Rookie defensive tackle Phil Taylor is still adjusting to the NFL game and will probably do most of his learning by watching fellow tackle Ahtyba Rubin from the sideline during third-down situations Sunday.

Lisa DeJong, The Plain DealerRookie defensive tackle Phil Taylor can point out some things, but he is spending more time listening to veteran Ahtyba Rubin point out the finer points of playing defensive line in the NFL.

"He's told me a lot of the tricks of the trade for defensive tackle, things like that," Taylor said.

Rubin apparently hasn't taught the youngster everything, as Browns defensive coordinator Dick Jauron said Thursday that Taylor, the 21st overall pick in the 2011 draft, likely will sit out in most third-down passing situations in Sunday's season opener against Cincinnati. Rubin, the seasoned veteran on the line in his fifth season, will stay in.

Taylor and fellow rookie Jabaal Sheard, at end, are still developing and still learning. And Jauron isn't ready to throw both of them into full battle just yet.

"We're really happy with both of their progress," Jauron said. "They have a lot to learn, obviously. And I think they're quick studies. I believe that they are. They work at it. They like it. They're serious about it. So, here we go."

Jauron said Taylor's job inside is a bit more complicated to learn the nuances of than Sheard's position at end, which accounts for some of the slow development from the 6-3, 335-pound player from Baylor.

Which is where Rubin fits in.

"I'm there to help him and give him advice along the way," Rubin said. "But when it comes to Sunday, instinct and football kicks in. I think Phil's doing a great job picking up the speed of the NFL, and he'll do pretty good."

Taylor's learning will continue each time he watches Rubin, each time one of the defensive favorites of the Browns coaching staff is counted on to anchor the young defensive line.

"We believe Rubin will be part of most everything we do," Jauron said. "We really like Rubin . . . (he's) a part of all the packages."

Committee of 15: Coach Pat Shurmur said the Browns will have rotating captains for each game this season, beginning Sunday with Colt McCoy, Scott Fujita and Phil Dawson.

But during practices, Shurmur relies on a committee of 15 players to provide feedback.

"I have what I consider a group of guys I would consider to be the leaders on this team," Shurmur said, "and we're constantly talking about things like you would if you had two or three set captains."

Shurmur didn't identify which 15 players constitute the group, but said it'd be an easy list to make by identifying clear leaders. Their job is to keep the young players on the team focused.

"Just keep it calm, settle them down and do what guys have been through it before do," Shurmur said.

Pashos practices: Right tackle Tony Pashos practiced Thursday after sitting out Wednesday with a sprained ankle. He limped on the field and in the locker room afterward, but said he feels better and that he's hopeful to play Sunday.

"But I'm also working toward every possibility," he said. "We all are. You have to do that in pro sports."

Week 2 advantage: News that Colts quarterback Peyton Manning had neck surgery Thursday guarantees that the Browns will face his replacement, Kerry Collins, in Week 2 in Indianapolis.

Chicago honors Thome for hitting 600 career homers with an on-the-field ceremony before the game.

View full sizeNam Y. Huh, Associated PressJim Thome hits a run-scoring single during the first inning Thursday in Chicago.

Clubhouse confidential: The White Sox honored Indians DH Jim Thome with an on-the-field ceremony behind the plate before Thursday's game. The White Sox congratulated Thome for reaching 600 homers earlier this season.

Thome, acquired by the Indians in a waiver deal with the Twins on Aug. 25, played for the White Sox from 2006 until they traded him to the Dodgers near the end of the 2009 season. He hit 134 of his 602 homers with Chicago.

Thome received a warm round of applause from the Chicago crowd in his first at-bat and promptly singled home Asdrubal Cabrera for a 1-0 lead in the first inning.

Easy does it: There was no ballistic stretching for rookie Jason Kipnis before Thursday's game and, lo and behold, he made it into the starting lineup in front of a hometown crowd at U.S. Cellular Field. Kipnis is from Northbrook, Ill.

The most recent time the Indians were in Chicago, Kipnis had just about recovered from a strained right oblique and had received the all-clear to start against the White Sox. While stretching in the outfield before the game, he strained his right hamstring and landed on the disabled list.

Lonnie Soloff, Indians head athletic trainer, called it "ballistic" stretching. Kipnis said he still does the same stretch, but with more caution and less ballistics.

Stat of the day: The Indians entered Thursday's game with a 6-4 record when Thome is in the starting lineup.

-- Paul Hoynes

Melvin Reed of Fairport Harbor has a memorable encounter with the Indians legend.

View full sizePD fileBob Feller

As a 66-year-old Indians fan, I have many fond memories of attending Tribe games. Catching my first foul ball (hit by Detroit's Dick McAuliffe), sitting way down the left-field line and straining to peer around one of those steel supports to see the "Big Bear" [Mike Garcia] take the mound for Game 3 of the 1954 World Series are just two examples.

However, my most memorable day came when I was a 12-year-old, wide-eyed boy. The Painesville Telegraph newspaper organized a visit to the stadium, and I was one of two boys selected from our local Little League to attend.

While I have no idea how I was asked to go, who the Indians were playing or the exact date of our Saturday visit, I will never forget the thrill I experienced.

We had to wear our uniforms that day, as I knew the paper wanted to take some photos. What followed upon arrival, however, dumbfounded me. We entered the stadium through some secret door guarded by one of Cleveland's finest, who pointed us in the right direction. Before long, there I was standing at the entrance of the Indians' clubhouse! The door opened and, suddenly, I had gone to heaven. Was I dreaming or was that really Gene Woodling and Bud Dailey? And then, meeting the man Bob Feller!

From the locker room, we followed Bob through the tunnel and into the dugout. How could it get any better? It did. We walked up the dugout steps and onto the cinder track. In a few minutes, we were actually playing catch with Bob Feller! One cannot begin to comprehend the feeling. To be in the stadium, on the field, tossing an official American League baseball to a legend. What an experience.

As I said, the paper took pictures on that day and, on the front page of the next Saturday's magazine section, there we were standing on the top step of the dugout talking with No. 19. Somehow, my father was able to get the metal plate used to print the image and I have it today. Believe me, it is a prized possession.

Talk about an unforgettable day.'

Toledo will try to give the MAC a better showing against Ohio State on Saturday.

View full sizeAssociated Press file photoToledo coach Tim Beckman is a Berea High graduate and a former assistant coach at Ohio State.

Saturday

Division I

No. 15 Ohio State vs. Toledo

Kickoff: Noon at Ohio Stadium, Columbus.

TV/radio: Big Ten Network; WKNR AM/850.

Notable: Toledo is a far more talented Mid-American Conference team than Akron, which lost to the Buckeyes, 42-0, last Saturday. The Rockets are coming off a 58-22 victory over New Hampshire in their opener Sept. 1. Last season, Toledo beat Purdue, 31-20, one of six victories the program owns against opponents from BCS automatic-qualifying conferences. OSU's defense was solid against the Zips, holding them to just five first downs and 90 total yards. Toledo coach Tim Beckman, a Berea High graduate and former OSU assistant coach, has much more physical lines on both sides of the ball than the Zips.

Next for OSU: Sept. 17 at Miami (Fla.), 7:30.

Next for UT: Sept. 16 vs. No. 4 Boise State, 8.

-- Associated Press

Mid-American Conference

Akron vs. Temple

Kickoff: 6 p.m. at InfoCision Stadium, Akron.

Radio: WARF AM/1350.

Notable: An early conference game for both teams. Temple (1-0) is coming off a resounding 42-7 win over Villanova behind MAC East Player of the Week Bernard Pierce (147 yards rushing, 3 TDs). Akron (0-1), which lost to Ohio State, 42-0, in its opener, will unveil new quarterback Clayton Moore, to the home crowd. The Zips have an upset on their minds and will lean on defensive stalwart Brian Wagner, who had 15 tackles last week against OSU.

Next for Akron: Sept. 17 at Cincinnati, 3:30.

Ohio vs. Gardner-Webb

Kickoff: 7 p.m. at Peden Stadium, Athens.

Notable: The Bobcats (1-0) face Gardner-Webb of the Football Championship Subdivision in their home opener. G-W beat Akron last season in overtime. OU coach Frank Solich needs one win to give him 100 for his career. Last week in a win over New Mexico, the Bobcats' defense saw DT Nic Barber deliver three tackles for loss, two of them sacks.

Next for OU: Sept. 17 vs. Marshall, 7.

Kent State vs. La.-Lafayette

Kickoff: 7 p.m. at Dix Stadium, Kent.

Radio: WNIR FM/100.1.

Notable: ULL (0-1) lost at Oklahoma State, 61-34, in its opener. DB Dwight Bentley intercepted a pair of passes against the Cowboys, indicating Kent State (0-1) might be judicious with its passing game and untested receiving corps. Kent State DT Roosevelt Nix is in top form after playing well and getting a sack in the season-opening loss at Alabama.

Next for KSU: Sept. 17 at Kansas State, 7.

Bowling Green vs. Morgan State

Kickoff: 7 p.m. at Doyt-Perry Stadium, Bowling Green.

Notable: MSU (0-1) averaged 38.7 yards per kickoff return in its opening loss to Towson State, something that should get BG special teams' attention. BG looks to back up an opening road upset at Idaho with a strong home opener. RB Anthon Samuel, who rushed for 141 yards and a TD against Idaho, should be a focal point of the offense for a second straight week.

Next for BG: Sept. 17 vs. Wyoming, noon.

-- Elton Alexander

Historically Black Colleges Cleveland Classic

Central State vs. N.C. Central

Kickoff: Noon, Cleveland Browns Stadium.

Tickets: $15-$50.

Radio: Heritage Sports Radio Network on Sirius XM Satellite Radio.

TV: Fox Sports Ohio (alternate HD).

Notable: Central State, in Wilberforce, Ohio, and its new coach in E.J. Junior lost its opener, 39-21, to Kentucky State. The Marauders, once an elite program in black-college football, have lost 43 of their past 55 games. CSU will bring a few familiar faces to Cleveland: 18 players on the Marauders' roster are from Northeast Ohio. Offensive coordinator Ben Coates is a former assistant with the Cleveland Browns. N.C. Central opened its first season as a full member of the NCAA's Football Championship Subdivision with a 48-0 loss to Rutgers last week. Coach Henry Frazier is in his first year leading the Eagles.

Next for CSU: Sept. 17 vs. West Alabama, 7.

-- Branson Wright

Division II

Notre Dame College at Walsh

Kickoff: Noon at Fawcett Stadium, Canton.

Radio: KNR2 AM/1540.

Notable: On the heels of a 24-23 overtime loss to 17th-ranked Mercyhurst, NDC travels south on I-77 to face a Walsh squad that went 7-4 a year ago. This is the middle game of three straight on the road for NDC to start the season. Both teams are 0-1, as the Cavaliers lost to The Cumberlands (Ky.). Walsh and NDC met last year on Sept. 18, a contest won by Walsh, 34-14. Both teams like to run the ball. NDC running back Pedro Powell (1,085 career rushing yards in 12 games) and the NDC offensive line will try to control the clock and the game's tempo.

Next for NDC: Sept. 17 at Marion (Ind.), 1.

Division III

Hiram vs. Kenyon

Kickoff: 1 p.m. at Charles A. Henry Field, Hiram.

Notable: Kenyon dropped its opener at Oberlin last week, 42-0. Hiram dropped its opener to Westminster, 17-7. Hiram outgained Westminster, 188-176. The mission this week is to cut down on turnovers. The Terriers had six of them in the loss. Hiram QB Shawn Lehocky will look to build on last week's effort, when he completed 16 of 25 passes for 103 yards.

Next for Hiram: Sept. 17 at Denison, 7.

Case Western Reserve vs. Rochester

Kickoff: 7 p.m. at Case Field, Cleveland (postgame fireworks).

Notable: Case Western Reserve is 1-0 after last Saturday's victory at John Carroll. Freshman running back Manny Sicre and junior linebacker Ryan Ferguson were named University Athletic Association Players of the Week. Sicre rushed for 172 yards on 16 carries with a touchdown. Ferguson recorded nine tackles and returned both an interception and a fumble for a TD. The Spartans have won three straight versus Rochester and have a 40-5 record since the beginning of the 2007 season. Three-time All-UAA defensive tackle Dale English (Holy Name) has led the team in sacks and tackles for loss in each of the past two seasons. English is also just six sacks shy of tying the school record of 30.5 for a career.

Next for CWRU: Sept. 24 at Denison, 1.

-- Compiled using information from the colleges' sports information departments.

The Kinston Indians rally for a Class A playoff victory, but the Lake Erie Crushers fall behind, 2-0, in their series against Joliet, Ill.

View full sizeAPChad Huffman

AAA Columbus Clippers

Clippers 8, Bulls 3 LF Chad Huffman (.556) had three hits and doubled and homered for the second straight game to lead Columbus to the International League playoff win in Durham, N.C.

The Clippers lead the best-of-five first-round series, 2-0. Game 3 is tonight in Columbus.

RH starter Mitch Talbot (1-0, 2.57) allowed two runs (both earned) over seven innings in earning the win.

Advanced A Kinston Indians

Indians 8, Pelicans 6 Kinston rallied from a 5-0 first-inning deficit to beat host Myrtle Beach (S.C.) in 11 innings to even the best-of-five first-round Carolina League playoff series at 1. Game 3 is tonight in Kinston, N.C.

Independent Lake Erie Crushers

Slammers 3, Crushers 1 Lake Erie outhit host Joliet (Ill.), 7-6, but the Slammers hit two home runs and won Game 2 of the first-round Frontier League playoff series.

The Crushers trail in the best-of-five series, 2-0. Game 3 is Saturday in Avon.

Capsules of the NFL games coming up this weekend.

View full sizeRon T. Ennis, Fort Worth Star-TelegramFormer Browns defensive coordinator Rob Ryan gets another chance to beat his brother's team on Sunday night when the Cowboys play the New York Jets.

Kickoff: 1 p.m.

Early line: Ravens by 2 1/2.

The skinny: Five of last eight games between bitter AFC North rivals decided by three points. . . . Teams split series in 2010, each winning on road, before Steelers won at home, 31-24, in second-round playoff game. . . . Pittsburgh has won eight straight openers, longest active run in the NFL. Baltimore has won three in row and four of five. . . . Steelers SS Troy Polamalu has interception in three straight openers and five of last six. . . . Pittsburgh QB Ben Roethlisberger has won seven straight against Baltimore, including postseason. . . . Baltimore is only NFL team to win at least one playoff game in each of past three seasons.

Atlanta (13-3) at Chicago (11-5)

Kickoff: 1 p.m.

Early line: Pick 'em.

The skinny: Game matches reigning NFC South (Atlanta) and North (Chicago) champions. . . . Atlanta came away with two close wins at home over Bears in recent years. . . . Falcons' 13 wins last season second-most in franchise history and gave them top seed in NFC; playoff run ended immediately in 48-21 loss to Green Bay. . . . Atlanta led NFL in kickoff return average last season (26.5 yards).. . . Chicago 51-35-5 in season-openers and tied with Green Bay for most opening day wins. . . . Bears attempted 258 rushing plays and 276 pass plays over final nine weeks last season. . . . With 4,731 yards from scrimmage, Matt Forte needs 33 to pass Curtis Conway for seventh on Bears' list.

Buffalo (4-12) at Kansas City (10-7)

Kickoff: 1 p.m.

Early line: Chiefs by 6 1/2.

The skinny: Chiefs had league's best rushing offense last season. Bills had league's worst rush defense. . . . Ryan Succop's winning FG in OT last season snapped Chiefs' three-game losing streak to Bills. . . . Last four meetings and six of seven between teams have been at Arrowhead Stadium. . . . Bills coach Chan Gailey was Chiefs' offensive coordinator in 2008 under Herm Edwards. He was initially retained by Todd Haley, but fired three games into '09 preseason. . . . Bills have missed playoffs 11 straight seasons, tied with Detroit for NFL's longest active drought. Chiefs won AFC West last season. . . . Chiefs 113-55 at Arrowhead since 1990, including 7-1 last season. It's third-best winning percentage in NFL behind Pittsburgh and Denver.

Indianapolis (10-6) at Houston (6-10)

Kickoff: 1 p.m.

Early line: Texans by 2.

The skinny: Colts 9-3 in last 12 season openers. . . . Indianapolis can become first team in NFL history to make playoffs 10 consecutive seasons. . . . QB Kerry Collins makes 178th career start, replacing injured Peyton Manning (neck). Collins needs 111 yards passing to overtake Joe Montana (40,551) and move into 10th place all-time. . . . Texans RB Arian Foster's status was uncertain because of hamstring injury. . . . Foster rushed for club-record 231 yards and three TDs in opener against Indianapolis last year. His yardage total was second-best opening weekend rushing performance since 1933. . . . WR Andre Johnson only Texan who predates coach Gary Kubiak. Johnson was Texans' first-round draft pick in 2003, and Kubiak was hired before the 2006 season.

Philadelphia (10-6) at St. Louis (7-9)

Kickoff: 1 p.m.,

Early line: Eagles by 5.

The skinny: Philadelphia has won last two, and nine of last 11 dating to 1986. Coach Andy Reid enters 13th season with most wins (118), best win percentage (.618) and most playoff wins (10) in franchise history. . . . Reid 4-3 against Rams. Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo hired by Reid for first NFL coaching job and was assistant in Philadelphia from 1999-2006, part of four teams that played in four NFC title games and one Super Bowl. . . . Rams made six-win improvement last season, were unbeaten in preseason for first time since 1979 and should again contend in weak NFC West. . . . It's Super Bowl or bust for Eagles after high-profile free agency foray that landed CBs Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, DE Jason Babin, DT Cullen Jenkins, WR Steve Smith and RB Ronnie Brown. . . . Eagles set franchise records with 439 points and 6.230 net yards. . . . QB Michael Vick is first player in NFL history with 3,000 passing yards, 20 passing TDs, 500 rushing yards and seven rushing TDs.

Detroit (6-10) at Tampa Bay (10-6)

Kickoff: 1 p.m.

Early line: Buccaneers by 3.

The skinny: Former NFC Central Division rivals meet for second straight year at Raymond James Stadium, where Bucs have not played to full house since final home game of 2009 season. This will be ninth consecutive regular season game blacked out on local TV. . . . Detroit's Matthew Stafford and Tampa Bay's Josh Freeman were two of first three quarterbacks selected in 2009 draft. Stafford was No. 1 overall pick and Freeman selected 17th. . . . Stafford was injured and did not play when Lions rallied to beat Bucs, 23-20, in OT last season. WR Calvin Johnson had 10 catches for 152 yards in win, which ended Detroit's NFL-record 26-game road losing streak. . . . Stafford had league's highest QB rating (154.7) in preseason, and Lions scored NFL-high 114 points in four exhibitions. . . . Freeman begins second season as full-time starter and has thrown a TD pass in club-record 13 consecutive games. He threw for 3,451 yards, 25 TDs and six interceptions in 2010, helping Bucs go from 3-13 finish two years ago to 10-6 last season.

Tennessee (6-10) at Jacksonville (8-8)

Kickoff: 1 p.m.

Early line: Jaguars by 21/2.

The skinny: Titans begin Mike Munchak era in Jacksonville, and they have All-Pro RB Chris Johnson on board for opener. Johnson signed four-year extension worth $53 million and will be in starting lineup against Jaguars. . . . Titans will go with Matt Hasselbeck at QB. Former Seattle starter torched Jaguars last time he played them, completing 18 of 30 passes for 241 yards and four TDs in 41-0 win in October 2009. . . . Jacksonville's defense has been revamped, especially this off-season. Jaguars signed LB Paul Posluszny, LB Clint Session, S Dawan Landry, CB Drew Coleman and DE Matt Roth in frenzied free-agent period. And with DE Aaron Kampman back from knee injury, Jacksonville expects big things from unit. . . . Jacksonville's offense got recent makeover, too. Jaguars cut longtime QB David Garrard, turning things over to unproven Luke McCown. . . . McCown is 1-6 in seven career starts and hasn't started in four years. With McCown under center, Jaguars will count on RB Maurice Jones-Drew to be offensive workhorse.

N.Y. Giants (10-6) at Washington (6-10)

Kickoff: 4:15 p.m.

Early line: Giants by 3.

TV: WJW Channel 8.

The skinny: Giants have dominated series in recent years, winning six straight and nine of 10. . . . New York's Eli Manning makes 111th consecutive start, taking over top spot among active QBs from brother Peyton Manning, whose run of 227 for Indianapolis comes to end because of neck injury. . . . Giants defense hit hard by injuries. Latest is LB Jonathan Goff, lost for season with torn knee ligament. Two-time Pro Bowl DE Osi Umemyiora (knee) and rookie CB Prince Amukamara (foot) also won't play. . . . Rex Grossman is Washington's QB, having won job over John Beck during preseason. Grossman is starting on opening weekend for first time since 2007 with Chicago. . . . RB Tim Hightower makes Redskins debut, one of 20 new players on roster in 2011. . . . Washington could have as many as 14 new starters from Week 1 of last season. .

Minnesota (6-10) at San Diego (9-7)

Kickoff: 4:15 p.m.

Early line: Chargers by 91/2.

The skinny: Vikings start first full season under Leslie Frazier, who took over Nov. 22 for fired Brad Childress. They went 3-3 under Frazier, and team removed interim tag from title in early January. . . . Last time teams met, Adrian Peterson set NFL single-game rushing record with 296 yards on 30 carries in a 35-17 Vikings win in 2007. . . . Chargers looking to tighten up rushing defense after allowing more than 100 yards rushing seven times last year, including three times in final five games.. . . . Vikings quarterback Donovan McNabb needs two TDs passing to tie Steve Young for 21st on NFL's all-time list with 232. . . . Will be Chargers debut of ILB Takeo Spikes and SS Bob Sanders. . . . Next Chargers win will be Norv Turner's 100th as head coach in regular season.

Seattle (8-10) at San Francisco (6-10)

Kickoff: 4:15 p.m.

Early line: 49ers by 6.

The skinny: Seattle has won 11 of last 16, and five of last eight meetings. Seahawks 5-3 at Candlestick Park since 2003, but have dropped last two meetings by combined score of 63-31 -- committing five turnovers that led to San Francisco points in a 40-21 defeat last December. . . . Seahawks put 31-6 whipping on 49ers in Week 1 last year to win coach Pete Carroll's NFL debut after San Francisco had been picked as favorite to win NFC West. . . . 49ers failed to reach the end zone and wound up losing their first five games. Seattle wound up winning West at 7-9, then upset defending Super Bowl champion Saints, 41-36, for first playoff victory by team with losing record. . . . Both teams went 2-2 this preseason. . . . Seahawks debuts for QB Tarvaris Jackson and TE Zach Miller. Same for 49ers S Donte Whitner, who will be challenged with slowing down Pro Bowl TE Miller. . . . Can 49ers WR Braylon Edwards make good on fresh start with 49ers after two-year stay with Jets was tarnished by a DWI? . . . 49ers RB Frank Gore looks to come back strong after missing final five games of 2010 with fractured right hip.

Carolina (2-14) at Arizona (5-11)

Kickoff: 4:15 p.m.

Early line: Cardinals by 3.

The skinny: New Panthers coach Ron Rivera interviewed for Cardinals job that went to Ken Whisenhunt in 2007. . . . Panthers WR Steve Smith needs 77 catches and 372 yards receiving to pass Muhsin Muhammad as franchise leader in both categories. . . . Carolina CB Chris Gamble one interception shy of Eric Davis' franchise record of 25. . . . Cardinals and Panthers have played each other each season since 2007. . . . Arizona won at Carolina 33-13 in second round of playoffs en route to Super Bowl in 2008 season. . . . TE Jeff King, now with Arizona, caught 16-yard pass from Jimmy Clausen for Carolina's only TD in Panthers' 19-12 win over Cardinals last season.

Dallas (6-10) at N.Y. Jets (11-5)

Kickoff: 8:20 p.m.

Early line: Jets by 4.

TV: WKYC Channel 3.

The skinny: Season opener features several story lines, perhaps none bigger than setting being 10th anniversary of terrorist attacks; MetLife Stadium a few miles across Hudson River from World Trade Center site. . . . Game pits Jets coach Rex Ryan against twin brother Rob, Cowboys' defensive coordinator. Rex leads 5-3 in sibling rivalry, which dates to their college coaching days. . . . Cowboys coach Jason Garrett makes debut as team's full-time coach after going 5-3 as interim last season. . . . Dallas looking for 35th opening day win, 20th on road. . . . QB Tony Romo returns after missing final 10 games of last season with broken collarbone. . . . Jason Witten needs 33 yards receiving to become seventh tight end to reach 7,000 career yards. He's fifth on Cowboys' career receiving list in yards receiving, 329 from passing Hall of Famer Bob Hayes for fourth.

New England (14-3) at Miami (7-9)

Kickoff: Monday, 7 p.m.

Early line: Patriots by 4.

TV: ESPN.

The skinny: Patriots and Dolphins 3-3 when facing each other in season openers. . . . Patriots scored almost twice as many points as Miami last year, 518 to 273. . . . En route to AFC East title last season, New England beat Dolphins twice while outscoring them 79-21. . . . Patriots have started past seven seasons 1-0. . . . Tom Brady has thrown NFL record 335 consecutive passes without interception. . . . Brady has won five of past six games against Dolphins while throwing 15 TD passes with five interceptions. . . . Dolphins LB Kevin Burnett will open season on Monday Night Football for third consecutive year. . . . Miami has played in 76 Monday night games, most in NFL.

Oakland (8-8) at Denver (4-12)

Kickoff: Monday, 10:15 p.m.

Early line: Pick 'em.

TV: ESPN.

The skinny: Raiders scored most points in their history with 59-14 thumping of Broncos in last trip to Denver, sparked by Darren McFadden's 165 yards and three TDs. . . . Hue Jackson making Raiders head coaching debut, John Fox making Broncos head coaching debut after coming over from Carolina. . . . Raiders going for eighth straight win against AFC West opponent. . . . QB Jason Campbell is 3-0 vs. Denver. . . . Raiders averaged 155.9 ypg last season, second-most in NFL, and Broncos allowed 154.6 ypg, second-worst in league. . . . McFadden averaged 6.2 yards per carry against Denver (79 rushes for 487 yards).

The Packers make a goal-line stand on the final play of the game to beat the Saints, 42-34, on Thursday night.

View full sizeMike Roemer, Associated PressGreen Bay's Randall Cobb (18) gets past the Saints' Korey Hall (35) for a 108-yard touchdown return on a kickoff during the second half Thursday.

If Thursday's season opener at Lambeau Field could be considered a referendum on the importance of those player-led team workouts, the results are in after the Packers' wild 42-34 victory over the New Orleans Saints: The sessions Drew Brees led over the summer weren't enough to help the Saints take down the reigning champions, and the Packers' decision not to get together as a team certainly didn't seem to hurt them.

"That was a good start for us," Rodgers joked afterward. "But I've just got to ask myself, 'What would have happened if we had had off-season workouts?' Could we have started any faster and scored more points tonight?"

Rodgers came out on top in a memorable opening-night duel with Brees. And after allowing 477 total net yards to the Saints, the Packers defense made a goal-line stand on the final play of the game.

"We had some problems defensively, but that's a very good offense and he's a great quarterback," Packers coach Mike McCarthy said of Brees. "Sean [Payton] does a great job on offense. This will be a great experience we can learn from."

With the Saints on the 1-yard line for one last play, Clay Matthews and safety Morgan Burnett led a swarm of Packers defenders who stopped Saints rookie running back Mark Ingram short of the goal line.

"You've got to get a yard," Ingram said. "It's goal line to win the game, got to get a yard."

Matthews was hoping for a more dominant performance, but he'll take the win.

"Obviously, you'd love to have a blowout, but I think it represents everything that we preach, which is finishing games," Matthews said. "And it comes down to the very last play -- we win, or they have an opportunity to tie it up. I think it's fantastic to overcome that adversity."

Brees threw for 419 yards and three touchdowns, including a late score to Jimmy Graham that cut the lead to 8 with 2:15 left.

"I was proud of the way we hung in there and fought back," Payton said. "There will be a lot of things on tape that we've got to clean up with this first game. Credit Green Bay. They did a very good job and did all the things they needed to do to win a home game like that."

For all their yards, Brees said the Saints weren't good enough in the red zone.

"We were one of five, so we scored touchdowns just one out of five times in the red zone," Brees said. "That's not going to win you a lot of games, especially on the road in this type of environment against this kind of team."

Rodgers and Brees had big games, but Packers rookie Randall Cobb stole the show.

Cobb, a second-round draft pick out of Kentucky, caught a touchdown from Rodgers and ran a kickoff back 108 yards for a score in the third quarter -- tying an NFL record for the longest kickoff return in history, set by New England's Ellis Hobbs in September 2007. It also was the Packers' first kickoff return for a touchdown since Allen Rossum in 2000.

"It was amazing," Cobb said. "The feeling of being in Lambeau Field and just having all of the guys around me coming off of the Super Bowl and just trying to do anything I can to contribute, and I certainly tried to make the most of my opportunities."

Cobb admitted he made mistakes on both touchdowns; he shouldn't have brought the kickoff out of the end zone, and he ran the wrong route on the touchdown catch.

Rodgers said he was able to adjust to Cobb's mistake on the route, again bringing up the offseason workouts -- a line of questioning Rodgers clearly grew tired of during training camp.

"Surprisingly, we didn't have offseason workouts," Rodgers said. "Surprisingly, I was able to read his body language there and he made a nice catch and run for a touchdown."

Rodgers threw for 312 yards and three touchdowns.

It was a big night for Donald Driver, who tied James Lofton's Packers franchise mark for career yards receiving with 9,656. Rodgers wanted to get him the record at home.

"We tried to get him the ball again, we just didn't have an opportunity," Rodgers said.

The season is starting to wear on Asdrubal Cabrera, but manager Manny Acta says there's no doubt he's the Indians' MVP.

View full sizePlain Dealer file photoAsdrubal Cabrera has been the Tribe's most reliable player, but the wear of a long season is beginning to take its toll.

CHICAGO — The Indians have played this season with key players in and out of the lineup almost daily because of injuries. At last count, they had lost more than 700 days of service time by players on the disabled list.

So who is the player the Indians miss the most when he's not in the lineup?

Here's a hint -- he has played more games than anyone on the team.

That would be shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera.

"He's been such a staple for us all year long that when he's not in the lineup, you almost feel there's a hole in there," said outfielder/first baseman Shelley Duncan. "He's been our team MVP this year. When he's on the field, it really gives us a boost."

Cabrera played his 138th game Thursday night. It was game No. 141 for the Tribe. The wear and tear is starting to show on Cabrera.

At the All-Star break when Cabrera started at shortstop for the AL, he was hitting .293 (105-for-358) with 14 homers and 51 RBI. In the second half, Cabrera is hitting .236 (45-for-191) with eight homers and 31 RBI.

Cabrera hit .239 (26-for-109) with four homers and 17 RBI in August. He entered Thursday's game hitting .136 (3-for-22) with one homer and four RBI in September.

"I think the season is probably catching up to him a little," said manager Manny Acta. "He's already played more games than he has over the last couple of years. Last year, he missed so much time with that broken forearm."

Cabrera's 138 games are a career high. He played 97 last year despite a fractured left forearm, and 131 in 2009.

Overall, Cabrera is hitting .273 (150-for-549) with 30 doubles, 22 homers and 82 RBI. The homers and RBI are career highs. Cabrera had 18 homers in his career before this season.

He is the Indians' leader in homers and RBI.

"I wouldn't look at the batting average so much," said Acta. "He flat-out has traded some points in that batting average for power and run production. I'd rather see what he's done this year than have him hit 20 points higher with not as much production.

"I realize he's probably not going to be able to do this every year, but I'll take it every time."

As far as Cabrera being the team MVP, Acta reached that conclusion a long time ago.

"From Day One, he's been our guy," said Acta. "Look at his batting average with runners in scoring position (.320). His consistency, his ability to stay on the field the whole season has helped us out.

"He's set the tone with his leadership. That's not only vocal, but by playing through pain and staying on the field."

Injuries R Us: Update on the injured Indians:

Travis Hafner (right foot): He ran in the outfield before Thursday's game. He should progress to running the bases soon. Acta said he will be ready to play at some point on this 10-game trip.

Jack Hannahan (left calf): He will join the Indians in Texas on Tuesday, but still might not be ready to play.

Shin-Soo Choo (left oblique): He will join the team in Texas on Tuesday as well.

Josh Tomlin (right elbow): He just started playing catch. Acta says there is a chance Tomlin could rejoin the rotation before the end of the season.

Carlos Carrasco (right elbow): He will have Tommy John surgery on his right elbow Wednesday in New York.

Michael Brantley (right hand): He is done for the season following surgery to correct a broken hamate bone.

Deception: Asked what has allowed right-hander Vinnie Pestano to strike out 75 batters in 55 innings this year, Acta said: "He comes from a funky angle and the ball is not straight. He's got that explosive fastball. You don't see it on the radar gun. He's not in the high 90s, but he has that giddy-up on the last 10 feet that makes it tough on hitters."

Pestano and Boston closer Jonathan Papelbon are tied for fourth among AL relievers in strikeouts.

Finally: Look for Matt LaPorta to join the Indians on this trip. He is playing first base at Class AAA Columbus.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: phoynes@plaind.com, 216-999-5158

On Twitter: @hoynsie

OSU coach Luke Fickell says the coaches haven't set any "stipulations publicly" when asked if the players will be held out of action for any amount of time Saturday.

View full sizeMarvin Fong, Plain Dealer file photoOhio State running back Jordan Hall (7) is expected to be available to play on Saturday against Toledo.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The three players suspended for Ohio State's opener against Akron last week broke NCAA rules by accepting $200 earlier this year at a charity event in Cleveland.

Running back Jordan Hall, cornerback Travis Howard and safety Corey Brown were known to have accepted extra benefits worth less than $300, which Ohio State announced last week. That level of benefit typically comes with a one-game suspension from the NCAA, which is why Ohio State is planning for the players' return against Toledo on Saturday.

Specific information about the function was redacted in the report.

Five players attended the event, but only three took money, according to Ohio State's self-report to the NCAA, which the school released Thursday night. Ohio State had approved the attendance of players at this charity event in the past, so the players thought they were allowed to attend again, but they did not get the required written permission from Ohio State. Regardless, accepting the cash constituted a violation. According to the cover letter of the self-report, the violation occurred in February. It was discovered Aug. 31.

According to the report, the players gave different reasons for why they believed they were being given the money. Two thought they were being paid for working the event, while another thought he was accepting money from a teammate.

The players are set to return this week. OSU coach Luke Fickell said Thursday the coaches haven't set any "stipulations publicly" when asked if the players will be held out of action for any amount of time Saturday.

Rockets lose leading tackler: On the list of things an underdog with a fighting chance wants to hear days before a game, this is near the bottom. Toledo announced Thursday that junior linebacker Dan Molls, a Padua grad, will miss Saturday's game because of an injury. He had 143 tackles last season to lead the Rockets.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: dlesmerises@plaind.com, 216-999-4479

Pressed for his expectations, Haden mentions the Pro Bowl and "double-digit" interceptions as reasonable individual goals.

Chuck Crow, The Plain DealerAfter a good rookie season, cornerback Joe Haden is poised for big things in his second year.

He led the Browns with six interceptions as a rookie, despite coming off the bench his first nine games and running down on punts.

Pressed for his expectations, Haden mentions the Pro Bowl and "double-digit" interceptions as reasonable individual goals.

"My goal is to be the best corner I can be, one of the top five corners in the league, a lock 'em down-type corner," Haden said.

Teammate Sheldon Brown takes a more global view. Brown, entering his 10th NFL season, has been a positive influence on Haden. He sees Haden expanding his game in ways that statistics don't measure.

"He's turned into a good pro," Brown said. "On and off the field. Obviously, we know what he can do on the football field. But the little things, the intangibles -- studying, carrying himself well, respecting the game, respecting the others that played before us. He's doing all of that.

"He'll be playing this game for a while."

As Haden prepares to kick off his second season Sunday with an intriguing matchup against Cincinnati rookie receiver A.J. Green, his ever-present smile is wide and vibrant. Only 22 -- 15 months younger than Green -- Haden carries himself now like a player who knows what he didn't know a year ago.

"It's not even a comparison how I feel going into this year compared to last year," Haden said. "It's not about the stress [of being a rookie]. It's about feeling more comfortable, understanding the game, knowing how to study film, understanding the concepts of routes.

"Last year I was fresh out of college. You don't really understand the receivers and quarterbacks, how they like to throw the ball. It's like night and day."

The Haden vs. Green matchup should be a scintillating game-within-the-game on Sunday, reminiscent of past Browns-Bengals skirmishes such as Hanford Dixon-Chris Collinsworth in the 1980s and Leigh Bodden-Chad Johnson of recent vintage.

Haden played from 2007 to'09 at Florida, Green from 2008 to'10 at Georgia. Haden was the NFL's seventh overall draft choice in 2010, Green the fourth overall this year.

Haden said Green was one of the two best receivers he played against in college. The other he battled at practice -- Florida teammate Percy Harvin. Green is 6-4, Haden 5-11.

"He's just big, tall, and not only does he have speed, but being so tall, he can still come out of his breaks really well," Haden said.

Although the Browns have never said it, few believe they would have passed on Green if he had fallen to their sixth position in the draft.

"He was a receiver that I thought was pretty refined coming out of college," said Browns coach Pat Shurmur. "He's got size, he can run and he can catch. So he had, in our opinion, what you need to have, skill- and ability-wise, to have success. He's already showing up as a guy who's going to be a playmaker for Cincinnati."

Green poses such a potential threat that you wonder why Haden wouldn't be assigned exclusively to cover him wherever Green goes on the field. That would be against convention. Most teams assign their cornerbacks to either the left side or the right side of the field, no matter the opponent.

That's certainly the way it was under coach Eric Mangini, who was burned by this unbending approach when quarterbacks repeatedly picked on Eric Wright last season.

But there is a hint of openness in the new Browns coaches to exploiting Haden's coverage skills by matching him against the opponent's best receiver.

Asked if Haden would match Green the entire game, defensive coordinator Dick Jauron coyly demurred, "I wouldn't think there's a good reason to answer that."

The fresh possibilities of Jauron's defensive scheme is another reason Haden is so excited about his second season. He already senses more trust from Jauron to allow his cornerbacks to play more man-to-man coverage.

"This year it's a lot of one-on-one, bump-and-run, man-to-man coverage," Haden said. "I like the man-to-man. I like that he has a whole lot of confidence in the corners to play outside by themselves. I like being able to prove myself. If I get beat, it's on me. That's my man."

In Cincinnati, Green is the single reason nobody is lamenting the breakup of the T. Ocho Show -- diva receivers Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens. The Bengals' own weekly game release unequivocally states of Green, "No Bengals first-rounder in recent memory has been so widely considered a cinch to not only start as a rookie, but to stand out."

Haden relishes the opportunity to teach the rook a thing or two in his first NFL game.

"When I was there, I was really, really nervous," Haden said. "Preseason, you think you're getting a feel for it. But when that first game comes, it's a whole lot different."

Yes, Haden knows now what he didn't know then.

Ted Ginn Jr. talks about the upcoming NFL season.

APTed Ginn Jr.

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. will share one of the starting positions with Braylon Edwards.

Each player has had issues with holding onto the ball in the past, and more than likely, the player who gets a better grasp on the ball will become the main starter.

Ginn, who played for Glenville High School and Ohio State, talked about the upcoming season with CSN Bay Area.

Ginn didn't have a ton of specifics, but it was interesting to hear him discuss how the receivers have been practicing a bit at all the positions. Ideally the team would be able to create a whole host of mismatches each week and moving the receivers between the various roles on the field would help with that.

The boating season is winding down, but the boat buying season is in full swing this week at Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky.

Marquis YachtsThe queen of this year's North American In-Water Boat Show at Cedar Point Marina in Sandusky is the 69 Marquis from Skipper Bud's in Marblehead. The 69-foot luxury yacht made in Wisconsin has hardwood floors and four staterooms, as well as a crew cabin.

 The boating season is winding down, but the boat buying season is in full swing this week with the largest in-water boat show on the Great Lakes dropping anchor at Cedar Point Marina at Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky.

 While smaller boats, especially aluminum and fiberglass fishing boats, have driven the marine industry in the northern Ohio region in recent years, the big boats are making a comeback. The star of this year's North American In-Water Boat Show on Thursday through Sunday is a whopping 69-foot Marquis from Skipper Bud's on Marblehead.

 "It retails for $3.2 million, and there's no doubt we'll sell it," said Sales Manager Tom Ervin at Skipper Bud's. "We primarily sell boats that are 35 feet, and longer, and this year's sales have been better than the last several years. We've also seen heavier boat use this year, measured by fuel sales. 

 "Lake Erie was been a lot more crowded this summer than it has in a long time. Once we got past the spring rains and bad weather, the boating traffic around Western Lake Erie has been heavy."

The 69 Marquis sports an Italian design, but was manufactured in Wisconsin. It has four staterooms, as well as a crew cabin and hardwood floors.

South Shore Marine in Huron will be showing off a 46-foot Regal Sport Coupe with twin IPS diesel engines, as well as a 345 Pursuit with twin 350-horsepower Yamaha four-stroke outboard motors. They are a surprising power source for such a large boat.

"The bigger, four-stroke outboards are becoming a trend in the industry, especially with Pursuit," said Sales Manager Steve Carlson of South Shore Marine. "They've become popular on the Great Lakes, a reason we're ranked fourth in the country among Pursuit dealers despite having the boat line for only about nine months.

"The engines have better fuel economy and performance, and can easily power a boat that once required inboard power. With outboards, the engine room is now a mid-boat cabin, providing more living room."

The well-appointed Egg Harbor Sports Yacht will return, with Lake & Bay Yacht Sales of Marblehead showing off a 43-footer, said owner Ted Patrick.

"We'll again feature a lot of smaller, less expensive boats," said Mike DiLorenzo of sponsoring Lake Erie Marine Trades Association. "We have used boats in the water at our Brokerage Pier, and two pavilions showing off trailer boats costing less than $15,000 and $25,000."

About half of the 75 exhibitors will be on dry land, and so will many trailer boats.

At the Sail Pier, Harbor North of Huron will be offering free sailboat rides. The power boats lined up at the Demo Dock will be taking people for free rides, as well. 
 

Lots of extra gear needed when buying a boat

D'Arcy Egan, The Plain DealerSmaller fishing boats have driven sales around northern Ohio in recent years. They are still very popular among tournament and everyday anglers whether they launch on inland reservoirs or the big waters of Lake Erie.

 Buying a boat opens up a new world on the water, whether you like to fish, tour the Bass Islands, water ski on West Branch Reservoir or take the family on a sail boat ride on a breezy afternoon.

When you buy a boat, be sure to factor in all of the costs. It’s easy to get a handle on all of the extras you’ll need from the exhibits at the North American In-Water Boat Show.

The first item on the list has to be insurance, even if your boat will be stored on land until next spring. Some policies offer insurance covering winter ice damage.

Safety equipment – proper life jackets, fire extinguisher, throwable floatation device, horn, distress flag and flares – isn’t an option. It’s mandatory.

The marine electronics I can’t do without are a marine radio and a quality sonar unit and GPS unit.

You’re not done. Buy an anchor big enough for your boat, and a lot more anchor line than you think you’ll ever need. A stout anchor chain, the link between the anchor and anchor line, is needed. Boat fenders and dock lines are a must. 

If you’ve purchased a big cruiser, rather than a trailerable runabout or fishing boat, start looking for a marina with user-friendly docks and enjoyable folks. 
 

North American In-Water Boat Show

 WHAT: North American In-Water Boat Show
 WHERE: Cedar Point Marina, Cedar Point Amusement Park, Sandusky
 WHEN: Wednesday through Friday, noon-7 p.m.; Sept. 17, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sept. 18, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
 ADMISSION: $9, children 12 and younger, free.
 INFORMATION: Visit cedarpointboatshow.com or call Lake Erie Marine Trades Association, 440-899-5009

"Harvard and Lee don't mean nothing to me": A Rebel wishes he could have seen his team beat their rivals just once during his time at the school.

The Ohio Helmet ProjectHelmets courtesy of The Ohio Helmet Project, a cool site that illustrates Ohio high school football helmets past and present.

Growing up in Cleveland meant big sports rivalries. For me it was my beloved Browns vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Ohio State Buckeyes (my alma mater) vs. the Michigan Wolverines and my John Adams Rebels vs. those John F. Kennedy Eagles.

I remember the saying “Harvard and Lee don’t mean nothing to me”.

The completion of JFK in 1965 split the working class Corlett, Mt. Pleasant and Buckeye-Shaker areas into two camps. East 131st and East 130th were the general dividing line; if you lived west of the line you went to John Adams and if you lived east, you were zoned for Kennedy. I lived on Watterson Avenue, east of the line.

I think the rivalry was more intense for those of us who went to Robert H. Jamison and Alexander Hamilton Junior High Schools. Some of us were not only split from our junior high classmates but from kids we had gone to school with since kindergarten. The rivalry was very, very personal.

I went to Corlett Elementary School and Jamison before I attended John Adams. I remember cheering for my junior high schoolmates Larry Boston, Robert Sims, Hubert Carmen, Marvin Bishop and Benny Smith (who were part of a very powerful JFK team in the early seventies) on the basketball team and reviling them a short time later when they became Eagles.

The rivalry was very unpredictable at times. In the winter of 1973, the Rebels stunned a heavily favored Larry Boston-led JFK team. (The first game of that basketball season was a JFK victory that almost ended in a near brawl after a Rebel tripped an Eagle who had stolen the ball from him. Students from both sides entered the court but cooler heads prevailed.) However, in the fall of 1973, the Eagles upset a very powerful John Adams team 6-2 and knocked the Rebels out of first place in the East Senate.

The Rebels track team, coached by James Patterson, would beat the Eagles in dual meets but the JFK wrestling team, coached by Cecil Sallee, was one of the best in the Cleveland area during those years. They would wipe the mat with us and I even managed to get pinned by their heavyweight who was nursing a bad knee in the fall of 1974.

In the fall of 1974, the Rebels, under Coach Gene Young, and the Eagles, under Coach Roy Kidd, faced off in the last game of the season for the East Senate crown on a Friday. There were announcements throughout the week for us not go on the east side of John Adams field and cause problems.

The hard fought game went back and forth and ended in a 20-20 tie that sent the Eagles to the Senate championship game against St. Ignatius. So bitter was the sentiment afterwards that it was reported that our cheerleaders refused to go to the all-East Senate rally for Kennedy. [Editor's note: Sorry, no game story for this; it happened during a strike at Plain Dealer.]

In my three years at John Adams we tied those Eagles twice and lost to them once. Mr. Young went on to have success against that Harvard and Lee bunch in the years that followed. However, to this day I wish we could have beaten those Eagles on the football field just once during my time at John Adams.

-- Rory Craft, Texas

Why will the Cleveland Browns defeat the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday?

Tracy Boulian / The Plain DealerJoshua Cribbs

The Cleveland Browns will open the season on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Browns are the favorites but we all know anything can happen, especially in the opening game of the season.

So what are the key reasons why the Browns will beat the Bengals?

Are the Bengals and Browns still rivals?

APFormer Bengals coach Sam Wyche stirred the pot in the rivalry between Cincinnati and Cleveland.

Where are the days of former Cincinnati Bengals coach Sam Wyche telling fans in Cincinnati not to act like fans from Cleveland?

Sunday's game is part 1 of the "Battle of Ohio." The Bengals lead the series 39-36. The rivalry goes back to when Paul Brown, former Browns coach, became coach of the Bengals. There has been some great games in the rivalry, but the two teams have been so bad in recent years that it seems the rivalry is not what it used to be.

Is the series between the Bengals and Browns still a big deal?

Will the Cleveland Browns end their streak on Sunday?

APCleveland Browns head coach Pat Shurmur.

ESPN's James Walker writes how the Cleveland Browns have not won a regular-season opener since 2004 when Jeff Garcia was the starting quarterback.

In other words, the Browns are 1-11 in Week 1 since 1999.

Could this be the year the Browns end their infamous streak?

Historically, the Browns are awful in season openers.  The Chris Palmer era, Butch Davis era, Romeo Crennel era and Eric Mangini era all got off to losing starts.

Browns rookie head coach Pat Shurmur has a chance to accomplish what none of his predecessors were able to, writes Walker. Shurmur has a good opportunity to win his Cleveland coaching debut Sunday against the Cincinnati Bungals Bengals.

Walker writes how this game could have even more meaning for Cleveland.

But it all starts with the regular-season opener for Cleveland, which has been a huge hurdle. Can Shurmur, quarterback Colt McCoy and the rest of the Browns get over the Week 1 hump this year?

 

 

More Browns

Browns President Mike Holmgren, during an interview today with Mike and Mike on espn2, acknowledged that the Browns are trying to wrap up running back Peyton Hillis "for a long time.''

Plain Dealer file photoThe Browns hope to keep Peyton Hillis here for a long time by extending his contract.

BEREA -- Browns President Mike Holmgren confirmed publicly today that the team is aggressively trying to extend the contract of running back Peyton Hillis.

"We're trying like crazy to wrap him up for a long time,'' Holmgren said on the Mike and Mike Show on ESPN2. "He's something, isn't he?''

The Plain Dealer reported last week that the Browns had begun negotiating with Hillis' new agent, Kennard McQuire, according to a source.

McGuire declined today to comment on the talks.

"Peyton is completely focused on the season right now,'' said McGuire.

But Hillis told the Plain Dealer last week that he wants to remain a Brown for the long haul.

"Most definitely. I think this team, this city, even the colors, represent who I am. As an individual, as a person and as a player," Hillis said. "So I would love to be here as long the Browns want me here."

Hillis is in the last year of his rookie contract that pays him a four-year minimum of $555,000. He led the Browns last season with 1,177 yards and 11 TDs, and made 61 catches for two more TDs.

Hillis accounted for 71.5% of the Browns rushing yards and 36% of their total yards from scrimmage. The former seventh-round pick of the Broncos in 2008 landed on the cover of the mega-popular Madden 12 video game by a vote of the fans.

The White Sox honor Jim Thome.

APCleveland Indians' Jim Thome.

The Chicago White Sox honored Jim Thome prior to Thursday's game in Chicago. Thome, now back with the Tribe, spent four seasons with the White Sox and hit his 500th home run as a member of the club in 2007.

He was recognized prior to Thursday's game at U.S. Cellular Field in an on-field tribute, writes MLB.com's Quinn Roberts.

In the ceremony, a brief video clip showing some of his highlights from 2006-09, as well as a presentation of $10,000, which Thome donated to each of the five teams he has played for.

The White Sox in turn donated $5,000 each to Children's Home + Aid, a charity that Thome and Paul Konerko worked with during Thome's time with the White Sox, and the Children's Hospital of Illinois, for which Thome has a fundraiser every season.

"Jim Thome loves baseball and Jim Thome respects this game," White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said. "I'm not just talking on the field. Off the field, I think Jim Thome is one of the best. A very classy man."

 

Around the horn

Paul Konerko help do the Tribe in with a grandslam, and Juan Pierre collected his 2,000th hit.

Sheldon Ocker writes how Travis Hafner and Jim Thome will give the Tribe options.

Cleveland.com reporter Paul Hoynes writes how the race for first-place is probably over, but there's always second.

Plain Dealer Browns reporter has an interesting stat to back up his statement. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Welcome to today's edition of Starting Blocks TV, hosted by Bill Lubinger and Branson Wright.

The Browns open their 2011 season at home Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. How will the Browns defeat the Bengals? That's the question in today's Starting Blocks poll.

Today's guest on SBTV is Plain Dealer Browns writer Tony Grossi, who has an interesting stat that backs up why he believes the Browns will win Sunday.

Tony also answers fan questions from his weekly Hey, Tony! feature. This week's questions are about Browns fullback Owen Marecic; how the practice squad works; whether Chester Taylor would have been a good fit for the Browns; and about new QB Thaddeus Lewis. (FYI, you can read a story about the practice squad in that Lubinger did last year.)

Have a great weekend. Don't miss the special Plain Dealer section previewing the 2011 Browns and the NFL season, coming out Sunday. SBTV will return Monday with Plain Dealer Browns reporter Mary Kay Cabot breaking down the opener against the Bengals.

WFNY provides the first of their weekly series, this time giving their thoughts on what the Browns have to do to beat the Bengals.

AP Photo/Ed ReinkeWill Peyton Hillis have to shoulder the entire load in Week 1?

Every Friday leading into a Sunday contest for the Cleveland Football Browns, WFNY features a roundtable-like discussion featuring each writer and his feelings on what the Dawgs need to do in order to leave the contest victorious.  On the flip side of the coin, we feature at least one voice from the opposing team who aims to provide a bit of a contrast; a devil's advocate if you will.

This season, we will share some of our thoughts with the loyal readers of cleveland.com while inviting you all to continue the conversation with your fellow fans.

Without further ado, the 2011 opening week edition of, The Browns Will Win If...

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Craig: ...they can get to Andy Dalton. Colt McCoy is still kind of like a rookie. He hasn't started a season as the top QB in the NFL before. He has seemingly handled it all pretty well, but it we're being honest, he is still very green as a starting NFL QB. On the other hand McCoy has a big experience edge over Andy Dalton. Andy Dalton is a true true rookie. No matter how bright his future might be, there is no reason to think the Browns shouldn't be able to force him to look bad in his first real NFL game and on the road to boot. If the Browns can keep this kid from getting comfortable, they should have a really good chance to win.

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Rick ...they stop the run. Try to think like a Cincinnati coach. You have a rookie QB that looked shaky in the preseason. Your best WR weapon is also a rookie. You have a decent running back in Benson. What do you think the game plan will be? If the Browns can contain the running game (crowd the box if you have to) they should be able to control the game. I know, the Browns haven't been good against the run as a rule. Time to start. Of course, if McCoy and the offense can get some early points and put pressure on the Bengals to start throwing, all the better. If the Browns keep the Bengals under 125 yards rushing and don't turn the ball over, they win. Easily.

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