Low expectations for a motivated coach and roster. What will happen? Numerous links.

Associated PressThe Cavaliers, with (left to right) Antawn Jamison, Mo Williams and Anderson Varejao, hope to surprise the critics.

Cleveland, Ohio -- The Cleveland Cavaliers begin their 41st NBA season on Wednesday night at home against the Boston Celtics.

It's a challenging season for the team and its fans. The Cavs were a championship contender the last several seasons. Now, they are in transition mode -- or it could be said rebuilding -- after the departure of LeBron James to the Miami Heat as a free agent.

Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Cavaliers coverage is highlighted today by the 2010-11 season preview. Also, Mary Schmitt Boyer reports on the Cavs' ability to find undrafted free agents, and Terry Pluto writes about the Cavaliers in "Terry's Talkin.' "

Scott right coach 

NBA.com features coaches and general managers about to begin their first seasons in those positions, or beginning anew with a different team. Byron Scott was a head coach for the New Jersey Nets -- leading them to two Finals appearances -- and the New Orleans/Oklahoma City/New Orleans Hornets, and is in his first season at the job with the Cavaliers.

Part of NBA.com's comments on Scott: 

But there's a good chance that he's just what the doctor ordered for a Cavs team and a Cleveland fan base that will need to generate enthusiasm and look to the future. Scott's got the kind of chip-on-the-shoulder attitude that could rub off and become infectious. It will have to if they are going to survive the rebuilding process.

Boston's take

The Boston Celtics defeated the Cavs in Eastern Conference semifinal playoff rounds in two of the last three seasons. Maybe curiosity remains about the Cavs in the Boston area, especially with the teams meeting on Wednesday.

Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe previews the Cavaliers, writing:

The Cavaliers have made adjustments to their uniforms, another thing that will distance them from LeBron (although that decision was made nine months ago). And they also expanded the team store in Quicken Loans Arena, hoping to capitalize on the groundswell of local support since “The Decision.’’

Of course, the Cavaliers will learn the true impact with their attendance numbers, and that will begin Wednesday against the Celtics. But what is clear is that they have made it a priority to move forward, hoping that the fan base is patient and those players hired to surround LeBron for a title run can produce in his absence.

Backhand compliment

The Cavaliers will not be lacking for motivation this season. There is a general lack of tespect for the team. For instance, an anonymous NBA scout from another team analyzes the Cavaliers for Sports Illustrated's SI.com.

The scout begins his critique of the Cavs by writing, "The Cavs are the worst team in the East." He does note a few plus-factors for the Cavs, and writes: 

I like both (Mo) Williams and (Antawn) Jamison as leaders. Jamison has been a leader for a long time, and Williams has grown into that role. They have some guys who play hard and that may help them be an overachieving team. But effort can't compensate for lack of talent. None of their other guys are good enough.

Anderson Varejao is among their top three players, but offensively he won't do it for them. In that sense, he's a bit like Ben Wallace during the Pistons' championship days. Defensively, Varejao can be almost that dominant. He will block a shot, though he doesn't change everything like Wallace did, and he doesn't rebound as well. But Varejao's a great one-on-one defender. He takes charges, is a great help defender and plays with enormous effort. Plus, he has great length.

Pick and rolls

Wrapping up the preseason and looking to the regular season, by Zac Jackson for Fox Sports Ohio.

How the start of the season could impact the direction of a Cavs team that is better than most pundits believe, by Jason Lloyd of the Akron Beacon Journal.

Byron Scott and the Cavs are amused by the very low expectations for them, Bob Finnan writes for the News-Herald and Lorain Morning Journal.

The Cavaliers' summer report card, from NBA.com.

A feature story on Antawn Jamison by Jason Lloyd of the Akron Beacon Journal.

A comeback by Cavs center-forward Leon Powe, by Yannis Koutroupis of Hoopsworld.com.

A profile of Cavaliers general manager Chris Grant, from NBA.com.

"Expert" predictions on the Cavaliers, from ESPN.com.

Cavaliers notes, by Bob Finnan for the News-Herald and Lorain Morning Journal.

"I'm in shock," Byrd said after 204-yard ace on fourth playoff hole topped Martin Laird and Cameron Percy.

Associated PressJonathan Byrd (front) hugs his caddie, Adam Hayes, after sinking a hole-in-one on the fourth playoff hole to win the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospital Open.

Las Vegas, Nev. -- In a swift and shocking finish, Jonathan Byrd won a three-man playoff Sunday with a hole-in-one on the fourth extra hole in the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospital Open.

Moments earlier, Byrd stood on the 18th green with Martin Laird and Cameron Percy as they discussed whether there was enough light to continue. They agreed to play one more hole -- the 204-yard 17th at the TPC Summerlin.

And the playoff essentially ended with one swing.

It was too dark for Byrd to see his ball land about 10 feet short of the flag and roll into the cup, and even the cheers from a smattering of fans around the green weren't convincing.

"Did that go in?" Byrd asked his caddie.

Almost as stunning was that Byrd remained in the playoff. On the third playoff hole, the par-4 18th, Byrd's approach tumbled over the green and was one hop away from going into the water. Instead, it settled in a clump of grass, he chipped up to 7 feet and made the par putt just to stay alive.

One swing later, he only had to wait for Laird and Percy to hit their shots -- and they both hit into the water -- to come up with his first win of the year.

"I'm in shock," Byrd said, certainly speaking for everyone watching another Fall Series thriller.

Only a week ago, Rocco Mediate won the Frys.com Open at CordeValle by holing a wedge for eagle on the 17th hole of the final round, right after Alex Prugh came within inches of holing out from the tee box with a driver.

This one was even more incredible, and it came at just the right time. Byrd was No. 117 on the money list going into Las Vegas, and his fourth career victory gives him a two-year exemption.

Players have made an eagle with a full swing on the final hole to win tournaments -- Isao Aoki in the Hawaiian Open -- but a walk-off ace is among the rarest moments in golf.

Byrd closed with a 68, and he had to watch four times -- once in regulation, three times in a playoff -- as Laird stood over a birdie putt with a chance to win. That sequence started in regulation, when Laird had a 30-foot birdie try. Laird, the defending champion, shot 69.

Percy, the Australian rookie who needed to win to keep his job on the PGA Tour, earlier holed a 15-foot birdie putt on the last hole for a 67 that allowed him to get into the playoff. They finished at 21-under 263.

Byrd won $774,000 for his first win since the 2007 John Deere Classic.

Webb Simpson was at 22 under and had a one-shot lead until he pulled his tee shot into the water on the 17th and made double bogey. He finished with a 68 and wound up one shot out of the playoff, along with Spencer Levin, who had a 66.

Nick Watney, who lives in Las Vegas and was playing his final tournament before his wedding, had a 66 and tied for sixth with Cameron Beckman, who had a 67.

Those chasing a PGA Tour spot now wait two weeks before the final tournament at Disney.

Auburn quarterback Cameron Newton and Ohio State's Terrelle Pryor are similar in size but different in style. Eight games into the season, only one of them is the clear Heisman favorite.

Dave Martin / Associated PressSharing many of the same physical gifts as Terrelle Pryor, Auburn's Cameron Newton is excelling in the spread attack for the undefeated Tigers this season.

• Previewing the upcoming week in college football

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- He's may be 15 pounds heavier and 670 miles south of the original focus.

Otherwise, the preseason Heisman hype was right -- dynamic dual-threat quarterback, highlight machine, former big-time recruit, leader of an undefeated team.

It's not Ohio State's Terrelle Pryor who has the race in the palm of his hands, it's Auburn's Cameron Newton.

Pryor said after Saturday's 49-0 win over Purdue that he sees the similarities, but then he talked about the differences.

"His offense is more like a spread-type offense," Pryor said. "So he doesn't run anything like the pro-style offense. We're under center a lot, like probably 70 or 80 percent of my throws are under center. He's out of the shotgun a lot and he can really display his talents. He's a great athlete."

Newton, who is listed at 6-foot-6 and 250 pounds but may be bigger according to those who cover the team, ran for 217 yards in Saturday's win over Kentucky, making him one of four quarterbacks in the country to hit the 200-yard mark this season.

Pryor, at 6-6 and 239 pounds, said the Buckeyes didn't run him much as part of their Purdue plan. Plus, Pryor's only real action came in the first half.

"We didn't really call a lot of run plays, I guess we didn't have to," Pryor said. "I wanted to get out and run a little bit but I got my number called twice."

So while 12 quarterbacks rank among the top 100 rushers in the country, Pryor isn't one of them. He said before this season he'd like to run for 1,000 yards, but with 408 so far, he's on pace for fewer than 700. Meanwhile Newton is already at 1,077, breaking the SEC single-season record for quarterback rushing yards, set by Auburn's Jimmy Sidle in 1963.

Pryor didn't want to be Newton or Michigan's Denard Robinson. He chose Ohio State in part because of it's pro-style offense, and he has improved as a passer this season. Pryor wasn't at his best when the Buckeye needed him at Wisconsin, but he's had a solid year and looked very comfortable in the passing game through the first six weeks.

Pryor continues to be as dangerous as any quarterback in the country when he scrambles, but he's not as decisive or explosive as some others on planned runs. And that's fine. It's just intriguing to watch Newton explode.

In preseason odds provided by Pregame.com, Pryor was the second choice at 5-1, behind returning Heisman winner Mark Ingram of Alabama. Newton wasn't on anyone's board. The only reference to him I could find while looking back at the preseason picks was on the respected site HeismanPundit.com, which listed Newton as a darkhorse -- for the 2011 Heisman. That's right, next year.

But looking further back, this isn't a shock. While Pryor was the consensus No. 1 player the 2008 recruiting class, Newton was ranked No. 28 by Rivals.com in 2007. But he went to Florida, redshirted, transferred, went to junior college last season, and then arrived at Auburn to an offense perfectly suited to him.

Now he's averaging 20 rushes a game for 135 yards, while his average passing game is 11 of 17 for 171 yards. He's thrown 13 touchdowns against five interceptions and run for 14 scores.

Pryor is averaging 10 rushes a game for 51 yards, while his average passing game is 17-of-25 for 222 yards. He's thrown 18 touchdowns against six interceptions and run for three scores.

As Pryor said, they're similar players and very different players. And only one of them, two months into the season, is the clear Heisman favorite.

For second straight game, OSU will be expected on Saturday at Minnesota to rout a lesser foe, with little if any reward in the rankings.

Associated PressOhio State tailback Dan Herron running the football in the Buckeyes' 49-0 win over Purdue.

Cleveland, Ohio -- Ohio State began the "Win-and-hope-for-help" portion of its schedule with Saturday's 49-0 rout of Purdue in Columbus.

The win moves Ohio State (7-1, 3-1 in the Big Ten) in the various national rankings from No. 11 to 10 in the Associated Press top 25; has the Buckeyes stay at No. 10 in the USA Today/coaches rankings; doesn't help OSU in the BCS standings, where it falls from No. 10 to 11.

The Buckeyes will try to improve their major bowl chances and Big Ten title hopes on Saturday night at Minnesota. Most likely, any manner of OSU win won't impress poll voters, as the Golden Gophers are 1-7, 0-4.

Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Ohio State coverage includes Doug Lesmerises' game story on the Buckeyes' win over Purdue, and several other reports on the game; Lesmerises' Buckeye Leaves; his College Football Insider; his Weekly Wolverine Watch; his college football preview.

Sideline to sideline

Buckeyes defense bounces back from its performance in the loss at Wisconsin, by Bob Hunter of the Columbus Dispatch.

Ohio State-Purdue game story, by John Kampf for the News-Herald and Lorain Morning Journal.

Compliments for the fine game played by linebacker Andrew Sweat, by Adam Rittenberg of ESPN.com.

The Ohio State Report Card, by Jon Spencer of the Mansfield News Journal.

Ohio State-Purdue game story, by Sheldon Ocker of the Akron Beacon Journal.

Buckeyes-Boilermakers game story, by Mike Carmin of the Journal and Courier in Lafayette, Ind.

Grading aspects of the Buckeyes' performance, by Ray Stein of the Columbus Dispatch.

Buckeyes references on Adam Rittenberg's Big Ten Blog for ESPN.com.

The Buckeyes' annual breakfast with former OSU captains, by David S. Glasier for the News-Herald and Lorain Morning Journal.

Ohio State notes, by John Kampf for the News-Herald and Lorain Morning Journal.

OSU notebook, by Matt Markey of the Toledo Blade.

ARLINGTON, Texas - Cliff Lee threw a bullpen session and took batting practice Sunday. The Texas Rangers are getting ready for their first World Series, and the opener will be at San Francisco, where their ace left-hander will be pitching after an extended break and also taking swings in the National League park, where the designated hitter isn't used....

Texas Rangers pitcher Cliff Lee fields a hit during baseball pitching drills in an afternoon team practice for the World Series, Sunday, Oct. 24, 2010, in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are scheduled to play the San Francisco Giants in the opening game of the series on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

ARLINGTON, Texas - Cliff Lee threw a bullpen session and took batting practice Sunday.

The Texas Rangers are getting ready for their first World Series, and the opener will be at San Francisco, where their ace left-hander will be pitching after an extended break and also taking swings in the National League park, where the designated hitter isn't used.

Since the AL championship series didn't stretch to a Game 7, Lee will be starting on eight days' rest after striking out 13 Yankees and improving his postseason record to 7-0 with a 1.26 ERA in eight starts. The bullpen session was his second since that eight-inning outing.

"Make the adjustment and push it back a couple of days," Lee said. "It's not that big of a deal."

Lee starts a World Series opener for the second year in a row after winning Games 1 and 5 last year for Philadelphia against the Yankees.

"With Cliff Lee, I have no concerns about anything," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "He's not going to use nine days or 10 days for any reason why things may not go right, because in his mind it will always go right. And that's why he is what he is."

Last year, Lee had nine days off between his NL championship series start against the Los Angeles Dodgers and the series opener. He responded with a six-hitter, striking out 10 and walking none while allowing only an unearned run.

With the first two games in the NL city for the first time since 2001, usual DH Vladimir Guerrero likely will start only one of those games in the outfield.

"You can best believe we'll figure out a way to get Vlad in there," Washington said. "In the starting lineup some kind of way."

Guerrero will be making his first Series appearance in 15 major league seasons. Asked whether he would be in right field for both those games, the manager said no. Washington said he hasn't decided which game Guerrero will start.

Washington wouldn't say which order he would start Colby Lewis and C.J. Wilson in Games 2 and 3. Also undetermined is whether Tommy Hunter, 0-1 with a 6.14 ERA in two playoff appearances, will start Game 4 or be replaced in the rotation by Derek Holland.

The pitchers took BP during the team's two-hour workout Sunday at Rangers Ballpark, where there were no remnants remaining on the field from the confetti and ginger ale bottles that were part of the celebration Friday night.

Lee is excited about the opportunity to hit.

"Obviously that's the hardest thing in all sports, to hit a round ball with a round bat. ... It's the funnest part of the game as far as I'm concerned," Lee said. "When you think of baseball, that's what you think of, trying to get a hit. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy pitching, but as far as the straight challenge of it, hitting is the hardest thing and the most challenging. I enjoy that kind of stuff."

A .132 hitter in his 68 regular-season at-bats in a career spent mostly in the American League, Lee was 1 for 3 in last year's World Series. He hit .273 (3 for 11) the postseason for the Phillies.

More important for the Rangers, Lee has been an October ace on the mound winning all three of his starts during the playoffs. He's struck out 67 and walked seven over 64 1-3 career postseason innings.

"I'm anxious to get it started," Lee said. "I don't feel any pressure. We're fortunate to be in this spot — we're one of two teams left playing. We should just go out there and have fun and play the game the way we can, and things are going to work out."

NOTES: The Rangers fly to San Francisco on Monday, but won't work out there until Tuesday. ... Washington watched the ALCS-clinching Game 6 win over the Yankees twice. "When you're in the moment, you don't see things," he said. "When you start to watch it, apart from it, you begin to see the beauty and joy that those guys went out there and played with." But that's the past now — "It's time to get back to business and got to get my game face back on," he added.

David Bowens has played sparingly this season, but enjoyed the game of his life on Sunday.

Joshua Gunter / The Plain DealerT.J. Ward leaps into David Bowens' arms after Bowens' second interception Sunday sealed the Browns' 30-17 victory over the Saints.

NEW ORLEANS, La. -- David Bowens walked up to the podium in the post-game press conference room, pumped his fist, and proclaimed, "this is first time ever in here. It feels good. Yes!"

If anyone deserved that trip following Sunday's 30-17 upset of the Saints, it was Bowens, who scored on two pick-sixes, a 30-yarder in the second quarter to make it 20-3 Browns and a 64-yarder in the fourth to make it 30-10 and settle the issue with 3:33 remaining.

"They say I got snow on the roof, but there's fire in the chimney that's still going," said the gray-haired 12-year veteran.

Bowens, who scored one other TD in his career in 2007, had half of the Browns' four interceptions against Drew Brees. He became the first Brown to return two INTs for TDs in the same game since Bob Franklin in 1960 against the Bears.

"You don't dream of games like this," he said. "It's unbelievable! Stuff just happened the way it did and I was thankful for the opportunity to play. [Defensive coordinator] Rob [Ryan] really had a lot of calls with me in the game and we had a heckuva pass rush. Everyone stayed after it."

Bowens' jubilation was a far cry from the frustration he felt on opening day in Tampa when he found out about 90 minutes before the game that he was inactive. The decision snapped his streak of playing in 100 consecutive games, which was fifth among active linebackers at the time.

Ever the team player, Bowens acknowledged his disappointment, but kept his chin up and continued to work hard. He played sparingly over the next few weeks, with his most extensive time coming in the Superdome.

"It's just been a long road," he said. "I've always been positive, no matter what the circumstances were. After I was inactive for the first game, I just said I was going to give them a reason to put me on the field. That's been my M.O. going out there and contributing anyway that I can -- staying positive, keeping everybody alive. Where ever I'm needed in the game plan, I'll fill in."

Bill Haber / Associated Press"I had 60 yards to decide what I was going to do. I can't dance," said David Bowens on his second interception. "All I can think about watching New Orleans highlights with Reggie Bush flipping over into the end zone. I said 'I'm going to do it,' but I can't do it as sweet as he does because I'm a little heavier than he is, a little older."

Bowens' teammates razzed him in the locker room after the game and gave him grief for his ugly somersault into the end zone after the second pick.

"They said I'm the oldest guy to score 2 touchdowns since Larry Csonka," said Bowens, 33. "I've been hearing this for the last three years, so it's nothing new to me. It just shows the love they have for me and the respect they have for me.

"All the support and all the camaraderie we have in this locker room. We talk about it all the time, about our team being a big family. That's exactly what it is."

Cornerback Eric Wright called it a "spectacular day" for the defense's elder statesman and inspirational leader.

"He can make plays like that all the time," said Wright. "The ball just bounced in his hands a lot today. Surprisingly, he was able to run and score the touchdowns. We should've put him on the throwback [on the punt return] instead of me. He had more gas."

When a reporter observed that both picks were athletic plays, the good-natured Bowens quipped, "what are you trying to say?"

On the first one, after Matt Roth applied extreme pressure, Brees' pass bounced off Bowens hands, then off the backside of guard Jahri Evans, and back into Bowens' hands. He ran the 30 yards on a gimpy knee and leaped into the end zone.

"I was just staying with the ball," said Bowens. "We had a blitz on, I was blitzing and Drew had sprinted out so I read out of the blitz and he launched it. It hit me and it hit someone else and I just stayed with it. I scored, man."

On the second one, Bowens picked off a short pass over the middle, then loped 64 yards for the score. Benard had the pressure that time.

"It's like tunnel vision," said Bowens. "Everything just slows down. [Linebacker] Jason Trusnik was out there and he was telling me to pitch the ball to him. Whatever. It was kind of like playing Madden out there. You just see everybody and the quarterback just gives up on the play in the end. It's priceless."

On his forward roll, the former high school tight end and tailback said, "I had 60 yards to decide what I was going to do. I can't dance. All I can think about watching New Orleans highlights with Reggie Bush flipping over into the end zone. I said 'I'm going to do it,' but I can't do it as sweet as he does because I'm a little heavier than he is, a little older."

Bowens said the mantra all week was "don't give [Brees] a clean look. Because Drew by far is one of the best quarterbacks in the league. If he can read it, it's going to go and it's going to go deep."

So, was it the highlight game of his career?

"I don't know yet," he said with a smile. "It's not over. I'm still going."

The Pittsburgh Steelers, whose season was supposed to be derailed by a ruling from the league sidelining their star quarterback, are rolling along and tied for the best record in the NFL after a fortuitous ruling on the field.

Miami Dolphins linebacker Karlos Dansby (58) lands on the ball fumbled by Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in the second half of an NFL football game in Miami, Sunday, Oct. 24, 2010. The Steelers won 23-22. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)
• NFL box scores | Complete Browns coverage »

The Pittsburgh Steelers, whose season was supposed to be derailed by a ruling from the league sidelining their star quarterback, are rolling along and tied for the best record in the NFL after a fortuitous ruling on the field.

In his second game back from suspension, Ben Roethlisberger fumbled while diving for the goal line with his team trailing the Miami Dolphins late in Sunday's game. But because the play was initially called a touchdown, the Dolphins never had a chance to emerge from the pile with possession, and Pittsburgh kicked the winning field goal for a 23-22 victory in Miami.

"We will take it and exit stage left," coach Mike Tomlin said.

The Steelers (5-1) are tied with the Jets and Patriots for the NFL's best record, though Sunday's win could prove costly. They lost three starters to injuries, including two players from their league-leading defense.

Defensive end Aaron Smith tore the triceps in his left arm, linebacker LaMarr Woodley was sidelined in the first half by a hamstring injury and tackle Flozell Adams hurt his left ankle.

With Pittsburgh trailing 22-20 and facing third-and-goal at the 2, Roethlisberger fumbled as he dived across the goal line on a quarterback draw. The play was ruled a touchdown as both teams scrambled for the ball.

After a review, referee Gene Steratore announced Roethlisberger fumbled before scoring. But Steratore said replays were inconclusive regarding which team recovered, and the Steelers were awarded possession at the half-yard line, allowing Jeff Reed to kick an 18-yard field goal with 2:26 left.

"Just a bizarre kind of play. You hate to win it that way, but you'll take a win," Roethlisberger said.

Said Miami linebacker Channing Crowder: "The refs called a wonderful game — for the Steelers."

The review process worked the way it was supposed to at the end of the Packers' 28-24 win over former quarterback Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings.

Favre appeared to deliver another signature comeback win with an apparent touchdown pass to Percy Harvin with 48 seconds left at his old home field — but the play was ruled incomplete on a replay review. With one more chance on fourth-and-15 at the 20, Favre threw incomplete out of bounds.

Favre threw three second-half interceptions. Green Bay (4-3) turned two of them into third-quarter touchdowns that erased the Vikings' halftime lead, including a 32-yard return for a score by linebacker Desmond Bishop.

Aaron Rodgers was 21 of 34 for 295 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Adrian Peterson rushed for 131 yards for the Vikings (2-4).

Panthers 23, 49ers 20

At Charlotte, N.C., John Kasay kicked a 37-yard field goal with 39 seconds remaining to give Carolina (1-5) its first win of the season.

David Carr was intercepted by Richard Marshall with just over a minute left to set up the winning kick. The 49ers fell to 1-6.

The Panthers tied it when rookie David Gettis, who had dropped a touchdown pass earlier in the fourth quarter on fourth down, made a diving 23-yard TD grab with 1:53 left.

With Alex Smith out after spraining his left shoulder, Carr threw into double coverage and Marshall picked it off at the Carolina 43. Matt Moore then found Brandon LaFell for 35 yards to set up Kasay's winner.

Ravens 37, Bills 34 OT

At Baltimore, the Bills came close, but Billy Cundiff kicked a 38-yard field goal with 10:57 left in overtime after Ray Lewis stripped the ball from tight end Shawn Nelson, and Baltimore squeezed past winless Buffalo (0-6).

Joe Flacco threw three touchdown passes for the Ravens, who survived an uncharacteristic performance by a defense that was shredded for 505 yards.

Baltimore (5-2) trailed 24-10 late in the first half before scoring 24 straight points to take a 10-point lead into the fourth quarter. Buffalo's Ryan Fitzpatrick then threw a 17-yard touchdown pass to Lee Evans with 5:46 left, and the Bills forced overtime on a 50-yard field goal by Rian Lindell with 4 seconds left in regulation.

Fitzpatrick went 29 for 43 for 373 yards and four touchdowns — three of them to Evans.

Patriots 23, Chargers 20

At San Diego, new Chargers kicker Kris Brown missed a 50-yard field goal attempt with 23 seconds left as New England escaped with a win.

Brown lined up to try a 45-yarder that would have forced overtime, but guard Louis Vasquez was whistled for a false start. Moved back five yards, Brown's attempt was long enough but bounced off the right upright. Brown was signed last week because Nate Kaeding has an injured groin.

Leading by three with two minutes left, New England gambled on fourth-and-1 from its 49 and BenJarvus Green-Ellis was stuffed for a 1-yard loss by Antwan Applewhite. Coach Bill Belichick had challenged the spot of the previous play and lost, costing him his final timeout. San Diego then moved to the 27.

New England (5-1) pulled into a tie with the idle New York Jets atop the AFC East. The Chargers fell to 2-5.

Raiders 59, Broncos 14

At Denver, Oakland scored the most points in its 50-year history behind Darren McFadden's four touchdowns in routing demoralized Denver.

The Raiders (3-4) were fueled by a 38-point outburst in the first 22 minutes, including touchdowns 8 seconds apart to start the rout that recalled so many of the lopsided scores between these former AFL teams in the 1960s.

The Raiders kept the Broncos (2-5) guessing until game time that Jason Campbell would start at quarterback despite a sore knee in place of Bruce Gradkowski (sore shoulder).

McFadden, meanwhile, showed no ill effects of a recent hamstring injury in scoring on a pair of 4-yard runs and a 19-yard reception in the first half and on a 57-yard run in the second.

Seahawks 22, Cardinals 10

At Seattle, Olindo Mare kicked five field goals, Matt Hasselbeck threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Mike Williams and Seattle took advantage of five Arizona turnovers.

The Seahawks (4-2) took over first place in the NFC West despite an unimpressive performance. Four times in the second half, Seattle had possession inside the Arizona 20 and settled for Mare field goals on each occasion.

Arizona rookie quarterback Max Hall didn't make it through the third quarter, getting knocked out of the game with a "blow to the head" on a sack by Chris Clemons on what looked to be a clean hit. Derek Anderson led a pair of scoring drives, but the Cardinals couldn't get closer.

Redskins 17, Bears 14

At Chicago, DeAngelo Hall tied an NFL record with four interceptions, running one back 92 yards for a touchdown, and Washington sacked Jay Cutler four times while forcing six turnovers.

Hall tied a record held by 18 others and became the first to pick off four passes since Deltha O'Neal did it with Denver in 2001. His one-handed interception and TD return late in the third quarter were made for the highlight reel and put the Redskins ahead for good, sending Chicago (4-3) to its third loss in four games.

Washington (4-3), meanwhile, equaled its win total from last season and joined a growing line of teams that has pounded Cutler. He has been sacked 19 times in his last three games.

Falcons 39, Bengals 32

At Atlanta, Roddy White had a spectacular day for Atlanta, catching 11 passes for 201 yards.

The Falcons (5-2) squandered a 24-3 halftime lead, falling behind when Cincinnati (2-4) took advantage of two turnovers and ripped off 22 straight points in the third quarter.

White put the Falcons ahead to stay with his second touchdown, an 11-yard reception early in the fourth. He then made a leaping catch on the 2-point conversion to make it 32-25.

After Cedric Benson's fumble, Michael Turner scored on a 3-yard run for a two-touchdown lead. Chad Ochocinco gave the Bengals a chance with a late 8-yard TD catch, but the Falcons recovered the onside kick.

Titans 37, Eagles 19

At Nashville, Tenn., Kerry Collins threw three touchdowns to Kenny Britt, who had the best game of his career two days after being involved in a bar fight, and Tennessee scored 27 unanswered points in the fourth quarter.

Britt had the best receiving game in the NFL this season. He caught touchdown passes of 26, 80 and 16 yards and finished with seven receptions for 225 yards — all career highs for the second-year player on a day when he didn't start as punishment for his role in the fight.

The Titans (5-2) won their NFL-best 12th straight over the NFC with Collins making his first start in a year. Vince Young was sidelined by a sprained left knee and ankle that had him still limping in pregame warmups.

The Eagles (4-3) blew a 19-10 lead despite sacking Collins three times and forcing him into three turnovers.

Buccaneers 18, Rams 17

At Tampa, Fla., Josh Freeman led another Tampa Bay fourth-quarter comeback, throwing a 1-yard touchdown pass to Cadillac Williams with 10 seconds remaining.

Connor Barth kicked four field goals for the Bucs (4-2), who trailed 17-3 before battling back to surpass their win total for last season.

Sam Bradford threw two short touchdown passes and Steven Jackson became the Rams' all-time leading rusher before things unraveled for St. Louis (3-4). Jackson finished with 110 yards on 22 carries, hiking his career total to 7,324.

Browns 30, Saints 17

At New Orleans, David Bowens returned two of Drew Brees' four interceptions for touchdowns and the Browns stunned the defending champion Saints.

Rookie Colt McCoy passed for only 74 yards but got his first win as an NFL starter — a desperately needed one for the struggling Browns (2-5).

Scott Fujita and Sheldon Brown also had interceptions for Cleveland. Brees was sacked three times, once by Fujita, a defensive leader for the Saints last season.

The Saints (4-3) trailed all game and got no closer in the second half than 20-10 on Brees' 11-yard pass to David Thomas early in the fourth quarter.

Chiefs 42, Jaguars 20

At Kansas City, Mo., Derrick Johnson returned an interception for a score and Matt Cassel threw two TD passes to Dwayne Bowe for Kansas City.

The Chiefs (4-2) ran for 236 yards and three TDs while overcoming several penalties.

Jacksonville's Todd Bouman, who hadn't thrown a TD pass in the regular season since 2005, was signed this week after David Garrard sustained a concussion and backup Trent Edwards hurt his thumb.

Still, the Jaguars (3-4) trailed by only one point late in the third when Bouman stepped up and threw an ill-advised pass to Johnson, who made a juggling interception and ran 15 yards for a TD that put KC on top 28-20 with 5:13 left in the third.

Bouman was 18 for 34 for 222 yards and two TDs and two interceptions.

The Book of Norman lists his 7 reasons why the Miami Heat will not win the NBA championship this season, which gets underway on Tuesday.

Associated PressThe black cloud hovering over Zydrunas Ilgauskas, left, and third wheel Chris Bosh are just two reasons why Couch Slouch believes the Miami Heat will not win an NBA championship.

In regard to the Miami Heat, let me first say this: “Miami Vice” was championship-caliber for years with just Tubbs and Crockett; they won their time period season after season without adding Matlock, Cagney or Lacey.

The Heat is not the first basketball franchise to stuff three potential Hall of Famers into the starting lineup in an attempt to buy NBA history. The Los Angeles Lakers brought in Wilt Chamberlain to join Elgin Baylor and Jerry West in the late 1960s; result in three seasons: no titles. The Boston Celtics shipped in carpetbaggers Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett to join Paul Pierce in 2007; result to date: one title.

Now we have LeBron James and Chris Bosh joining Dwyane Wade in South Beach, with The Decision- Maker trumpeting the Heat to win multiple titles. This will prove to be the most outlandish, wide-to-theright proclamation since agent Joe Douglas’ statement in 1988 that his client, Carl Lewis, might one day be as big as Michael Jackson.

I have nothing against the Heat and I get along with LeBron swimmingly. But this current Dream Team could become a No-Title Nightmare. Because, time and again, the best laid plans of mice and general managers go awry.

With the NBA season opening Tuesday, we now provide Seven Reasons the Heat Won’t Win an NBA Championship:

- Zydrunas Ilgauskas is bad luck.

He has followed LeBron to Miami, and , frankly, nothing good ever happens to Z. Drafted in 1996 — that was the year, I believe, that LeBron took his talents to Chuck E. Cheese — Ilgauskas missed his entire first season because of a broken bone in his foot. Then he missed most of the 1998-99, 1999-2000 and 2000-01 seasons with foot woes. Then he finally got LeBron as a teammate in 2003 and still no title for seven more seasons. Heck, last year, on the night he was going to break the Cavaliers’ franchise record for games played — no small feat considering his injuries — his coach, Mike Brown, didn’t play him. In Lithuania, Ilgauskas means “short end of the stick.”

- So, suddenly we’re supposed to believe that Erik Spoelstra is half Red Auerbach, half Phil Jackson?

What, you think that anybody can coach a talented team to a title? There’s a big difference between NBA Live basketball and playoff basketball, my friends. The only thing Spoelstra has in common with Pat Riley is great hair. Have you seen this guy? If I bumped into him anywhere other than an NBA arena, I would say to him, “Can you tell me about the specials?”

- Sometimes, life gets in the way.

Here is a sample Heat injury report: LeBron James (hamstring), Mike Miller (thumb), Eddie House (shoulder), Mario Chalmers (ankle), Carlos Arroyo (groin), Jamaal Magliore (knee), Dwyane Wade (divorce and custody hearings). Yes, the team’s longtime franchise player keeps missing practice because he is testifying, in Chicago. I’ll put this as bluntly, and gently, as I can: You cannot build a basketball dynasty if you are dribbling in family court.

- Speaking of injuries . . .

LeBron and D-Wade both have bad hamstrings. Hamstrings are like sump pumps — once they malfunction, they never fully recover; you’re always just one rainy day away from re-aggravating your hammy. And, as an ex-athlete myself — pinball and bowling—Couch Slouch can tell you that the body starts breaking down as you approach 30 (and the mind isn’t far behind).

- You cannot buy happiness, with the possible exception of Donald Trump.

Dream teams seldom work out in the long run — look at Elizabeth Taylor-Richard Burton, Tom Cruise- Nicole Kidman, Brad Pitt-Jennifer Anniston, Al and Tipper Gore, Courteney Cox-David Arquette and Dennis Rodman-Carmen Electra.

- Who, exactly, is Chris Bosh?

Remember the Three Tenors? Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo and . . . the other guy. I love Bosh’s game, but to many casual observers, the Heat’s Three Tenors are LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and . . . the other guy.

- Kobe.

The final obstacle. Good luck.

Norman Chad is a freelance writer in Los Angeles.

The Cleveland Browns and all NFL teams have had QB controversies. What decision should the Browns make, to hopefully avoid another?

John Kuntz, The Plain DealerBrowns quartebacks Seneca Wallace (6), Jake Delhomme (17) and Colt McCoy (12) with quarterback coach Carl Smith during training camp.

Cleveland, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns, like all NFL teams, have had their share of quarterback controversies.

Milt Plum or Len Dawson? Frank Ryan vs. Jim Ninowski, then Bill Nelsen.

Mike Phipps replaced by Brian Sipe, who left town in part because of Paul McDonald. Bill Belichick firing Bernie Kosar for "diminishing skills" and having to play Todd Philcox while Vinny Testaverde was injured.

The absolute mess the Browns' quarterback situation has been since the team returned to the NFL as an expansion franchise for the 1999 season.

Is there now another Browns quarterback "controversy?"

Should the Browns give rookie Colt McCoy the starting job, after his admirable NFL debut against the Pittsburgh Steelers and his solid management of the offense in Sunday's 30-17 upset win over the defending Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints?

The Browns now get to enjoy their bye week. Should veterans Jake Delhomme or Seneca Wallace -- assuming they will be healed from their ankle injuries -- get the chance to start against the New England Patriots in Cleveland on Nov. 7?

Delhomme, as expected, won the starting job in training camp but has been able to play just six quarters this season: just two quarters healthy, before spraining an ankle in the season opener at Tampa Bay.

Wallace did a respectable job as Delhomme's replacement, directing a win over the Cincinnati Bengals but spraining an ankle late in the first half of his fourth start, against the Atlanta Falcons.

Who should be the Browns' starting quarterback?

Join us for the a live Browns chat today with The Plain Dealer's Tony Grossi at a special time, 1:30 p.m., because it's always more fun to talk about a win.

Chat live with Tony Grossi today at a special time 1:30 p.m.

Join us for the a live Browns chat today with The Plain Dealer's Tony Grossi at a special time, 1:30 p.m., because it's always more fun to talk about a win.

And what a win it was - a 30-17 pounding of the defending Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints in the Superdome. We'll talk about Rob Ryan's defensive game plan, the trick plays on special teams, who should start at quarterback, what the win could mean for the rest of the season and answer your questions as well.

You can jump in the chat room and ask your Browns questions as well as interact with other users and respond to Tony's remarks, or you can just listen. The chat will also be made available shortly after its completion in mp3 format.

Remember, today's chat is at a special time, 1:30 p.m. Be there.

The Cleveland Browns finally played a game as if they had nothing to lose. Ohio.com columnist Marla Ridenour writes how not only is this the third straight year that the Browns have beaten the defending Super Bowl champs, but the win may have been a crossroads for the coaching staff. It was so good that Ridenour writes the game plan was masterful and imaginative. Defensive coordinator...

The Cleveland Browns finally played a game as if they had nothing to lose. Ohio.com columnist Marla Ridenour writes how not only is this the third straight year that the Browns have beaten the defending Super Bowl champs, but the win may have been a crossroads for the coaching staff.

It was so good that Ridenour writes the game plan was masterful and imaginative.

Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan has always been daring, but the other coordinators joined him ---- offensive coordinator Brian Daboll and special-teams coach Brad Seely were just as daring.

Was that really Daboll dialing up a Peyton Hillis pass to rookie quarterback Colt McCoy? On a crucial third-and-6 in the game-clinching field-goal drive, no less?

''I didn't even see them practice that this week. I was as shocked as everyone else was,'' Browns linebacker Scott Fujita said. ''We played to win the game today, no doubt about it.''

Was that really Seely calling for Joshua Cribbs to lateral to cornerback Eric Wright on the Browns' first punt return, which Wright took for 62 yards? And if that wasn't enough, a fake punt on fourth-and-8 from the Cleveland 23 in the second quarter, with Hodges running for 68 yards?

''Teams don't think you're going to fake when you're that far down in your territory,'' Browns safety Nick Sorensen said. ''After that, New Orleans probably thought we were going to fake everywhere on the field.''

Ridenour also writes how Ryan was also open-minded enough to let Scott Fujita, who spent the previous four years with the Saints, come in last Monday and help with the game plan. Fujita said he brought up some teams that had had success against Brees, and they looked at game film to see what had worked.    

All positives

ESPN reporter James Walker, like many Cleveland Browns fans, likes what he saw from the Browns against the New Orleans Saints.

The Browns go into the bye week on a positive note with the victory. Walker writes how the Browns proved it can be spoiler.

The Browns are not giving up. With the exception of last week's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland had a chance to win every game this season and finally got its first road win. For some odd reason, Cleveland seems to play its best football against defending Super Bowl champions. The Browns have beaten the reigning champions in three straight seasons, despite being huge underdogs in all three games against the New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers and Saints. 

Welcome back

Browns linebacker Scott Fujita returned to New Orleans, the city and team where he helped when a Super Bowl last season. Fujita left New Orleans the same way he left --- a winner.

Fujita, who had an interception and a sack in the first half, made an emotional return.

''Eric Barton and I took a lap around the neighborhood,'' Fujita said. ''We stayed three blocks from my old condo. . . .There were a lot of emotions for me coming back. I knew that was going to happen; it was going to be natural. I kinda wanted to get that part out of the way.''

On Ohio.com, Fujita had a special connection with New Orleans, donating half of his $82,000 playoff bonus in 2009 to local causes, including coastal restoration. His teammates voted him the 2008 Saints Man of the Year.   ''

Sights and sounds

News-Herald reporter Jeff Schudel writes on what he heard and saw on Sunday in New Orleans. He also gives us his by the numbers.

By the numbers

24:26: The Browns' time of possession, compared to 35:34 for the Saints.

184: The difference in yards gained by the Saints (394) and the Browns (210).

0: Turnovers by the Browns, compared to four by the Saints.

2-5: The Browns' record. They were 1-6 after seven games last year.

3: Catches by Brian Robiskie to lead the Browns.

56: Passes thrown by Saints quarterback Drew Brees.

 

 

Game stories

The Morning Journal: Tricks and treats.

NOLA.com: Saints are soul searching.

 

The Browns' trick plays were carefully calculated risks, and their success led not only to a shocking upset victory but to a much needed lift in the spirits of Clevelanders.

Joshua Gunter / The Plain DealerSafety Darren Sharper (42) was just one of 11 New Orleans Saints who were fooled by Peyton Hillis' fourth-quarter throwback pass to rookie QB Colt McCoy on Sunday. The Browns' willingness to repeatedly try the unconventional wasn't all that surprising, Eric Mangini said on Monday.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Eric Mangini kept his job last year with plays that were drawn on cave walls. Right next to the painting of the wooly mammoth was one of Jerome Harrison, running off tackle.

The Browns coach had two quarterbacks then, and he felt absolutely, positively that neither one could play. So the whole idea was to keep Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson away from pointed objects and passing plays.

This season, Mangini's new boss, Mike Holmgren, acquired two veteran quarterbacks. They were both upgrades, and they both bruised easily.

With both Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace out, with the wide receivers falling like ten pins before the bowling ball head of Pittsburgh's James Harrison, Mangini began his latest salvage job with a Day-Glo playbook that was astonishing in what it aspired to and breath-taking in what it realized.

There was everything in there but a fumblerooski or maybe the Swinging Gate.

Perhaps the special teams coach Brad Seely and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll deserve most of the credit, but Mangini had to sign off on the plays -- a throwback on the first punt from Josh Cribbs to Eric Wright, a fake punt by Reggie Hodges, and a throwback by thunder back Peyton Hillis to rookie quarterback Colt McCoy. They all worked in a stunning 30-17 upset of the defending Super Bowl-champion New Orleans Saints.

It will be called a fluke, but these were not plays born of whimsy, but of study. They were created not by recklessness, but by calculation.

On a bigger stage, it would be called conjuring unexpected success out of aggressive coaching. New Orleans coach Sean Payton was widely applauded for ordering a successful onside kick to start the second half in the Saints' Super Bowl upset of the Indianapolis Colts.

Joshua Gunter / The Plain DealerReggie Hodges' 68-yard dash with a fake punt proved that well-disguised deception works just fine in the NFL, says Bill Livingston.

"I've always liked them," Mangini said of trick plays on special teams. "I've run a lot of onside kicks over the years. When they know it's coming, the percentages are pretty low to get the ball back. Surprise onside kicks, though, have a significantly higher percentage of recovery by the kicking team. There are risks involved because of the field position. But it's something I like.

"I like fakes [punts or field goals]. But you've got to get the right look, got to be the right situation, and oftentimes you don't get exactly what you want."

The Browns used their limitations to expand the game. Cribbs is their only game-breaker? Then let him draw the Saints to him like magnets to the door of the refrigerator, then throw a cross-field lateral to Wright for a 62-yard gain.

"We've practiced that for weeks, really since training camp," Mangini said. "Haven't been able to get the right look [until Sunday]. I don't think [that play] was over-the-top risky if you have the right look. If you don't have the right look, Josh just keeps it."

The Browns had been working for weeks on a fake punt. They sprang it on the Saints like a Halloween hobgoblin in a darkened room. Hodges chugged, like a logging train on an uphill grade, 68 yards down the wide-open middle of the field.

Such plays have a carryover effect.

"Typically what happens is things slow down a little bit because you're forcing your opponent to defend the whole field," Mangini said. "That's important because every time they rush a punt there are risks involved. You've got to be able to show them you'll hit them with a play like that to slow them down."

As for the throwback to McCoy -- well, the kid is an athlete. He played his part as well as Ronald Reagan did when he was asking Rock some day to have the team win just one for the Gipper. McCoy threw his arms up in alarm, feigning a wild snap in the shotgun formation flying over his head, then he circled out of the backfield for a 12-yard gain on a pass from Hillis, the actual recipient of the snap. Had Hillis led him better, it might have been a score.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees, who had an awful game against defensive coordinator Rob Ryan's beautifully conceived defense, said teams don't take such chances unless they need them to win.

"They run trick plays quite a bit," Mangini retorted. "They do a lot of exotic stuff. To me, it's doing all you can in order to win. If you have it, let's take a shot at it."

LeBron James starts the NBA season with the Miami Heat Tuesday night vs. Boston. Cliff Lee starts for the Texas Rangers in the opener of the World Series Wednesday night. When it was most needed, Mangini's trickery gave all of Cleveland a shot in the arm.

Voting has begun in the final You Pick the Game high school football contest of the 2010 season. Vote to decide where we send one of our reporters Friday night. Voting is open until noon Thursday. The winner is announced in Friday's Sports section.  

Voting has begun in the final You Pick the Game high school football contest of the 2010 season. Vote to decide where we send one of our reporters Friday night. Voting is open until noon Thursday. The winner is announced in Friday's Sports section.

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We are one step closer to accomplishing two of our goals: conference champs and an undefeated regular season.

View full sizeLonnie Timmons III/The Plain DealerQuarterback Shaq Washington and Maple Heights conclude the regular season Friday when they host Warrensville Heights on Homecoming and Senior Night.

Editor's note: Maple Heights quarterback Shaq Washington, a Cincinnati recruit, is taking readers inside his team's huddle by writing a blog for cleveland.com throughout the 2010 football season.

MAPLE HEIGHTS, Ohio - Sorry it's been a while since my last blog but I'm back and our team never left.

We are starting to click. We are playing lights out defensively and the offense continues to put on a show every time we touch the field.

Last week our opponent was Lorain. This was a key Lake Erie Conference game. We came out on fire and it stayed that way most of the game. We won 40-6.

With the win we are one step closer to accomplishing two of our goals: LEL champs and an undefeated regular season.

This week we will take on Warrensville Heights in another important conference game. It is also our Homecoming and Senior Night so we will be well prepared and ready to put on a show for our home crowd one last time this season. It will be an emotional night.

Finally, let's Go Bearcat Nation.

Eric Mangini is not tipping his hand for Bill Belichick on whether Colt McCoy will stay at quarterback for the New England game on Nov. 7 after the team's bye.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz / The Plain DealerSo, who will start against New England on Nov. 7? Given the choices of (from left) Seneca Wallace, Jake Delhomme and Colt McCoy, Eric Mangini provided an opinion that was something less than surprising: "We're always gonna try to play the guys that we think give us the best shot to win on Sunday."

BEREA, Ohio -- The time is nearing when Seneca Wallace and Jake Delhomme return fit to play. Wallace could possibly be ready as soon as next week, as the Browns are preparing for the Bill Belichick invasion on Nov. 7.

Then what?

Do the Browns stick with rookie Colt McCoy at quarterback and give him his first home start after he faced down two uber-challenging assignments on the road?

Or do they return a veteran under center?

The questions weren't completely answered by coach Eric Mangini on Monday because they don't need to be. Not yet.

Mangini's pat response was that he would play the quarterback that gives the team the best chance to win against the next opponent. He indicated that the long-range goal of developing McCoy does not currently enter his mindset.

"The play time that [McCoy has] gotten has been great," Mangini said. "The things that he's shown has been really positive. But we're always gonna try to play the guys that we think give us the best shot to win on Sunday."

McCoy's role in the Browns' epic 30-17 upset in New Orleans was restricted to managing the offense in adverse circumstances, not turning over the ball and keeping the offense out of negative situations.

McCoy was 9-of-16 for 74 yards. His longest completion was 18 yards to tight end Benjamin Watson. He was sacked one time and did not throw an interception or fumble the ball. His rating was 68.2 -- below average, but above that of Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees.

Besides the lack of turnovers, McCoy's composure was evident. He adjusted to a silent count following a false start on the first play of his first possession. The Browns never jumped again after that.

View full sizeJoshua Gunter / The Plain Dealer"I've been encouraged by what [McCoy's] done. I really have," Browns coach Eric Mangini said. "The poise he's shown at two really difficult, loud environments has been great. But there's a lot of things that he can improve and there's a long way he needs to continue to come."

McCoy never was late getting off a play, never needed to burn a timeout and never came close to a delay penalty. He presided over the 71/2-minute field goal drive in the fourth quarter that kept the ball out of Brees' hands.

The Browns ran the ball on 12 of the 13 plays of that drive. The other play was a Peyton Hillis throwback to McCoy for 13 yards on third down.

Overall, in his two starts against Pittsburgh and New Orleans, McCoy has completed 65.3 percent (32-of-49) for 355 yards. He has one TD, two interceptions and has been sacked six times. His rating is 76.5. Those numbers are similar to Wallace, who started Games 2-5 after Delhomme's Game 1 injury. Wallace completed 63 percent (63-of-100) for 693 yards. He had four TDs, two interceptions and was sacked six times. His rating is 88.4.

"I've been encouraged by what [McCoy's] done. I really have," Mangini said. "I'm happy to see that. The poise he's shown at two really difficult, loud environments has been great. But there's a lot of things that he can improve and there's a long way he needs to continue to come. But what he's done so far is really encouraging.

"The thing I was most happy with in terms of Colt's play, he improved in some areas and there's some areas that is a work in progress. But he was consistent, and he was poised again, and I thought he made some real good decisions in terms of not taking a sack and throwing out of bounds. Those things are positives."

Mangini said he "may have a chance to get back" Wallace or Delhomme, or both, for the New England game. It's more likely to be Wallace, who suffered his high ankle sprain in the Oct. 10 Atlanta game.

Delhomme initially suffered his high ankle sprain on Sept. 12 against Tampa Bay and then aggravated it relieving Wallace in the second half of the Atlanta game. In the locker room in New Orleans, Delhomme sounded less than enthused about rushing back into action until the ankle is fully healed.

"I want to be right. I don't want to be out there hobbling around," he said.

So what will Mangini do against New England if Wallace is ready? He hesitated to say.

"How healthy is he going to be?" he asked rhetorically. "Is he 100 percent? Is he perfect? There are ranges of injury. He could play, he could be the 2, he could be the 1 at 80 percent. There's a lot of mitigating factors."

Not the least of which is what Browns President Mike Holmgren might be thinking. In an interview in Sunday's Plain Dealer, Holmgren indicated a desire and responsibility to evaluate McCoy to make a conclusion on whether another quarterback needs to be drafted next year. He said he would have a better idea on McCoy "if he were able to play four or five games."

When the time comes to decide on McCoy's future playing time, Mangini said he would consult with offensive coordinator Brian Daboll and Holmgren.

"I'll definitely get his input," Mangini said of his boss. "He's been through these decisions quite a few times. But it's got to be at the point where it really is a decision, as opposed to where we're at now, in terms of a few games under our belt."

Like Jerome Harrison before him, Davis has not been happy with his lack of playing time.

John Kuntz / The Plain DealerJames Davis carried just four times in his time with the Cleveland Browns, gaining nine years before being waived on Monday.

BEREA, Ohio -- The Browns waived seldom-used running back James Davis on Monday shortly after being awarded running back Thomas Clayton off waivers from New England.

The news was welcomed by Davis, who had been increasingly dissatisfied with his diminished role. Davis was inactive for three of the past four games. He carried the ball only four times for nine yards this season.

"I don't know why they weren't exploiting his talents," said agent Thomas Hunter. "He did share with me in recent weeks being dissatisfied."

Davis wrote on his Twitter account: "Finally was granted with my wish." But Hunter said there was no demand to be let go and he was surprised by the Browns' move.

"To reduce him as an observer was surprising," Hunter said. "We certainly have a different opinion of James' talents. I've already had some calls on him. I believe he'll be a productive back with some other team."

The move was prompted when the Patriots waived Clayton from their active roster to make room for a safety for their game Sunday against San Diego.

Clayton, 5-11 and 222 pounds, was signed by the Patriots four weeks ago off the Browns' practice squad. He was active for two games but did not play on offense. The Browns' next game after their bye is against the Patriots.

But J.R. Rickert, Clayton's agent, believes there is more than gamesmanship involved in the Browns' claim. Rickert said that prior to losing Clayton to New England, the Browns were close to promoting him to their regular roster.

"Based on my talks with the Browns, he was making significant progress with them. He was even taking some reps with the first team at the time," Rickert said. "He's a little more of a home-run hitter than what they've got right now. He's got some breakaway speed."

These moves further change the running back depth chart that shows little resemblance to the one planned at the start.

The Browns headed into training camp expecting rookie Montario Hardesty, Jerome Harrison and Peyton Hillis to be their top three backs, with Davis competing for a spot, too. Hardesty suffered a season-ending knee injury in the fourth preseason game. Harrison was traded 10 days ago to Philadelphia for running back Mike Bell. Hillis has emerged as the team's feature back and touchdown leader.

The waiving of Davis further decimates the Browns' 2009 draft, which was the first for Eric Mangini as the team's coach. Davis was the last of eight choices made by Mangini, taken in the seventh round. Of those eight picks, only four remain -- center Alex Mack, receivers Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi, and linebacker Kaluka Maiava, who is out for the year with a knee injury.

The Browns would not confirm the roster moves Monday night.

The 54-hole tournament, played at Quail Hollow for the last three years, will move to Weymouth and Fox Meadow country clubs.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Ohio Open, the most prestigious tournament conducted by the Northern Ohio section of the PGA, will move to Medina County for 2011 and 2012.

NOPGA Executive Director Dominic Antenucci announced Monday that the 54-hole tournament, played at Quail Hollow Country Club for the last three years, will move to Weymouth Country Club and Fox Meadow Country Club.

Minute Men Staffing will remain as the title sponsor. The dates in 2011 are July 18-20.

The event, won by such players as Jack Nicklaus, Byron Nelson, Tom Weiskopf and Denny Shute, requires 36 holes because of the size of the field. Weymouth and Fox Meadow are located about 10 minutes apart in rural Medina.

"Quail Hollow has been a terrific partner for the last three years," said David Griffith, NOPGA tournament director, while citing location and accessibility as the major reasons for the move. "With both Weymouth and Fox Meadow being more centrally located and easily reached off I-71, we just felt it would open the event to more players."

The tournament has moved several times recently after a 15-year relationship between the NOPGA and Tam O'Shanter in Canton ended in 2003. Barrington Golf Club and Club Walden were co-hosts in 2004-2005 and Acacia Country Club and Little Mountain Country Club were the sites in 2006-07.

The players will play one round on each course with the final 18 holes being held at Weymouth.

Antenucci's announcement came during the NOPGA's annual fall meeting at Westfield Country Club.

Sports Illustrated writer, for example, thinks Cavs might contend for a playoff spot.

Scott Shaw, The Plain Dealer Two of the Cavs' best defensive players - Anderson Varejao (left) and Jamario Moon (right) - bother the Bulls' Joakim Noah.

Cleveland, Ohio -- The Cleveland Cavaliers begin their NBA season on Wednesday night against the Boston Celtics at Quicken Loans Arena.

Though many analysts believe the Cavaliers will not be competitive after the departure of LeBron James to the Miami Heat as a free agent, some have lately taken a look at the roster and decided the Cavs could be respectable.

Paul Forrester of Sports Illustrated's SI.com picks the Cavaliers as the league's "Biggest surprise" team. He writes:

I get the feeling Cleveland won't be as horrid as everyone thinks. That doesn't mean the Cavs will be a playoff team, but they will be in the conversation for the No. 8 seed. Byron Scott's Princeton offense will allow Cleveland to outscore a lot of teams, and this roster's motivation to prove it wasn't a bad supporting cast for LeBron will propel the Cavs toward a .500 mark -- assuming the Cavs don't do what they should and deal some veterans at the trade deadline.

Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Cavaliers coverage includes Mary Schmitt Boyer's feature story on forward Jamario Moon, and her report on the Cavs' ability to find role players among undrafted free agents.

And, you can still check The Plain Dealer's Cavaliers preview.

Middle of pack

More on the Cavaliers being better than many observers think from NBA.com. The website has Cleveland at No. 17 in its power rankings for the 30 teams, and comments:

If the Cavs can defend and rebound like they did in the preseason (with Anderson Varejao playing just two games), they won't be nearly as bad as many people think. New focal point J.J. Hickson averaged 23.3 points and 13.3 rebounds per 40 minutes. He'll start over Antawn Jamison at power forward. 

Sessions-Scott sessions

One of the Cavaliers who made a solid preseason impression is guard Ramon Sessions.

Bob Finnan writes for the News-Herald and Lorain Morning Journal about Sessions, who was acquired in an offseason trade:

He has been a fit with the Cavs. He'll come off the bench for Coach Byron Scott. He's able to push the ball in their uptempo attack and has been very productive scoring and distributing.

Scott has also tinkered with Sessions' midrange shot in training camp.

"Coach has a good release," Sessions said. "If you look at his shot, it's pure."

He admits it's not easy to change the release point on his shot.

"It's a lot harder than people think," he said. "It's something I've been doing for 20-some odd years. Over the course of time, it can get a lot better."

Baseline picks

Why it's difficult to predict what the Cavaliers will do this season, from WaitingForNextYear.com.

J.J. Hickson is named the starting power forward, by Jason Lloyd of the Akron Beacon Journal.

Jamario Moon's task as the starting small forward, by the Beacon Journal's Jason Lloyd.

KSU's athletic director said he is aggressively looking at future payday games.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Kent State has been caught in a whirlwind of lost-and-found football scheduling this fall, beginning when Iowa State canceled three future football dates with the Golden Flashes.

Kent has since bought its way out of a 2011 football contract with Purdue for $425,000, while accepting a deal to play at Alabama. Published reports have placed the payout for KSU at $1.2 million for that contest.

Kent Athletic Director Joel Nielsen, on the job since May, sat with The Plain Dealer recently and said he is aggressively looking at future payday games for the Golden Flashes.

Question: Is the deal with the defending national champion Crimson Tide, coached by KSU alum and former football team captain Nick Saban, indicative of what KSU hopes to do in the future?

Answer: The Alabama situation came up unexpectedly for 2011. We had reached out to Alabama for future years, not 2011. But the 2011 game, if I get this correctly, I think they had a schedule change with one of their opponents. So Alabama is left with an open date, late. They made contact with us, and we followed up on it.

KSU photoKSU AD Joel Nielsen won't say exactly what the payout will be for playing at Alabama, but it's worth paying Purdue $425,000 to get out of its 2011 game.

Just since I've been here, the Penn State atmosphere [this season] would be on the same level. I think from a football standpoint, too, Penn State would be on this level. And we all saw what happened there. Our kids competed extremely hard. We stayed with them for the better part of three quarters, and that atmosphere was outstanding. I think if you talk with our student-athletes, they get excited each year when we roll into a Penn State, or a Tennessee, or and Alabama.

Q: What will you get out of this, that you won't get out of playing Purdue?

A: As I mentioned, when we got on board here, we reached out to Alabama, because of the Nick Saban [KSU alum] connection, obviously. We felt as though that made a lot of sense, if we were to play guarantee games, to reach out to those [with Kent ties]. We already had an existing arrangement with Missouri [head coach Gary Pinkel, also a Kent alum]. We immediately reached out to Nick because we felt it was the right thing to do, similar to [Jim] Tressel and the Youngstown State situation.

Alabama was very accommodating about future years, and then 2011 rolled in there. It's twofold: No. 1, economically it's a better situation for us. And then No. 2, it's the relationship with coach Saban, and that affiliation we are looking forward to.

Q: What kind of payout are you looking at?

A: They don't want us to say right now. It will come out, eventually. But financially it made sense for us. For us to pay $425,000 to Purdue, which we will honor and pay the damage. But right now let's keep it at, this makes fiscal sense for us not to take this deal.

Q: Will this game be televised?

A: Alabama has had those conversations. Obviously, it is their game. But they have had conversations. To this point, we're hopeful. Any time that four-letter word [ESPN] can get Alabama, they'll jump out of their skin to get them."

Q: Any chance of getting Nick and Alabama back home [to Dix Stadium]?

A: Not at this point. Some of the things we're looking at aren't cutting edge. They have been done before -- Toledo obviously playing Ohio State in Browns Stadium. That's something we are investigating.

"I'm not sure that would interest Alabama, but that is an opportunity eventually we would look at, a neutral-site game at Browns Stadium, somebody we think would attract a large crowd.

A victory before the bye week is exactly what Browns fans and Coach Eric Mangini need.

Joshua Gunter / The Plain DealerBrowns fans don't want to hear about rebuilding and incremental improvement, says Terry Pluto. But the truth is that Mangini is doing what most coaches should do — coaching the players and leading his assistants.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The moment it was announced Eric Mangini was returning to coach in 2010, some Browns fans couldn't wait until the bye week. They were certain the Browns would stumble to a slow start and new team president Mike Holmgren would replace Mangini on the sidelines.

A Hall of Fame-caliber coach, Holmgren is much smarter than to take over a losing team in the middle of the schedule. He knows that unless a team is in complete chaos, you don't change coaches during the season.

The Browns' 30-17 victory at New Orleans underlines the point that Mangini will finish the season. It also demonstrates that Mangini and his staff have the respect of the players.

How else could they have marched into the Superdome with a variety of trick plays that demand attention to detail and pull them off in front of a screeching, hostile crowd against the defending Super Bowl champions? A team not sold on the coach and the plans of his staff easily could have destroyed that gutsy game plan.

I know, the Browns are 2-5.

But I also know that this team is an upgrade over last season's 5-11 model. There are reasons to expect to see better results in the second half.

Yes, I know about an abused fan base that saw its franchise move to Baltimore. It has seen only one playoff appearance since 1999. In six of the last season seasons, the Browns have lost at least 10 games.

Browns fans don't want to hear about rebuilding and incremental improvement. They say they don't care that only one game (28-10 at Pittsburgh) was decided before the fourth quarter. They don't want to hear about the Browns having the second-toughest schedule so far.

They just want to win. And win now. If that doesn't happen quick, they want a new coach. A new quarterback. A new front office.

Thanks to the hiring of Holmgren and General Manager Tom Heckert in January, there is a new front office in place.

You can criticize Mangini the general manager. His 2009 draft (other than Alex Mack) appears to be a disaster. But he no longer is picking players. Mangini is doing what most coaches should do -- coaching the players and leading his assistants.

With T.J. Ward and Colt McCoy starting while first rounder Joe Haden plays often, the 2010 draft already has delivered more than the previous two years of picks and trades. Mangini can't be faulted to dealing malcontents such as Kellen Winslow and Braylon Edwards, but the team has been hurt by a failure to capitalize on those trades by using the new draft picks wisely.

Holmgren decided to retain Mangini, whose Cleveland coaching career now covers 23 games and five quarterbacks.

Think about that for a moment -- 23 games, five quarterbacks.

Fans may want to blame Mangini for the constant quarterback change, but that would not be fair. He inherited Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson. He tried to give the job to either player. Neither could hold it. You can fairly criticize him for his poor handling of the "quarterback competition" last season.

But given that Anderson has already won and lost the starting job in Arizona and Quinn is No. 3 in Denver, it shows the real problems were not the Browns coaching staff. That's especially true because Holmgren shipped out both of them, then brought in Seneca Wallace, Jake Delhomme and McCoy.

Four games and two sprained ankles later, the Browns were down to McCoy -- the fifth starter in Mangini's brief tenure. It's too soon to say McCoy can be like the reliable and shrewd Chad Pennington, the former Jets quarterback who had a 10-6 record under Mangini in 2007.

Assuming the Texas rookie continues to play with poise, the Browns should find out. There is no reason to turn back to a 35-year-old Delhomme. Wallace is a superb backup and decent spot starter.

But the last nine games are time for the front office to see how Mangini and his coaches develop McCoy and keep the team moving forward.

David Blue e-mailed that Mangini's teams have a 16-26 record before the bye week, 20-16 after. Yes, I'm making the case for more time for Mangini, more patience from the fans. There's no reason to rush to judgment about him or the team. Not with nine games left and yet a new quarterback in place.