WFNY breaks down what the Browns will have to do to come out victorious on Sunday in Indianapolis.

Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty ImagesCan Ben Watson help the Browns bounce back on Sunday?

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 aim to 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, this season's second edition of The Browns Will Win If...

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Scott: ...if Pat Shurmur's offense can be afforded a more balanced attack (The Pony!) and TJ Ward can have the game of his life in terms of pass coverage.  I hate to infer that the outcome of a contest hinges all on one man, but Ward - or whomever draws tight end duty in other situations - must limit the damage of one Dallas Clark, he of the two All-Pro selections.  If the Browns take Jermaine Gresham out of the fold last week, we're having a differend conversation.  Then again, if Ward's pass coverage was to the level of Joe Haden's, he'd be playing for another team which would have nabbed him within the first round of 2010's NFL Draft.

I'm a big believer in Haden's ability to blanket Reggie Wayne to the best of his abilities.  But this lockdown of sorts will force Kerry Collins to look at his other options; option 1A is Dallas Clark.  If the Browns can find a way to keep him in check, the offense can control the ball via the run and we're having some rejuvenated fan-based conversations come this time Monday. 

Kirk ...they are more focused than last week. Penalties and energy out of the gate dug them a hole in the first quarter. On the road in Indy, it will be that much more imperative to get off to a fast start. The Colts got drilled last week, but that team is far too talented to not at the very least give the Browns everything they can handle. Collins is nothing special, but if he avoids turnovers, he can easily lead Indianapolis to victory. So, the Browns need to force some turnovers.

On offense, I liked long stretches of what I saw last week, but Coach Shurmur MUST commit to running the ball with Hillis and Hardesty, especially with the Colts' injuries at linebacker. In the passing game, the tight ends turned in a strong performance, but let's see a big play or two from a wide receiver. Maybe Greg Little can strike for six and resist doing his best Reggie Hodges/Richmond McGee/Brad Maynard impersonation?

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Click Here to Continue Reading "The Browns Will Win If..."

Read capsule previews of this weekend's NFL games from the Associated Press, plus watch video and get picks from Sporting News' Clifton Brown.

AP PhotoMichael Vick returns to Atlanta for the first time with the Eagles.

CHICAGO (1-0) At NEW ORLEANS (0-1)

Sunday, 1 p.m., Fox

OPENING LINE — Saints by 6½

RECORD VS. SPREAD — New Orleans 0-1; Chicago 1-0

SERIES RECORD — Bears lead 13-11

LAST MEETING — Bears beat Saints, 27-24 in OT, Dec. 11, 2008

LAST WEEK — Bears beat Falcons, 30-12; Saints lost to Packers, 42-34

BEARS OFFENSE — OVERALL (14), RUSH (17), PASS (11)

BEARS DEFENSE — OVERALL (22), RUSH (22), PASS (21)

SAINTS OFFENSE — OVERALL (3), RUSH (20), PASS (3)

SAINTS DEFENSE — OVERALL (25), RUSH (19), PASS (24)

STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES — Both quarterbacks threw for more than 300 yards last week, with Saints' Brees passing for 419 and Bears' Cutler passing for 312. ... Bears coach Lovie Smith 4-0 against Saints, including playoffs, and 3-0 against Saints coach Sean Payton, with all three wins over Payton coming in Chicago. ... In past four indoor starts, Cutler has completed 66.9 percent (81 of 121) of passes for 975 yards, with 10 TDs, 0 INTs. ... Bears RB Matt Forte grew up in suburban New Orleans and averaged school-record 99.2 yards rushing per game for Tulane, which plays home games in Superdome. ... Forte had 158 yards from scrimmage (90 receiving, 68 rushing), including 56-yard TD catch last week. ... Since joining Saints in 2006, Brees leads NFL in attempts (3,062), completions (2,052), yards (23,337) and TDs (158). ... RB and returner Darren Sproles had 250 total yards last week, including 92 yards and TD on punt returns, 76 yards on kick returns, 75 yards receiving and 7 yards rushing. ... In two career games vs. Bears, RB Pierre Thomas, a Chicago native, has 372 yards from scrimmage (192 rushing, 180 receiving) and 3 TDs (two receiving, one rushing). ... WR Devery Henderson had six catches for 100 yards, including a 29-yard TD last week. ... TE Jimmy Graham seeks fifth game in row with TD catch.

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BALTIMORE (1-0) At TENNESSEE (0-1)

Sunday, 1 p.m. CBS

OPENING LINE — Ravens by 6

RECORD VS. SPREAD — Baltimore 1-0; Tennessee 0-0-1

SERIES RECORD — Ravens lead 10-9

LAST MEETING — Ravens beat Titans 13-10, Jan. 1, 2009

LAST WEEK — Ravens beat Steelers 35-7, Titans lost to Jaguars 16-14

RAVENS OFFENSE — OVERALL (12), RUSH (3), PASS (20)

RAVENS DEFENSE — OVERALL (11), RUSH (18), PASS (16)

TITANS OFFENSE — OVERALL (25), RUSH (31), PASS (16)

TITANS DEFENSE — OVERALL (14), RUSH (27), PASS (7)

STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES — Ravens 9-2 when scoring 20 or more points since 2010. ... Ravens have won six of past seven vs AFC. ... Joe Flacco threw three TDs for sixth time in career last week, and Ravens are 5-1 in those games. ... Ravens 18-2 when Flacco has a 100 or better passer rating. ... Ray Rice had eighth 100-yard rushing game of career in opener. He's averaging 102 yards from scrimmage in his career. ... Ravens forced seven turnovers against Steelers. ... S Ed Reed (1,463) needs 20 yards off interception returns to pass Hall of Famer Rod Woodson (1,483) for most all-time. Reed has 12 games with at least two interceptions, most by player whose career started in Super Bowl era. ... Titans QB Matt Hasselbeck is 158 yards passing from 30,000 for career. In two games vs Ravens, Hasselbeck has thrown for 532 yards with seven TDs and two interceptions and a 107 passer rating. ... Chris Johnson averages 92.1 yards rushing in September, fifth-highest in month in NFL history. He averages 103 yards rushing per game at home. ... WR Kenny Britt had fifth 100-yard receiving game of career with 136 yards last week. ... WR Nate Washington one reception short of 200 for career. ... CB Jason McCourty had first career sack last week.

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TAMPA BAY (0-1) at MINNESOTA (0-1)

Sunday, 1 p.m., Fox

OPENING LINE — Vikings by 3

RECORD VS. SPREAD — Tampa Bay 0-1; Minnesota 0-1

SERIES RECORD — Vikings lead 31-20

LAST MEETING — Buccaneers beat Vikings 19-13, Nov. 16, 2008

LAST WEEK — Buccaneers lost to Lions 27-20; Vikings lost to Chargers 24-17

BUCCANEERS OFFENSE — OVERALL (20T), RUSH (29), PASS (14)

BUCCANEERS DEFENSE — OVERALL (28), RUSH (23), PASS (25)

VIKINGS OFFENSE — OVERALL (32), RUSH (7), PASS (32)

VIKINGS DEFENSE — OVERALL (27), RUSH (12), PASS (28)

STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES — Buccaneers have beaten Vikings four straight times, with first win in streak coming in 2001, the last year they were in same division (old NFC Central. ... After gaining 15 yards on five rushes last week against Lions, Bucs RB LeGarrette Blount eager to make more of an impact. He had one carry after second half, when Bucs used hurry-up offense often. ... Buccaneers 28th out of 32 teams in yards rushing allowed last season. They gave up 125 yards on ground to Lions last week. Vikings RB Adrian Peterson will provide a tough test. He averaged more than 6 yards per carry last week vs Chargers. ... Bucs also let Lions drive at least 70 yards for scores last week. ... Bucs defensive line coach Keith Millard was star for Vikings in 1980s, even winning 1989 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award with 18 sacks. ... Home debut for new Vikings QB Donovan McNabb, who managed 39 yards passing last week. ... Peterson has averaged 110 yards rushing per September regular-season game in career (1,650 yards over 15 games), second-best mark in NFL history for those who played minimum of 10 games. Jim Brown is ahead of him — by less than one full yard per game. ... Under coach Brad Childress for last five seasons, Vikings usually were announced as a team to crowd before home games. This week, they'll return to individual player intros as they run out of tunnel.

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KANSAS CITY (0-1) At DETROIT (1-0)

Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS

OPENING LINE — Lions by 8½

RECORD VS. SPREAD — Kansas City 0-1; Detroit 1-0-0

SERIES RECORD — Chiefs lead 7-4

LAST MEETING — Lions beat Chiefs 25-20, Dec. 23, 2007

LAST WEEK — Chiefs lost to Bills 41-7, Lions beat Buccaneers 27-20

CHIEFS OFFENSE — OVERALL (30), RUSH (12), PASS (30)

CHIEFS DEFENSE — OVERALL (18), RUSH (27T), PASS (11)

LIONS OFFENSE — OVERALL (5), RUSH (10), PASS (8)

LIONS DEFENSE — OVERALL (12T), RUSH (4), PASS (19)

STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES — Detroit K Jason Hanson has played 296 games with Lions, tied with Bruce Matthews for most with one team in NFL history. ... Detroit's 2007 win over Kansas City was team's last before 19-game losing streak. ... Chiefs trying for sixth straight win over NFC opponents. ... Since start of 2008, Detroit WR Calvin Johnson has 31 receiving TDs, tied for most in NFL. He caught two against Tampa Bay last weekend ... Kansas City RB Jamaal Charles averaging 6.0 yards per carry through 48 career games. ... Detroit QB Matthew Stafford threw for 305 yards last weekend, joining Bobby Layne as only Lion to throw for at least 300 yards in Week 1. ... Since 2010, Kansas City LB Tamba Hali is second in NFL with 15½ sacks, trailing DeMarcus Ware, who has 17½. ... Since start of 2010, Detroit's Brandon Pettigrew has 75 catches, tied for third-most by TE. ... Lions DE Cliff Avril has 6½ sacks in past six home games. ... Chiefs lost S Eric Berry to torn ACL in left knee in opening quarter vs Bills. ... Last weekend was Chiefs' most lopsided season-opening loss, and worst home loss since 45-0 defeat to Steelers 35 years ago. ... Lions have won five straight dating to last season.

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JACKSONVILLE (1-0) At NEW YORK JETS (1-0)

Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS

OPENING LINE — Jets by 10

RECORD VS. SPREAD — Jacksonville 0-0; New York 0-1

SERIES RECORD — Jaguars lead 6-3

LAST MEETING — Jaguars beat Jets 24-22, Nov. 15, 2009

LAST WEEK — Jaguars beat Titans 16-14; Jets beat Cowboys 27-24

JAGUARS OFFENSE — OVERALL (19), RUSH (5t), PASS (26)

JAGUARS DEFENSE — OVERALL (8), RUSH (2), PASS (17)

JETS OFFENSE — OVERALL (16), RUSH (30), PASS (7)

JETS DEFENSE — OVERALL (23), RUSH (5t), PASS (27)

STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES — Last time teams played, Josh Scobee kicked winning FG with no time left moments after Maurice Jones-Drew took knee at 1 to allow Jags to run out clock and complete late comeback. ... Jaguars trying to win first two games of season for seventh time, first since 2006. ... QB Luke McCown went 17 of 24 for 175 yards vs. Tennessee in first start for Jaguars and eighth of NFL career — first since 2007 while with Tampa Bay. McCown has never faced Jets. ... Jones-Drew looking for rushing TDs in each of first two games for first time in career. Had 97 yards and a score vs. Titans, but hasn't had rushing TD in road game since last time these teams met. Needs one receiving TD to tie Fred Taylor for most in franchise history by a running back, with eight. ... TE Marcedes Lewis needs 71 yards receiving to pass Reggie Williams (2,322) for fifth on franchise list, but uncertain if he'll play. Injured right calf in opener, sat out practice Wednesday. ... DE Aaron Kampman (right leg) won't play, CB Derek Cox (chest) doubtful. ... Game marks return of former Jets DBs Dwight Lowery and Drew Coleman. Lowery traded to Jags on Sept. 3; Coleman allowed to leave as free agent. Lowery sealed win with INT with 23 seconds left vs. Titans; Coleman tied for team lead with 7 tackles and had a sack. ... Jaguars defense held Titans RB Chris Johnson to 24 yards rushing. ... New York erased 14-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat Dallas, capped by Nick Folk's 50-yard field goal. ... Jets wearing blue throwback jerseys of New York Titans and are 4-1 in them. ... Jets had no penalties in opener, marking sixth time in franchise history they played penalty-free game — first since 2007. ... QB Mark Sanchez threw for 335 yards in opener, 1 yard shy of career high. It was also his third career 300-yard game. Sanchez was checked for concussion after being hit hard by Cowboys, but was fine. ... WR Plaxico Burress had four catches for 72 yards and a TD in first game since 2008, while with Giants, after serving 20 months in

prison on gun charge. ... RB LaDainian Tomlinson, in second season with Jets, needs 243 yards rushing to pass Jerome Bettis (13,662) for fifth place on NFL career rushing list. Also 374 yards from scrimmage behind Barry Sanders (18,190) for fifth on career list. ... CB Darrelle Revis had INT late in opener that helped set up winning score. It was 15th INT of career, but first since Dec. 13, 2009, at Tampa Bay.

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OAKLAND (1-0) At BUFFALO (1-0)

Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS

OPENING LINE — Bills by 4

RECORD VS. SPREAD — Oakland 1-0; Bills 1-0

SERIES RECORD — Raiders lead 19-18

LAST MEETING — Bills beat Raiders 24-23, Sept. 21, 2008

LAST WEEK — Raiders beat Broncos 23-20; Bills beat Chiefs 41-7

RAIDERS OFFENSE — OVERALL (26), RUSH (2), PASS (31)

RAIDERS DEFENSE — OVERALL (10), RUSH (1), PASS (20)

BILLS OFFENSE — OVERALL (15), RUSH (5t), PASS (22)

BILLS DEFENSE — OVERALL (3), RUSH (21), PASS (3)

STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES — Hard times have befallen two original AFL franchises. Raiders have gone eight seasons without winning record, haven't made playoffs since 2002. Bills have one winning season, haven't made playoffs since 1999. ... Raiders attempt to turn around struggles against non-division rivals. After sweeping all six meetings against AFC West opponents last year, Oakland went 2-8 against rest of field. ... Raiders attempting to get off to 2-0 start for first time since 2002. ... RB Darren McFadden coming off eighth career 100-yard game. Raiders 6-2 when McFadden hits 100. ... DE Richard Seymour has seven career sacks against Bills, most against any opponent. All of them came during his first eight seasons with New England. ... Bills LB Shawne Merriman has 8½ sacks against Oakland, most for him against any opponent — all came during his five-plus seasons with San Diego. ... Bills TE Scott Chandler coming off two TD performance against Chiefs. They were Chandler's first scores since 2006, when he was senior at Iowa, and match number of TDs Bills tight ends had combined over past two years. ... QB Ryan Fitzpatrick coming off four TD outing, his third in 11 starts with Buffalo. Bills QBs had four touchdowns passing in game only twice from 2003-'09. ... Bills forced Chiefs to punt times, matching last year's season-best in 14-12 win over Detroit in November.

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ARIZONA (1-0) At WASHINGTON (1-0)

Sunday, 1 p.m., Fox

OPENING LINE — Redskins by 4½

RECORD VS. SPREAD — Arizona 0-1; Washington 1-0

SERIES RECORD — Redskins lead 73-44-2

LAST MEETING — Redskins beat Cardinals 24-17, Sept. 21, 2008

LAST WEEK — Cardinals beat Panthers 28-21; Redskins beat Giants 28-14

CARDINALS OFFENSE — OVERALL (9), RUSH (15), PASS (10)

CARDINALS DEFENSE — OVERALL (29), RUSH (9), PASS (31)

REDSKINS OFFENSE — OVERALL (18), RUSH (23), PASS (15)

REDSKINS DEFENSE — OVERALL (12), RUSH (11), PASS (15)

STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES — Redskins have beaten Cardinals seven times in row. Arizona last won in 2000, when both were in NFC East. ... First-round draft picks scored go-ahead TDs last week in teams' respective victories: Cardinals' Patrick Peterson returned punt 89 yards; Redskins' Ryan Kerrigan ran back interception 9 yards. ... Arizona QB Kevin Kolb had NFL-high 149.3 fourth quarter passing rating last week. His 11.44 yards per pass attempt was tops in NFL. He had TD passes of 48 and 70 yards, matching total of 40-plus yard passes Cardinals completed in entire 2010 season. ... Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald needs two TD catches (65) to set franchise record ahead of Roy Green (66). ... Redskins RB Tim Hightower faces old team after being traded by Cardinals at end of lockout. He rushed for 1,733 yards and 23 TDs in three seasons with Arizona. He ran 25 times for 72 yards and a TD in Washington debut last week. ... Washington QB Rex Grossman looks to have three consecutive 300-yard games for first time in career. In only previous meeting vs Arizona, Grossman threw four INTs and had 10.2 rating with Chicago on Oct. 16, 2006. ... Redskins have thrown a TD pass in a franchise-record 17 straight games. ... Redskins secondary coach Bob Slowik coaching against his son, Cardinals defensive assistant Ryan Slowik.

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SEATTLE (0-1) At PITTSBURGH (0-1)

Sunday, 1 p.m., Fox

OPENING LINE — Steelers by 13½

SERIES RECORD — Tied 8-8

LAST MEETING — Steelers beat Seahawks 21-0, Oct. 7, 2007

LAST WEEK — Seahawks lost to 49ers 33-17; Steelers lost to Ravens 35-7.

SEAHAWKS OFFENSE — OVERALL (29), RUSH (26), PASS (27)

SEAHAWKS DEFENSE — OVERALL (2), RUSH (15), PASS (4)

STEELERS OFFENSE — OVERALL (22), RUSH (25), PASS (17)

STEELERS DEFENSE — OVERALL (21), RUSH (30

STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES — Pittsburgh has won eight straight home openers and are 23-5 in last 28 games against NFC opponents. ... Steelers haven't started 0-2 since 2002. They finished 10-5-1 that season and made playoffs as wild card. ... Seahawks last started 0-2 in 2008 when they went 4-12. ... Pittsburgh QB Ben Roethlisberger's interception last week against Baltimore was first in 173 attempts, a career-best. ... Series even all-time, but Pittsburgh 6-2 at home against Seattle. Seahawks last win in Steel City was 29-10 on Sept. 26, 1999. ... Pittsburgh RB Rashard Mendenhall needs 78 yards rushing to pass former QB Kordell Stewart for 14th most yards in team history. ... Seahawks have second-youngest roster in league ... Seattle 20-13 in September games since 2001, fifth-best winning percentage (.606) in league. ... Bill Leavy, referee in Pittsburgh's 21-10 win over Seattle in 2006 Super Bowl, will work game. Leavy acknowledged making pair of bad calls in fourth quarter that adversely affected Seahawks. ... Pittsburgh WR Mike Wallace has at least 100 yards receiving in his last five regular season games. ... Seattle coach Pete Carroll 1-1 against Steelers, both games coming while he coached New England in the late-1990s. ... Pittsburgh P Dan Sepulveda averaged 52.8 yards on four punts against Ravens, including career-best 64-yarder.

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GREEN BAY (1-0) At CAROLINA (0-1)

Sunday, 1 p.m., Fox

OPENING LINE — Packers by 10

RECORD VS. SPREAD — Carolina 0-1; Green Bay 1-0

SERIES RECORD — Packers lead 6-4

LAST MEETING — Packers defeated Panthers 35-31, Nov. 8, 2008

LAST WEEK — Packers defeated Saints 42-34; Panthers lost to Cardinals 28-21

PANTHERS OFFENSE — OVERALL (t-3), RUSH (t-23), PASS (2)

PANTHERS DEFENSE — OVERALL (24), RUSH (18), PASS (23)

PACKERS OFFENSE — OVERALL (8), RUSH (14), PASS (9)

PACKERS DEFENSE — OVERALL (t-29), RUSH (13), PASS (30)

STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES — In past 11 starts with 15-plus attempts (including playoffs), QB Aaron Rodgers has completed 257 of 362 (71 percent) for 3,271 yards with 28 TDs and 3 INTs for 121.2 rating. ... Rodgers became second player in NFL to throw 3 TDs in first quarter of season opener. ... Packers FB John Kuhn has seven TDs (4 rush, 3 receiving) in his past 8 games ... Packers WR Donald Drives has 9,656 receiving yards, tied with Hall of Famer James Lofton for most by Packer ... Packers WR Greg Jennings aims for third game in row with TD catch vs Carolina. He had seven catches for 89 yards and TD last week. Since start of 2007 (including playoffs), he has 43 receiving TDs, third most in NFL ... Packers rookie WR-KR Randall Cobb tied NFL record for longest KR-TD (108 yards) last week. He's second NFL rookie with TD catch (32 yards) and kick return TD in first game ... Packers CB Charles Woodson had forced fumble and recovery in last meeting. He holds franchise record with nine defensive TDs (eight INTs, one fumble recovery). Since start of 2006, his eight INT returns for TDs are most in NFL ... LB Erik Walder has four sacks in last two games ... Panthers No. 1 overall pick QB Cam Newton had 422 yards passing, most by rookie in NFL debut and tied for most by a rookie in a game. His 422 yards are fifth most by player to open season ... In past two games at home, RB Jonathan Stewart has rushed for 270 yards and aims for third in row at home with 130-plus rushing yards. In his past five games at home with 15 or more carries, Stewart has 624 rush yards (124.8 per game) and has 100-plus yards in all five contests ... RB DeAngelo Williams rushed for four TDs in his last meeting with Green Bay ... WR Steve Smith had eight catches for 178 yards and two TDs (77, 26 yards) last week. He had four catches for 105 yards in last meeting with Green Bay ... TE Jeremy Shockey has 513 receptions, seventh-most by tight end ... TE Greg Olsen had four catches for 78 yards in Carolina debut. ... DE Charles Johnson had 4½ sacks

in past five games at home ... CB Chris Gamble has 24 INTs and needs one more to tie CB Eric Davis for club record.

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CLEVELAND (0-1) at INDIANAPOLIS (0-1)

Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS

OPENING LINE — Browns by 3

RECORD VS. SPREAD — Cleveland 0-1; Indianapolis 0-1

SERIES RECORD — Browns lead 15-14

LAST MEETING — Colts beat Browns 10-6, Nov. 30, 2008

LAST WEEK — Browns lost to Bengals 27-17; Colts lost to Texans 34-7

BROWNS OFFENSE — OVERALL (27), RUSH (19), PASS (21)

BROWNS DEFENSE — OVERALL (9), RUSH (24), PASS (5)

COLTS OFFENSE — OVERALL (28), RUSH (26), PASS (24)

COLTS DEFENSE — OVERALL (20), RUSH (29), PASS (14)

STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES — Browns have lost five straight in series and haven't beaten Colts during Peyton Manning era. ... Cleveland's last win over Indy was Sept. 25, 1994. ... Cleveland is making first trip to Lucas Oil Stadium and first trip to Indy in since Sept. 25, 2005. ... Peyton Hillis ranks seventh among AFC's top rushers with 67 yards but averaged just 3.4 yards per carry against Bengals. ... New kickoff rule hasn't affected Browns' Josh Cribbs, who averaged 30.3 yards per return in Week 1. Cribbs needs 6 yards to pass former Super Bowl MVP Desmond Howard for No. 7 on career list for yards on kickoff returns. ... LB D'Qwell Jackson tied for second in sacks after getting two vs. Bengals. ... Colts have not opened season with 0-2 record since 1998, Manning's rookie season. ... Indy has won seven of last eight home openers, losing only in 2008 — Lucas Oil Stadium's grand opening. ... Despite last week's ugly loss at Houston, Indy still has NFL's best September record (26-7, .788) since 2001. ... Only Baltimore (seven) produced more takeaways in Week 1 than Colts defense (three). ... Kerry Collins needs to play four more games to become 16th quarterback in league history with 200 games played. ... RB Joseph Addai needs two rushing TDs to crack the top five in franchise history. Addai has 38. ... WR Reggie Wayne ranks third in AFC with 106 yards receiving. ... Indy averaged 4.0 yards per carry in Week 1 after failing to average 4.0 since Super Bowl-winning season of 2006.

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DALLAS (0-1) At SAN FRANCISCO (1-0)

Sunday, 4:05 p.m., Fox

OPENING LINE — Cowboys by 3

RECORD VS. SPREAD — Dallas 1-0; San Francisco 1-0

SERIES RECORD — 49ers lead 16-15-1

LAST MEETING — Cowboys beat 49ers 35-22, Nov. 23, 2008

COWBOYS OFFENSE — OVERALL (10), RUSH (26T), PASS (6)

COWBOYS DEFENSE — OVERALL (17), RUSH (3), PASS (26)

49ERS OFFENSE — OVERALL (31), RUSH (18), PASS (29)

49ERS DEFENSE — OVERALL (4), RUSH (5T), PASS (5T)

STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES — Dallas has won last two matchups. Dallas has faced San Francisco in six of its 14 NFC title games, its most against any opponent. Cowboys are 4-2 in those games. ... They come to Candlestick Park after blowing 14-point fourth-quarter lead in 27-24 loss to Jets last week. ... Dallas is 246-1-1 when leading by 14 points in fourth quarter, according to STATS LLC. ... Cowboys trying to avoid 0-2 start in consecutive seasons for first time since 2000-01. ... Dallas QB Tony Romo went 23 of 36 for 342 yards and two TDs but lost fumble that aided New York's comeback. ... San Francisco coach Jim Harbaugh became sixth 49ers coach to win season opener in first year — and fourth to do so at home. ... 49ers K David Akers, who booted four field goals in 33-17 season-opening win over Seattle, has scored 184 points against Dallas in his career — most by any player against Cowboys since 1950. ... Cowboys committed seven penalties in loss to Jets. ... Harbaugh wouldn't say why running game didn't work in Week 1, but will try to get RB Frank Gore more involved. Gore's 78 yards from scrimmage last week moved him into third place in club history with 8,775 yards. He trails WR Jerry Rice (19,572) and RB Roger Craig (11,506).

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CINCINNATI (1-0) At DENVER (0-1)

Sunday, 4:15 p.m., CBS

OPENING LINE — Broncos by 6

RECORD VS. SPREAD — Cincinnati 1-0; Broncos 0-1

SERIES RECORD — Broncos lead 17-8

LAST MEETING — Broncos beat Bengals, 12-7, Sept. 13, 2009

LAST WEEK — Bengals beat Browns 27-17; Broncos lost to Raiders 23-20

BENGALS OFFENSE — OVERALL (24), RUSH (9), PASS (27T)

BENGALS DEFENSE — OVERALL (6), RUSH (14), PASS (12)

BRONCOS OFFENSE — OVERALL (23), RUSH (32), PASS (13)

BRONCOS DEFENSE — OVERALL (7), RUSH (31), PASS (2)

STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES — Bengals haven't won in Denver since 1975. ... Andy Dalton became first Bengals rookie QB to start an opener since Greg Cook in 1969. He hurt right wrist in game but is better. ... Bengals 11-2 when RB Cedric Benson runs for 100 yards as he did last week against Browns. ... WR A.J. Green, fourth overall pick in draft, had a 41-yard, game-winning TD catch in pro debut. ... LB Thomas Howard has three career interceptions against Broncos. ... Broncos could be without four key players who were hurt against Oakland: DE Elvis Dumervil (shoulder), WR Brandon Lloyd (groin), RB Knowshon Moreno (hamstring) and CB Champ Bailey (hamstring). They were already without MLB D.J. Williams (dislocated right elbow), who said this week he's not close to returning, and DT Marcus Thomas (chest). ... QB Kyle Orton threw for 304 yards in opener. ... Rookie Von Miller, second overall pick in draft, forced a fumble on first NFL snap but didn't get to QB after Dumervil aggravated left shoulder injury on Denver's fourth defensive snap and was limited to pass-rushing downs after that. ... S Brian Dawkins led Broncos with nine tackles against Oakland. He's third NFL player to play 16 seasons at safety. ... WR/PR Eric Decker totaled 181 yards last week, including 90-yard punt return for touchdown.

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HOUSTON (1-0) At MIAMI (0-1)

Sunday, 4:15 p.m., CBS

OPENING LINE — Texans by 3

RECORD VS. SPREAD — Houston 1-0; Miami 0-1

SERIES RECORD — Texans lead 5-0

LAST MEETING — Texans beat Dolphins 27-20, Dec. 27, 2009

LAST WEEK — Texans beat Colts 34-7; Dolphins lost to Patriots 38-24

TEXANS OFFENSE — OVERALL (13), RUSH (4), PASS (19)

TEXANS DEFENSE — OVERALL (5), RUSH (5T), PASS (9)

DOLPHINS OFFENSE — OVERALL (2), RUSH (16), PASS (4)

DOLPHINS DEFENSE — OVERALL (32), RUSH (20), PASS (32)

STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES — While Texans are 5-0 against Miami, those games have been decided by total of 14 points. ... Texans QB Matt Schaub 4-0 against Dolphins. ... In four games against Miami, Andre Johnson has 30 catches for 426 yards and three scores. ... Johnson, a Miami native who played for Hurricanes, says he bought 150 tickets for friends and family. .. Texans set NFL record for most points in first half of season-opener when they took 34-0 lead over Colts. ... Texans' Brett Hartmann had six touchbacks on kickoffs last week, a franchise record and most in NFL in Week 1. ... Houston LB Mario Williams had two sacks in opener to increase career total to 50. ... Texans allowed Colts to convert 1 of 10 third or fourth downs. ... Miami in danger of starting 0-2 for fifth time in six years. ... Dolphins have lost 10 of their past 11 home games. ... Dolphins have gone 20 consecutive games without 100-yard rusher. ... Dolphins were 2 for 14 on third-down conversions Monday, but 4 for 5 on fourth down. ... Of New England's 517 yards passing against Miami, 238 came after catch. ... On Monday, Chad Henne became fourth QB in NFL history to throw for at least 400 yards and rush for at least 50 in same game. His 59 yards rushing is Miami QB record. ... Dolphins DE Jared Odrick says his interception was first ever, including Little League. ... Miami P Brandon Fields averaged 51.2 yards on six kicks in first game.

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SAN DIEGO (1-0) At NEW ENGLAND (1-0)

Sunday, 4:15 p.m., CBS

OPENING LINE — Patriots by 7

RECORD VS. SPREAD — San Diego 0-1; New England 1-0

SERIES RECORD — Patriots lead 21-15-2

LAST MEETING — Patriots beat Chargers 23-20, Oct. 24, 2010

LAST WEEK — Chargers beat Vikings 24-17; Patriots beat Dolphins 38-24

CHARGERS OFFENSE — OVERALL (6), RUSH (21), PASS (5)

CHARGERS DEFENSE — OVERALL (1), RUSH (26), PASS (1)

PATRIOTS OFFENSE — OVERALL (1), RUSH (13), PASS (1)

PATRIOTS DEFENSE — OVERALL (31), RUSH (17), PASS (29)

STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES — Last time Patriots opened home season against San Diego, they won 38-14 in 2007. ... In season openers, Tom Brady threw for a Patriots record 517 yards, while Chargers held Vikings to 28 yards passing. ... In last meeting at Gillette Stadium, Patriots won the AFC title game over Chargers on Jan. 20, 2008. Two weeks later, New England lost to New York Giants in Super Bowl. ... Chargers QB Philip Rivers needs 4 yards passing to reach 20,000 for career. ... San Diego TE Antonio Gates needs five catches to pass Kellen Winslow for second most in club history with 542. Charlie Joiner leads with 586. ... Nick Novak makes debut as San Diego's kicker after Nate Kaeding suffered season-ending left knee injury on opening kickoff against Vikings. Novak also played with Washington, Arizona and Kansas City. ... San Diego's Norv Turner got 100th regular-season win as coach last Sunday. ... Brady tries to extend NFL regular-season record to 29 straight home wins. ... Victory over Chargers would make Bill Belichick second coach in NFL with three separate 10-game winning streaks in regular season. Don Shula is the other. ... Brady needs 207 yards passing to go ahead of Jim Kelly for 17th in NFL history, including playoffs. Kelly had 35,467. ... Patriots TEs Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski combined for 13 catches for 189 yards and 2 touchdowns against Miami. ... New England has won its last nine home openers.

___

PHILADELHIA (1-0) At ATLANTA (0-1)

Sunday, 8:20 p.m., NBC

OPENING LINE — Eagles by 2½

RECORD VS. SPREAD — Philadelphia 1-0; Atlanta 0-1

SERIES RECORD — Eagles lead 17-11-1

LAST MEETING — Eagles beat Falcons 31-17, Oct. 17, 2010

LAST WEEK — Eagles beat Rams 31-13; Falcons lost to Bears 30-12

EAGLES OFFENSE — OVERALL (7), RUSH (1), PASS (25)

EAGLES DEFENSE — OVERALL (16), RUSH (25), PASS (10)

FALCONS OFFENSE — OVERALL (11), RUSH (11), PASS (12)

FALCONS DEFENSE — OVERALL (19), RUSH (16), PASS (22)

STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES — Philadelphia QB Michael Vick facing former team for third time — first as starter — since serving federal prison sentence for dogfighting. Donovan McNabb started two years ago in Atlanta, and Kevin Kolb was still No. 1 quarterback for last year's meeting in Philadelphia. ... In 2009 game, Vick came off bench to run for one TD and pass for another in Eagles' 34-7 win. ... Mike Smith had 33-15 record in first three seasons as Falcons coach. Only NFL coaches with more wins going into fourth season are George Seifert (38-10 with San Francisco), Chuck Knox (34-8 with the Los Angeles Rams) and Barry Switzer (34-14 with Dallas Cowboys). ... Atlanta has been outscored 78-33 in last two games. Falcons closed last season with 48-21 playoff loss to Green Bay. ... Eagles going for first 2-0 start since 2004. ... RB LeSean McCoy had 95 of his 122 yards rushing in fourth quarter against Rams. ... Falcons had three turnovers in last week's loss to Bears. They didn't have more than two in any regular-season game a year ago. ... Atlanta TE Tony Gonzalez became NFL's active leader in receptions (1,074) with five-catch performance vs. Chicago. ... Both quarterbacks faced plenty of pressure in Week 1. Ryan sacked five times and took 11 hits. Vick went down three times, though he ran for 98 yards.

___

ST. LOUIS (0-1) At NEW YORK GIANTS (0-1)

Monday, 8:30 p.m., ESPN.

OPENING LINE — Giants by 3½

RECORD VS. SPREAD — St. Louis 0-1; New York 0-1

SERIES RECORD — Rams lead 26-14

LAST MEETING — Giants beat Rams 41-13, Sept. 14, 2008

LAST WEEK — Rams lost to Eagles 31-13; Giants lost to Redskins 28-14.

RAMS OFFENSE — OVERALL (17), RUSH (8), PASS (23)

RAMS DEFENSE — OVERALL (26), RUSH (32), PASS (8)

GIANTS OFFENSE — OVERALL (20T), RUSH (22), PASS (18)

GIANTS DEFENSE — OVERALL (15), RUSH (9T), PASS (18)

STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES — Game between two of NFL's most banged up teams pits Steve Spagnuolo, Giants defensive coordinator for 2008 Super Bowl champions, vs. old boss, Tom Coughlin. ... New York has won last four regular season meetings. ... Rams QB Sam Bradford (bruised right index finger) needs 300 yards passing to reach 4,000 for his career. ... RB Cadillac Williams, who had 91 yards vs. Eagles, needs to step up with starter Steven Jackson nursing an injured quad. ...WR Brandon Gibson led team with 50 yards on three catches. ... Also, CB Ron Bartell is out for year with two fractures in neck, WR Danny Amendola (dislocated left elbow) could be out several weeks and backup DE C.J. Ah You will undergo wrist surgery. ... Giants QB Eli Manning 2-0 vs. Rams with seven TDs and no interceptions. ... RB Ahamd Bradshaw has rushed for 290 yards and three TDs in three Monday night games. ...WR Hakeem Nicks, who hurt knee in season opener, has 16 catches for 204 yards and two TDs in last two Monday night games. ... DE Jason Pierre-Paul tied career-high with two sacks last week. ... Pro Bowl DE Justin Tuck hopes to play after missing opener with sore neck.

Did Browns mismanage the preseason? Plain Dealer Browns reporter answers that and other fan questions. Watch video

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

The Browns will try to avoid an 0-2 start when they travel to Indianapolis this weekend for a Sunday contest against the Colts. Which team will win, and by how many points? Cast your vote now.

Today's guest on SBTV is Plain Dealer Browns reporter Tony Grossi, who says he expects the Colts to win.

Tony also answers fan questions from his weekly Hey, Tony! feature. This week's questions are about the Browns' intensity level; whether the Browns should have approached the preseason differently; what happened with quarterback Jarrett Brown; and the NFL's new kickoff rule.

SBTV will return Monday with Plain Dealer Browns reporter Mary Kay Cabot checking in from Berea with her thoughts on the Browns-Colts game.

Joe Thomas will get tested on Sunday against the Colts.

Lisa DeJong/The Plain DealerJoe Haden

Jamison Hensley of ESPN writes that if Browns' Joe Thomas considers himself the best left tackle in the game, he'll get a chance to prove it on Sunday against Indianapolis defensive end Dwight Freeney.

It was three years ago when Freeney bull-rushed Thomas into quarterback Derek Anderson and forced a fumble that was returned by Robert Mathis for a 37-yard touchdown, the decisive score in Cleveland's 10-6 loss to the Colts.

"It's funny because he is kind of known for the spin and for his speed but he's one of the strongest players in the league," Thomas said Wednesday. "You see him picking up 335-pound tackles and throwing them and getting to the quarterback."

Thomas is a four-time Pro Bowl player who allowed four sacks while being called for one holding penalty all of last season.

Around the Browns

Ohio.com reporter Stephanie Storm writes how Ahtyba Rubin is happy about his contract extension. And why shouldn't he?  

  
Except for one mistake, Joe Haden had things covered last week against the Bengals.

CantonRep.com reporter Steve Doerschuk compares the start of Colt McCoy's career to Peyton Manning's.

Joe Haden's great start is a plus for the Cleveland Browns.

Former Colts coach Tony Dungy supports team despite season-opening loss.

Does Tiger have enoug to match Jack Nicklaus? Jack says yes.

Marvin Fong/The Plain DealerTiger Woods

 
INCHEON, South Korea -- Jack Nicklaus said Tiger Woods can still beat his record of 18 major championships -- provided he can stay in control of his mental game.

Nicklaus said Woods can achieve the feat "if he gets the five inches between his ears squared out."

"I mean Tiger has a great work ethic, he's a great competitor, the most talented kid on the planet right now," Nicklaus told The Associated Press in an interview Friday. "He's not going to go away."

Woods has 14 major titles, but has not won any tournament since revelations of infidelities in 2009 led to the collapse of his marriage and a break from the sport. This season has been partly derailed by injuries, but Nicklaus also praised the decision by U.S. captain Fred Couples to include Woods in the 12-member Presidents Cup team that will take on non-European players in Australia in November.

"How could you not pick him," Nicklaus said. "I mean, he's Tiger Woods, he's the best player in the game. He may not be playing his best today, but he's still Tiger Woods."

Nicklaus made the comments while in South Korea to attend a Champions Tour event played on a course he designed.

He also said it is crucial for golf to stage a successful tournament at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro to help the game grow internationally.

"Golf is now an Olympic sport," Nicklaus said. "And we've got to keep it in the Olympics. We've got one shot in 2016."

However, Nicklaus expressed concern about the slow progress in constructing the facilities for the event, but remained hopeful that he will be awarded the task of designing the course with former women's great Annika Sorenstam.

Golf is returning to the Olympics as a sport for the first time since 1904, with the tournament held in the seaside region of Barra.

A course needs to be built by 2015 for test events.

"I've led my game and (Sorenstam) has led the women's game, and I think we both have the ability more so than anybody else to put something together that would fit what they need," he said.

Others who have expressed interest in designing the course include Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Nick Faldo and Greg Norman, who would team up with Lorena Ochoa.

Nicklaus stressed that the Olympics will be the biggest sports event organized in Brazil, and officials must realize they're facing a tight deadline.

"You've got to get ready for it, prepare for it. And to get people to understand the sense of urgency is very difficult," he said. "And the sense of urgency needs to be there, otherwise the success of an event is in jeopardy."

Regarding the state of the game in the United States, Nicklaus said the economic slump has taken a harsh toll.

"It's absolutely just murdered the game in the United States," he said. "Clubs are all having trouble, people don't have spendable income, too many people are out of work, we have all of the problems you have with a bad economy."

Nicklaus said much needs to be done to help grow the sport in the U.S. That includes making it more attractive to youngsters, who in the age of video games tend to have shorter attention spans.

"The game of golf takes a long time and that's part of the problem," he said, referring to the four or five hours needed to play.

Nicklaus advocates making the game easier for young people at an early stage. Other sports allow children to play with modified equipment and rules, such as smaller balls and lower baskets.

"Kids have gotta have some success, they have success early in these other sports, but they don't get this success early in golf," he said.

Nicklaus' many course designs around the world are part of the legacy he's leaving to the sport. He added he's working on developing equipment to help make it easier for young people to play in public parks.

ELYRIA, Ohio - The football game scheduled for tonight between No. 13 Elyria and Strongsville has been postponed. The Northeast Ohio Conference crossover game was scheduled for tonight at Strongsville.

Elyria coach Kevin Fell's football team will not play at Strongsville tonight after 30 players missed school today because of an intestinal illness. - (Special to The Plain Dealer)

ELYRIA, Ohio - The football game scheduled for tonight between No. 13 Elyria and Strongsville has been postponed.

The Northeast Ohio Conference crossover game was scheduled for tonight at Strongsville.

Thirty of Elyria's 86 varsity and junior varsity players are not in classes today because of an intestinal illness, according to the Chronicle-Telegram.

No decision has been made about a possible makeup date.

The JV game between the schools, scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. at Elyria, also has been canceled.

 MENTOR, O - Ohio University offered Mentor senior Kurt Laseak a football scholarship offer last spring but wanted to see what the atmosphere felt like on game day.   Three days after witnessing Sept. 10th's 30-3 victory over Gardner-Webb from the sidelines, the 6-4, 220-pound linebacker/defensive end gave the Mid-American Conference his oral commitment.

 MENTOR, O - Ohio University offered Mentor senior Kurt Laseak a football scholarship offer last spring but wanted to see what the atmosphere felt like on game day.

  Three days after witnessing Sept. 10th's 30-3 victory over Gardner-Webb from the sidelines, the 6-4, 220-pound linebacker/defensive end gave the Mid-American Conference his oral commitment.

  "The football program is established and their engineering program is outstanding,'' said Laseak when explaining why he picked the Bobcats over Buffalo, Kent and Fordham.''

  Laseak is penciled in at defensive end at the next level.

  "They didn't say anything about me starting as a (true) freshman but I know I'm going to have earn everything I get,'' said Laseak, who will major in mechanical engineering. "I know they want me to gain another 20-25 pounds and if they decide to redshirt me, I don't have a problem with that either.''

The Rangers sweep the Tribe, and now it's on to Minnesota.

APTribe outfielder Shin-Soo Choo.

You think the Tribe had a tough year, what about the Minnesota Twins? The Twins were certainly expected to do better than the Indians, but the Twins haven't experienced such a down season since 2000, writes Nate Mink of MLB.com.

Back in 2000, the Twins won 69 games and finished fifth in the American League Central.

In fact, it will mark the first time since then that the club does not finish in the top three in the division.

It will be the worst season for manager Ron Gardenhire, who had won less than 83 games just once in his previous nine seasons. To put that in perspective, the Twins finished no better than fourth in the division from 1993-2000. But that was under an entirely different set of circumstances, according to Gardenhire, who took over as manager in 2002.

The Indians hung around long enough to make a race out of the Central Division. And since they were in the hunt, writes Mink, they acquired Ubaldo Jimenez, but it hasn't gone as planned because Jimenez has a 4.98 ERA in eight starts for the Indians.

Game stories

Cleveland.com: The Rangers sweep the Tribe.

MLB.com: Tribe unable to solve Rangers.

Star-Telegram.com: Rangers regroup from slow start and take three from Tribe.

Travis Howard and Etienne Sabino remain pleased with their choice.

APOhio State head coach Luke Fickell.

Manny Navarro of The Miami Herald writes how Ohio State's Etienne Sabino and high school teammate Travis Howard, bucked the trend and joined the Buckeyes at Ohio State instead of staying home to join Miami.

“I can’t speak for Travis, but I know for me personally I wanted to get away,’’ said Sabino, who will start at strong-side linebacker Saturday night for the 17th-ranked Buckeyes (2-0) when they take on the Hurricanes (0-1) at Sun Life Stadium.

“I grew up a Miami fan, but at the same time I didn’t like what I was seeing. They were losing, going through some coaching changes. I just wasn’t sure which direction they were really heading. Ohio State was playing for championships. And I just fell in love when I came up here. I don’t regret it for a second.’’

Sabino hopes to keep Ohio State on track with yet another win over the team he grew up rooting for. The formula that worked last year for the Buckeyes was pretty simple: Slow down the Canes’ dangerous running backs and force the interception-prone Harris to make mistakes, writes Navvaro.

Around the Horseshoe

Doug Lesmerises writes on Cleveland.com how OSU is need of some playmakers.

Here's a Q&A with reserve tight end Ryan Fragel about his sister who plays for Miami.

Columbus Dispatch reporter Tim May writes this feature on OSU QB Joe Bauserman.

Sports or spectacle? The Lingerie Football League is both -- which accounts not only for its fast-rising popularity, but also the controversy that surrounds it. Regardless of your position, here's the playbook to the league, the players and those uniforms.

Ladies and gentlemen! Now introducing your Lingerie Football League team, the Cleveland Crush.

Sports or spectacle? The Lingerie Football League is both -- which accounts not only for its fast-rising popularity, but also the controversy that surrounds it. Women playing football in lingerie might seem like fantasy football to some, but to others it's sexist exploitation. Regardless of your position, here's the playbook to the league, the players and those uniforms. Check out lflus.com/clevelandcrush.

The league: The Lingerie Football League debuted in 2009. It grew out of the Lingerie Bowl, an annual pay-per-view TV special that has aired during Super Bowl halftimes since 2004.

The team: The Cleveland Crush is one of 12 LFL teams and plays in the Eastern Conference. Home games are at The Q. Former Browns players Bob Golic and Hanford Dixon work in football operations for the expansion team.

The season: There are only four regular-season games: home vs. Baltimore Charm, Friday, Sept. 23; at Tampa Breeze, Friday, Oct. 21; home vs. Philadelphia Passion, Saturday, Oct. 29; at Orlando Fantasy, Friday, Dec. 2.

The game: Teams play 7-on-7 tackle on a 50-by-30-yard field. There are two 17-minute halves, with 8-minute overtimes if needed. There are no field goals, only touchdowns. Standard offensive set includes a quarterback, center, two running backs and three receivers.

The players: Each roster has 20 players. Expenses are covered, but there are no salaries. They can get paid after games, depending on attendance. Crush players were selected at open tryouts in the spring. All have some sports experience -- in high school, college or amateur teams -- but most are new to football.

The uniforms: Yes, they wear lingerie, namely short shorts and a sports bra top, along with garters. Players also wear shoulder pads, elbow pads, knee pads and hockey helmets with clear plastic visors.

The women of the Crush play real football -- dressed in shoulder pads, a hockey helmet, short shorts, a bra and a garter. Their four-game LFL season kicks off Friday, Sept. 23, at The Q.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Skye Leary has never been much for makeup. The girlie-girl thing is not her thing.

She barely wears makeup when she goes to her office job in a Cleveland tire company. She almost never wears it when she goes out.

And yet wearing makeup is mandatory while playing the ultimate guy's sport.

Not lipstick or eye shadow or rouge.

Eye black.

You know, the greasy stuff big, tough football players apply under their eyes to reduce glare.

Leary doesn't wear it for that reason, though. She plays indoors and is required to wear it even when she's just making public appearances.

Hey, she doesn't go out wearing only lingerie, either.

Yet that's what the Strongsville resident will be wearing when the Cleveland Crush open the season Friday at The Q.

Welcome to the Lingerie Football League.

The league mixes sports with spectacle: women playing football dressed in shoulder pads, a hockey helmet, short shorts, a bra and a garter.

"I joined because I love to play rugby," says Leary, a linebacker. "But I had no idea what to expect. I thought it would be a bunch of Victoria's Secret models running around."

It's the latter that has made the LFL popular -- as well a target of critics.

"Having players dressed in lingerie is a double-edge sword," says Mitchell Mortaza, founder and commissioner of the Las Vegas-based league. "It piques curiosity, but people also think it's a bunch of bimbos running around on a football field."

Mortaza, a former ad executive, came up with the idea while watching the 2003 Super Bowl.

Well, actually while not watching.

"The game was really boring, and people were walking out on the halftime show," he said, via phone. "So I started thinking: If you have so many people at the game not paying attention, imagine how many people around the country are tuning out on the biggest TV event in America?"

The following year, he rolled out the Lingerie Bowl, a pay-per-view event that was broadcast during halftime. The event was belittled in the media as sexploitation.

"It was the same year that Janet Jackson had her 'wardrobe malfunction,' " says Mortaza, referring to the 2004 halftime show in which the singer's breast became exposed, briefly. "So it turned out that our show was the wholesome one that year."

In 2009, the LFL emerged. Adding a team in Cleveland -- which features former Browns Bob Golic and Hanford Dixon in the front office -- had less to do with local lingerie sales than the area's love of football.

"I see all these Browns fans supporting their team despite years of losing," Mortaza says. "People must really love football."

But will they love it when the players wear lingerie?

"I'm not thinking about what I'm wearing," says running back Marija Condric. "I'm going to run people over and take 'em out if I have to."

Condric, a Canton native, compares herself to Browns bruiser Peyton Hillis.

It isn't an idle boast. When she isn't wearing garters on the gridiron she's an amateur boxer.

"I've studied Peyton, and I love Jim Brown," she says. "And I love knocking people down -- the boxing helps when it comes to that."

Like all Crush players, Condric holds a full-time job. She's a make-up artist.

After all, teams only play four regular-season games. Players receive expenses and a small take at the end of games, depending on turnout.

When Coshocton native Amber Barrick isn't playing center, she's a corpsman in the Coast Guard.

Quarterback Abbie Sullivan, of North Canton, works in a restaurant. She holds a master's degree from Walsh University in health care management and plans on playing in that field.

But that hasn't stopped her from dreaming about being a professional football player.

"Men's sports have a long history, but you see women's leagues like the WNBA struggling to catch on," she says. "For me, wearing lingerie is a gimmick. I want to show that yes, women can do it, too."

And what if the LFL becomes wildly successful? Would their demands rival that of NFL and NBA players?

"Well, I think our first demand is pretty simple," Leary says. "Longer shorts."

The new rules can't slow down Ted Ginn Jr.

APTed Ginn Jr.

The national media is still writing and talking about Ted Ginn Jr.'s performance last week against the Seattle Seahawks.

Ginn, a product of Glenville High School and Ohio State, returned a kickoff and punt return for touchdowns in the span of a minute.

Moving the ball up to the 35-yard line was supposed to reduce the amount of returns, and increase the safety to players. Ashley Fox of ESPN writes how the lack of minicamps and a reduction in practice time certainly can be blamed for missed assignments and poor tackling.

Ginn has another theory.

Ginn said he thought the fastest players simply gained an edge. Speed has always killed, but it could be that now -- at least in the early part of this season while players continue to play themselves into game shape -- it is an even more lethal weapon.

Three kickoff returns were returned for touchdowns last week. Ginn broke one for 102 yards. Minnesota's Percy Harvin took one 103 yards, and Green Bay rookie Randall Cobb scored after going 108 yards.

"Well, I thought we would never get a kickoff return, period, but I see that changed," Ginn said. "I think it just really depends on your judgment, how that team comes down, the actual speed of the other team, and if you've got good speed. That extra 5 yards they took away hurts the returner, but if the [coverage] team isn't fast, it balances out."

"I like Peyton Hillis, but you need to have an offensive line who can block defensive linemen at the point of attack. Hillis ran into three or four Bengals' defenders throughout the last game. Pinkston and all the other weak offensive linemen need to open some running lanes for Hillis or it is going to be a very long year for the Browns." - Brownsareconsistentlosers

View full sizeJoshua Gunter | The Plain DealerPeyton Hillis needs the line to open up holes for him to run through.

In response to the story Cleveland Browns, Peyton Hillis have grounds to run a lot against Indianapolis Colts, cleveland.com reader Brownsareconsistentlosers thinks the success of the running game is on the line. This reader writes,

"I like Peyton Hillis, but you need to have an offensive line who can block defensive linemen at the point of attack. Hillis ran into three or four Bengals' defenders throughout the last game. Pinkston and all the other weak offensive linemen need to open some running lanes for Hillis or it is going to be a very long year for the Browns."

"Don't give up on LaPorta. We need a right handed hitter and he still could develop into a solid power bat. Shelley Duncan is another hitter who has some real potential for power and a decent average. Let's keep both of these guys." - pastorrick

View full sizeThe Indians and their fans were hoping this would be the season Matt LaPorta put it together.

In response to the story Matt LaPorta's struggles compare to some accomplished hitters at same age: Will he, too, become a consistent hitter? Poll, cleveland.com reader pastorrick thinks it's too soon to give up on LaPorta. This reader writes,

"Don't give up on LaPorta. We need a right handed hitter and he still could develop into a solid power bat. Shelley Duncan is another hitter who has some real potential for power and a decent average. Let's keep both of these guys."

"All of our sports teams should have an owner who is as dedicated as Dan Gilbert. He does not want to win, he needs to win. Go Dan!" - mrdante

View full sizeMark Duncan | Associated PressDan Gilbert.

In response to the story Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert tweets his displeasure with 'bloggissists', cleveland.com reader mrdante wishes this city had more Dan Gilbert-types. This reader writes,

"All of our sports teams should have an owner who is as dedicated as Dan Gilbert. He does not want to win, he needs to win. Go Dan!"

Top NBA ref Steve Javie will not return for his 26th season.

APSteve Javie

Steve Javie, rated as one of the league's top officials during the past 15 years, is retiring because of an arthritic right knee, writes ESPN's Ric Bucher.

Javie has been an NBA official for 25 years.

Javie worked both Games 1 and 6 of the 2011 Finals, making him one of six referees to officiate two games. It is an honor reserved for the league's highest-rated referees and reflects that Javie is going out on top.

"I would like to stay at it and end it on my own terms, but in a way I feel as if I'm doing that in that I got to work that 25th year," he said. "Adrenaline is an amazing drug. The two weeks after the season, the knee was so painful I couldn't believe it. My doctor said it was because the adrenaline from the season had finally worn off. Every time I start to think maybe I still could do it, my knee has let me know, one way or another, that I can't."

In 1999 during the previous lockout, Javie was one of 15 referees charged with income-tax evasion for downgrading plane tickets provided by the league and not reporting the funds saved.

Javie, alone, pleaded not guilty and won his case. "You have to fight for your name," he said at the time.

Bob Delaney, who also reached the 25-year milestone last season, is retiring as well, a decision he announced at the start of last season.

But 71-year-old Dick Bavetta, the league's oldest official, has not filed and apparently plans to return for a 37th season, according to several sources.

Plain Dealer's Cleveland Browns beat writer Mary Kay Cabot talks with players after practice as they prepare for the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. Watch video

Vickery, Ohio --There are many waterfowl hunting clubs around Sandusky Bay, some so exclusive you'd have to write a check for the five-figure annual dues if your name ever reached the top of the waiting list. And there's no guarantee that will ever happen. Pickerel Creek isn't one of those fancy duck clubs. It is a blue-collar public waterfowl...

Vickery, Ohio --There are many waterfowl hunting clubs around Sandusky Bay, some so exclusive you'd have to write a check for the five-figure annual dues if your name ever reached the top of the waiting list. And there's no guarantee that will ever happen.

Pickerel Creek isn't one of those fancy duck clubs. It is a blue-collar public waterfowl hunting area. While it is a neighbor to some of the finest waterfowling clubs, a sportsman won't have to pay a fee or dues for a prime seat in the marsh.

Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area is a well-managed collection of marshland, ponds and woodlots sprawling over 3,500 acres of Sandusky County on the eastern edge of Sandusky Bay. To hunt there you'll need an early wake-up call to be in time for the 5:15 a.m. lottery drawing on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

Bring along a spot of luck. Sportsmen's numbers are drawn by lottery, determining the order that the 30-plus zones are handed out to the hunting parties for the morning.

If there is a crowd and a hunter's name isn't drawn, the lottery for an afternoon hunt is at 11 a.m. On Friday, only one hunter signed up for the afternoon action.

Steve Ungvarsky of Marblehead and I tossed our names into the hat on Friday morning with a dozen other hunting parties eager to hunt teal before the early season closed on Sunday. The early Canada goose season ended Thursday.

Pickerel Creek has hosted a lot of hunters since the early seasons began and we expected the ducks to be wary, but we were hoping for some fresh faces. This week's big north winds and a cold front could have encouraged a few migrating blue-winged teal and green-winged teal to visit the marsh on their way south.

Cradling a steaming cup of coffee at the area headquarters well before the crack of dawn, I kept my fingers crossed that one of the better zones would still be available when our number was called. The local waterfowlers have spent years hunting these marshes, and know which zones have the edge depending on the direction of the wind, severity of the weather and time of year.

"Any zone can be good on any given morning," said Area Manager Jim Schott. "It's nice for a hunter to know that, at least for a morning, he'll have his own 30- or 40-acre piece of hunting marsh. People hunting here a lot usually do best, because they know the area and they're usually hardcore waterfowl hunters."

Teal are the first ducks to migrate to Ohio, and the blue-winged variety lead the way. Green-winged teal are right behind, and both will head for balmier climates at the first hint of frigid weather.

The lottery didn't go our way. We were among the last to be called to pick a zone, settling on an area in the middle of the marsh. After a short drive to a gravel parking lot and a long walk along marsh dikes to our zone, the Labrador retrievers splashed around the marsh as we put out decoys.

Hunters shouldn't expect a limit of ducks here because of the hunting pressure. It is likely, though, a few ducks will make an appearance, usually mallards, wood ducks and, for now, the swift-flying teal. Canada geese are plentiful, and such rare ducks as canvasbacks, pintails and redheads do visit during the season.

You don't need a boat to get to your zone, but waders are a must. A string of decoys, a duck or goose call, flashlight, rain gear, a retrieving dog and a thermos of coffee are all good ideas. Hunters are limited to 25 nontoxic shot shells.

With only teal on our hunting list on Friday morning, we enjoyed watching the large flocks of Canada geese and small groups of wood ducks fly over our heads. When a trio of blue-winged teal finally arrived in our patch of waterfowl hunting paradise, we were more than ready.

Just as importantly, we'd found ourselves a waterfowl hunting club. Membership and dues are not required.

Duck, goose hunting dates The early Canada goose hunting season is over in Ohio, and the early teal season wraps up on Sunday. The regular duck and goose seasons are just around the corner, with 60 days of duck hunting and 74 days of Canada goose hunting in 2011-12. To hunt waterfowl in Ohio, you'll need an Ohio hunting...

Duck, goose hunting dates

The early Canada goose hunting season is over in Ohio, and the early teal season wraps up on Sunday. The regular duck and goose seasons are just around the corner, with 60 days of duck hunting and 74 days of Canada goose hunting in 2011-12. To hunt waterfowl in Ohio, you'll need an Ohio hunting license ($19, nonresident $125) and both an Ohio duck stamp ($15) and a federal duck stamp ($15). Here are the dates around the state, which include the new Lake Erie Marsh Zone.

Duck hunting dates

•Statewide Youth Waterfowl Season -- Oct. 1-2.

•Lake Erie Marsh Zone -- Oct. 15-30 and Nov. 12-Dec. 25.

•North Zone -- Oct. 15-30 and Nov. 19-Jan. 1.

•South Zone -- Oct. 22-Nov. 6 and Dec. 17-Jan. 29.

Goose hunting dates

•Lake Erie Canada Goose Zone -- Oct. 15-30 and Nov. 12-Jan. 8.

•North Zone -- Oct. 15-30, Nov. 19-Jan. 1 and Jan. 9-22.

•South Zone -- Oct. 22-Nov. 20 and Dec. 17-Jan. 29.

-- D'Arcy Egan

Five questions with new Browns punter Brad Maynard.

FIVE QUESTIONS WITH BROWNS PUNTER BRAD MAYNARD

David I. Andersen, The Plain DealerNew Browns punter Brad Maynard was on his way to the golf course when the Browns called earlier this week.

Q: Rumor has it that you were on the golf course when you got the call to join the Browns this week. True?

A: We were driving there. I was with Robbie Gould, the Bears' place-kicker, and another friend of mine. We were headed to a golf course when my agent called. I still went [to the golf course]. I shot 81. I found my mind was on the Cleveland Browns a little more than golf. (Side note: Maynard has a 3.2 handicap.)

Q: You're from Tipton, Ind., and attended Ball State in Indiana. Is it still special going back to play the Indianapolis Colts?

A: All these guys experience that, going back to your hometown. A lot of people go to the games. You have to get a lot of tickets. I have a lot of family and friends there. It never fails that someone will yell from the stands that I barely recognize, and I have to take another look at.

Q: What's the best part about being a punter?

A: I get to celebrate when these guys score touchdowns.

Q: Does anyone ever give you a hard time for being "only the punter"?

A: My son's the only one who says that. My son, at the time, was 8 years old. He was starting to play flag football, and he wanted to get all the gear. He got wristbands, the towel to hang . . . the final straw was that he wanted to get gloves. I was out of town, and my wife said, "Conner, you don't need gloves." He kept fighting her on that, and finally, she said, "Your dad plays football, and he doesn't wear gloves." And my son said, "Mom, Dad's just the punter." Both my boys [8 and 10] just started tackle football. And I have a daughter who's 6. They have little cheerleaders for the team, so she was going to do that.

Q: Who do you admire most in football?

A: I haven't been asked this question in a long time. If you look at my punting, I kind of model myself a little bit after Rohn Stark and Reggie Roby. I liked how Reggie Roby got his leg all the way past his ear. And Rohn Stark was just a technician, he just had the perfect technique. I'm kind of like a blend of those two.