Rex Ryan and Mike Pettine have some fun with playbooks.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Introducing Crowquill, a sports cartoon by Plain Dealer artist Ted Crow, that will take on all topics having to do with sports three days a week.
Today's cartoon imagines what Browns coach Mike Pettine might say to his former boss, Rex Ryan, if he still had a Jets playbook around the house.
Ohio State wide receiver Zach Smith posted a photo on Instagram of what appeared to be a black matte Buckeyes helmet with a "Zone 6" decal above the facemask. He also had a black tophat Emoji in the description, which adds to the cryptic post. Watch video
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State's uniforms are about tradition.
That's why there's been a lot of pushback to the idea that the Buckeyes could eventually wear a black jersey, a combination that would actually look really sharp with Ohio State's helmets.
* Drake or Meek Mill? Zach Smith knows, that's why he's Urban Meyer's recruiting coordinator
But a black helmet? No way, right?
Well, nothing is impossible in this world.
Ohio State wide receiver Zach Smith posted a photo on Instagram of what appeared to be a black matte Buckeyes helmet with a "Zone 6" decal above the facemask. He also had a black tophat Emoji in the description, which adds to the cryptic post.
Of course, that post got a lot of attention from Ohio State fans. And the popular Twitter account, @UniSwag, which has more than 70,000 followers posted it. Smith replied to that post by being cryptic again.
[?] [?] [?] [?] [?] [?] [?] [?] [?] [?] [?] [?] https://t.co/sw4rkZneJT
-- Zach Smith #Zone6 (@CoachZachSmith) August 19, 2015
But don't get too excited. Or Mad.
Because Smith said it was a custom helmet for the receivers group and that he wasn't hinting the Buckeyes could wear a black helmet in the near future.
Well that picture blew up... Making a @Zone6_OSU helmet - wasn't hinting at anything else!! [?]
-- Zach Smith #Zone6 (@CoachZachSmith) August 19, 2015
All topics on the table including injuries, Justin Gilbert, quarterbacks and more. Watch video
ERIE, Pa -- The Browns are scheduled to play their second preseason game Thursday night against the Bills assuming they can round up enough healthy bodies.
The club has been plagued with soft-tissue injuries -- the phrase of training camp 2015 -- and it's becoming a growing source of frustration for coach Mike Pettine. The Browns are hoping many of their players nursing hamstring injuries can return in time to participate in the dress rehearsal exhibition in Tampa Bay on Aug. 29.
Although none of the injuries appear long-term save for Connor Shaw, they could impact continuity and chemistry with so few preseason games remaining. And, as Terrelle Pryor knows, hamstrings can be aggravated and become a lingering issue.
Get your questions answered today at 2 p.m. by clicking this link to be transported to the comments section below.
The latest beneficiary of a Nike uniform drop by the LeBron James Family Foundation was Kenmore High in Akron.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- LeBron James' latest uniform drop fell to the Kenmore High School football team.
James, through his LeBron James Family Foundation, often outfits needy school and youth sports programs in new uniforms, made by his corporate partner Nike.
Sparkling helmets and shiny new threads went to the Cardinals on Tuesday night during an emotional drop at the University of Akron, when a chopper carrying the goods landed on campus as the team awaited.
"This is amazing," Kenmore senior Dorell Daniels-Vaught told the Akron Beacon Journal. "It is a blessing to get something, especially with where we go to school. We really don't have too many opportunities for a lot of things to happen to us. A lot of bad publicity usually happens, so it is nice to have these changes and good publicity."
James, who is overseas for his annual Asian tour with Nike, was not there for the uniform drop. But his wife, Savannah, and sons LeBron Jr. and Bryce, were on hand, and James shared a photo of the Cardinals' helmets and uniforms on Instagram.
Kenmore football coach Kemp Boyd teared up as he addressed his team during the drop, and his players were apparently grateful.
@KingJames Thanks sooo much for our new gear at kenmore high football. As an alum and a coach THANK YOU! #IPROMISE pic.twitter.com/yq2nwMruAT
-- Marty Micale (@micale_marty) August 18, 2015
Shoutout to @KingJames for hooking the Kenmore football team up with new helmets and unis. #GoCards pic.twitter.com/BlpRXOu13s
-- Zach Kalil (@prozac4312) August 18, 2015
Thanks for the new uniforms @KingJames pic.twitter.com/yjrPFAlN2p
-- BasedRome (@BasedRome) August 19, 2015
During the NBA's All-Star weekend in New York last season, the James' foundation flew some Akron teenagers to the Big Apple to complete 23 acts of kindness, which included multiple uniform drops.
Last week, James and the University of Akron announced college scholarships beginning in 2021 for any student involved in the James foundation's mentorship program who graduates from Akron Public Schools and fulfills some testing, attendance, and community service requirements.
Join Chris Haynes, Joe Vardon and Chris Fedor to discuss the latest with the Cavaliers during our Cavs chat at 1 p.m.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- After a quick start to the off-season, things have slowed down considerably for the Cleveland Cavaliers and other teams around the NBA.
Despite the recent inactivity, there are some issues that still need to be resolved before training camp begins in about a month.
Will Sasha Kaun come from overseas to help add depth along the Cavs' frontline? When will the Tristan Thompson contract discussions get resolved? Will J.R. Smith stay with the Cavs? What could the Cavs offer in a trade for Los Angeles Clippers sixth man Jamal Crawford?
Join Chris Haynes, Joe Vardon and Chris Fedor to discuss these topics and many more in our Cavs chat, which opens at 1 p.m. and runs for an hour. Don't be shy about sending in any questions you want answered by clicking here.
Kipnis leads the AL with a .325 batting average, but Miguel Cabrera is lurking. No Tribe player has won the batting title since 1954.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Jason Kipnis sits atop the American League leaderboard for batting average, but it might not last.
That won't be Kipnis' doing, either. The second baseman might fare better than every other name currently listed. There's a monster lurking in the Motor City, however.
Kipnis' .325 average represents the top mark among qualified AL batters. Texas' Prince Fielder ranks second at .324. Seattle's Nelson Cruz is third at .321. Kipnis said he hasn't given a batting title much thought. No Tribe hitter has won the batting title since Bobby Avila logged an AL-best .341 average in 1954.
"Once we get a little closer to the end of the year, [I] might," he said. "It's just a cool thing to go after and another fun thing to keep you interested the whole way through."
Of course, by the end of the year, Miguel Cabrera will likely have enough plate appearances to qualify. Cabrera is batting .349, though he missed six weeks with a calf strain.
League rules mandate that a player must log 3.1 plate appearances per game to qualify for the statistical leaderboard. That equates to 502 trips to the plate over the course of a 162-game slate. Cabrera would need to amass 149 plate appearances over the Tigers' final 44 games, an average of 3.4 per contest.
Even if Cabrera fails to meet the requirement, though, he could still win the batting crown based on league rule 10.22(a). If, for instance, Cabrera finishes with 490 plate appearances, the remaining 12 he fell short would be considered hitless at-bats and would be factored into the equation. If Cabrera's batting average was still the best in the AL even with the 12 hitless at-bats tacked on, he'd be the winner.
Cabrera presently sits 13 plate appearances shy of qualification. Adding 13 hitless at-bats to his totals would drop his average from .349 to .334.
Cabrera won the AL batting title in 2011, '12 and '13.
Either way, Kipnis has far exceeded his output from a year ago. At this time last season, he was bothered by injuries and exhibited little power at the plate. He didn't hit a home run after July 31. He didn't record an RBI in September. At the end of the season, he had posted a .240/.310/.330 slash line.
Now, he's in contention for a batting title.
After sitting out one season, and helping his mother battle colon cancer, Donnell Alexander, son of NFL Hall of Famer Derrick Thomas, is ready to play for the Akron Zips.
AKRON, Ohio -- There is just one season of college football remaining for Akron Zips tailback Donnell Alexander. He hopes to make the most of it.
"I love it here,'' Alexander said recently. "Since I got here I love the environment. Everybody has the same goal in mind, and the same competitive nature. This has definitely been enjoyable to me. Now I'm ready to play."
Alexander arrived in Akron last spring after his sudden transfer from Colorado State. There were a lot of rumblings about why the projected starter was leaving after he had already served a redshirt season.
After a recent scrimmage, the son of late Kansas City Chief Hall of Fame linebacker Derrick Thomas, said one big reason was for his mother, who is about to end a year of cancer treatment.
"She's been with me, here, taking chemo treatments,'' Alexander said. "She's almost done with them. It has been a tough little journey for us with colon cancer. But she's closer to the end of it now. And that puts a fire inside of me. I have seen my coach (Todd Stroud) come through it before, so that helps too.''
Stroud, Akron's defensive line coach, coached at Colorado State in 2010-11 and is the common denominator with several Colorado State transfers who have played for the Zips.
Another positive, both in time and distance, is that Alexander does not have the shadow of his Hall of Fame father over him in Akron, or with the Zips, even with the Pro Football Hall of Fame just minutes away.
The Browns Vinnie Testaverde is pressured by late Hall of Fame linebacker Derrick Thomas (58) of the Kansas City Chiefs in 1995. Thomas son, Donnell Alexander, now plays for the Akron Zips.
"Growing up, people knew, so there was always that question,'' Alexander said. "Once I got to (Colorado State), it started coming up, the Chiefs and Broncos rivalry and all. I had a lot of Bronco fans tell me, 'I loved your father.'
"But I never tried to use my father's name. He did his own thing, a gifted linebacker. Me, I'm just blessed to be in college, hoping to one day get a chance at the same opportunity he had. Beyond that, there's not a lot of comparisons. He did it his way, I'm a tailback, trying to do it my way.
"The Browns and the Chiefs, they hardly every played. I don't get hit with it often around here."
Now, with a clear mind and a clear focus, the 5-11, 210-pound tailback is gearing for a good year with the Zips. Before leaving Colorado State, he was projected to be the Rams No. 1 tailback after two seasons of backup duty, gaining 1,015 yard and six TDs with a 5.4 yards per carry average. He also proved adept in the passing game with 38 receptions.
As of now, Alexander is slotted as backup to Conor Hundley, but it is clear he will get his share of touches as the Zips seem more determined to run the football than in the past.
"Donnell is doing good,'' Bowden said. "Conor and Donnell, we think we've got two guys that can run. Donnell sat out last year but he has played a lot of Division I football against good competition. He and Conor are two guys we are counting on."
Hundley is a known product, having practically single-handedly defeated Pitt last season with a 19-carry, 148-yard rushing performance. The Zips, however, never dedicated themselves to running the football like that the rest of the season. Hundley never carried the ball that many times again, and never had another 100-yard rushing game.
Yet, since the end of last season, and through the first scrimmage of preseason camp, Bowden has made running the football a priority. That means lots of work for Hundley and Alexander.
"I just want to compete,'' Alexander said. "I just want to run hard, and play for the team. Not playing football (last season) was the toughest part of it all. Just watching football was toughest for me. I'm ready to play."
Trevor Bauer, after going 8-5 in the first half of the season, is 1-5 with a 7.05 ERA sincethe All-Star break. Watch video
BOSTON - Trevor Bauer is off the tracks and it's not clear how long he's going to stay there.
On Tuesday night against Boston, Bauer turned in his shortest start of the season and second shortest of his career. He was gone with two outs in the second inning as the Red Sox strolled to a 9-1 victory over the Indians.
Bauer allowed five runs on six hits in 1 2/3 innings. In his last two starts he's allowed 11 runs on 11 hits in just five innings.
Asked if was having a confidence problem Bauer (9-10, 4.62) said, "It could be. I threw everything on the edge of the strike zone tonight and they hit it. So, maybe next game I'll try to throw it down the middle, since that's something they didn't hit tonight."
Bauer is 1-5 with a 7.05 ERA in seven starts since the All-Star break. He's allowed 29 earned runs on 42 hits in 37 innings.
He went into the break at 8-5 with a 3.76 ERA in 17 starts. He allowed 44 earned runs on 85 hits in 105 1/3 innings.
Here's what manager Terry Francona said about Bauer after Tuesday's loss.
"He's fighting it right now. I think we all know that. When you're going really good and you feel good, you're confident and you're throwing your pitches with conviction.
"I think right now he's probably second guessing himself a little bit like, 'Am I throwing the right pitch. Or are they hitting it when I do?' We've got to get him back to being confident. The good thing is Mickey (Callaway, pitching coach) will never quit.
"We're just going to have to take small steps and not try to get everything back in one day because it can come back in a hurry."
On Bauer's velocity and stuff.
"His stuff is fine. He's been getting hurt by either maybe doubling or tripling up on pitches, or throwing a ball in to the wrong guy. There's stuff there that this kid can be successful.
"It's definitely frustrating right now, and I know it is for him, but nobody said it's always going to be easy. We've got to fight through it."
Bauer on whether he had Mookie Betts struck out with the bases loaded in second inning?
"It looked like strike three. I don't know. I guess the umpire said he nicked it and it hit the ground first."
Explanation: Plate umpire Mike Muchlinski ruled that Betts fouled off a 0-2 pitch from Bauer and that catcher Roberto Perez didn't catch it. Betts took advantage of his second chance and hit a three-run double off The Green Monster for a 4-0 lead.
Francona on whether he thought Betts struck out.
"Roberto (Perez, catcher) didn't handle it cleanly. Roberto said he (Betts) fouled it. I know, from talking to everybody else, it didn't look like it. We didn't even react because we knew he didn't catch it cleanly. I even asked Roberto afterwards and he said he fouled it.
"It's a little bit odd. I haven't seen the video, but everybody that's see it said it looks like it was strike three. So that's interesting."
Francona on third baseman Mike Aviles' error in the second inning that put Bauer in a jam.
"He went to third (for the force), which was good. And then when he got to the bag, he pushed off the bag instead of probably moving his feet. It just kind of sailed away and Carlos (Santana, first baseman) - the ball was kind of in between the runner and him - wasn't able to go get it."
Explanation: Rusney Castillo, with runners on first and second, sent a bouncer to Aviles at third. He stepped on third for the force, but threw wildly to first for an error instead of completing the double play.
Francona on Boston rookie left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez
"He started with velocity and he showed that he was going to throw it for strikes. He held the velocity for pretty much the whole games, threw strike one and worked ahead. And he had a six-run lead."
Explanation: Rodriguez allowed one run on six hits in eight innings. He struck out five and didn't walk a batter.
Where does Ohio State stand with five-star shooting guard Gary Trent Jr.? Watch video
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Gary Trent Jr.'s life is now completely different than it was just five months ago. Going from a well-regarded high school basketball player to a blue-chip, can't-miss prospect has a funny way of changing things.
Before all of this started, Trent was a shooting guard who clearly had a high ceiling, but wasn't dominating the AAU circuit the way he did this summer. He was a kid from Apple Valley, Minn., with Columbus connections and a close relationship with Ohio State assistant Jeff Boals that might have had the Buckeyes as an early favorite in Trent's recruitment.
Now everybody is after Trent.
"It's been pretty hectic, my phone has been ringing off the hook, I've been talking to some historical coaches," Trent told Northeast Ohio Media Group during a phone interview on Tuesday. "Everything is coming together for me."
When Trent last spoke with NEOMG in April, he was a four-star prospect, ranked No. 70 in the country in the Class of 2017 by 247Sports. Now he's a five-star, the top shooting guard in the country and the No. 8 overall prospect.
Since Ohio State offered in April after a standout performance at Nike's Elite Youth Basketball League stop in Lexington, Ky., Trent has picked up offers from Duke, Kentucky, Arizona, Kansas and a slew of others. He's big time now. That comes with certain things.
Trent left for the Bahamas on Wednesday morning with a group of 12 of the best high school players in the country, selected by Nike, to participate in practices and games over the next five days. He gets recognized when tries to go to dinner back home at Old Country Buffet. He has his own blog on USA Today.
He also gets to call his own shots. Which is why Trent is looking to form a package deal with five-star Georgia power forward Wendell Carter Jr.
"We're both looking to do it," Trent said. "It all started when we got to USA Basketball, and we got to talking about the universities that we like, and how we want to win national championships, stuff like that. We thought it would be a good idea if we end up going to school together. You can say it's still in the works, but we're certain that we want to go to the same school."
So what does that mean for Ohio State?
The Buckeyes already need some roster shakeup to bring in Trent. Ohio State had one scholarship to offer for 2017, and that was taken by Westerville South big man Kaleb Wesson last month. Adding Trent and Carter seems nearly impossible, and Carter doesn't have an offer from Ohio State. Schools like Kentucky and Duke, who routinely lose large groups of players to the NBA every year, would appear to have a better chance of landing the duo.
But that doesn't necessarily take Ohio State out of the running.
"At the end of the of the day, it's gonna be what's best for you and what school you wanna choose," Trent said. "So say we wanted to go to the same school and we couldn't, we would check our other options. But if it's the best fit for that player, I'm sure neither of us would care if it's what's best for the other and helped them in the long run."
So Thad Matta is still recruiting Trent, hard. Trent listed the Buckeyes among the teams pursuing him the most, along with Kentucky, Duke and Arizona.
The Buckeyes' last three commitments -- Wesson, along with Derek Funderburk and Micah Potter in 2016 -- are big men. Ohio State would like to add a guard over the next two cycles, and they don't get much better than Trent.
So even though they're currently without a spot for him, the Buckeyes will keep recruiting Trent until it's over.
"Coach Matta texts me about once a week just to check in and see how I'm doing," Trent said. "We're building a relationship and it's steadily getting stronger and stronger."
The University of Akron, which earlier this summer announced elimination of its baseball team to save money, has decided to expand scholarships to other athletes on campus at a cost of $650,000 to $700,000.
AKRON, Ohio - The University of Akron, which earlier this summer announced elimination of its baseball team to save money, has decided to expand scholarships to other athletes on campus at a cost of $650,000 to $700,000.
Full-scholarship athletes will receive an additional $2,400, on top of tuition, fees, room and board under an option provided beginning this year under new NCAA rules.
Mid-American Conference schools in Ohio have taken different approaches to the new option to add the full cost of attendance to scholarships. The NCAA now allows schools to pay out money for things such as transportation and class materials required in addition to books.
Some schools, like UA, will add the full cost of attendance to the value of all athletic scholarships. Other schools, including Kent State, said they will do so only partially because of budget limitations.
Akron previously had said it had not yet decided how to handle the expanded scholarships.
A school spokesman said in an email Wednesday that the decision has been made, and UA will provide the additional scholarships to the maximum allowable level.
The decision comes after weeks of controversy about cost-saving measures to help offset a $60 million budget shortfall. In addition to eliminating the baseball program, the university has laid off 159 employees.
The Northeast Ohio Media Group recently examined the change in scholarship rules and other issues in a series of stories looking at the costs of Division I sports at Ohio's public universities.
Akron's sports budget, at $32 million, was the highest in Ohio among the Mid-American Conference schools.
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Cleveland Browns coach Mike Pettine owes a lot to Rex Ryan, but Pettine also had to break away.
PITTSFORD, N.Y. -- Something to think about: Rex Ryan was the coach of the New York Jets from 2009-14. In that same six-year period, the Browns had four head coaches.
Ryan became the Jets head coach in 2009. His defensive coordinator was Mike Pettine, the current Browns head coach.
Ryan was 9-7 and 11-5 in his first two years. He lost in the AFC championship both years.
That bought him time, even in New York. In the next four seasons, Ryan was 8-8, 6-10, 8-8 and 4-12. No playoff appearances. By the time he was fired, it was obvious things had fallen apart for Ryan in New York.
Buffalo turned to Ryan, giving him a five-year, $27 million contract.
That lucrative contract came after a 4-12 season -- and after four years without a winning record or a playoff appearance. He left New York with a 46-50 overall record.
Pettine often talks about how this is a "What have you done for me lately?" league.
That didn't exactly apply to Ryan, who was granted patience even in ever-anxious New York, thanks to the success in his first two seasons.
But patience has rarely been a gift to most Browns coaches. Consider this lineup of Cleveland head coaches during Ryan's six seasons in New York:
MOVING UP THE RANKS
When the Browns and Bills practiced together at St. John Fisher College this week, I asked Ryan about Pettine.
"I knew he'd get to this spot," said Ryan.
He meant that Pettine would one day be a head coach in the NFL.
"Our backgrounds are very similar," added Ryan. "Both our dads are legendary coaches."
That's true, to an extent.
Buddy Ryan was a famous defensive coordinator with Chicago and Houston. He also was the head coach in Philadelphia and Arizona. Rex Ryan seemed have inside passage to the NFL.
Mike Pettine Sr. was the winningest high school coach in Pennsylvania history when he retired in 1999. He had a 327-42-4 record with four state titles for Central Bucks High School outside of Philadelphia.
Pettine's pedigree was a path to good high school positions. He spent 10 years as a high school coach -- but not the NFL.
That's why their two careers eventually went in different directions.
JUST A HIGH SCHOOL COACH
In 2002, Pettine begged his way into a spot as a video assistant with the Baltimore Ravens. He took a massive pay cut from a high school coaching job for an entry level spot in the NFL. He did it at the age of 35.
Rex Ryan was the defensive line coach with the Ravens. Members of the Ravens front office told me how Pettine made himself valuable to Ryan, because Ryan had trouble learning all the new computer systems that were becoming part of the modern NFL.
Pettine was hungry to learn anything that would keep him in the league, and he embraced the technological advances. The two men soon became friends. They had the same defensive-minded view of the game.
Pettine always had more to prove in the NFL than Ryan.
"Being 'Just a high school coach' always drove me," said Pettine.
Suddenly, Pettine found himself embraced by a member of one of the NFL's royal families. As Rex Ryan rose from defensive line coach to defensive coordinator, Pettine went up with him.
It was the best way for a former high school coach to establish himself in the NFL. He needed someone with credibility to be his mentor.
"(Mike) is smart and knows the game extremely well," said Ryan. "He's hard working, dedicated and passionate. So I knew he'd get an opportunity (to be a head coach)."
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
When Ryan was hired as the head coach of the Jets in 2009, he brought along Pettine. Suddenly, the former high school coach was now a defensive coordinator in the NFL.
When the Jets had those two trips to the AFC title game in the 2009 and 2010 seasons, they had a rugged defense.
But the credit for it went to Ryan. There were whispers that Pettine was not fully the coordinator. Supposedly, Ryan's fingerprints were all over the game plans and his booming voice was the heartbeat of one of the NFL's top defenses.
That may have been the case in Pettine's first year. But Ryan gave him far more control after that.
Nicholas Dawidoff wrote a superb book about the 2012 Jets called COLLISON LOW CROSSERS.
Pettine receives nearly as much attention from the author as Ryan. Dawidoff was granted complete access by the team, and spent a lot of time in Pettine's defensive meetings.
By 2012, Pettine was the pulse of the defense.
Ryan is criticized by the author for taking a very low-key, almost distant approach with all of the assistant coaches. Ryan had become a celebrity, and seemed to have lost some of the drive that made him effective early in his career.
THE BREAKUP
By 2012, Pettine knew it was time for him to leave Ryan.
Like Ryan, he is a very ambitious man. And like Ryan, the blood of a head coach pumps through his veins. After 10 years together, these two men who had taken family vacations together knew it was time to part.
"He wanted to be a head coach in this league and sometimes, rightly or wrongly, they're going to attach everything we do defensively to me," Ryan told reporters in 2013. That was when Pettine left Ryan to become the defensive coordinator in Buffalo. Ryan talked about how Pettine needed to "get out and make (his own) name."
In his book, Dawidoff wrote, "For Pettine, the Bills were his opportunity to become his own coaching man, to show he could run a first-rate defense without Ryan."
Pettine said Sunday it was "just time" for him to leave the Jets. Dawidoff's book indicated there was a distance growing between Ryan and Pettine. Ten years together was enough.
Ryan did Pettine a major favor. He allowed Pettine to take Jets assistants Jim O'Neil and Anthony Weaver to Buffalo. They are now members Pettine's staff in Cleveland.
In 2013, Ryan had an 8-8 record. Pettine's Buffalo defensive ranked No. 10 and set a franchise record for sacks. The Bills defense was No. 22 in 2012.
The move to Buffalo put Pettine in position to interview for the Browns job. That never would have happened had he remained in New York with Ryan.
In 2014, Pettine became the head coach of the Browns. Ryan's Jets were 4-12, and he was fired.
STARTING OVER
So Ryan and Pettine will face each other for the first time as head coaches in Thursday's preseason game.
Just as Pettine left the Jets for Buffalo as a way to pump more life into his career, Buffalo became the landing pad for Ryan after he was dropped by the Jets.
Ryan told me how both men "build teams the same way." He meant based on rugged defenses and a powerful running game.
Pettine joked Sunday that the two men "have had conversations before, asking who has the bigger curse on quarterbacks."
Both men were frustrated over the years in New York with the inconsistency and lack of development of quarterback Mark Sanchez.
Ryan will start Tyrod Taylor against the Browns. Taylor threw only 35 regular season passes as a backup for Baltimore from 2011-14. The Bills also have veteran Matt Cassel and 2013 first-round pick E.J. Manuel as quarterback options.
Ryan doesn't seem to know who will be his starter.
Pettine is starting 36-year-old journeyman Josh McCown. The coach is trying to help Johnny Manziel find his spot in the NFL, at least as a viable backup with the potential to eventually start.
THE BIG CHALLENGE
Ryan has at least a few years to make it work in Buffalo. That's the blessing of his lucrative five-year contract.
While there is reason to believe Jimmy Haslam is sincere when he says he does want to "blow up" the front office and coaching staff, Pettine is still proving himself in his second season. He doesn't have Ryan's pedigree or early record of success.
"Our relationship hasn't changed," said Pettine. "It was good then and it's good now... he'll be a friend until I take my last breath."
But now that they are apart, both men are re-creating themselves. They are doing it in two football-crazy cities with frustrated fan bases. The Browns have been to the playoffs only twice since 1990 (1994 and 2002). The Bills last playoff appearance was 1999.
Neither is expected to make the postseason in 2015. The "quarterback curse" is the main reason for skepticism.
It will be interesting to see if either coach can beat the odds.
The Browns and Bills are both plagued by injuries heading into Thursday night's second preseason game.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Running back Duke Johnson, receiver Terrelle Pryor and cornerbacks Joe Haden and Justin Gilbert are among the 19 players idle for the Browns against the Bills tonight in the second preseason game against the Bills at FirstEnergy Stadium.
It's the same that number that rested last week during the 20-17 loss to the Redskins.
With five cornerbacks sidelined, rookie Charles Gaines will start in place of Joe Haden opposite Tramon Williams.
Safety Jordan Poyer will start at free safety for Tashaun Gipson, who's out with a calf strain.
On a more positive note, eight-time Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas will start the game after sitting out last week.
Josh McCown will start the game and play into the second quarterback. Johnny Manziel will get plenty of work and Thad Lewis will finish the game. Connor Shaw underwent right thumb surgery this week and will miss the season.
But the starters Bills don't feel too sorry for the Browns. They have 14 players out, including starting receivers Sammy Watkins and Percy Harvin. LeSean McCoy, who suffered a hamstring injury against the Browns, will also rest.
Here are the Browns other idle players: WR Dwayne Bowe (hamstring), DB Pierre Desir (hamstring), RB Shaun Draughn (hand), DB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (knee), RB Luke Lundy (concussion), LB Barkevious Mingo (knee), WR Marlon Moore (ribs), DB Robert Nelson Jr. (hamstring), DB De'Ante Saunders (calf), QB TE Randall Telfer (foot), DB K'Waun Williams (abdominal), RB Glenn Winston (knee), FB Malcolm Johnson (shoulder).
"Based upon the initial symptoms," Antonetti said, "the initial way he was feeling, the initial diagnosis, we were hopeful that it would be a shorter time for him to get back healthy but it hasn't played out that way."
NEW YORK -- Indians General Manager Chris Antonetti said "there was no tension at all" between the two sides when TJ House filed a grievance against the club.
House was placed on the major league disabled list last week, retroactive to May 1, because of left shoulder inflammation. To do that, the Indians had to rescind their May 21 transaction, in which they optioned the left-hander to Triple-A Columbus. That's a result of the two sides settling, as House argued he was injured before he was demoted to Columbus.
"Things remained amicable throughout that," Antonetti said Thursday from the visitor's dugout at Yankee Stadium.
Now, one question remains: Why is House still sidelined?
He made four starts for the Tribe and compiled an 0-4 record and 13.15 ERA. He pitched three innings at Class A Lake County and made four starts for the Clippers before his shoulder landed him on the shelf again.
He took a couple of weeks off from throwing. Since, he has been at the team's facilities in Goodyear, Arizona. Antonetti said surgery is not yet being considered.
"I think we want to see how he gets through the conservative treatment," Antonetti said. "He went through a period of rest. Now, he's building back up his throwing. We'll have to see how he responds to that. If he has another setback along the way, we have to revisit what the best course of action might be."
Antonetti admitted he is surprised House's recovery has taken so long.
"Based upon the initial symptoms," Antonetti said, "the initial way he was feeling, the initial diagnosis, we were hopeful that it would be a shorter time for him to get back healthy but it hasn't played out that way."
Testing, testing: Cody Anderson (left oblique strain) tossed a bullpen session on Tuesday. He'll throw another one on Friday. He'll simulate three innings.
Anderson said he has watched video of his mechanics while sidelined with his injury. In his first four major-league starts, the right-hander logged a 0.89 ERA, as he limited the opposition to 17 hits and three walks over 30 1/3 innings. In his next four outings, he posted a 10.19 ERA, as he allowed opposing hitters a 1.032 OPS (.367 batting average) and 29 hits over 17 2/3 frames.
"I was able to break some stuff down and learn from mistakes," Anderson said, adding that he found a flaw in his delivery.
Strangers in the outfield: Had you given Antonetti 1,000 guesses as to whom the Indians' outfielders would be in the third week of August, he never would have pegged Jose Ramirez, Abraham Almonte and Lonnie Chisenhall. Of course, Almonte didn't join the organization until the end of July.
"I wouldn't have guessed that," Antonetti said.
Nevertheless, the defensive lineup indicates how far off the rails this season has veered.
Ramirez earned his second start in left field in Thursday's series opener at Yankee Stadium.
"It's an opportunity to find him at-bats," Antonetti said. "The more he can play, the better."
No hurry: The Indians do not plan on rushing Michael Brantley back to his spot in left field. Brantley has served as the team's designated hitter for four straight nights. He missed three games last weekend because of shoulder inflammation.
"He could probably get by anyway," manager Terry Francona said, "but I just don't think that needs to be until he's really feeling like he can do everything he wants to do. And then maybe he makes a throw and now all of a sudden he's back to where it's bothering him hitting. We really don't want that to happen."
Stat of the day: The Indians have not finished with a better road record than home record since 2005. They entered Thursday's affair with a 31-30 mark on the road and a 24-34 record at Progressive Field.
See Players of the Week in golf and tennis for Aug. 20, 2015.
CLEVELAND, Ohio – Here are the cleveland.com Players of the Week for Aug. 20. Players of the Week win a free SAT or ACT class with College Review. Call 216-831-2557 or visit collegereview.org online.
Scroll to the bottom for information on how coaches can nominate an athlete for this honor.
Also see below for a poll asking which athlete had the most impressive week. Note that the poll is just for fun. It has no expiration and there is no “winner” declared.
Players of the Week are awarded every week in the regular season. Look for the feature Thursdays on cleveland.com and Fridays in The Plain Dealer.
BOYS GOLF
Name: Roni Shin.
School: Rocky River.
Year: Sophomore.
Height, weight: 5-9, 190.
College: Undecided.
What Roni did last week: Set a school record by shooting 4-under-par 68 in leading his team to a win at the inaugural Pirate Invitational at Big Met. Pirates also set school record for team score.(291) Was medalist with a 74 at the Great Lakes Conference preview tournament at Ironwood. Placed fifth at the Amherst Invitational at Oberlin Country Club.
Three Questions with Roni
Q: When did you first start playing golf?
A: "When I was 8, my uncle introduced me to it. I started out playing at Mastick Woods and I went around playing Metroparks courses from there. Ernie Els is my favorite golfer. Everything he does is really smooth. Right now my putter is going pretty strong. I think I've been pretty consistent with the putter this year."
Q: What is the best advice a coach or instructor has given you?
A: "To own your backswing. My instructor says the backswing is the hardest part of the swing because whatever you do back there translates into how you hit the ball. Ever since I was 11 he's told me to own your backswing."
Q: What do you do away from the golf course?
A: "I've played the piano for nine years. I've played classical selections, but right now it's mostly jazz and improv. I played at school before, but it's more of a hobby now."
- Joe Noga
GIRLS GOLF
Name: Reva Morris.
School:Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin.
Year: Senior.
Height: 5-4.
College: Youngstown State.
What Reva did last week:Was medalist with a 74 at the Magnificat Invitational, where the Lions placed fourth. Helped team win the Lakeview Invitational with 1-over-par 73, also good for first individually.
Three Questions with Reva
Q: What’s the strongest part of your game right now?
A: “My putting. I’m really confident all around the greens and that’s really helped my score. I use a Yes! putter. I’ve had it for the last four or five years.”
Q: What are you most looking forward to during your senior year of high school?
A: ”Actually I’m looking forward to playing more golf with my teammates. We’ve been playing really well as a team and the team dynamic is really there. We’re having a lot of fun.”
Q: Who is your favorite professional golfer?
A: “Zach Johnson. I really like his swing and he’s really consistent and he has a great attitude. I really admire him for that.”
- Joe Noga
GIRLS TENNIS
Name: Irene Norman.
School:Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy.
Year: Sophomore.
Height: 5-10.
College: Undecided.
What Irene did last week: She went 4-0 in singles, winning each match in two sets. She won 6-0, 6-0 matches against Woodridge and St. Vincent-St. Mary and helped her team go 3-1.
Three Questions with Irene
Q: Who is your favorite tennis player?
A: “Definitely Roger Federer. I love the way he plays. He just looks really relaxed and in control on the court all the time. He never loses his temper. I just love to watch him play.”
Q: What is the best part of your game?
A: “I really like to hit my forehand and I also like my serves.”
Q: Do you have any rituals or superstitions before a match?
A: “I don't have any superstitions about anything. But I do like to have my ritual, listening to some pump-up music. And I'll usually jump rope or something like that to get my blood moving.”
- Tim Bielik
How to nominate an athlete for Players of the Week:
Players of the Week are chosen every week in the regular season. Coaches can nominate an athlete anytime between the end of all games in a week and Monday at noon. Go to cleveland.com/potw to access the nomination form. Fill in all the blanks, especially the part on what the athlete did that week. Again, the deadline is Monday at noon. Only coaches can nominate an athlete.
A new angle will be available to viewers this season.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Football has been on TV for a long time, but that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of unexplored camera angles. One of them you'll see this season? Pylon cameras.
ESPN showed off the cameras on Thursday night during their Browns-Bills telecast. The cameras are small devices embedded in the pylon -- forget it. Just look:
Jon Gruden was super-excited about the cameras, too, partially because he's Jon Gruden and partially because they are cool.
Josh McCown threw two interceptions against the Buffalo Bills Thursday before leading a scoring drive late in the first half. Ugly as it was in the beginning, the Browns showed some resilience that should only help ramp up the effort heading toward the regular season -- Bud Shaw.
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Josh McCown's first exhibition start for the Browns was too seamless, too effective but mostly too short.
The second was a long, hard pull. Ugly. Interception-laden. And probably just what this Browns' offense and this quarterback needed to get them out of training camp cruise control.
There's only a slight resemblance between training camp and the regular season. Some teams still kid themselves about that.
A good Buffalo defense made Thursday night more realistic in ways Washington couldn't. Accordingly, the Browns struggled before McCown led a drive for a field goal just before half.
He played that long partly out of design, but also because that's how long he needed to end on a good note.
The Browns showed some resilience on this night, the kind they'll need once they start playing for real. No reason to stop the game and give them an award. But after two tough days of practice against the Bills and even tougher slogging on two drives that ended in McCown interceptions, finishing the half with a 8:52 scoring drive was important.
McCown had some nice completions to tight end Rob Housler and Brian Hartline. Isaiah Crowell stiff-armed linebacker Preston Brown to the ground for a 13-yard gain.
If you care about such things, the field goal drive tied the game. The shift in momentum was far more important than the scoreboard.
The Browns' offense managed one shift. So did the Browns defense after getting gouged for 57 yards during Buffalo's 9:36 possession to begin the game.
That the Bills missed a field goal was celebrated in bend-but-don't-break cliches all over Twitter - some of them unironically -- but when the Bills are engineered by quarterback Tyrod Taylor and is missing its big-time playmakers, a football hitting the upright is a small saving grace.
The most telling and interesting matchup was Browns' offense against Bills' defense. The Browns don't just want to run the ball this season. They need to run the ball.
But McCown also needs to make good defenses respect his arm and reads to give the Browns a chance. The Browns got a C-minus out of the test by the end of the half but, believe me, they were heading for a F - and that doesn't stand for "flawless."
We were being reminded early that McCown was 1-10 in Tampa last season. And that the Browns lost five in a row to end their season.
McCown needs time with new personnel. The Browns are going to be challenged to stretch the field.
When LeBron James said nothing comes easy in northeast Ohio, everything is earned, I'm not sure he meant for the Browns offense but it's just as true.
Better that reality set in on an August night than in the opener.
Tomlin limited New York to two hits across seven innings, as the Indians claimed the opener of a four-game set by a 3-2 margin.
NEW YORK -- Josh Tomlin's 83-mph cutter didn't do the job. That offering was deposited over the left-field fence, an estimated 426 feet from home plate.
Everything else Tomlin heaved toward the Yankees' hitters worked to his liking on Thursday. Tomlin limited New York to two hits across seven innings, as the Indians claimed the opener of a four-game set by a 3-2 margin.
Tomlin recorded four 1-2-3 innings. Alex Rodriguez slugged his only slip-up beyond the wall in left field to begin the fourth inning. The roar from the Yankee Stadium crowd didn't persist, though, as Tomin didn't surrender another base hit.
The Indians scratched across three runs against Yankees right-hander Ivan Nova. Lonnie Chisenhall plated Carlos Santana with an RBI double in the second. Jason Kipnis scored on Michael Brantley's RBI single in the third. Jose Ramirez brought home Abraham Almonte with an RBI single in the fourth. Cleveland's offense didn't muster much after that, but it didn't matter.
Tomlin walked two and struck out six. In two starts since rejoining the Tribe, the right-hander has posted a 2.03 ERA. He has allowed three runs -- all in the form of solo home runs -- in 13 1/3 innings.
For a team in desperate need of a dependable fifth starter, Tomlin has been a stabilizing force. For two outings, at least.
The Yankees placed runners at second and third with two outs in the third, but Tomlin induced a groundout off the bat of Gardner to escape harm. Aside from that traffic jam and Rodriguez's blast, the Yankees never pushed a runner past first base against Tomlin.
New York brought the tying run to the plate in the eighth, but Bryan Shaw fanned Jacoby Ellsbury and Gardner to end the threat. With the count full, Shaw got Gardner to chase a cutter off the outside corner.
Cleveland closer Cody Allen heightened the drama in the ninth. Rodriguez singled and stole second. Carlos Beltran drove him in with a single to right. The Yankees moved runners to second and third with two outs, but Didi Gregorius flied to left to ease the tension.
Allen has allowed at least one run in seven of 13 appearances since the All-Star break.
What it means
The Indians improved to 56-64, 14-26 in series openers. Eleven of those 14 victories have come on the road. They have taken three of four from the Yankees this season.
Cleveland has racked up a 32-30 record on the road, compared to a 24-34 mark at Progressive Field.
Slump busted
Kipnis snapped an 0-for-17 skid with a leadoff single in the first. He singled three times in four trips to the plate.
See ya
Yankees manager Joe Girardi earned his third ejection of the season when he argued a strike call in the ninth. Allen struck out Brian McCann with a breaking ball up in the zone. McCann wasn't pleased with the ruling by home plate umpire Dan Iassogna. Girardi kicked some dirt on home plate and released some frustration before retreating to the Yankees clubhouse.
Web gems
Chisenhall, a novice right fielder, made a diving snag of a Carlos Beltran fly ball to begin the seventh inning. One frame earlier, Abraham Almonte made an impressive grab on a Gardner fly ball to center.
They came, they saw
An announced crowd of 36,129 watched the affair at Yankee Stadium.
What's next
The Indians and Yankees will reconvene on Friday evening, as Tribe right-hander Carlos Carrasco (11-9, 3.63 ERA) will oppose New York righty Masahiro Tanaka (9-5, 3.56). Carrasco has logged 33 innings in his last four starts. During that stretch, he has posted a 1.36 ERA and has limited the opposition to a .119 batting average (.367 OPS). He has walked five and struck out 29.
Watch Manziel's long throw setting up his touchdown pass (and his touchdown pass)
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Thursday night's game was a yawner for a little over three quarters, with both teams struggling offensively and settling for a field goal each. Then, in the fourth quarter, backup quarterback Johnny Manziel got going and hit two passes that got a groggy crowd of 57,000 back into the game.
First, it was this deep pass to wide receiver Darius Jennings:
Play-action fake.
Huge rollout.
37-yard completion.
Johnny Football is in the building. #BUFvsCLE http://t.co/CjTKNVQNWS
— NFL (@NFL) August 21, 2015Then, two plays later, Manziel found Cleveland native Shane Wynn from 21 yards out to put the Browns ahead, 10-3.
Easy $$.
@JManziel2 carves up the Bills for a 21-yard score. #BUFvsCLE http://t.co/uWpXocZHDD
— NFL (@NFL) August 21, 2015Just like that, there was a buzz by the lakeside.
Check out high school sports highlights from Thursday. See below for information on how your team’s accomplishments can be recognized in these daily roundups.
CLEVELAND, Ohio – Here are high school sports highlights from Thursday. See below for information on how your team’s accomplishments can be recognized in these daily roundups.
BOYS GOLF
Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy 165, Cleveland Heights 183
Alfred Perry led the Royals to a win against Cleveland Heights, shooting a 35 at Highland. Dylan Kuntz had the best round for the Tigers with a 43.
Brecksville 161, Cuyahoga Falls 190
Jim Henyey, Ben Manley and Mike Onesko each shot 40 to help Brecksville beat Cuyahoga Falls. Griffin Stevens shot a 41 for the Bees at Punderson Golf Course in Newbury.
Willoughby South 167, Madison 184
Willoughby South improved to 5-1 in the Western Reserve Conference with the win against Madison at Manakiki. Madison's Corbin Anthony was medalist with a 38. Senior Sam Marchini led the way with a 40 and ophomore Joey Svitavsky followed with a 41, highlighted by an eagle from 125 yards on the Par 5 sixth hole. Sophomore Thomas Priore shot 42 and senior Zach Stenger rounded out the scoring with a 43.
Kenston 168, Brush 231
Emmett Well and John Boutton shot 40 and 41 to help Kenston beat Brush.
Boys Golf improves to 3-0 in the WRC with a win over brush. 4 players break 45 en route to a 168 team score. Congrats men!
— Kenston Athletics (@KHSBomberSports) August 20, 2015GIRLS GOLF
Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin 172, Kenston 211
Reva Morris led the Lions to victory with a 33 to finish 2 under par.
Perry 209, Orange 229, Madison 233
Lindsey Miller shot a 44 and Amanda Brown shot a 50 to lead Perry to victory. Orange's Sophie Bruno and Laura Young each shot 51 to help their team to second place.
GIRLS TENNIS
Beaumont 5, Brush 0
Beaumont defeated Brush in the minimum amount of sets and posted four 6-0 set scores.
How your team can be included in these roundups
These roundups are based on box scores and game notes entered in cleveland.com’s database by school or team representatives. If your team is not participating in the box score program please contact your athletic director or coach and encourage them to do so. They can obtain instructions and database login information from High School Sports Manager Kristen Davis at kdavis@cleveland.com.
Johnny Manziel shows some poise. Cleveland Browns worked on the running game and Terrance West had some nice moments.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Scribbles in my Browns notebook during their preseason 11-10 loss to Buffalo.
1. The Browns put far more emphasis on the run. Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell combined for 56 yards in 16 carries. It's not great, a 3.5 average. But West showed some spark on a 12-yard run, and a few of his shorter runs. Crowell had a powerful stiff arm of a Buffalo defender to gain 13 yards. He had 14 yards in five carries. West ran for 42 yards in 11 carries.
2. The Browns had 13 running attempts compared to 10 passes in the first half. This is how they want to play. Keep attacking the defense on the ground, and connect on some short passes. I thought West and Crowell looked far more engaged and determined than the preseason opener, when they combined for 16 yards in eight carries.
3. Josh McCown likes his tight ends. Four of his seven completions went to tight ends. Rob Housler had two very good catches. Housler had not shown much in practice until this week. He made a couple of nice grabs in Monday's practice with the Bills in Rochester. Gary Barnidge and Jim Dray also caught passes.
4. McCown also had an interception off the hands of Barnidge. No reason to blame McCown for that. The ball should have been caught. Barnidge was drilled after the ball tipped off his hands. He left the field, was checked for a concussion. He was cleared to return. Barnidge was been very good in training camp and earned the starting job -- at least, so far.
5. The Browns are happy to see Housler make some catches in game conditions. He had several drops during training camp. He was signed from Arizona because of his ability to catch the ball. McCown threw five of 10 passes to tight ends.
6. McCown's other interception came when he was rushed, and he heaved the ball downfield. It flew over the head of 5-foot-7 Andrew Hawkins and was picked off by Ronald Darby. The 36-year-old made a poor decision. One bad habit that has been spotted is McCown sometimes lofts the ball deep off his back foot. The ball just floats and that becomes a very easy pass to pick off.
7. Buffalo put a lot of pressure on McCown. Buffalo has a superb defensive line with three Pro Bowlers. McCown was sacked twice. He was hit another time as he threw, rushed a few more times.
8. Buffalo played two backs signed in the last week. Bronson Hill started, and he is an undrafted free agent from Eastern Michigan. He rushed for 1.101 yards as a junior in 2013, but only 351 as a senior. The other running back is Ricky Seale, who carried the ball only 53 times in four years at Stanford. Because of injuries, Buffalo was without running backs LeSean McCoy, Fred Jackson, Bryce Brown and Karlos Williams. That made it very hard to judge the Browns defense.
9. Those two backs gained 30 yards in 12 carries. It was athletic Buffalo quarterback Tyron Taylor who hurt the Browns with his legs, running for 41 yards in four carries. He was a backup in Baltimore for the previous four years.
10. The Bills are trying to pick a quarterback from among Matt Cassel, E.J. Manuel and Taylor. In the off-season, they offered McCown a contract, but they were out-bid by the Browns, who offered a three-year, $14 million deal with $6.2 million guaranteed.
11. When the Browns had rookie Xavier Cooper and Armonty Bryant on the field in the second half, those guys showed quickness and pressured Manuel. Cooper had two sacks in this game and one in the opener against Washington.
12. Paul Kruger had a strong first half with a sack and another tackle for a loss. Karlos Dansby also was very good.
13. Brian Hartline runs very precise routes, has good hands. He caught two passes in the first half. It's easy to see how the Ohio State product will be a big part of the offense this season.
14. In the first series of the second half, Browns linemen Ryan Seymour and Michael Bowie were flagged for penalties. Buffalo's defense made life miserable for both Browns quarterbacks and most of the linemen. Cameron Erving played right guard in the second half. That is a position better suited for him. The Florida State rookie opened the preseason at left tackle, filling in for Joe Thomas. It was struggle.
15. Johnny Manziel put together a superb touchdown drive in the fourth quarter. Manziel connected on a 21-yard pass to Shane Wynn for the score, showing nice poise in the pocket.
16. Manziel also connected on a superb rollout pass for 37 yards to Darius Jennings. It was set play designed for Manziel to throw on the run. The touchdown drive was 11 plays, 96 yards. Manziel clearly has progressed in terms of knowing the offense and getting his players set up in the right spots.
17. Manziel was 10-of-18 for 118 yards. Several of his completions were short throws, but then he cut loose with two downfield to produce the touchdown. He was sacked once. It was a very promising night.
