Hue Jackson knows he must be the glue to hold his team together in the face of extreme adversity and criticism this season.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - With the criticism escalating, the 0-16 drumbeat crescendoing and some of his players venting, Browns coach Hue Jackson knows what he must do.

"I'm going to be the calming voice and the calming leader that's going to get us through all of this, and we're going to understand that there's one way and it's kind of my way,'' he said Monday on a conference call. "We'll all work together and we will figure it out from there."

Jackson's remarks came a day after the Browns were manhandled in a 24-9 loss to the Steelers. It dropped the Browns to 0-11 and 461-462-10 overall -- the first time in the NFL that they have more losses than wins.

They also came a day after left tackle Joe Thomas said the Browns must "lie in the bed you've made," and receiver Terrelle Pryor sounded off about his quarterbacks getting pummeled on every play.

Jackson, who's promised several times to win a Super Bowl here, knows he must hold his young team together in the face of extreme adversity.

"We're going to continue to have each other's backs,'' he said. "I have to do that better, too. It's an everyday and every-situation deal for me and this football team. We're going to work our way through it. We're going to stay together. We're going to stay committed. We're going to get better."

Pryor on QBs getting hit: 'It's dangerous; It's bullcrap'

Jackson has relied on a small inner circle of friends and colleagues to help him coach with the 0-11 mark. It's a bitter pill for a man charged with restoring the Browns' long-lost luster.

The fan base is angry, the players are frustrated and the media coverage is harsh.

"I've talked to several people I wish to keep anonymous,'' he said. "Trust me, this is tough. I'm not going to sit here and tell you that it's not. I've never encountered this, but I know what I signed up for.

"I truly believe I'm just the man for the job. That has not shown, and I respect that and I understand how our fans and all feel, but I'm not running from this. I am going to run through it, and I'm going to deal with it head on.

"We're going to fix this. That is what I came here to do. You said it, we're in the midst of a lot of past deeds and past things that have gone on, and I get that. We have to get it right, fix it and turn it over and get it to looking the way we want it to look. I have total confidence that we're going to do that as an organization."

Joe Thomas on top linemen walking: 'You've got to lie in the bed that you've made'

Jackson noted Sunday that the Browns have regressed in recent weeks from the team that could've won three or four games early on.

In fact, he said, "I don't want this group to go backwards any more than what we already have.''

On Monday, he specified that some players are "just trying to do too much. I understand where it's coming from and it's coming from a good place, but we have to be careful of just trying to do more than what we need to do. That's what I mean by taking a step back.''

He believes that Josh McCown, who admitted he pressed against the Steelers, will guard against that this week when he starts against the Giants in place of Cody Kessler, who's in the concussion protocol.  

Fortunately for Jackson, he still has player support.

"I have all the confidence and faith in Hue,'' said linebacker Chris Kirksey. "I stand 100 percent behind Hue. He's been a great coach for us. We're all in it together so we are not pointing fingers at anyone. We're all fighting, and that's what it means to be a team.''

Kirksey said Jackson is always soliciting input from his players.

"He's always saying if we have a problem, his office is always open,'' Kirskey said. "Hue has done a tremendous job with us. He's taking care of us as players. He takes care of the coaches. He's just trying to figure out a solution to win us ball games. I salute him for that.''

Hue Jackson took exception to Terrelle Pryor's post-game comments that the Browns have to stop letting their QBs get hit. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Browns coach Hue Jackson talked to receiver Terrelle Pryor and left tackle Joe Thomas Monday about their comments following Sunday's 24-9 loss to the Steelers.

Pryor vented about the quarterbacks getting hit after every play, saying "it's dangerous" and "it's bullcrap" and that "whoever's missing blocks has got to stop."

Thomas, when asked about good linemen being let go and needing an influx of talent next year, said "you've got to lie in the bed that you've made."  

Jackson was asked specifically if he had an issue with Pryor's remarks.

"Yes, I do because that's not Terrelle's job,'' he said. "I know he's frustrated and we all are. No doubt, we need to protect our quarterback, but that's not for him to say. Let's focus on ourselves and support each other. That's what good teams do, and that is what we are going to work to become."

He acknowledged he brought it up to Monday to Pryor, who often likes to cool off for a day before talking to the media.

"Yes, I have,'' Jackson said. "He was awesome, as always. Sometimes, like most people, after the game and after the heat of the moment, you're a little frustrated and maybe you say some things that you wish you hadn't. I understand it's coming from a good place. I know that no one wants to see our quarterback getting hit, but I think everybody has to let me be the judge of that."

Jackson stressed the need to stick together during this winless and put the onus on himself to make sure that happens.

"We're going to continue to have each other's backs,'' he said. "I have to do that better, too. It's an everyday and every situation deal for me and this football team. We're going to work our way through it. We're going to stay together. We're going to stay committed. We're going to get better."

Terrelle Pryor hates that the QBs are getting hit so much: 'It's dangerous. It's bullcrap''

He said he also spoke to Thomas.

"I did talk to Joe about his comments,'' he said. "Me and Joe have a great relationship. Again, I just think all of our players are frustrated. They want to win. It's all coming from a good place. There's not a guy in our locker room that doesn't want to win. When things do not go well, it's very easy to point back to some other things.

"I understand those questions that are going to be asked, and I understand some of the answers that will come from our players, but we have to stay positive through it all. It's not easy to do but that's how I want our team to handle it, and we're just going to continue to move forward."

Josh McCown will start Sunday vs. Giants with Kessler in protocol

Jackson acknowledged that Sunday's loss was a tough blow for the team. It was another rout by a division rival, and the Browns lost Cody Kessler to a concussion.

Joe Thomas: 'You've got to lie in the best that you've made'

He knows that his team is bearing the burden of 17 years of frustration for Browns fans.

"That's tough, but that's something we have to do,'' he said. "We have to move beyond the past and we have to make a new future here. We do need to make that as fast as we can. I don't want anybody to think we're not trying. It's not happening as fast as I'd like it to or our fans would like it to or even our players would like it to, but I promise you this: We are going to get there."

The Steelers, who were tied for last in the NFL with 13 sacks, registered eight against the Browns, four on Cody Kessler and four on Josh McCown. They tacked on six more quarterback hits and knocked Kessler out of the game on one of them, by linebacker Lawrence Timmons.

"I don't think somebody would take $10 million to sit back there and take those hits,'' said Pryor. "It's bullcrap. We can't keep doing this and we can't keep getting our guys hit. It's as simple as that.''

There's a reason so many high-level musicians are also athletes. From the neurological responses they induce to their physical benefits and effects on overall health, exercise and the making of music have a great deal in common.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Not by accident are so many professional musicians in seriously good shape. Truth is, music and fitness are profoundly connected.

From the neurological responses they induce to their physical benefits and effects on overall health, exercise and the making of music have far more in common than meets the eye. Enough, in fact, to explain why so many high-level musicians in Cleveland also happen to be accomplished athletes.

"At its core, music has been linked to movement," said Michael DeGeorgia, director of the Center for Music and Medicine at University Hospitals in Cleveland. "If you're a musician, you're going to be moving more than most people do."

NEUROCHEMICAL

The first and arguably strongest link is neurochemical. Inside their brains, performing musicians and fitness buffs reap the exact same rewards.

You've heard of the "runner's high," the surge of satisfying dopamine that floods the brain in the wake of vigorous exercise. Well, turns out, musicians and listeners experience it, too, during and after absorbing performances.

"They're getting the same kind of release," DeGeorgia said. "It's pleasurable and calming.

"Even if you're just listening, your pre-motor cortex lights up, as if you were moving. In the end, music is a neurological phenomenon."

This is no weak, ephemeral connection, either. Just ask Amanda Bekeny, an avid runner, freelance trumpeter, and member of the Ashland Symphony.

For her, music and fitness are co-dependent. Neither one can flourish in the absence of the other. Exercise gears her up for the stage while music, in turn, enables her to excel as a runner.

Since the age of 13, when she started running, "There hasn't been a stretch when I haven't been both [a runner and musician]," Bekeny said. "I don't know what it's like to not have either."

PSYCHOLOGICAL

Another strong link in the chain is psychological. Indeed, in mental terms, much of what makes a good musician is exactly what makes a good athlete.

Both pursuits, at their cores, are about setting and achieving goals, striving for excellence. Therefore, the appeal they hold to driven, "Type A" personalities is precisely the same.

Hence the above-average concentration in the Cleveland Orchestra of distinguished runners, cyclists, mountaineers, archers, lifters, skaters and yogis. Not only are they at the top of their musical games; they dominate in their hobbies as well.

"They're all Type A, almost by definition," DeGeorgia said. "If they're going to take up a sport, by God, they're going to do it the best they can."

Cleveland Orchestra violinist Mark Jackobs is one such talent. A bike racer and competitive runner since junior high school, he went on to complete an Ironman triathlon and continues to lift weights and compete with other cyclists through social fitness apps.

Music and fitness, Jackobs said, "demand the same kind of discipline. Getting ready for Ironman was like preparing for an audition. You cannot cram for either one and do well."

Within this mindset is also a sense of daring, an eagerness to attempt and fully experience new things, whether it's an unfamiliar or difficult score or jumping out of planes. This, at least, explains Karin Harrell, an active freelance violinist who also skydives, runs marathons, and enters obstacle races and long-distance triathlons.

"I just want to challenge myself by trying," Harrell said. "The attitude is the same in both things. You have to have a lot of determination and gutsiness. You have to keep coming back for punishment and continue reminding yourself why you're doing it."

EMOTIONAL

Feelings may be hard to quantify and measure. Still, when it comes to music and fitness, the anecdotal evidence is overwhelming: The emotional benefits are enormous, and strikingly similar.

All parties interviewed for this story attested that both music and exercise serve as varieties of the same form of therapy, providing mental clarity, combating memory loss, and improving their mood. They also claim the two pursuits have comparable calming effects, steadying their nerves and allowing them to play or perform athletically with confidence.

The benefits, in fact, are almost magical. In choirs, DeGeorgia said, the heart and breathing rates of singers gradually align. Similarly, he said, those who sing or play in groups, like those who exercise regularly, are known to sleep better and fall sick less often.

"There are all kinds of reasons why music is healthy," DeGeorgia said.

PHYSICAL

Perhaps the most obvious connections between music and fitness are the physical ones, the ways they benefit and rely on the body. Indeed, in that regard, the two are practically inseparable.

Almost no matter the instrument, it's helpful, even requisite, to be in good shape. Woodwind and brass players need big, healthy lungs; string players and percussionists a solid core, good posture, and strong shoulders and arms.

Office workers have it bad enough, sitting at desks all day. But musicians, especially professional ones, have it worse. They spend hours every day practicing or rehearsing, sitting upright in rigid chairs, performing the same motion over and over, then chasing it with two or more hours in concert in the evening, doing more of the same.

"For anybody playing consistently over the years, it takes a great deal of stamina," Jackobs said. "You have to stay in shape, one way or the other."

To succeed in music, as in any endurance sport or other form of prolonged activity, "You have to have good cardiovascular health," added DeGeorgia. "You don't get to that level without it."

It sounds like the Buckeyes will have one, possibly two, receivers back in the mix this week.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State will take any extra help it can get on Saturday against Michigan.

It sounds like the Buckeyes will have one, possibly two, receivers back in the mix this week. Urban Meyer said Tuesday that Dontre Wilson has been cleared from an undisclosed injury suffered two weeks ago at Maryland.

Wilson did not play last week in a 17-16 win over Michigan State.

Meyer added that receiver Corey Smith, who also missed last week's game, "might play" against the Wolverines. Smith had the pin removed from his surgically-repaired right hand last week, which is what kept him out of the game against the Spartans.

Smith had been playing with a cast on his right hand for most of the season.

Wilson has 26 catches for 343 yards and five touchdowns this season. Smith has four catches for seven yards. Both are seniors, and will be honored (whether they play or not) before their final game in Ohio Stadium along with 19 other senior Buckeyes.

Just two days before Thanksgiving, volunteers and sports celebrities came together to serve turkey dinners to thousands of those in need. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- This afternoon, Ohio City's Townhall restaurant was filled with people for the fourth-annual "Feed The Need" event.

Volunteers scooped up mashed potatoes, gravy, turkey and other Thanksgiving staples onto plates. Families called over servers to receive their meals. Children sat on long benches, while multicolored balloons hovered overhead.

The event organizers were committed to providing 4,000 meals at daylong event. Hundreds of visitors sat in the restaurant at noon, enjoying their food.

"Feed The Need" also featured several sports celebrities, including Cleveland Browns legend Jim Brown, Cleveland Browns player Joe Haden and Cleveland Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue. They served as volunteers, helping to serve up dishes, at different times throughout the afternoon.

See a video from the event above, and get a look at the event's action in the photos below:

 

The movie is described as a story "in the same vein of great sports films like 'Hoosiers' and 'Rocky," focusing on "Delly's early challenges growing up out in the bush of Australia and his improbable path into the NBA."

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Remember when America couldn't get enough of Matthew Dellavedova? It was the summer of 2015, when he was busy pestering Steph Curry like a little gnat as the shorthanded Cleveland Cavaliers somehow managed to grab a 2-1 lead in the NBA Finals.

Delly was everywhere. He had one of the best-selling jerseys in the NBA. His decision to quit drinking coffee was the stuff of cleveland.com push alerts. His hometown named a stadium after him. There was talk of turning his life story into TV series.

Flash forward to today. Dellavedova is a now an NBA Champion, parlaying his unlikely success into a $38 million contract and starting point guard position on the Milwaukee Bucks.

If that all sounds like the plot of a movie you'd find in the video store, if they still existed, next to "Rudy" or "Invincible," well, it's about to be.

Dellavedova's management team announced a Delly bio pic was in development in a press release with the headline, "NBA Champion Matthew Dellavedova's Incredible Underdog Story Scores Hollywood Ending."

The release describes the movie as a story "in the same vein of great sports films like 'Hoosiers' and 'Rocky," focusing on "Delly's early challenges growing up out in the bush of Australia and his improbable path into the NBA."

"Delly's inspirational story about overcoming the odds is one everyone can relate to," his agent Bruce Kaider said. "In real-life, it played out just like a movie."

The movie is being developed by Hollywood-based producers Zachary Green and Jason Shuman ("Lone Survivor," "Role Models").

"Everyone dreams of the one in a million chance of playing in the NBA, but this blue-collar kid actually achieved it," Green said. 

Dellavedova, currently averaging 7.6 points in 29 minutes a game for the Bucks and who will serve as executive producer on the film, said he's excited about the project. "I am thrilled to be working with this incredible group to tell my story to inspire kids around the world to dream big and that hard work and perseverance pays off."

The film is currently being written and expected to start filming in Australia next year. No word on when it will arrive in theaters.

Tristan Thompson has allowed the Cavs to improve as shot blockers this season, though he wants to be judged by how he defends guards.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- The easiest, one-click-of-a-button way to measure Tristan Thompson's improvement as a defender this season is to count his blocked shots.

Thompson, the Cavs' 6-9 center, is averaging a career-high 1.8 blocks per game, placing him in a four-way tie for eighth in the NBA with Houston's Clint Capela, Atlanta's Dwight Howard and Toronto's Lucas Nogueira.

Thompson's previous best was 1.0 bpg his rookie year, and with last season's starting center Timofey Mozgov gone, this was something the Cavs needed Thompson to do. He's performed way better as a shot blocker so far than at any point in his five-year career.

Now, for the way Thompson wants to be graded as a defender. We'll let him explain.

"I hope they start, like, giving some credit to guys that can guard guards," he said. "I know that's not a stat, but that should definitely count. Bigs switch onto a guard, you know, a lot of our guys do it. DeAndre's (Jordan) good at it, Anthony's good, Davis. So, myself, obviously.

"So, hopefully I get some credit and ... you guys don't forget about me when it's time to put that name on the ballot."

To summarize, Thompson wants to be considered an All-NBA defender, and his ability to switch onto a guard and keep him from scoring. This, of course, is (much) harder to track.

According to stats kept by NBA.com, overall opponents are shooting 44.4 percent against Thompson this season. If you only judge him defending against 3-pointers -- shot far more by smaller players than "bigs" like Thompson -- and shots outside of 15 feet, opponents are shooting 31.4 percent on 3s and 37.3 percent on mid- and long-range jumpers. So perhaps Thompson is onto something.   

When thinking about Cavs bigs who switch onto guards with success, easily the most memorable occurrence was Game 7 of the Finals, when Kevin Love switched onto Stephen Curry in the game's closing moments and Curry couldn't get by him.

Thompson was asked to provide a recent example of him pulling a Love on an unsuspecting guard, and he said "you guys watch enough games. You guys know. You watch Toronto, you watch all the games when I switch out to guards."

Well, OK.

"I take it as a real personal challenge in terms of guarding guys, especially guards, just because everyone thinks bigs cannot move their feet well," Thompson said. "I try to stand up for the bigs across the world and take that challenge. Whenever you get a stop on a guard, especially a Hall of Famer or All-Star guard, you feel good about yourself."

There's good news for Thompson, then.

The Blazers bring to town guards Damian Lillard (28.0 ppg -- fifth in the NBA in scoring) and Canton GlenOak's C.J. McCollum (22.9 ppg). Assuming both are in the lineup (the Blazers play Wednesday in New York), the Cavs will have to play them straight up with Kyrie Irving and J.R. Smith, which means Thompson will find himself helping and switching onto one or both in pick-and-roll situations.

When Lillard or McCollum gets near the rim, however, statistics show that either Thompson or someone on the Cavs will be waiting. Cleveland is tied for ninth in the NBA with 5.3 bpg, another sign that Thompson has helped the Cavs move on from losing the 7-footer Mozgov. 

By the way, Mozgov only averaged 0.8 blocks last season (1.2 the year before), and Cleveland was ranked near the bottom of the NBA with 3.9 bpg. 

See the kickoff times for all seven state football championship games.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The OHSAA announced the schedule for the 2016 state football championship games. All games will be played at Ohio Stadium in Columbus.

Here is the schedule in order of start time:

Division II: Thursday, Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m.

Division VI: Friday, Dec. 2, 10:00 a.m.

Division IV: Friday, Dec. 2, 3:00 p.m.

Division I: Friday, Dec. 2, 8:00 p.m.

Division VII: Saturday, Dec. 3, 10:00 a.m.

Division III: Saturday, Dec. 3, 3:00 p.m.

Division V: Saturday, Dec. 3, 8:00 p.m.

Check out the pairings as well for all 14 state semifinal games.

Hue Jackson is running the team and calling the plays. In one capacity, he's doing his best to stay positive. In the other, he's not doing enough to protect his quarterback.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Isaiah Crowell's carries in the second half Sunday were memorable, if only for their scarcity.

Hue Jackson's play calling turned them into events. Crowell carried three times - twice in the first 4:46 of the third quarter, then not again until 31 seconds remained in the Steelers' 24-9 win.

Duke Johnson Jr. got zero attempts in the second half, so it's not as if Crowell lost carries to a hot hand.

"We could, as you could see, we didn't run the ball very well," Jackson said during Monday's post-mortem conference call.

Actually, the Browns running game was here and gone too soon to notice that. The running backs had 10 carries in a game in which the Browns trailed by a single score for chunks of each half.

Do the Browns win that game if they run it more? Doubtful. Would a more dedicated running game have provided better protection for Cody Kessler and Josh McCown on a day when the Steelers produced eight sacks and chased Browns quarterbacks from the pocket time and again?

How could it not?

"We have to do what we have to do to try to win the game," the head coach said. "Every game is not going to mean that we run it 40 times or that we throw it 40 times."

Nor should this have been a game to throw it 41 times and hand off to the running backs on 10 lonely occasions.

If quarterbacks weren't being pulverized, maybe that could be explained away as a statistical quirk or even a reasonable approach to beating the Steelers who hadn't produced much of a pass rush (13 sacks) through nine games. But this game didn't follow that script.

When your rookie is knocked out of the game for the third time in eight starts and your aging backup is slammed to the ground and running for his life ... when you're one injury away from Terrelle Pryor as your starting quarterback, that's a cry for help the head coach needs to answer. Especially a head coach with play-calling credentials.

It appears the idea is to turn this mess over to Robert Griffin III again before season's end. So the Browns might want to help him out, incorporate a ground game, the occasional bubble screen, more wildcat, whatever they need to keep their man healthy.

You may have noticed Griffin isn't the sturdiest player in the league. Counting on his ability to run away from the hits that Kessler and McCown can't avoid doesn't seem like the safest roll of the dice.

Late in his 2009 Survivor season here, Eric Mangini won four consecutive games to finish the schedule after starting 1-11. The Browns rushed for 171 yards (Pittsburgh), 351 (Kansas City), 164 (Oakland) and 214 (Jacksonville). Jim Brown ... I mean, Jerome Harrison was the workhorse. Mangini saved his job.

Jackson doesn't have to worry about saving his job. Right? But how about saving his quarterbacks?

The versatile Michigan linebacker/return man/running back joins a list that includes Marcus Mariota, J.J. Watt and Khalil Mack.

The Cavs are comfortable, confident and no longer trying to figure things out as they go. The core is in place and the system is the same, giving them a distinct edge over most of the competition.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- Sitting atop the Eastern Conference with a flashy 10-2 record isn't a surprise to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Free from the burden of a 52-year championship drought and no longer inundated with questions about their head coach's future or continuity issues, the Cavaliers expected this speedy start.

"We're a team that's been together for a couple years," LeBron James said recently. "We still have some learning curves, but we've experienced a lot as a group together. It's great to start off like this."

Chemistry hasn't always been Cleveland's ally. While other teams had grown together over time, learned to conquer adversity and even felt the sting of losing collectively, the Cavs were thrown together quickly, asked to make an enormous leap from lottery appearances to postseason trips while trying to define roles.

There were stumbles along the way and plenty of finger pointing. There were even some cryptic tweets that led to needed changes. But that's the past.

In their title defense season, the Cavs are comfortable, confident and no longer trying to figure things out as they go. They know the pieces fit, understand which sets work best and what it takes to win. There were a few losses in free agency, but the culture has been built, the core is in place and the system is the same, giving them a distinct edge over most of the competition.

"Everyone knows that continuity usually should breed more efficiency," three-time NBA champion James Jones told cleveland.com. "For us, it's critical because we are trying to build on something. This is a continuation of the process that we embarked on a couple of years ago. But to have the same leadership -- LeBron, Kyrie (Irving), Kevin (Love), Tristan (Thompson) -- to have those guys as staples and leading this team, it makes it so much easier for them to lead a group that totally understands what they expect from us."

This year, the Golden State Warriors are 12-2 but still dealing with early-season growing pains and queries that once faced Cleveland after swapping key rotational pieces. Some of the East's top contenders -- Boston, Atlanta, Chicago and Indiana -- are still trying to find their way, attempting to incorporate new players in a quest to mimic Cleveland's championship puzzle.

It takes time. The Cavs have already gotten beyond that stage. It doesn't guarantee anything. But at the very least, it means they are a step ahead.

"We have the pedigree," James said. "We have the pedigree and we want to continue to improve every single day, so, if we do that we give ourselves a good chance."

As James has said numerous times, each season is different. It's a process. There are no shortcuts. The Cavs have picked up where they left off last year, ripping through the competition in the first month and suffering just one loss with James in the lineup.

And yet, they feel like they can reach another level.

When asked what it will take for the Cavs to play more like the team that shredded the Pistons, 104-81, prior to this mini in-season break as opposed to being pushed by Orlando and Philadelphia, Love provided a simple explanation.

"Probably time," he said. "Really took us to get to the second half of the season and even the latter part of the season last year and into the playoffs to get to where we needed to be. I think it will just take time and hopefully rolling into the New Year, 30 or 40 games in, we will really look like ourselves and put together what we always talk about, 48 solid minutes."

Like many, the Cavs are still fine-tuning.

"Rust is the wrong word, but in some cases, just coming out and playing in the second half," Love said. "Maintaining a lead, not getting complacent and playing how we are capable of playing. We always talk about letting defense dictate what we're doing on the offensive end so pace is a huge dictator of how we play. Sometimes we get away from that. We look at a lot of film and see a lot of teaching points. A lot of it comes back down to pace because when we play like that we're pretty devastating."

Head coach Tyronn Lue has been experimenting with lineups early in the season, figuring out what will -- and won't -- work when the playoffs come around. The team has also lacked a steady backup point guard. Of their 12 games, only four have come away from Quicken Loans Arena. Their longest trip has consisted of an extended stay in Washington D.C. to visit the White House nearly two weeks ago.

Coming up in December, they have a tough three-gamer on the road against Chicago, Toronto and New York. Their lengthy West Coast trip that finishes with a Finals rematch against Golden State is coming in early January.

There are good tests ahead. There are some questions as well. But they're minor, especially considering what they faced in past years.

If the hurdles come, and they seem to be unavoidable during a lengthy 82-game regular season, the Cavs can always lean on their experience.

"Those frustrating moments throughout the game where everyone has their lapse and guys are frustrated with each other, you see when it comes down to it in the last three minutes of the game and it's winning time, none of that exists," Jones said. "Really just guys playing together, trusting each other and making the extra pass. Finding a way, sacrificing, diving on the floor, making steals, you see everyone become selfless and getting out of their own dilemmas and issues to really jump in the circle and do whatever it takes to win games.

"That only comes when you completely trust that if you make a mistake or whatever happens in the game, the teammates have your back and it gives you a comfort level to go out and lay your blood, sweat and tears on the floor."

The decline of the Cleveland Browns offensive line began with the failure to sign Alex Mack to a long-term contract extension early in his career.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The decline of the Cleveland Browns offensive line spans three years and at least three front offices.

It began with Alex Mack.

I'm not talking about the Pro Bowl center leaving after the 2015 season.

Mack was long gone from the Browns before signing a five-year, $40 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons prior to the 2016 season.

It began when the Browns didn't offer Mack an extension early in his career.

Here's what happened:

1. In 2009, Mack was the team's first-round draft choice. He signed a five-year, $15 million rookie contract.
2. By 2010, Mack made his first Pro Bowl team.
3. By 2011, he had played his third consecutive season without missing a snap. He had an appendectomy in the middle of the season, but still played.

I'm stopping right here.

After three seasons, the Browns should have made a major push to sign Mack to an extension.

He was still two years away from free agency. He had only played for two coaches and two front offices.

The losing, the constant changes, the mind-numbing losing had not yet set in. It was the ideal time to give him a long-term deal.

I don't know how hard the Mike Holmgren front office tried to cut a deal with Mack -- or even if they made an attempt.

To their credit, that front office signed Joe Thomas to a seven-year, $82 million extension in 2011. It was a great move because it gave the Browns an All-Pro left tackle under their control.

THE TERRIBLE TRANSITION

By the end of the 2013 season, Mack was still unsigned.

The Browns gave him a "transition tag." It's complicated, but that allowed Mack to receive an offer from another team.

The Ray Farmer front office did try to extend Mack after the 2013 season, but he wanted out. By this point, he had played for Eric Mangini, Pat Shurmur and Rob Chudzinski. Mike Pettine had just been hired as the next coach.

The Browns couldn't cut a deal with Mack.

Jacksonville gave Mack a five-year, $42 million offer sheet.

The Browns quickly matched it.

But the offer sheet allowed Mack to become a free agent after two years -- or after the 2015 season.

Even though Mack was back with the Browns, the message was clear -- he wanted out.

THE BAD DRAFT PICK

The Browns knew Mack was soon to depart heading into the 2015 draft.

The Farmer front office made the surprising selection of Cameron Erving with the 19th pick in the first round.

Very few draft services had the center from Florida State rated as a first-rounder. In fact, he played only six games at center in college. He usually was a left tackle.

It seemed like a wise pick, and that would have been true if Erving was NFL ready.

Erving had the 2015 season to prepare as he played behind Mack. He also saw some action at guard in 2015, but struggled.

After the 2015 season, Mack exercised his right to be a free agent -- and signed with Atlanta.

I don't blame the Sashi Brown front office for Mack leaving. A close look at his history shows he was planning his exit for years.

I do blame the Farmer front office for the selection of Erving, who has been overwhelmed since taking over at starting center this season.

A QUICK HISTORY LESSON

Here's a list of names of offensive linemen picked in the first two rounds of the draft by the Browns since they returned in 1999:

• 2003: Jeff Faine, first round
• 2007: Joe Thomas, first round
• 2009: Alex Mack, first round
• 2012: Mitchell Schwartz, second round
• 2014: Joel Bitonio, second round
• 2015: Cameron Erving, first round.

I had to check on Faine, but he started 36 games in his career in three years with the Browns. He started 124 NFL games for various teams.

The Browns would love to have Faine right now.

In fact, everyone on the list has been at least a quality starter for the Browns except one -- Erving.

SCHWARTZ LEAVES

The Browns also allowed Mitchell Schwartz to become a free agent.

Schwartz played for three different coaches in four years: Pat Shurmur, Chudzinski and Pettine.

Some coaches liked him better than others.

Like so many players with the Browns, he fought the emotional battle of all the losing, all the coaching and front office changes.

But he never missed a snap.

Schwartz was the one free agent the current front office allowed to leave that bothered me the most.

I would have loved to keep Mack, but his history indicates he was long gone before Brown & Co. took over.

The other key free agents who departed were Tashaun Gipson, Travis Benjamin and Craig Robertson. You can debate the impact of their departures, but Schwartz was a loss.

He signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. At one point, he seemed open to returning to the Browns.

The new front office can point to Austin Pasztor, who has taken over at right tackle. He has had two lousy games, but overall he's not been the biggest problem on the line.

While it's not the final authority, Profootballfocus is a respected website that rates offensive linemen.

Out of 80 tackles rated, they rank Thomas (No. 3), Schwartz (No. 17) and Pasztor (No. 32).

SOME BAD LUCK

In his second season, Bitonio was playing close to Pro Bowl level.

Profootballfocus rated Bitonio No. 11 out of 70 guards.

But Bitonio suffered a major foot injury and played only the first five games this season.

Suddenly, the Browns line had only two starters left from last season -- John Greco and Thomas.

New starters were rookie Spencer Drango (left guard), Erving (center) and Pastzor (right tackle).

The loss of Bitonio was a big deal. With Bitonio and Thomas on the left side of the line, the Browns had real strength. It has made Erving's problems even more pronounced.

NOW WHAT?

After Sunday's 24-9 loss to the Steelers, Thomas talked about how there was confusion with blocking schemes.

Not all of this is the fault of the center, but a big part of a center's job is figuring out what the defenses are doing.

Erving is having problems in this area, along with general issues of basic blocking.

That was underlined when he missed the third game of the season. The Browns claimed Austin Reiter off Washington's practice squad. He started his first NFL regular season game. It was a 31-26 loss in Washington, but the blocking was solid.

Reiter drew praise from his fellow linemen and the coaching staff.

And on the last play of the game, Reiter suffered a season-ending knee injury.

So it was back to Erving.

No clue what the Browns will do, but I'd start Greco at center. He's experienced and respected by the linemen.

The Browns have Thomas and Pastzor as the tackles.

Guards can be Drango and perhaps veteran Alvin Bailey.

Rookie Shon Coleman is a third-round pick, a tackle who had off-season knee surgery and is supposed to be healthy.

No easy answers for this year, and the need to draft for the offensive line is obvious.

But for now, Greco at center could at least bring a little bit of stability to the heart of the offensive line.

"We're getting reps from both guys," Darboh said, according to MLive.com. "We're just making sure we're on key, making sure the timing's right and everything. I think both guys are poised, both guys are great competitors. Regardless of who it is, they'll give it their all."

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Though there were reports last week that Michigan quarterback Wilton Speight was done for the year with a collarbone injury, it seems increasingly possible that he'll play on Saturday when Michigan travels to Ohio State. 

Michigan wide receiver Amara Darboh told the media that Speight and backup John O'Korn -- who started in Speight's place last week -- have been practicing. 

"We're getting reps from both guys," Darboh said, according to MLive.com. "We're just making sure we're on key, making sure the timing's right and everything. I think both guys are poised, both guys are great competitors. Regardless of who it is, they'll give it their all."

With Speight out in Michigan's win over Indiana on Saturday, Michigan had its lowest passing output since 2001. O'Korn went 7-of-16 for 59 yards.

So obviously it would be advantageous for Ohio State if Speight didn't play. 

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh has done nothing but deny the reports that Speight was done for the season in the time since he's been out. 

Harbaugh said Monday that Speight has been improving.

"He's been better every day," Harbaugh said. "That's from my eye. He's gotten better every day. Now, again, to clarify: I'm not a doctor. I don't have a medical degree. I never took medical classes."

Yes, Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis strikes out looking, but not as much as one Hey, Hoynsie reader might think.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Do you have a question that you'd like to have answered in Hey, Hoynsie? Submit it here or Tweet him at @hoynsie.

Hey, Hoynsie: Does anybody strikeout looking more than Jason Kipnis? I know he's a very good hitter, but isn't one of the first things you learn when you play ball is that if a pitch is close with two strikes, swing? - Scott Leavery, Conneaut.

Hey, Scott:  A lot of players last season struck out looking more than Kipnis. The Indians second baseman set a career high with 146 strikeouts, 27 on a called third strike in 2016. That tied him for 83rd place in the big leagues.

Chris Davis led the way with 79 strikeouts by way of the called third strike. Mike Napoli was tied for fourth with 53.

While Kipnis set a career high in strikeouts, he also set career highs with 23 homers, 68 extra base hits and 91 runs. His on-base percentage was a solid .343. Combined with an excellent .469 slugging percentage, he posted a .811 OPS.

Kipnis hit .193 (61-for-316) with nine homers and 38 RBI with two strikes last season. His OPS+ in that situation was 124 with 100 being the AL average.

Every hitter has his own style. Mess with it too much and he might go backward. We'll have to see what adjustments, if any, Kipnis makes in 2017. Right now I'd have to go with my favorite mantra -- if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

@hoynsie How long before we see Mejia in a regular season game? Rob Hayes, Youngstown, Ohio.

-- Robert Hayes (@GuitaristRobDog) November 22, 2016

Hey, Rob: I hope you're not holding your breath waiting for this happen. Francisco Mejia is probably two or three years away.

Mejia hasn't played a full season at high Class A yet. Not to mention the fact that he has two talented catchers, under team control, ahead of him in Cleveland in Yan Gomes and Roberto Perez.

The Indians didn't put Mejia in the Jonathan Lucroy deal by accident.

Hey, Hoynsie: What a glorious year for the Tribe. I was a season ticket holder during the glory years despite living 125 miles away. When the Indians became bottom feeders, I attended one game a year with my family. This year I made it to six games and my son went to the playoffs. If all fans doubled their attendance, it would sure help. But the Indians need to stay committed. If they don't re-sign Mike Napoli and Rajai Davis, they must find alternatives because they can't revert to doing nothing. We will support a winner. - Bill Drummer, Wauseon.

Hey, Bill: The Indians have won for four straight years and gone to the postseason twice. I think the commitment is there. The fans have not been, but perhaps that will change.

@hoynsie how will Indians replace Napoli's production?

-- Doug Dennis (@DougDennis41) November 22, 2016

Hey, Doug: Well, first and foremost they're trying to re-sign Napoli to hopefully duplicate his numbers from last season. If that doesn't work, they'll go to the next hitter on their list.

Tribe will not make Napoli, Davis qualifying offers

Hey, Hoynsie: Just an observation from Game 6 of the World Series at Progressive Field. How come the plays that were being reviewed weren't replayed on the big scoreboard? Who's call is that -- the Indians, umpires or MLB? - John Sikon, Garfield Heights.

Hey, John: It's MLB's call and plays that are challenged are supposed to be shown on the scoreboard.

In Game 6 of the World Series, there was only one replay challenge. It came at the end of the seventh inning. Francisco Lindor was originally called safe on an infield single. The Cubs challenged and the call on the field was overturned with the ruling being that Aroldis Chapman beat Lindor to first base to end the inning.

Perhaps the replay wasn't shown repeatedly on the scoreboard because the call ended the inning. Or there wasn't a good camera angle of the play or maybe you missed it when you went out for a hot dog.

Not trying to be a wise guy, but everybody gets hungry.

@hoynsie Do you think Yandy Diaz will get a chance with the big league club next season? If so, where would he play?

-- BD (@brydesantis) November 22, 2016

Hey, Bryan: Finding a position for Diaz is the big question because the Indians think he's going to be a hitter who helps them.

Diaz is playing winter ball for Caracas in Venezuela and hitting .348 (23-for-66) with one homer and nine RBI. Defensively, he's played 17 games in the outfield and one at third base. He's been charged with three errors.

I would imagine he'll get an invitation to spring training and there's a chance he could ride the shuttle between Cleveland and Class AAA Columbus next year depending on need and opportunity.

Hey, Hoynsie: Do you think the Tribe will go after Pittsburgh center fielder Andrew McCutchen? To me, they have a two-year window, which would work out perfectly for the time left on McCutchen's contract. Chris Antonetti could work out a deal with his old buddy Neal Huntington in Pittsburgh. -- Howard Herrick.

Hey, Howard: I think the Indians would definitely be interested. They need an outfielder and McCutchen fills the bill. The question is how much would they have to give up?

McCutchen has one year left on his contract at $14 million a year. He has a club option for $14.75 million for 2018. He struck out a career high 143 times last season and his average dropped to a career low .256.

The Indians aren't going to make a big splash through free agency, so a trade like this makes sense. But at what cost?

@hoynsie can we have Fransisco Lindor? -Justin, Detroit

-- Justin Samland (@justin_samland) November 22, 2016

Hey, Justin: You're asking the wrong guy, but I'm pretty sure I know what the answer would be even if Mike Ilitch threw in a couple of free pizzas.

Hey, Hoynsie: Man, how well does Jose Ramirez have to play before you give him a full-time job? He's the Indians' third baseman, unless Jason Kipnis changes positions or is traded. You're getting worse. -- Pete Wright.

Hey, Pete: I easily could be getting worse, but you're missing the point. Earlier this week I wrote that if the Indians acquired Trevor Plouffe, they could play him at third base and move Jose Ramirez into a super utility role.

Tribe's shopping list for 2017

You know, the same kind of role he had last season before replacing Juan Uribe at third base. The Indians love Ramirez's versatility and his ability to produce offensively regardless of where he plays.

@hoynsie Bobby, Mentor. Hey Hoynsie does Bradley Zimmer break spring training with a starting OF spot? Also any chance Lonnie moves to 1B?

-- Bobby Kozak II (@Go_For_Goose) November 22, 2016

Hey, Bobby: Never say never. Look how things worked out for Tyler Naquin last spring when Abraham Almonte received an 80-game suspension for PEDS and Michael Brantley opened the year on the disabled list. All of a sudden, Naquin was the starting center fielder.

So while something like that could happen to Bradley Zimmer next spring, I think the odds are against it. I would imagine he'll open the year at Class AAA Columbus.

Just who ends up at first base next year will depend on whether the Indians are able to sign Mike Napoli.  I think Lonnie Chisenhall would be more of a backup plan.

@hoynsie do you see the indians spending money for a big time free agent, like desmond fowler or ian desmond? Jeff K in Geneva

-- jeff kalb jr (@jeffkalbphoto) November 22, 2016

Hey, Jeff: No, I can't see that happening. There's a lot to like about both players, but they're going to be expensive and they received qualifying offers from their old clubs, which means the Indians would have to forfeit a high draft pick if they signed them.

I'm not sure how much the Indians are willing to commit long term to an outfielder with Bradley Zimmer and Greg Allen in the pipeline.

Tribe prospects help Mesa win AFL title on Sat. RF Greg Allen 1-4 with a run. SS Yu-Cheng Ghang 2-fo-4. CF Bradley Zimmer went 0-for-3.

-- paul hoynes (@hoynsie) November 20, 2016

Ohio State remained in the No. 2 spot in the latest playoff rankings, behind No. 1 Alabama and in front of No. 3 Michigan and No. 4 Clemson.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- It's still unclear whether Ohio State will be in the final four in the College Football Playoff rankings at the end of the season, even if it beats Michigan on Saturday. 

But there was no doubt the Buckeyes were going to be in the top four when the latest rankings were released on Tuesday night.

And they were. 

Ohio State remained in the No. 2 spot in the latest playoff rankings, behind No. 1 Alabama and in front of No. 3 Michigan and No. 4 Clemson.

There were four Big Ten teams in the top seven of the rankings this week. 

Though Ohio State is in seemingly good position to make the playoff, there is still some question as to whether it will. Why? Because even if the Buckeyes beat Michigan -- which is a must -- there's still a strong possibility they won't play in the Big Ten Championship Game. 

In the first two years of the playoff's existence, no team without a conference championship has made it. 

However, the Buckeyes do have wins over three top 25 teams: No. 6 Wisconsin, No. 8 Oklahoma and No. 16 Nebraska. 

Below is the full top 25: 

1. Alabama 

2. Ohio State 

3. Michigan 

4. Clemson 

5. Washington 

6. Wisconsin 

7. Penn State 

8. Oklahoma  

9. Colorado 

10. Oklahoma State 

11. Louisville 

12. USC

13. Auburn 

14. Florida State 

15. Florida 

16. Nebraska 

17. Tennessee 

18. West Virginia 

19. Boise State 

20. Houston 

21. Western Michigan 

22. Utah

23. Washington State

24. Stanford 

25. Navy

How does the committee view Ohio State vs. Penn State on paper? What does it mean?

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State felt as if it got some good news last week when College Football Playoff chairman Kirby Hocutt said that conference championships are one of four metrics used to separate two teams that are comparable. 

So when Ohio State was ranked No. 2 and Penn State was No. 7 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings on Tuesday evening, the question had to be asked: How comparable -- if at all -- are the Buckeyes and Nittany Lions? 

Apparently, not that comparable. 

"Does the selection committee see a small margin of separation between No. 2 Ohio State and No. 7 Penn State? We do not," Hocutt said. "At this point in time, Michigan at three, Clemson at four, Washington at five, there is a small separation between those teams there." 

Translation: Ohio State is considerably better than Penn State in the committee's eyes right now. That's very good news for the Buckeyes. 

Why? Because it now seems possible that Ohio State could be the Big Ten's representative in the playoff even if Penn State wins the conference. 

Given Ohio State already has a large lead on Penn State, it's also important to consider that the Buckeyes have a chance to enhance its already-impressive resume with a win over Michigan. That gap would presumably grow larger with the Nittany Lions playing Michigan State. 

It's unclear if Penn State can make its resume "comparable" to Ohio State if it adds an extra win in the Big Ten Championship Game -- presumably over No. 6 Wisconsin -- but if it can't, conference championships and head-to-head results may not even be considered. The Buckeyes have to feel good about what Hocutt said. 

But don't pencil in Ohio State just yet. 

The Buckeyes are comparable to Washington, which is on track to potentially being a one-loss Pac-12 Champion. And if Penn State wins the Big Ten, it's possible the committee will value a Big Ten title more than they're letting on right now because, well, that conference has four teams in the top seven. 

The best thing that could happen for Ohio State right now is for Washington and Penn State to lose a game. If that happens, the Buckeyes can probably breathe easy with a win on Saturday. 

* How does the committee view Ohio State's win at Michigan State? There are two ways to view that narrow 17-16 win. 

A. An Ohio State team that's supposedly a legitimate national championship contender almost lost to a team that has dropped eight games. The offense struggled and the Spartans were 65 yards away from potentially giving the Buckeyes their second loss. 

B. The weather conditions were terrible -- it was windy, cold and snowing -- and Ohio State pulled off an impressive, gutsy win on the road against a team that's pretty talented despite the fact it's in the midst of the down year. 

The committee apparently chose B. 

"We did discuss it this week, and it did not change our positioning in the rankings or within the selection committee room about Ohio State," Hocutt said. "They are an extremely talented football team and the committee continues to be impressed with their three wins over current top 25 teams. 

"We were obviously aware of the conditions in which that game was played in, but continue to be very impressed with Ohio State." 

The Ohio University Bobcats won the Mid-American Conference East Division title on Tuesday with a 9-3 victory over the visiting Akron Zips.

ATHENS, Ohio -- The Ohio University Bobcats used three Louis Zervos field goals to defeat the Akron Zips on Wednesday, 9-3, and capture the Mid-American Conference East Division title.

Akron (5-7, 3-5) took it down to the last play of their last possession before falling and spoiling their chance to become bowl eligible.

The Bobcats (8-4, 6-2) needed the victory as Miami defeated Ball State on Tuesday, 21-20, which could have made the RedHawks (6-6, 5-2) the East champs, had Ohio lost. Ohio owned the tiebreaker from a 17-7 win over Miami earlier this season.

Ohio will play in the MAC Championship game on Dec. 2 at Ford Field in Detroit against the West Division champion. Western Michigan plays Toledo on Friday with the West title on the line.

Akron and Ohio had early chances to score Tuesday, but were stymied while playing without their top quarterbacks. Akron's Tommy Woodson has been sidelined with shoulder injuries, giving way to former receiver Tyrell Goodman, while the Bobcats are down to third-string QB Quinton Maxwell.

The Bobcats scratched first with a 37-yard Zervous field goal with 10:59 to play in the second quarter. And with 2:54 to play, Zervous aced another from 49 yards out for a 6-0 lead, which held up until the half.

Akron finally got on the scoreboard with 8:57 to go in the third quarter with a 35-yard Tom O'Leary field goal that cut the Bobcats lead in half, 6-3. And that score stood into the fourth quarter as the Bobcats failed to come up with a pair of potential interceptions and a fumble.

Ohio got inside Akron's 10 twice in the fourth quarter. The first time the Zips snuffed a fourth-and-2 at the 5. The second time, the Bobcats kicked a 23-yard field goal, leaving the Zips 2:59 to salvage their season.

Akron drove to the Ohio 25 and took two shots at the end zone. JoJo Natson had his hands on the first pass, but couldn't keep control, then the second attempt was batted down at the goal line.

Terrelle Pryor is becoming an elite receiver in his first year, Corey Coleman is battling in his return from a broken hand, and Jimmy Haslam should speak at the bye next week.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The 0-11 Browns are gearing up to face the Giants, who have won five straight under first-year head coach Ben McAdoo. What's more, two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning has started 194 straight games at QB since he took over 12 years ago.

The Browns, meanwhile, have started 21 quarterbacks in that span, 26 since their rebirth in 1999. The Giants have never faced an 0-11 team. On Dec. 4, 1960, the Giants played the 0-10 Dallas Cowboys to a 31-31 tie. It was the Cowboys' only non-loss in an 0-11-1 first season. Since the 1970 merger, the Giants are 9-3 against teams that were 0-4 or worse.

Here are five things I think heading into Giants week:

1. Terrelle Pryor is becoming an elite receiver

In his first season at his new position, Pryor leads the Browns with 56 catches for 724 yards and four TDs, despite the fact the offense has been challenged at quarterback and offensive line. He's tied for 11th in the NFL in receptions, and his 724 yards are 15th. He'd have more yards, catches and TDs if rookie quarterback Cody Kessler went deep more often.

In Kessler's first seven starts, he completed only five passes of 20 yards or more. Pryor would probably have more than 1,000 yards and be a Pro Bowl candidate if he had someone getting the ball deep. With Josh McCown starting Sunday, the Browns will stretch the field, and Pryor will have opportunities to make big plays, especially now that Corey Coleman is back. Pryor makes nice adjustments to the ball, and makes the tough, contested catch.

He routinely jumps up over DBs to snatch the ball. He has been the Browns' undisputed MVP this season, and stars such as Darrelle Revis, Brandon Marshall and Dez Bryant have praised him. At times, he'll be covered this week by fellow former Buckeye Eli Apple, the Giants' No. 10 overall pick.

Jackson talked to Pryor, Thomas about postgame comments

2. Corey Coleman is rebounding slowly

Coleman hasn't performed as he hoped since recovering from his broken hand. In his three games back, he hasn't equaled his Week 2 yardage total vs. Baltimore, when he caught five passes for 104 yards and two TDs. In his last three games, he's caught 10 of 24 targets for 97 yards, without a score.

Against the Steelers, he caught four balls for 39 yards, with a long of 16. One of the deep balls thrown his way by Kessler was picked off, and Coleman dropped two others, including one that slipped right through his hands. Coleman got a good battle from cornerback Artie Burns, who schooled the rookie a few times.

But the No. 15 overall pick made a spectacular 16-yard catch from Josh McCown in traffic in the fourth quarter, and has shown flashes. But there's no question the broken hand was a setback, and he might not be 100 percent until next season. Unfortunately for the Browns, the three other rookie receivers haven't made an impact.

3. Jimmy Haslam should speak at the bye

After the surging Giants comes the bye week. With the Giants having won five straight, there's a decent chance the Browns will be 0-12. Haslam may already be scheduled to speak at the bye, and he should. His paying customers deserve to hear what he thinks about this winless season. They've already heard plenty from Hue Jackson and Executive Vice President of Football Operations Sashi Brown recently met the media. Now, it's time for Haslam to explain how he feels, and what he plans to do. If he's going to stay the course, as promised, now's the time to say it.

4. Emmanuel Ogbah coming on, Carl Nassib dropping off

Playing almost exclusively at defensive end the past seven games, Ogbah has recorded 21 pressures (3 sacks, 2 hits, 16 hurries), according to profootballfocus.com. That's compared to six pressures in the first four games while splitting time between outside linebacker and defensive end. Against the Steelers, he recorded four hurries on 30 pass-rush snaps. Ogbah is playing with a high motor and affecting the quarterback, even though he's had no sacks in the past four games. It will be interesting to see if he hits the rookie wall soon.

Nassib, on the other hand, has dropped off since a broken hand in Week 2 required surgery. He missed weeks three and four, and hasn't been the same since. He's had only half a sack since returning seven games ago, and has only 1.5 this season. The Browns expect more from a player who led the nation with 15.5 sacks at Penn State last year. He did bat down three balls against the Jets, but as Hue Jackson noted, "now he needs to knock down quarterbacks."

5. Robert Griffin III should play if he can

Griffin will begin practicing this week and could be cleared for full contact after the bye. It might be risky to roll Griffin out there after 12 weeks off, but the Browns need to determine if he can be in the mix as their quarterback of the future. They have big decisions to make in the draft, and they need to know if Griffin is worth the time and money. He's due a $750,000 roster bonus on the third day of the league year in March, and is under contract for $6 million next year. It's bridge quarterback money, not backup pay.

The Browns planned to use this season to develop Griffin into a complete quarterback who could operate in and out of the pocket. The fractured shoulder foiled that plan,  but they can still use some of the last four games to determine his fate. Plus, they'll all be cold-weather games, which provides much-needed data.  

#Browns advisor Jim Brown holding out hope RG3 can still be the guy pic.twitter.com/NyntqhC0bQ

-- Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) November 23, 2016

Boxing demands a second fight between Andre Ward and Sergey Kovalev because of last Satuday's controversial decision.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The highly anticipated bout between Sergey Kovalev and Andre Ward (at least among boxing fans) was more than we bargained for.

Not because anyone would consider last Saturday's light heavyweight championship a great fight, but because of how the final result caused such an uproar.

It was razor thin decision (114-113) in favor of Ward and many fans lost their minds. Many wondered how Ward could receive a decision since he was floored in the second round. Despite what happened throughout the fight, those same fans figured Kovalev dominated and his first loss was the result of the worst decision in boxing history.

Please calm down.

It certainly wasn't the greatest fight because of too much clinching, but the bout had its moments. Kovalev's knockdown of Ward in the second round, Kovalev's early dominance with his underrated jab and Ward's late rally and body shots highlighted the bout.

Kovalev lost because he simply ran out of gas from Round 7 on and Ward rallied with better inside fighting than pinpoint body shots. Ward also beat Kovalev on several occasions with combinations. And promoter Kathy Duva should stop her claims that Ward initiated the clinching when it was the other way around. Kovalev grabbed Ward whenever Ward came inside, which was smart on Kovalev's part to neutralize one of Ward's strengths. It also gave the bigger Kovalev an opportunity to impose himself over the smaller Ward.

I also agree with the judges. I had the same score. And if Kovalev was given the decision it would have been by the same close score.

Judge (again) for yourself when HBO replays the fight on Saturday night. Do me a favor and turn down the volume to avoid any influence from the commentators.

Fortunately, it looks like Kovalev-Ward II is on the horizon and maybe the judges won't get a chance to make the final decision, and then we can debate about the next big fight.

Local Saturday night fights

Cleveland world-ranked bantamweight Antonio "Carita" Nieves (16-0-2) will highlight a series of bouts to take place starting at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Firebird Sports Complex (480 Northfield Rd, Bedford, Ohio).

Nieves will fight on a card that includes heavyweight Ray Edwards (12-0-1). Edwards made his boxing debut in 2011 after he played seven years in the NFL.

Cleveland lightweight Thomas Williams (5-0) will fight Eliseo Cruz Sesma (9-2-1) in a six-round main event.

Tickets: $75 VIP, $50 ringside and $30 general admission. Call 216-386-9710 for more information.
 

Quick jabs

• The future of women's boxing is Claressa Shields.
• Have boxing movies run its course?
• The ridiculous possibility of a bout between Mayweather and McGregor.
• WBO junior lightweight champion Vasyl Lomachenko will defend his title against against Nicholas Walters on Saturday.
• Yes, 44-year-old Shannon Briggs will fight for a title.

This week in boxing history

Nov. 22, 1986: Mike Tyson defeats Trevor Berbick by KO in second round to win the WBC heavyweight title. Tyson, 20, becomes youngest to win a world heavyweight title.

Boxing schedule

10:35 p.m. EST, Saturday

• Vasyl Lomachenko vs. Nicholas Walters, 12 rounds, for Lomachenko's WBO junior lightweight title
• Juan Jose Ruiz vs. Fernando Carcamo, welterweights
• Konstantin Ponomarev vs. Silverio Ortiz, welterweights

This has been one of the best sports years in Cleveland's history and the city has a lot to be thankful for. However, we wanted to make a video to give a special thanks to Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona for his amazing work this year. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- This has been one of the best sports years in Cleveland's history and the city has a lot to be thankful for.

However, we wanted to make a video to give a special thanks to Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona for his amazing work with his team. 

Indians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti said of Francona's 2016 season:

"A masterful job. Throughout the regular season, the postseason, the way in which Tito is constantly thinking about how to place individual players in a place to be successful to most impact the team is extraordinary. He's does that first and foremost by building really deep relationships with guys where they know he cares, he has their best interest in mind and is always going to find a way for them to be in their best versions of themselves."