With three two-somes accounting for six points, the Public Course team had a 9-5 lead over the Private Club team after two rounds Saturday in the 16th annual Shaw Cup charity golf tournament at Rosemont Country Club. The event, which has raised nearly $400,000 for the Challenge Golf Program at Akron General/Edwin Shaw Rehab Institute, concludes today with 14...

With three two-somes accounting for six points, the Public Course team had a 9-5 lead over the Private Club team after two rounds Saturday in the 16th annual Shaw Cup charity golf tournament at Rosemont Country Club.

The event, which has raised nearly $400,000 for the Challenge Golf Program at Akron General/Edwin Shaw Rehab Institute, concludes today with 14 individual matches at Fairlawn Country Club.

Playing in a Ryder Cup format, the Public twosomes of John Bernatovicz-Mike Simpson, Aaron Crewse-Chris Minear and Pete Skirpstas-Dave Trier won two matches each in the morning best-ball matches and the afternoon alternate shot matches.

The Private Club team, which has a 3-0-3 record since 2004, got two wins from partners John Oyster and Jeff Mallette. The Public Course team has a 7-5-3 overall lead in the event. The first team to reach 14 points is the winner.

By RAJSHEKHAR RAO Associated Press Writer   NEW DELHI  - With athletes trickling into New Delhi on Saturday and cleaning crews rushing to scour their rooms, the Commonwealth Games chief said India was working hard to ensure it is prepared to host the beleaguered sporting event -- though much remains to be done. The talk of postponing or canceling the...

By RAJSHEKHAR RAO

Associated Press Writer

A richshaw driver pulls his vehicle in front of a construction site in New Delhi, India, where the Commonwealth Games are scheduled to be played.

NEW DELHI  - With athletes trickling into New Delhi on Saturday and cleaning crews rushing to scour their rooms, the Commonwealth Games chief said India was working hard to ensure it is prepared to host the beleaguered sporting event -- though much remains to be done.

The talk of postponing or canceling the games that emerged this week after a footbridge collapsed, two tourists were shot and the athletes' village was found to be filthy, dissipated after the government poured enormous resources into urgently addressing the problems before the opening ceremonies on Oct. 3.

Commonwealth Games Federation President Mike Fennell -- on an emergency trip here to address the problems -- told reporters that significant work had been done in recent days.

"There's still a lot of work to be done, to do the final touches, and there's more work in the village. It's not over yet," he said.

Among the ongoing concerns was the water remaining in the basements in the athletes' village, transportation and technology difficulties, and issues with security and fire safety, he said.

The multisport games, held every four years, bring together competitors from across the former British empire. In an effort to dispel worries about the New Delhi's readiness to host nearly 7,000 athletes and officials from 71 countries and territories, organizers took ambassadors and journalists on a tour of the games village, where workers where cleaning the area and painters provided last-minute touchups.

The tour included a huge international area housing a dining room with African, Asian, Chinese and continental cuisine, a practice wrestling hall, a practice weightlifting hall, an elaborate gymnasium that can accommodate 120 athletes at a time, a swimming pool and a track and field area.

The rooms and bathrooms shown to reporters were clean and stray dogs that were reportedly roaming the grounds last week were not in sight. The back side of the complex and a huge basement reportedly filled with water were not part of the tour.

Delhi Health Minister Kiran Walia, riding around in a golf cart, said the mosquito-borne dengue virus remained a concern, but "we have things in control."

Australian High Commissioner Peter Varghese, however, didn't appear to be too impressed with the village.

"Obviously, you have to keep at it to make the village good enough to receive athletes," he said.

Despite the problems, athletes and team officials continued to arrive in the city Saturday, with the delegation from Trinidad and Tobago, and athletes from the Isle of Man and Guyana joining a group of English athletes who had arrived the day before.

Several teams that had delayed their trips here -- including Scotland and New Zealand -- have confirmed their athletes will be attending.

"I am very happy that today we are recording that there will be full participation in the games," Fennell said.

The games were meant to be a coming out party for India to cement its reputation as a growing regional power. Instead, the nation's reputation has been battered by negative publicity about its frantic last-minute efforts to get ready for an event it knew it was hosting seven years ago.

Concerns about the viability of the games emerged this week after a pedestrian bridge leading to the main stadium collapsed, team officials reported the village was a mess and two tourists were shot and wounded on Sept. 19 outside one of New Delhi's top attractions. A Muslim militant group took responsibility for the shooting.

The government reacted swiftly. Police roadblocks and teams of soldiers with assault rifles have been deployed in the capital, army engineers have been sent in to rebuild the footbridge and Delhi's chief minister took charge of the games village and sent as many as 1,000 workers in to clean it.

"While it was very sad that much of this work has not been done before ... the efforts are paying off, and we have to ensure that it's completed and sustained right throughout the games," Fennell said.

Suresh Kalmadi, who as head of the local organizing committee has come under massive criticism for the problems, said he was certain everything would be complete in time.

"There's still eight days left for the games to happen, and we will, in the next couple of days, three days, finish all the work that needs to be done," he said.

The Browns may not have a win yet this season, but that doesn't dim the passion of their fanbase in this week's mailbag.

Plain Dealer staffIt won't come as a shock that with an 0-2 record, the sniping is increasing among some fans toward Browns coach Eric Mangini, left, and especially offensive coordinator Brian Daboll.

Hey, Tony: The Browns would be best off drafting a defensive lineman in the draft next year. Teams that are successful in this league must be able to do two things -- run the ball and stop the run. Now that our O-Line is built up, who do you project us drafting in April that can come in and start on D-line? Like pitchers, you can never have enough defensive linemen. -- Meghan Larisec, Parma

Hey, Meghan: Here's my September priority list for the Browns' 2011 draft: defensive lineman, wide receiver, quarterback, cornerback.

Hey, Tony: How is it that Romeo Crennel can really seem like he knows what he's doing as a defensive coordinator but as a head coach of a football team he looks clueless? -- Joe Kihm, Tipp City, Ohio

Hey, Joe: There are countless examples of very fine coordinators not cutting it as head coaches. Crennel is one. Cam Cameron is another. Cameron looked hopelessly clueless coaching the Dolphins to a 1-15 record, but is regarded as one of the game's best offensive coordinators now with Baltimore and formerly with San Diego. Other recent examples include Mike Nolan, Dave Wannstedt, Charlie Weis ... I can go on and on. The No. 1 job of an NFL head coach is to win and if you don't win, you look clueless.

Hey, Tony: Saying the Browns have not drafted well since returning to the league is an understatement. How much of the "bad drafting" is due to player selection, versus how much is due to the inability of the coaching staff to develop the players? How do you rate the ability of the current coaching staff to develop players? I thought Romeo Crennel and his staff left something to be desired in the area of player development. Listening to Mangini, I get the feeling he likes to teach. -- Joe Rossin, Columbus

Hey, Joe: I think most of the bad drafting is due to poor selection of players. Evidence is the fact that very few high draft picks discarded by the Browns become Pro Bowl players elsewhere (e.g. Tim Couch, Courtney Brown, Gerard Warren, Braylon Edwards, Kellen Winslow, Kamerion Wimbley). I think the current coaching staff rates high in developing players such as Ahtyba Rubin, Marcus Benard, Eric Wright, Alex Mack, to name a few.

Hey, Tony: Who does Mangini think he is fooling by not just naming Seneca Wallace the starter? Delhomme hasn't practiced through Friday. Do you think Mike Holmgren endorses these "lame" games with the media? -- Justin, Mariemont, Ohio

Hey, Justin: I've become immune to the weekly "who's the starting quarterback?" charade. As for Holmgren, he's trying to keep a low profile since the season started and has kept his distance from the media.

Hey, Tony: What is up with Joe Thomas? We all saw him get destroyed on the near sack that caused the first pick that totally changed the TB game. But he also had several breakdowns in addition to that. I went back and reviewed what I could from the previous preseason games that I had recorded and was very alarmed at what I saw from our Pro Bowl left tackle. Is Joe playing hurt? Is he sick? Or is he just getting tired of playing on losing teams and has lost his desire to excel? -- Fernando

Hey, Fernando: I don't think Thomas reacts well to sweltering heat, for one thing. He said he lost 26 pounds in one day in training camp and admitted that's not good for his body. I don't think he's been at his best, to be honest. But I do believe he'll return to form soon.

PD photoThe length of the opening kickoffs? Yep, that's the real problem with the Browns! But don't suggest that Tony Grossi should take criticism of Phil Dawson seriously.

Hey, Tony: Tony, you're the best in the business. When do the Browns plan on grooming a replacement for Phil Dawson? His kicking distance has steadily declined to the point that he struggles to reach the end zone on kickoffs? Go Brownies!!! -- Tom Myers, Elyria

Hey, Tom: Trying to get under my skin? Dawson, of course, is the least of the Browns' problems.

Hey, Tony: Can you please explain the decertification of the union that is taking place, team by team and what the implications are? Thanks -- Sean Samuels, Chandler, Ariz.

Hey, Sean: If the union dissolves itself, the owners would not be able to lock the players out next season and the NFL season would continue. Decertification also would give the players the option of bringing an anti-trust lawsuit against the owners and fighting them in court rather than across the negotiating table.

Hey, Tony: A recent Sports Illustrated poll showed that many NFL players believe that Eric Mangini is the worst coach to play for. This makes it difficult for the Browns to attract top talent. Based on this factor and his record, was it wise to maintain Mangini as coach? -- Ed Matkowski, Washington Township, N.J.

Hey, Ed: Can I answer this question at the end of the season? Seriously, there were sound arguments to keep Mangini and sound arguments to make a change. Holmgren chose to bring him back. The Browns' record in 2010 will determine whether it was the right decision.

Hey, Tony: Do you think there's a self-fulfilling prophecy between the fans' desperation for a championship and the constant turnover in coaching and personnel? I remember being at a game where a plane with an ad banner called for the firing of (Bill) Belichick. Do you think the organization as a whole in the past was pressing? -- Joe Stoeger, Midvale, Utah

Hey, Joe: Yes, I do think the Browns feel enormous pressure as an organization. They should be thankful the fans are so passionate. The alternative is that the fans don't care and I don't think the Browns would prefer that.

Hey, Tony: Is there an NFL-imposed limit on assistant coaches and/or back office film, trainer, conditioning guys? I ask because it would seem smart to me to pay a few guys to track each and every play of every NFL game for trends and tendencies of coaches. When they like to blitz, plays run more often on third and 2, etc. This would seem to give the team doing this research an advantage since most people (including NFL coaches and assistants) are creatures of habit. Maybe the Browns are already doing that, but the past decade would disagree. -- Charles Ambrose, Hudson

Hey, Charles: Those trends and tendencies already are being tracked. Usually those things are done by the "quality control" coaches.

Hey, Tony: You said Seneca Wallace will be our Browns' 16th starting QB and that Peyton Manning has started every Colts game during that time. My question is about Romeo Crennel's first season as Browns coach. You might remember that Indianapolis lost the game in Week 17, keeping the Browns out of the playoffs because the Colts didn't play Manning or didn't play him the entire game. Do you recall if Manning started that game? -- Steve M., Dayton

Hey, Steve: Manning has started every Colts game since 1998. The game you question was started by Manning. He was relieved after one series by Jim Sorgi, who proceeded to have a terrible performance that resulted in the Colts losing and Tennessee edging the Browns for the last AFC playoff berth. I did err, however, in stating Wallace was the Browns' 16th starting quarterback since 1999. He is No. 15.

Hey, Tony: I know its only been one game but I believe this will be the same old Browns this year. The coaching staff always gets outcoached and [Brian] Daboll's playcalling stinks. Good teams and good coaches find ways to win, not always lose. I have no confidence in this staff and it won't be long before Holmgren loses confidence too. Your thoughts. -- Ralph Reis, Fort. Mitchell, Ky.

Hey, Ralph: I projected the Browns to go 7-9 this year, but that was based on a 2-0 start. I believe pointing to the turnovers for those losses is too easy an out. Tampa Bay and Kansas City turned the ball over, also. I agree that good teams and good coaches find ways to win close games.

Michael Conroy / Associated PressTony is really keeping his focus on the NFL and the Browns' remaining 14 games. But that doesn't mean he hasn't developed some admiration for Stanford QB Andrew Luck.

Hey, Tony: Just finished watching the Chiefs game. I'm not enamored with either Jake Locker or Andrew Luck. How about Mark Ingram? -- Eric Blinn, Canton

Hey, Eric: I am much more enamored with Luck. He is big and strong, mobile, makes all the throws, has a lot of football intelligence and has the charisma of a leader. A redshirt sophomore, he has indicated he intends to remain at Stanford after this year even though he would be eligible for the NFL draft. He could change his mind in January, however.

Hey, Tony: None of remaining games on the schedule look like "gimme" wins. Going winless (again) in the division so far looks to be inevitable. Any guesses (or hopes) as to when the Browns will get that first win? (They really can't be so bad that they'll match Detroit's 0-16 record, can they?) -- Tim, Winter Haven, Fla.

Hey, Tim: This team is so much better than the 0-16 Lions. It is also better than last year's Browns team that was 5-11. I expect them to win at least two division games, perhaps in the second half of the season.

Hey, Tony: Why can't we call Jerome Harrison what he is? A change of pace back, possibly a third-down back who has trouble picking up the blitz. The "fumble" aside (I am implying it was not really a fumble), he did not look like a feature back. He did not look like the type of back to whom you would want to give 20 carries per game. ... Don't you think the offense looks a lot better with Hillis in the backfield? He runs downhill, has a burst, breaks tackles, and picks up the blitz. -- Degen Fain, Warner Robins, Ga.

Hey, Degen: I think Montario Hardesty was drafted to be the feature back. Now, the role is up for grabs. I would like to have more speed at the running back position. As things stand now, James Davis is the fastest back, but ball security and durability are questions with him. We may see him in the Baltimore game.

Hey, Tony: I was more then willing to see what Eric Mangini can do as a full-time head coach, excited even. After losses to basement dwelling Bucs and Chiefs, it's clear Eric rolled the dice on his O Coordinator and crapped out. Rob Ryan has a future in this business, but Eric and Brian Daboll clearly do not have what it takes to be big time coaches on the NFL level. The countdown to the Holmgren era is on and Mangini has no one to blame but himself for letting Daboll run the offense when he clearly is not ready for such a challenge. -- Pat Burma, Denver

Hey, Pat: I've said it many times: Daboll has more pressure on him than any coach in town, including Mangini.

Hey, Tony: Sorry for the conspiracy theory, but you suggested once that the Browns orchestrated the Brady Quinn holdout. Is it possible Holmgren knows that Brian Daboll cannot be an NFL coordinator (hard to believe he doesn't), but is letting the coaching staff hang themselves to get a top of the draft QB, and to make an already planned clean sweep at season's end? -- Shane Byron, Seattle

Hey, Shane: While Holmgren was deliberating the future of Mangini and his staff, he received a glowing review from Brett Favre on both Mangini and Daboll. I think the strong recommendation contributed to his decision to bring them back. I don't believe in your theory.

Hey, Tony: What is the facination by the Browns fans with Jon Gruden? He has had an enormous amount of "inherited" talent at each job ... and a career year by QB Rich Gannon. He has never had to rebuild a team. -- Dave S., Saint Simon Island, Ga.

Hey, Dave: Gruden's credentials are top-notch, and he did put Tony Dungy's Tampa Bay team over the top and win the Super Bowl (against Gannon, by the way). I don't have much bad to say about him. I think he'd be an exceptional candidate for any coaching job. But -- as I've said a hundred times -- he told me last year he won't return to coaching for two more years. He's too good on ESPN to leave the TV booth and he's still being paid by Tampa Bay.

Hey, Tony: Obviously, a dreadful start to the season. Let's assume the worst-case scenario for a moment. Say the Browns lose the next five games [and] enter the bye at 0-7. Is Mangini the coach after the bye? Is Daboll still employed? Do you see a scenario where Holmgren and Heckert have enough and make a move during the season? -- Matt Alsip, Towson, Md.

Hey, Matt: I do not believe Holmgren would change head coaches during the middle of a season. I do believe there is a possibility of making an "adjustment" in the offensive staff if the offense continues to suffer.

Hey, Tony: Why is a team penalized for kicking the ball out of bounds on a kick-off, but not on a punt? If the NFL wants more kick and punt returns because they are among the most exciting parts of the game, why not force teams to punt to the returner by accessing a 15-yard penalty for punting out of bounds? -- Fred Fields, Euclid

Hey, Fred: I have raised this question to members of the league competition committee over the years. Their answer is they believe there is an art to angling punts out of bounds inside the 20 -- the so-called coffin corner punt. They do not consider it a skill to kick the ball out of bounds on kickoffs.

Tracy Boulian / The Plain DealerIt was just a few weeks ago that the seeming majority of Browns fans believed Jerome Harrison was a star in the making. Now, enthusiasm for Harrison is a bit less enthused.

Hey, Tony: Jerome Harrison is having a slow start, but it also seems that they are running him up the middle a lot, not throwing screens to him or having him run plays around the end. In past games he would have some of his biggest runs off screens or around the end. Do you think they are using him the right way and what do you think they need to do to get him going?

Also, it is obvious that the team is fading in the second half, what do you think is the biggest issuse? Are players tired, is it second half game plan, play calling? -- Gary B., Philadelphia

Hey, Gary: I'm not sure what the deal is with Harrison. A lot of people I talk to believe he just is not playing well. As for the team's performance in the second half, it appears to me the team wilts. Is it due to overwork in the off-season and training camp? Or is it a matter of inferior talent just being overcome by better players? I am not sure.

Hey, Tony: When are the Browns gonna realize Jerome Harrison is not a starting RB in this league? Just watching the last two games, Peyton Hillis is a big old-school back. I don't understand, isn't it better to be consistent instead of having maybe one long run a game? -- Mike Fauskey, Parma

Hey, Mike: How the tide has turned on Harrison. When I was talking up Montario Hardesty in the preseason, fans were irate to suggest that Harrison would lose the starting job to an unproven player. Now his bandwagon is losing riders, fast.

Hey, Tony: Would you not agree this team is better than last year? The D has only given up two TDs and one of those was off a pick that Tampa started on our 2. The O is actually scoring TDs, which was unheard of last year. Yes, there are teams who turn things around fast, but most don't. I do not want to start over with a new coaching staff as long as we keep getting better. Hopefully we can get a long-term QB soon and stop the Band-Aid game. -- Michael Spitale, Galena, Ohio

Hey, Michael: I agree this team is better than last year's and I expected a better record, also, despite the tough schedule. A long-term QB is the only hope for long-term success.

Hey, Tony: If T.J. Ward continues this tackling trend, could you see him winning the Defensive ROY Award? -- Erik Marshall, East Canton, Ohio

Hey, Erik: That would be hard to do on a losing team. Also, defensive players need numbers like sacks and interceptions to reap votes from the media. Ward's tackling prowess is only appreciated by those who see him play each week.

Hey, Tony: I'm not a bandwagon fan ... but how realistic is the possibility of an 0-9 start? Could we be on pace for a Stupor Bowl between the Bills and Browns in Week 13 where the only thing to play for is who picks first and second in the draft? -- Matthew, Maine

Hey, Matthew: I can't imagine enduring 0-9 after a 1-11 start last year. I think the owner would just go bonkers over that.

Hey, Tony: I'm really tired of you, other writers, and the fans get on the Browns for not signing T.J. Houshmandzadeh. If you were T.J. and you were going to make $7 million this year, paid by the Seahawks, no matter where you signed, why on earth would you sign with the Browns instead of a team with a some possibility of contending for the playoffs? -- John J. Berezo, Culloden, W.Va.

Hey, John: Excellent point. I haven't gotten on the Browns, however, for not signing him.

Hey, Tony: I've read a couple of articles on ESPN.com that state the Browns are showing interest in going after Vincent Jackson. Is there any truth to this or is it just a list of longshots? -- Rein Pold, Knox, Pa.

Hey, Rein: There is no evidence the Browns are showing interest in Jackson.

Hey, Tony: I respect Coach Mangini as a pretty sharp guy, but it seems to me that he isn't much of an offensive guy. I'd think he lets Daboll run that show, and I don't see enough creativity from either one of them. I am sick of yelling for more Cribbs, our best playmaker who doesn't get enough touches. Is Mangini worried Cribbs will prove everyone else right? -- Joshua Jones, Fullerton, Calif.

Hey, Joshua: Every indication is that Mangini is a big fan of Cribbs. In fact, he has incorporated Cribbs into the offense more than his predecessor did. I would like to see Cribbs get the ball more as a conventional receiver.

Hey, Tony: Given the relatively short shelf life of an effective NFL return man, are you at all concerned with Josh Cribbs so far this season? Granted, it's only two games and teams are keeping the ball from him, but for the past few seasons, he's been a lone bright spot on this team and it's only consistent source of excitement. -- Brett Ormsby, Bay Village

Hey, Brett: I believe Cribbs and the Browns special teams are victims of their own success. They are the best in the league and every opponent views their matchup against the Browns' special teams as their Super Bowl.

Hey, Tony: I am a born and raised California Browns fan. My father grew up in Cleveland going to Browns games and when we were growing up my father would take us to one home game per year. When we came back in '99, we continued the tradition. The behavior from many in the parking lots over the years is mind-boggling. ... I can remember in the parking lot across the street a couple -- minding their own business wearing Colts jerseys -- getting glass bottles thrown at them, spitted at, pushed, and vulgar language. I was appalled and ... for the first time in my life I was embarrassed to be a Browns fan. ... It makes perfect sense to me that the city is cracking down on these people. -- Brian L, Fremont, Calif.

Hey, Brian: It is a goal of Holmgren and the new management regime to make Cleveland Browns Stadium more family-friendly without reducing the passion of the hard-core Browns fans. Winning games tends to be a great sanitizer of any stadium.

Hey, Tony: Is Eric Mangini's current focus on turnovers and penalties a consistent, career-long coaching philosophy, an appropriate response to the first two games or an indication he's concerned about losing his job? Is it likely to help the team perform better or play "tight" and "not to lose"? -- Steve Cornelius, Avon Lake

Hey, Steve: I do believe there has been too much finger-pointing to the turnovers as the biggest problem so far. No coach tolerates turnovers, of course, but there's something to be said of your point that constant emphasis on avoiding them results in a team too tight playing not to lose rather than to win. In my opinion, the performance of the offense in the second halves of both games is more troubling than the turnovers.

Hey, Tony: Were the police officers that arrested Braylon Edwards Ohio State fans? -- Joe Cepec, Dublin, Ohio

Hey, Joe: Probably.

Hey, Tony: Any chance with Michael Vick's recent play and his free agency at the end of the season, the Browns show any interest in signing him? -- Robert Driscoll, Parma

Hey, Robert: If Vick does what coach Andy Reid expects of him, the Eagles will sign Vick to a long-term contract before the season is over. I do believe reports that the Eagles now will seek to trade Kevin Kolb.

Hey, Tony: I think this team is moving in the right direction! I also believe the entire organization and every player on the team needs to know that most of us are 100 percent behind them as long as they are doing everything within their power they can do to improve this team, which I am certain they are working very hard to do. If the majority of us continue to tear them down, I think the chances of them pulling together and making the most out of what we have this season get significantly reduced. ... This is not a quick fix situation! I hope coach Mangini can continue to stay strong and not let the negativity get to him. Tony, am I crazy? -- Jason McClean, Yellowsprings, Ohio

Hey, Jason: You're not crazy. You want the team to win badly and you probably feel changing coaches and revamping the offense and defense will only set it back another 2-3 years. Understand, however, that fans who have the opposite viewpoint are entitled to it.

Hey, Tony: Is Stanford QB Andrew Luck allowed to enter the NFL Draft after this year? -- Angelo Costanzo, Cleveland

Hey, Angelo: This is his third year enrolled at Stanford, which does make him eligible for the draft. I've read where he said he intends to return for his junior year, but we'll see if he changes his mind.

Hey, Tony: So is Braylon's DWI Vernon Gholston's fault since he was in the car and went to Ohio State? -- Sean Wachsman, Louisville, Ky.

Hey, Sean: Wasn't it Gholston's first sack in three years with the Jets?

Hey, Tony: I know it's only two games but the Mangini watch has started in my book. I heard of the Andy Reid rumors b/c of the Holmgren and Heckert connections. With Gruden rumored to go to Dallas that leaves Cowher as the only other big name I want to see besides Reid. What is most likely to happen in your opinion? -- Mordy W., Baltimore

Hey, Mordy: I think it's premature to speculate. And unfair. If the Browns beat the Ravens, everyone will be back on the bandwagon. Lots of games left to turn it around. The opportunity is there.

Hey, Tony: With Michael Vick now the starting QB in Philly, do you think the Eagles will entertain trade offers for Kevin Kolb? -- Bill Krempasky, Sagamore Hills, Ohio

Hey, Bill: I expect the Eagles to gauge the trade market for Kolb. They received a No. 2 and a conditional future pick for Donovan McNabb. Kolb's trade value has sunk by the Eagles' benching of him.

Hey, Tony: Have the Browns shown any interest in Chargers' receiver Vincent Jackson? What, in your opinion, would take to bring him here if it was possible? -- Rimon Arieli, Herzliya, Israel

Hey, Rimon: There's no indication the Browns made a pitch for Jackson. That's a tough transaction because they not only would have to satisfy the Chargers (who are asking for second- and third-round draft picks), but also negotiate a long-term deal with Jackson. Jackson is suspended for the first six games, too.

Hey, Tony: Did the Browns really inquire into a trade involving Kolb from the Eagles? What were the other terms of the supposed deal? -- Chuck Magut, Boardman, Ohio

Hey, Chuck: Sources say the Browns did call the Eagles. Other sources say no. If there was contact, which wouldn't be unusual, there's no source saying it got to the "deal" stage.

Hey, Tony: To all of the Browns fans out there spitting venom at Mangini, Daboll and Holmgren; I get it, you want a winner and we're not winning -- but hey, compared to last year -- this team might as well be the Colts or the Patriots, well, the Texans anyway. -- Mark Cesarik, Chicago

Hey, Mark: They should be 2-0. Let's see now how good they are after starting 0-2. If they're as good as you and I think they are, there shouldn't be a long, long losing streak. We'll see.

Hey, Tony: [Seneca] Wallace and [Jake] Delhomme are not the future of this team. I think this season is probably a wash, so why not put [Colt] McCoy in the game? We need to find out if he can be the QB of the future, so why not get him six or seven games to see what he can do? If he wins some and looks good, great. If he looks bad, then we can go after Jake Locker or someone else next year. What does the master think? -- Christopher Lewis, Chicago

Hey, Christopher: Because of the urgency to prepare Delhomme and Wallace for the season and expose them to a new system for each, McCoy did not receive enough reps in training camp to adequately prepare him for a game. He said after the Detroit preseason game that he was running plays in the game that he never practiced. Thus, his rookie season should amount to nothing more than a "redshirt" year. That's what Holmgren wanted.

-- Tony

  By DAN GELSTON AP Sports Writer DOVER, Del.  - Kevin Harvick showed he had his teammate's back by damaging Denny Hamlin's rear. After Hamlin bumped Harvick on the track, the top two points leaders were involved in a heated and profane exchange in the garage, sparking some life into the first practice Saturday at Dover International Speedway. The dustup...

By DAN GELSTON

AP Sports Writer

DOVER, Del.  - Kevin Harvick showed he had his teammate's back by damaging Denny Hamlin's rear.

After Hamlin bumped Harvick on the track, the top two points leaders were involved in a heated and profane exchange in the garage, sparking some life into the first practice Saturday at Dover International Speedway.

The dustup came a day after Hamlin blasted Clint Bowyer, saying Harvick's RCR teammate was making excuses for why his winning car at New Hampshire failed a follow-up inspection.

Harvick appeared to stick up for Bowyer not with words, but with force.

"It's a tight bunch," Harvick said of his teammates after the Nationwide race. "It's always been that way."

It didn't surprise Hamlin.

"I had a hint," Hamlin said.

Hamlin knew he'd be a target when he said Harvick's crew made sarcastic comments toward him before practice. Hamlin, who said he expected retaliation for his antagonistic criticism, said Harvick also got into the No. 11 Toyota on pit road.

Hamlin and Harvick made contact during the opening laps of practice, with Harvick damaging the right rear of Hamlin's No. 11 car. Once the drivers returned to the garage, they got into each other's faces before they were separated. Tempers quickly flared again and they went back to yelling at each other before they were broken up for good.

"Of course, it's unnecessary because it didn't help either one of the race teams," Hamlin said.

Hamlin is in first place and holds a 45-point lead over Harvick in the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship points standings. Their stalls and haulers are next to each other in the garage, causing some uncomfortable moments for the crew.

Team owner Richard Childress seemed amused by the damage caused by the incident.

"I don't know if he backed into Kevin or not," he said with a smile.

Hamlin, runner-up in New Hampshire, ripped Bowyer's excuse for failing inspection and bluntly said on Friday he had "the fastest legal car." Hamlin also said there had long been rumors in the garage that Bowyer's team was pushing the legal limits of the car -- something no other driver said they heard.

"I spoke my mind yesterday and I felt like I said a lot of truth, and a lot of times that's not popular with the teams that are involved," Hamlin said. "That's something I've always done is speak my mind. It's not always in my best interests to do that."

Harvick wasted little time delivering payback. His No. 29 Chevrolet had minor damage. Hamlin's right rear panel was patched together with tape and sheet metal and spent nearly 30 minutes in the garage during practice.

Asked about Hamlin, Childress said on Saturday he's learned not to get into an argument "with a skunk. And you don't throw stones if you live in a glass house."

Harvick had little to say after he finished fifth in the Nationwide race.

Asked if he was upset with Hamlin for his comments, Harvick said, "I don't know." He replied "I don't know" to another question about his actions and refused to address it further.

Hamlin, who was fined earlier this season for critical comments about the sport he made on Twitter, refused to back down.

"Our integrity speaks for itself," he said. "I think everyone at our team knows that we're trying to do things the right way. So be it. Whatever they want to do."

Hamlin starts fourth and Harvick is 33rd in Sunday's race.

"Our job is still to win a championship and we look pretty good on speed, especially compared to those guys," Hamlin said.

Does anybody on the panel pick the Browns over Baltimore? Click and find out.

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Before you make your picks, get all of The Plain Dealer's Browns beat writer's picks for all of Sunday's games

William Perlman/The Star-LedgerBraylon Edwards will play, but not start against the Dolphins on Sunday.

N.Y. Jets at Miami, 8:20 p.m. 

TV: WKYC Channel 3. 

Line: Dolphins by 2 1⁄2. 

Tony's take: As the engineer, Jets coach Rex Ryan has to steer his team away from the train wreck it threatens to become. Dolphins 13, Jets 10. 

Philadelphia at Jacksonville, 4:05 p.m. 

TV: WJW Channel 8. 

Line: Eagles by 2 1⁄2. 

Tony's take: Andy Reid has to hope that Michael Vick doesn’t get hurt. If he’s forced to put Kevin Kolb back in after demoting him, good luck. Eagles 21, Jaguars 17. 

Indianapolis at Denver, 4:15 p.m. 

TV: WOIO Channel 19. 

Line: Colts by 51⁄2. 

Tony's take: Whatever happened to Tim Tebow? Another preseason storyline that was much ado about nothing. Colts 27, Broncos 14.

Browns vs. Ravens, 1 p.m.

TV: WOIO Channel 19

Line: Ravens by 11

Tony's take: I think it will be a closer game than the final score. Ravens 23, Browns 10.

Atlanta at New Orleans, 1 p.m. 

Line: Saints by 3. 

Tony's take: Did you see Drew Brees in the final minute vs. the 49ers? He’s joined the top shelf of quarterbacks who make it look easy. Saints 26, Falcons 20. 

Buffalo at New England, 1 p.m. 

Line: Patriots by 14 1⁄2. 

Tony's take: A stats-padder for the Patriots, who make it 14 in a row over the Bills. Patriots 30, Bills 10. 

Cincinnati at Carolina, 1 p.m. 

Line: Bengals by 3. 

Tony's take: Bengals’ tough, fast defense should make for a rude baptism for Jimmy Clausen, making first NFL start for Panthers. Bengals 23, Panthers 7. 

Dallas at Houston, 1 p.m. 

Line: Texans by 21⁄2. 

Tony's take: What a must-win for the Cowboys. I think they find a way to win this game, but Texans are one prolific offensive team. Cowboys 31, Texans 28.

Detroit at Minnesota, 1 p.m. 

Line: Vikings by 12. 

Tony's take: Vikings are in the same boat as Cowboys. I’ll use the same reasoning: They’ll find a way to win. Vikings 24, Lions 20. 

Pittsburgh at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m. 

Line: Steelers by 2 1⁄2. 

Tony's take: My hunch is this is a game the Steelers can lose, but I don’t see the Bucs starting the season at 3-0. Steelers 16, Buccaneers 10.

San Francisco at Kansas City, 1 p.m. 

Line: 49ers by 21⁄2. 

Tony's take: The Chiefs are having the kind of start I expected from the Browns. This will be a defensive slugfest. Chiefs 19, 49ers 17. Tennessee at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m. 

Line: Giants by 3. 

Tony's take: How’s Vince Young’s state of mind after being lifted in the last game? I think the Giants roll. Giants 28, Titans 13. 

Washington at St. Louis, 4:05 p.m. 

Line: Redskins by 4. 

Tony's take: I don’t know how many games the Rams can win, but catching the Redskins after a tough overtime loss gives them a chance. Rams 17, Redskins 13. 

Oakland at Arizona, 4:15 p.m. 

Line: Cardinals by 41⁄2. 

Tony's take: The quarterback battle features Bruce Gradkowski vs. Derek Anderson. Too bad Charlie Frye’s on Raiders IR. He could relieve either guy. Raiders 24, Cardinals 17. 

San Diego at Seattle, 4:15 p.m. 

Line: Chargers by 5. 

Tony's take: I would expect the Chargers to start stringing some wins together. The Seahawks, I don’t know what to make of them. Chargers 24, Seahawks 14. 

GROSSI UPDATE

Last week overall: 11-5 .688 

Season overall: 19-13 .594 

Last week vs. spread: 9-7 .563 

Season vs. spread: 14-17-1 .453

Indians RF Shin-Soo Choo thinks .300/30/30 is a realistic goal for him in the near future.

Chuck Crow / The Plain DealerShin-Soo Choo has been the most consistent Indians hitter all season, and is planning on bigger things in the near future.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- This is a daily briefing of the Indians' 2010 regular season. The Tribe plays host to the Royals in the finale of a four-game series this afternoon at Progressive Field.

Pitching matchups: RHP Fausto Carmona (12-14, 3.79) vs. LHP Bruce Chen (11-7, 4.69).

Pregame notes

Shin-Soo Choo has crafted consecutive seasons of at least 20 homers and 20 steals, but he is getting restless.

"I think I can be a 30/30 guy,'' he said. "Someday, someday soon, I'm going to do it. That's very realistic.''

Several seconds later, Choo offered an addition.

"Going .300/30/30 would be nice,'' he said.
  
The Indians would be thrilled to see .300/30/30, of course, but they are not about to complain about what the current version of Choo is providing. Choo has been the Tribe's best player -- by plenty -- in a rough season.

Through 138 games, he is hitting .299 with 31 doubles, 20 homers, 86 RBI, 76 runs and 21 steals in 138 games. He owns an on-base percentage of .400 and slugging percentage of .478.

Choo also is a plus-defender, his arm affecting the way opposing runners do business. He entered today leading the majors with 13 assists.

"I can do better,'' he said. "I'm never satisfied. At the same time, I'm happy with what I've been able to contribute.''

When assessing this season, Choo said, a stat line is not the first thing that comes to mind. His right thumb is. In early July, Choo injured the thumb while diving for a ball in a game against Oakland.

Choo and the Indians feared he might be lost 6-8 weeks, possibly longer. Instead, the thumb did not require surgery and he returned from the disabled list in late July.

"Avoiding that big injury was the key,'' he said. "I was very fortunate. I know it could have been a lot worse.''

Among Choo's goals entering the season was to cut down on his strikeouts. Last year, he whiffed 151 times in 156 games, during which he hit .300 with 20 homers and 21 steals.

He has 110 strikeouts this year.

Choo is hitting .385 (25-for-65) with six doubles, four homers and 20 RBI in 17 games against Kansas City.

Crowe's nest: Trevor Crowe entered today with a career-high 11-game hitting streak (17-for-46, .370). He credits a more compact swing for the surge, which has pushed his average to .255 in 115 games.

"I don't know exactly when it started to happen, but my swing had gotten too long,'' he said. "About a week, week-and-a-half ago, I was watching video. It was old stuff, from the minor leagues. That's when it became clear to me: My hands were too fasr back, my stride was too long.''

In recent weeks, Crowe has been hitting the ball hard to all fields. "I'm at my best when I go the other way,'' he said.

Crowe does a better job of spraying the ball when he bats left-handed, and his average reflects that. He is hitting .270 as a lefty, .206 as a righty.

Still idle: Center fielder Michael Brantley will not start for a fourth straight game because of a sore left hamstring.

Dynamic duo: In a three-game series against Detroit that begins Monday night at Progressive Field, the Indians will face an MVP candidate (Miguel Cabrera) and one of the elite starting pitchers in the majors (Justin Verlander).

Cabrera entered today hitting .329 with 37 homers and 124 RBI. He had a .420 on-base percentage and .621 slugging percentage. Verlander is scheduled to make his final start of the season Wednesday against Josh Tomlin.

Verlander is 18-8 with a 3.31 ERA and 209 strikeouts in 32 starts. He is 5-0 in his last seven starts, having given up 12 earned runs in 55 innings. Verlander is the first Tiger to strike out 200-plus in consecutive seasons since Jack Morris in 1987-88.

Defeating the Tribe would give Verlander his second consecutive 19-victory season. He went 19-9 with a 3.45 ERA in 35 starts in 2009.

Lineups:

Royals (63-91) -- 1. Jarrod Dyson cf; 2. Mike Aviles 2b; 3. Billy Butler dh; 4. Kila Ka'aihue 1b; 5. Josh Fields 3b; 6. Brayan Pena c; 7. Alex Gordon lf; 8. Yuniesky Betancourt ss; 9. Jai Miller rf; and Chen.

Indians (64-91) -- 1. Trevor Crowe cf; 2. Asdrubal Cabrera ss; 3. Shin-Soo Choo rf; 4. Shelley Duncan lf; 5. Jayson Nix dh; 6. Matt LaPorta 1b; 7. Andy Marte 3b; 8. Luis Valbuena 2b; 9. Lou Marson c; and Carmona.

Umpires: P -- Larry Vanover; 1b -- Jeff Nelson; 2b -- Mark Carlson; 3b -- Jeff Kellogg.

Browns play Ravens shorthanded at receiver, running back and linebacker.

Joshua Gunter / The Plain DealerBrian Robiskie is among several starters who have been ruled out of today's game against the Ravens in Baltimore.

BALTIMORE, Md. -- The overcast skies above M&T Bank Stadium could signal another Black Sunday here for the Browns.

The Browns have made the following players inactive:

Running back Jerome Harrison, receivers Brian Robiskie and Carlton Mitchell, linebacker Marcus Benard, guard Shawn Lauvao, defensive lineman Shaun Rogers, center Steve Vallos and quarterback Jake Delhomme.
 
With the receivers out, and Josh Cribbs finishing the week questionable with an ankle injury, the Browns may have to lean heavily on using tight end Evan Moore as a wideout. Moore is active, but spent half the week recovering from a concussion.

With Harrison out, the running game will be in the hands of Peyton Hillis and James Davis, who last carried the ball in a regular game a year ago here against the Ravens.

Browns receiver Josh Cribbs twisted his left ankle Friday in practice but ran and cut in Baltimore before pre-game warmups and moved welll.

Tracy Boulian | The Plain DealerJosh Cribbs was looking good in pre-game warmups in Baltimore.

CLEVELAND -- Browns receiver Josh Cribbs, who tweaked his ankle in practice on Friday, ran and cut on the field in Baltimore before warmups and looked good.

Cribbs had been experiencing sharp pains in the ankle on certain cuts and was downgraded from probable to questionable on Saturday. But he was determined to play and is listed as a starting receiver in place of Brian Robiskie, who's out with a pulled hamnstring.

The Browns were planning to give Cribbs more touches to spark their anemic offense.

The Browns are thin at receiver overall, with rookie Carlton Mitchell also out with a head injury suffered during Thursday's practice. The Browns signed former Bills and Patriots receiver Sam Aiken on Saturday to bolster the position. 

The rash of injuries to key Browns doesn't have Terry feeling optimistic this afternoon.

BALTIMORE, Md. -- My pregame scribbles from the Browns and Ravens.

1. I felt terrible about the Browns' odds of winning this game all week -- and even worse when I arrived at the stadium. No Brian Robiskie (hamstring). No Shaun Rogers (ankle). There never was going to be D'Qwell Jackson, who was a long shot to try and come back from that pec injury. Jackson had surgery to repair a torn left pec last season. He injured the right one this year and tried to avoid surgery, but it didn't work so he's done for the year. Jerome Harrison (thigh) also is out.

2. A good guess is the Browns will try to hammer the ball in Baltimore's line with fullback Lawrence Vickers blocking for Peyton Hillis. Good luck with that. Hope I'm wrong, but I don't have much confidence in James Davis in a game like this.

3. Baltimore may be 1-1, but its defense has yet to allow a touchdown. If the Browns do find the end zone, a good guess is it will be a broken play where Seneca Wallace scrambles and scores himself or finds a receiver with a daring throw. Could be a good day for tight ends and running backs to catch passes. There should be a lot of Wildcats with Joshua Cribbs, because they don't have many other options.

4. Reader Geoff Beckman (Olmsted Falls) emailed some interesting stats. In their four victories to end last season, it was run and run and run some more. Pittsburgh: 37 rushes and 19 passes. Oakland: 46 runs and 17 passes. Jacksonville: 49 runs and 11 passes. Kansas City: 49 runs and 18 passes.

5. But in the first two games against teams that were not supposed be to strong against the run, it's 69 passes to 49 runs vs. Tampa Bay and Kansas City. Also from Beckman: When Wallace throws 30 or more passes, his team is 1-7. He has 11 touchdowns compared to eight interceptions in those games. When he throws 20-29 passes, his team is 4-6 ... he has 14 touchdowns compared to five interceptions.

6. Some fans have complained that the Browns ran Harrison inside too much. Beckman went through play-by-play sheet from the 286 yards on 34 carries that he had against Kansas City last season -- and discovered he ran up the middle 19 times for 167 yards. That's between the center and two guards. He did not run up the middle in last week's 16-14 loss, where he had 33 yards in 16 carries. Of course, Chiefs defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel stacked the center of his line.

7. In his big game at Kansas City last season, Harrison had 68 yards on nine carries to the left side -- compared to 23 in seven tries in last week's loss. To the right, it was 53 yards in five carries in Kansas City -- 10 yards in nine carries last week.

8. I understand why the Browns and other teams have called about Eagles quarterback Kevin Kolb, but it's far too early for Philadelphia to even consider trading him. Michael Vick is 30. He has not been a full-time starter since 2006, and he does have those legal problems in his past. It would be dangerous to make a quick deal on Kolb (unless the Eagles think he can't play) and let Vick run the show based on a few good games.

Browns pound the ball with Peyton Hills for a field goal. Joe Flacco and Anquan Boldin beat Eric Wright to climax 85-yard TD drive.

BALTIMORE -- Observations, opinions and some facts about the first quarter ...

• T.J. Ward missed a pick-six on Joe Flacco's first pass. Sure interception glanced off his hands and Derrick Mason caught it. Would've been a touchdown for Ward. Ravens went three-and-out, anyways. Crowd actually booed the offense coming off the field.

• Peyton Hillis catching. Hillis running. We'll probably see a lot of that today.

• On the eighth play, Sam Aiken lines up at receiver. Just joined the team on Saturday and he's running routes.

• Browns amble into field-goal range. Phil Dawson, who has to be perfect today, converts from 38 yards. Crowd is stunned.

• Ray Rice breaks a run for 25 yards when Robaire Smith and Matt Roth collide and whiff on the tackle behind the line of scrimmage.

• Eric Wright looked to get away with pass interference on a deep pass for Anquan Boldin. Wright was beat early, made up ground and appeared to push Boldin with the ball in the air. Big non-call for Browns.

• Flacco is now getting a rhythm, completing passes and moving into scoring range.

• From the Browns' 8, Flacco fakes a handoff and connects with Boldin at the back of the end zone over Wright. Crowd happy. Boldin is the fastest receiver in history to 600 career catches.

The Browns fell behind 7-3 after one quarter in Baltimore.

BALTIMORE -- The Browns' bad luck with injuries continued Sunday, and so did the Ravens' dominance on defense as Baltimore took a 7-3 lead after one quarter at M&T Bank Stadium.

Browns quarterback Jake Delhomme sat for the second consecutive game with a high ankle sprain, and he was joined on the sidelines by a slew of other starters that included running back Jerome Harrison, receiver Brian Robiskie and nose tackle Shaun Rogers.

After the first drive, right tackle John St. Clair joined the injured list with a sprained ankle. His return is questionable.

Baltimore, meanwhile, extended its streak of quarters without an opponent scoring a touchdown to nine this season when the Browns had to settle for a field goal on their first drive. Cleveland focused on running back Peyton Hillis on its opening drive, as Hillis carried eight times for 34 yards.

The Ravens countered with quarterback Joe Flacco connecting with Anquan Boldin on a 6-yard touchdown pass to give the Ravens a 7-3 advantage with 1:29 left in the first quarter.

Anquan Boldin and Joe Flacco are making it look too easy against Eric Wright & Co., but Peyton Hillis is keeping Browns in the game.

Evan Vucci / Associated PressBaltimore wide receiver Derrick Mason is stopped by Browns linebacker David Bowens, left, and cornerback Sheldon Brown, right, during the first quarter of Sunday's game at M&T Stadium.

BALTIMORE, Md. -- Observations, opinions and some facts about the second quarter ...

• Seneca Wallace makes a good play to get the ball to Benjamin Watson on third-and-9. The spot at the 33-yard line looks generous, but it's upheld on a Baltimore replay challenge.

• Tony Pashos, who replaced John St. Clair (ankle), gets a holding call on a Peyton Hillis carry.

• With the Ravens bringing more heat, Wallace has to scramble to make plays. He completes two passes on the move, but the third time it's a throwaway and Browns have to punt.

• Terrible punt by Reggie Hodges takes a favorable bounce to Ravens' 7. Browns are winning the field position tug-of-war.

• Eric Wright is having a devil of a time trying to stay with Anquan Boldin.

• Joe Flacco is enjoying the Browns' lack of pass pressure. Browns defense showing signs already of melting.

• Here's an early play of game for Browns' defense: Third-and-9 from Browns' 43. Browns rush four, Flacco hits Boldin wide open at the Browns' 16. Wright lost coverage.

• Two plays later, Wright turns the wrong way on a Boldin break inside and Flacco fires it for a 12-yard TD. This is too easy for the Ravens.

• Sam Aiken has his "welcome to the Browns" moment. He holds on a Josh Cribbs kickoff return of 32 yards.

• Even though the Ravens know it's coming, they can't stop Hillis on an inside run for 25 yards. Hillis takes a breather and James Davis comes in.

• Man, Wallace can fire the ball when he has time. He connects Josh Cribbs on a laser throw in the middle of the field to the Ravens' 16 at the two-minute warning.

• Hillis continues to pound through the center of the Ravens' defense.

• Third-and-goal at the 1. Sixteen seconds left. Hillis behind overloaded left side of line for the TD. Hillis has 73 yards on 12 carries.

Both the Browns and the Ravens score touchdowns in the second quarter, as Baltimore holds on to a 14-10 lead at halftime.

Rob Carr / Associated PressAnquan Boldin has been the dominant offensive player for the Ravens with two TD catches in the first half Sunday against the Browns.

BALTIMORE, Md. -- On the bright side, the Ravens' defense finally cracked. So did the Browns', though.

In the second quarter, both the Ravens and Browns scored touchdowns as Baltimore held onto a 14-10 lead at halftime.

The Browns' touchdown, a 1-yard score from running back Peyton Hillis, marked the first touchdown scored against Baltimore's defense in 11 quarters.

Hillis totaled 73 yards on 12 carries in the first half, including a 25-yard burst on the final drive of the quarter to push the Browns into Ravens territory.

Cleveland's secondary had issues staying with Ravens receiver Anquan Boldin in the second quarter, though, as he caught his second touchdown pass from Joe Flacco. Boldin, whose first touchdown was his 600th career reception,  has five receptions for 68 yards in the first half.

Billy Cundiff's field goal try bangs off upright. Browns winning field position game, but Ravens still up, 14-10. Peyton Hillis has 141 yards rushing.

Joshua Gunter / The Plain DealerThe Ravens are having a hard time reining in Peyton Hills as the Browns threaten to pull off the upset in Baltimore.

BALTIMORE, Md. -- Observations, opinions and some facts about the third quarter ...

• Browns squander opening possession, but advance it far enough for Reggie Hodges to punt to Ravens' 14. Field position hasn't been the Browns' problem today.

• Anquan Boldin beats Eric Wright again, this time on a crossing pattern, for 34 yards. Boldin: six catches, 102 yards, two TD.

• Billy Cundiff's 51-yard field goal bangs off the left upright. With 8:30 to go, Browns again get favorable field position at the 41-yard line.

• At this point of the game, Mohamed Massaquoi has not received even a look, much less a passs, from Seneca Wallace.

• Ideal field position goes up in smoke. Benjamin Watson is slapped 15 yards for unnecessary roughness when he appears to elbow a Baltimore player to the ground after a play. Browns have to punt from their 48, and ball goes into the end zone for touchback.

• Browns force three-and-out when Joe Haden breaks up Joe Flacco's quick inside pass for Derrick Mason. That probably goes for 65 yards and a touchdown vs. Brandon McDonald last year.

• News flash: Mohamed Massaquoi gets his first pass with 3:35 to go in the third quarter. It's late and broken up by Fabian Washington.

• Third-and-8 from the Browns' 32: Inside handoff to Peyton Hillis for three yards. Nice.

• Tom Zbikwoski's 17-yard punt return is the first time Ravens did anything on special teams.

• Ravens can't capitalize and have to punt. Great angle punt by Sam Koch is downed at the Browns' 14.

• Hillis busts one into the secondary for 48 yards. Zbikowski's late hit out of bounds tacks on 15 yards to the Ravens' 23.

• Wildcat alert: Josh Cribbs takes the snap and scampers behind Lawrence Vickers and Joe Thomas for 19 yards down to the 4. Wow.

The Browns were threatening to score when the third-quarter horn sounded, as Baltimore clung to its 14-10 lead.

BALTIMORE -- The Browns' trend of starting the second half flat took a hit in this third game of the season, as Cleveland's defense held Baltimore to one first down, and the offense threatened to score when the third-quarter horn sounded. Baltimore clung to its 14-10 lead.

Browns running back Peyton Hillis continued to pile up yards, with a huge 48-yard run just before the end of the quarter, combined with an effective Joshua Cribbs Wildcat appearance, brought the Browns to the within four yards of scoring.

Hillis had 144 yards on 20 carries by the end of the second half, as the Browns penetrated the typically stalwart Ravens defense.

The strong Browns drive at the end of the quarter redeemed a failed attempt with advantageous field position -- first when the Ravens missed a 51-yard field goal attempt, but were thwarted when Benjamin Watson earned an unnecessary roughness penalty to halt Cleveland's drive.

Quarterback Seneca Wallace is 16-for-20 with 94 yards after three quarters.

The first month of the season closed with the preseason top three unchanged: Alabama is No. 1, followed by Ohio State and Boise State.

Associated PressOhio State's Dane Sanzenbacher scores on one of the four touchdown passes he caught from Terrelle Pryor in the Buckeyes' 73-20 win over Eastern Michigan.

New York – Nevada is ranked for the first time since 1948 and just the second time in the history of The Associated Press college football poll.

The 25th-ranked Wolf Pack (4-0) are 4-0 for the first time since 1991, when they were still a I-AA program.

The first month of the season closed with the preseason top three unchanged: Alabama is No. 1, followed by Ohio State and Boise State.

The Crimson Tide had its toughest challenge yet Saturday, coming from behind to beat Arkansas 24-20. The road victory helped the Tide gain five first-place votes, to 57.

Ohio State, which rolled to a 73-20 victory against Eastern Michigan, received two first-place votes and Boise State, which beat Oregon State 37-24, received one

A tough day for Eric Wright ends with a third TD pass allowed

Gail Burton / Associated PressAnquan Boldin is hoisted in celebration by guard Marshal Yanda after Boldin's third touchdown reception of the game gave Baltimore the lead it wouldn't relinquish in a 24-17 victory over the Browns at M&T Stadium.

BALTIMORE, Md. -- Observations, opinions and some facts about the fourth quarter ...

• On second-and-goal from the Ravens' 1, Seneca Wallace does the play-fake, roll right thing and tosses to Benjamin Watson for the touchdown. Browns get their first points in the second half for the season on the first play of the fourth quarter in the third game. Crowd is stunned by 17-14 Browns' lead.

• Browns can't afford any errors. T.J. Ward swarms kick return Jalen Parmalee at the Ravens' 15, but an offsides call brings a re-kick. Parmalee's second return is to the 31 -- a 16-yard difference.

• Anquan Boldin scorches Eric Wright again, this time for 13 yards and a first down.

• Browns move Wright to Derrick Mason's side. Uh, oh, Ravens spot it and Flacco fires for 15-yard completion at Browns' 43.

• Ravens commit two penalties -- false start and a roughness call on Michael Oher, who pushed, then punched, Robaire Smith. Twenty yards in penalties.

• But Ravens get the first down on completions of five and 14 yards to Todd Heap with Mike Adams jabbing at the ball.

• Third-and-5 from Browns' 27: This is a surprise. Flacco to Boldin vs. Wright. Touchdown. Way too easy. Boldin has eight catches, 142 yards, three TD vs. Wright.

• From the 20, Wallace turns and pitches to Hillis, the ball eludes him and Wallaces falls on it at the Browns' 3. It looked like Hillis may have been expecting a handoff and Wallace pitched it.

• Reggie Hodges punts from back line of end zone. Ravens don't rush and Tom Zbikowski's eight-yard return gives Ravens the ball at Browns' 42 with 7:39 to play.

• For the first time, Flacco's TD throw for Boldin is broken up in the end zone. Wright? No, T.J. Ward makes up ground and survives contact before the ball gets there and breaks it up.

• Browns defense holds and forces 49-yard field goal try. Billy Cundiff nails it for 24-17 lead with 5:29 left.

• Ravens special teams getting stronger. Cundiff boots his second consecutive touchback, taking the ball again out of Josh Cribbs' hands.

• Browns go three-and-out, as Wallace targets Cribbs, single covered by Josh Wilson. Where's Mohamed Massaquoi?

• With 1:55 left and the Ravens facing third-and-four, Matt Roth is called for offside and a game-killing first down for Baltimore. It's kneel-down time and the Browns fall to 0-3.

The Browns fall to the Ravens 24-17, and fall to 0-3, thanks primarily to three touchdowns from Baltimore receiver Anquan Boldin.

Joshua Gunter / The Plain DealerBen Watson gathered in this pass in the first half and added a TD catch early in the fourth quarter for the Browns, but the team couldn't quite hold on and fell to 0-3 with a 24-17 loss on Sunday.

BALTIMORE, Md. -- The Browns reversed two season-long trends Sunday. They scored in the second half, and scored a touchdown on the Baltimore defense.

The one trend Cleveland couldn't uproot in its third game of the season, however, was the trend of losing.

The Browns fell, 24-17, to the Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Baltimore receiver Anquan Boldin scored three touchdowns while dominating Browns cornerback Eric Wright in helping the Ravens seal the victory in the fourth quarter. The Browns dropped to 0-3 while Baltimore improved to 2-1.

The Browns were the first team to show success against the Ravens defense this season, as running back Peyton Hillis and tight end Benjamin Watson both scored touchdowns. Baltimore had not allowed a touchdown in 11 quarters until Hillis powered in a 1-yard score at the end of the second quarter.

Cleveland's defense held Baltimore in check for the third quarter, which helped set up the Browns' second touchdown of the game, a 1-yard pass from Seneca Wallace to Watson at the start of the fourth quarter. Hillis continued to churn up yards, and rattled off a 48-yard dash that brought the Browns into Ravens territory. Joshua Cribbs successfully employed the Wildcat offense in rushing behind left tackle Joe Thomas and left guard Eric Steinbach for another 19 yards to set up the touchdown.

Hillis finished with 144 yards rushing on 22 carries.

However, the Ravens countered in the fourth quarter, with quarterback Joe Flacco finding Boldin in the end zone -- who faked and beat Wright for a third time -- on a 27-yard touchdown pass.

Boldin had three touchdowns on eight catches for 142 yards. He recorded his 600th career reception on his first touchdown. Boldin, in his eighth season, became the fastest in NFL history to have 600 receptions, snagging his in the 98th game of his career.

The Browns were playing without a slew of starters thanks to injuries. Quarterback Jake Delhomme, running back Jerome Harrison, nose tackle Shaun Rogers and receiver Brian Robiskie all were inactive Sunday. Additionally, right tackle John St. Clair suffered a sprained ankle after the first drive of the game and did not return.

It's hard to believe when the Browns are 0-3, but they are a better team than a year ago.

Joshua Gunter / The Plain DealerPeyton Hillis' second-quarter touchdown reflected Hillis' strong performance against the Ravens on Sunday and the revival of the Browns' running game. That it didn't produce a victory was a shame, says Terry Pluto.

BALTIMORE, Md. -- If only the Browns could have found a way to win this game.

If only the Browns didn't blitz 7,000 guys on that game-winning 27-yard touchdown pass from Joe Flacco to Anquan Boldin. If only T.J. Ward had hung on to that possible interception on the second play of the game -- because the Browns' rookie safety could have walked into the end zone for the touchdown.

If only Eric Wright could have stayed in the same zip code as Boldin (3 TD catches), or if only the Browns had decided to allow someone else each try to cover him. How could it have been any worse?

When the Browns lose, 24-17, to Baltimore, and when their record is 0-3...well, Browns fans can spend a lot of time lost in the Land of If Only's.

Because if only the Browns had clung that 17-14 lead they had early in the fourth quarter, it would be easier to accept what I'm about to say -- namely, the Browns are a better team than a year ago.

Here's the good stuff that fans may not want to hear right now -- the offense returned to its identity of last season. Yes, the power running game was back with Peyton Hillis playing the part of a moose on a rampage with 144 yards in 22 carries. The Browns had 173 yards in 29 carries, while Seneca Wallace was 18-of-24 for 141 yards.

They did that with only one wide receiver (Joshua Cribbs) catching passes, as he had five. Brian Robiskie was hurt, Mohamed Massaquoi had only one pass thrown his way. Chansi Stuckey had none.

It was short passes to Cribbs, Hillis and tight end Ben Watson. And it did produce 17 points against one of the better defenses in the league.

If only the Browns had played like this against Tampa Bay and Kansas City, they'd be 2-1 today.

But they are 0-3.

Maybe they can learn something from this beyond a commitment to the running game. Maybe they can re-examine why Wright has to stay on the hot receiver, when the defensive back is obviously cold.

Maybe, just maybe, they can cut out a couple of dumb penalties that seemed to sabotage them at the worst moments.

A year ago, the Browns were outscored, 50-3, in their two games with Baltimore. So they are improving, but just not fast enough.