season and punter Dustin Colquitt is solid, notwithstanding a 7-yard punt in the driving rain Monday night.

Players to watch:

mccluster-squar-chiefs-ap.jpgDexter McCluster's 94-yard punt return for a touchdown against the Chargers was just one of a series of big plays provided by Kansas City's first-year players.

• Running back Jamaal Charles: A game-breaker whose 658 yards over the last four games in 2009 led the NFL, though he was outshone by Jerome Harrison in their head-to-head meeting in December.

• Safety Eric Berry: The No. 5 overall pick in the 2010 draft had an active NFL debut, losing coverage on a long touchdown but also making an impact in the run defense.

• Receiver/returner Dexter McCluster: The pint-sized second-round pick paid instant dividends, returning a punt a franchise-record 94 yards for a touchdown in his debut. He'll develop into a multi-dimensional offensive game-breaker.

Injury report: DE Tyson Jackson (leg) had to leave the San Diego game.

Small world: General Manager Scott Pioli was a Browns scout from 1992-95 ... defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel was Browns defensive coordinator in 2000 and head coach from 2005-08 ... Assistant head coach Maurice Carthon was Browns offensive coordinator 2005-06... defensive line coach Anthony Pleasant played for the Browns from 1990-95 ... Director of football administration Trip MacCracken is a Hudson native and worked for the Browns in different capacities from 1999-09 ... cornerback Travis Daniels played for the Browns in 2008 ... defensive lineman Shaun Smith played for the Browns 2007-08 ... receiver Chris Chambers attended Bedford High School ... linebacker Mike Vrabel attended Akron Walsh Jesuit High School and Ohio State.

Cleveland Indians open 2011 season at home against Chicago on April 1

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The Indians open the 2011 season at home against a familiar opponent.

cabrera-manny-vert-cc.jpgThe White Sox, with or without Manny Ramirez, will be the Indians' opening day opponent once again on April 1 at Progressive Field.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians will open the 2011 season on April 1 against the White Sox at Progressive Field, as next year's schedule was released Tuesday night by MLB. It will be the sixth time in the last seven years that the Indians open the season against Chicago.

After Chicago visits, Boston arrives for a three-game series to complete the first homestand. It will be the first of two trips the Red Sox make to Cleveland. They visit Progressive Field a second time May 23-25.

The Yankees make one visit, a three-game series July 4-6.

Interleague foes visiting Progressive Field include Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and Colorado. The Indians will complete the interleague schedule with trips to San Francisco, Cincinnati and Phoenix to play the Diamondbacks.

The season is beginning earlier in 2011 to prevent the World Series from being played in November.

Here's a month-by-month breakdown of the Indians home games: April: 14; May: 13;  June: 13; July: 16; August: 15; September: 10.

The Indians' longest homestand will be a 10-gamer against Seattle, Kansas City and Oakland from Aug. 22 through Sept. 1. The longest trip of the year is a 10-gamer against Chicago, Texas and Minnesota.

The All-Star break is July 11-13.

Double aces are a stunner to Solon friends: Northeast Ohio Golf Insider

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The Solon golfing partners beat astronomical odds recently at the Signature of Solon.

krenn-mcrill-aces.jpgKevin Krenn, left, and Scott McRill are somehow able to stay poised while celebrating their duel holes-in-one at Signature of Solon's eighth hole.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Scott McRill and Kevin Krenn beat the odds.

Check that. These weren't little odds, like 2-1 or 5-2. The Solon neighbors and golfing partners beat astronomical odds recently at the Signature of Solon Country Club.

How big? How about 17 million to one?

That's what Golf Digest estimated the odds of two players in the same group scoring a hole in one on the same hole during the same round.

That's what the Signature members did to the astonishment of themselves and their playing partners when they aced the eighth hole from different tees.

Unfortunately, the hole's layout prevented both men from seeing their aces. The hole is protected by an environmental area that fronts the green. Late in the summer, reeds in the marshy area can grow to eight to 10 feet, obscuring the hole when the pin is located near the front of the green.

"We never saw them actually go in," said McRill, 46. "It felt like a good shot and it was tracking toward the hole but I never saw it bounce. Kevin's ball was on the same line so we knew they could be close. Actually, when we got to the green we both got out of the cart with a wedge and a putter because we weren't sure what had happened."

No one was sure until playing partner Vince Nardy looked into the hole.

"Pretty exciting stuff," said Krenn, 48. "We figured they might be close but we couldn't see the hole, just the top of the flag. I saw mine bounce but never saw it after that."

Both men are single-digit handicappers. McRill, a CPA with SS&G firm in Solon, used a 4-iron from about 198 yards to score the third ace of his career. Krenn, a construction supervisor with Aero/Mark, Inc., used a 6-iron from about 167 yards to get his second hole-in-one of the summer. Earlier this year, he aced the 141-yard third hole with a 9-iron.

McRill, a native of Chicago, had one regret over his luck.

"I should have bought a lottery ticket," he said.

Alice in the Metroparks: Manakiki welcomed a celebrity recently when rock star Vince Furnier (better known as Alice Cooper) and two of his band mates, in town for a concert at Classic Park in Eastlake, played 18 holes.

His tee time, arranged by the hotel where he stayed, was made under a false name, but the shock-rocker was recognized right away by a course employee. Head professional Tom Kochensparger said the man whose anthem once was "No More Mr. Nice Guy" truly was a nice guy.

"He was very down-to-earth, very friendly," said Kochensparger. Cooper, who has played in many high-level celebrity events over the years, birdied the final hole for a 1-under 71.

Good start: Fall golf is the second season as far as colleges go, but Kent State and John Hahn got their fall seasons off to a great start last weekend. Hudson's Hahn, a two-time All-American, won the fourth tournament of his career in leading the Golden Flashes to a second-place finish in the Gopher Invitational at Minnesota.

Hahn, who reached the semifinals of the U.S. Amateur earlier this month, shot rounds of 68-67-71 for a 10-under 206. With a total of 880, KSU was second to LSU (869) and in front of Arkansas (889). KSU's other finishers were Corey Conners (223), Brett Cairns (227), Mackenzie Hughes (228) and Kevin Miller (232).

Off to Orlando: Aurora's James Harless and Akron's William Downing, both prominent players in area senior events, emerged from a field of 69 to earn two of just four spots for the U.S. Senior Amateur tournament during qualifying play Monday at Congress Lake with rounds of 3-over 74.

Downing, a member at Fairlawn Country Club, and Harless, a member at Barrington, tied for third place. Logan Jackson, of Winston Salem, N.C., was medalist with a 1-under 70 and Lynn Martin, of Findlay, was second at 71.

All four advance to the national championship, to be played at Lake Nona Golf and Country Club, in Orlando, Fla., Oct. 3-7.

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