Phil Taylor is emerging as one of the better defensive rookies.

PDBrowns defensive lineman Phil Taylor.

Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. is high on Browns rookie Phil Taylor. Williamson writes how Taylor is the pefect fit for what the Browns are doing in their unique 4-3 scheme.

He even writes how Taylor has been outstanding with the Browns since the preseason.

Instead of a big, powerful guy and an upfield 3-technique, they instead want two nose tackle-type players to just totally own the middle of the line of scrimmage. They compromise interior pass rush with this philosophy, but they put a ton of beef at defensive tackle. This allows the linebackers -- particularly the middle linebacker -- to run much more freely and it also tempts the offense to run on the perimeter instead of up the middle.

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Better pass protection, and McCoy doing a better job of listening to the clock, will help him avoid sacks.

The Miami Herald has this story on how Dolphins' coach Tony Sparano is on the hot seat.

Sparano has been impressed with quarterback Colt McCoy's talent and poise.

Alex Smith has been the forgotten man among the tight ends.

Ramirez, who slugged 236 of his 555 homers with the Indians, retired in April following a positive drug test, rather than continuing his career by serving a 100-game suspension.

Marvin Fong, The Plain DealerManny Ramirez rounding the bases after hitting a home run for the Indians during the 2000 season.

NEW YORK, New York -- A person familiar with the situation says former Cleveland Indians slugger Manny Ramirez will not be allowed to play winter ball in the Dominican Republic because he neither served a suspension nor contested it following a positive drug test this year.

The Cibao Eagles, a Dominican winter league team Ramirez played with in 1993-94, said this week he was expected to start training with the club.

Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association, however, have concluded Ramirez is ineligible, the person told The Associated Press on Thursday, speaking on condition of anonymity because management and the union did not announce that publicly.

Then with Tampa Bay, Ramirez told MLB in April he would retire rather than face a 100-game suspension for a second positive drug test.

Ramirez served a 50-game ban in 2009 after a positive test for human chorionic gonadotropin, a banned female fertility drug often used to help mask steroid use.

MLB's Winter League Agreement gives it the power to block Ramirez. The league's stance first was reported by ESPN.com.

Ramirez, 39, began his 19-season major league career in 1993 with the Cleveland Indians. The right-handed hitter played eight seasons for the Tribe before leaving after the 2000 season to sign a free agent contract with the Boston Red Sox.

Ramirez is the all-time leader in postseason home runs with 29, the first 13 of them for the Indians. He slugged 555 regular season homers, 14th on the all-time list, and his 236 with Cleveland is the third most for an Indians player.

Ramirez' .592 career slugging percentage is first on Cleveland's all-time list, and at .585 overall, he stands ninth among baseball's all-time leaders. With 1,831 career RBI, he's 18th all-time -- with 804 RBI as an Indian placing him third in that team category. Ramirez has a .312 career batting average, including .313 with the Indians.

"I am hoping Talbot shows something. I still think, when healthy, he can help this team. I can see using him or Huff in Durbin's spot next year. With Gomez and Tomlin, we have our starting four (Masterson and Jimenez). If they do keep Carmona, he would be the fifth starter. Huff or Talbot could be the long man." - joe kiely

View full sizeMitch Talbot is expected to make a start this weekend for the Indians.

In response to the story Josh Tomlin won't pitch again this season: Cleveland Indians daily briefing, cleveland.com reader joe kiely hopes Mitch Talbot can show some promise in the short time left this season. This reader writes,

"I am hoping Talbot shows something. I still think, when healthy, he can help this team. I can see using him or Huff in Durbin's spot next year. With Gomez and Tomlin, we have our starting four (Masterson and Jimenez). If they do keep Carmona, he would be the fifth starter. Huff or Talbot could be the long man."

"Please tell me if the Browns would have won vs. the Colts without Cribbs contributions as a receiver. Then name the guy on the Browns who should be playing on offense ahead of Cribbs. There isn't any debate about if Cribbs is more than a special teams player. The debate is how best to utilize him on offense. Using him at RB makes a lot of sense, especially with the lack of RB depth. I think everyone also sees his value as a WR." - lambbone

View full sizeTracy Boulian | The Plain DealerJosh Cribbs is contributing all over the field for the Browns.

In response to the story Josh Cribbs not opposed to adding RB to his title: Cleveland Browns Insider, cleveland.com reader lambbone thinks Josh Cribbs is much more than just a good special teams player. This reader writes,

"Please tell me if the Browns would have won vs. the Colts without Cribbs contributions as a receiver. Then name the guy on the Browns who should be playing on offense ahead of Cribbs. There isn't any debate about if Cribbs is more than a special teams player. The debate is how best to utilize him on offense. Using him at RB makes a lot of sense, especially with the lack of RB depth. I think everyone also sees his value as a WR."

Tight-lipped tone continues, though Stern acknowledges that "the calendar is not our friend" when it comes to keeping the NBA season intact.

APNBA commissioner David Stern (photo) and representatives for the owners and players hope to meet again next week.

NEW YORK, New York -- While providing no details of his latest meeting with locked out players, Commissioner David Stern is acknowledging that "the calendar is not our friend" when it comes to keeping the NBA season intact.

The commissioner said Thursday he had "no announcement to make" regarding any postponements or cancelations, but they seem increasingly likely after another negotiating session ended without a breakthrough on a new collective bargaining agreement.

The league is at about the same point as when it postponed camps in 1998, the only time it lost games to a work stoppage.

Stern and the owners' top leaders met for about five hours with executives from the players' association. Neither side revealed much after the meeting beyond that they hoped to talk again next week.

Browns safety T.J. Ward will be among those in attendance at the first cleveland.com / Cleveland Browns Tweet-Up tonight. The event, from 5:30-8 p.m., is being held at Cadillac Ranch, 200 Euclid Ave. and is free to the public.

Joshua Gunter, The Plain DealerMeet T.J. Ward tonight at Cadillac Ranch on Public Square from 5:30-8 p.m.

Browns safety T.J. Ward will be among those in attendance at the first cleveland.com / Cleveland Browns TweetUp tonight. The event, from 5:30-8 p.m., is being held at Cadillac Ranch, 200 Euclid Ave., and is free to the public.

Ward (@BossWard43) will be greeting fans as cleveland.com and the Browns raffle off 50 pairs of tickets to the Browns game against the Titans on Oct. 2. Winners must be present to claim their prize.

Cadillac Ranch is offering free appetizers and drink specials for people in attendance.

A TweetUp is gathering of people that use Twitter, though no Twitter account is required for admittance. For more information or to RSVP, visit our TweetUp page on Facebook.

ESPN cites league sources, as little apparent progress is being made in talks toward a new collective bargaining agreement. Training camps have been scheduled to open on Oct. 3.

Associated PressNBA Commissioner David Stern (left) and deputy commissioner Adam Silver following a meeting between representatives for team owners and the players union earlier this summer.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The NBA is expected to announce on Friday that it will postpone the opening of training camps, and also postpone games included on the early part of the exhibition game schedule.

The report by Ric Bucher on ESPN.com is according to league sources, and follows Thursday's meeting of about five hours between NBA Players Association director Billy Hunter, NBAPA president Derek Fisher and other representatives of the players, and owners' representatives including commissioner David Stern.

The NBA locked out its players on July 1, when the collective bargaining agreement expired. With little apparent progress being made during talks toward a new labor deal, the scheduled Oct. 3 opening of training camps has apparently been scuttled. 

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been scheduled to play their first exhibition game on Oct. 11 against the Milwaukee Bucks, in downtown Cleveland's Quicken Loans Arena.

The NBA regular season schedule, which has not yet been affected, is slated to begin on Nov. 1. The Cavaliers' season opener would be at Boston against the Celtics on Nov. 2.

Ric Bucher writes for ESPN.com: 

Stern, according to one source, told Hunter in Thursday's meeting the owners want to reduce the players' cut of basketball-related revenue (BRI) to a figure well below 50 percent. The players were guaranteed a minimum of 57 percent of BRI would be spent on salaries at the end of the last agreement.

The players union had offered to reduce their percentage to as much as 54 percent in negotiations to accommodate the owners' contention they lost $300 million last season, with the stipulation that a mechanism would be instituted to reward the players if future revenue increased.

The next negotiating session has not been scheduled, but the two sides agreed to contact each other with possible dates to reconvene next week, sources said. Whenever a deal is struck, it is expected to take at least two weeks to write out the complete terms and hash out the finer points.

Since the league's lockout began on July 1 with the expiration of the last agreement, a period for free agency and then a training camp, however truncated, also would be necessary before the regular season could begin. Most experts agree a minimum of four weeks is necessary to get it done, making the last week in September the absolute deadline for a deal to be struck before regular season games would have to be postponed or canceled.

Get updates from Progressive Field as Jeanmar Gomez takes to the mound for the Tribe.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz | The Plain DealerJeanmar Gomez is 3-0 with a 2.50 ERA in three September starts.

Jeanmar Gomez takes to the mound for the Indians. The White sox counter with Philip Humber. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Get updates on Twitter from @hoynsie and @dmansworldpd in the box below.

• MLB scoreboard.

From Otto Graham to Bill Nelsen, Bernie Kosar and yes, Tim Couch.

Tony TomsicThe Browns had one of the NFL's best downfield passing games with Frank Ryan at quarterback during much of the 1960s.

PDBernie Kosar and the Browns made the playoffs five straight years (1985-89).

Travis Hafner, with two homers in his last three games, is two homers shy of tying Rocky Colavito for ninth place on the franchise home-run list.

Thomas Ondrey, The Plain DealerTravis Hafner heads toward home after hitting a grand slam against Toronto earlier this season.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Chicks aren't the only ones who dig the long ball. Travis Hafner feels the same.

"If you're a hitter, you love your home runs and RBI," said Hafner. "I think everybody likes to hit homers."

Hafner has homered twice in the last three games entering Thursday night's season finale against Chicago. Before hitting a two-run homer against the White Sox on Tuesday in the first game of a day-night doubleheader, he drove in two runs with a single against Seattle on Monday.

How does Pronk prefer his hits? Long and gone, thank you.

"I'll take the homer every day," said Hafner. "If the RBI are the same, I'll take the homer."

This season hasn't been the kind Hafner wanted on Opening Day. Two trips to the disabled list cost him games and at bats. He went into Thursday's game hitting .280 (86-for-307) with 14 doubles, 13 homers and 57 RBI. He is hitting .388 (31-for-80) with runners in scoring position.

Hafner's two-run homer in Wednesday's 8-4 loss to Chicago gave him 999 hits for his career. The homer was his 188th as an Indian, two behind Rocky Colavito for ninth place in franchise history.

Hafner came off the disabled list Sept. 10 after straining a tendon in his right foot. It had been speculated that he'd need surgery, but that does not appear to be the case now.

"I feel fine," said Hafner. "I don't think it's going to be an issue."

More importantly, he feels good at the plate.

"I feel great right now. Much like the whole first half," said Hafner. "I just want to go up there and hit the ball really hard and I feel I'm going to do that."

The Indians homered in 19 of their last 24 games, totaling 31 homers, before Thursday's game. They opened Thursday game with consecutive homers by Kosuke Fukudome and Jason Kipnis.

Kudos: Columbus manager Mike Sarbaugh gave credit to the Indians farm system for giving him the players necessary to win his the Clippers second straight Class AAA national championship.

With the Indians taking most of Sarbaugh's players from the Triple-A roster, players arrived from Class AA Akron to fill the holes.

"Tim Fedroff was having a big year at Akron and up and played well in center field for Ezequiel Carrera," said Sarbaugh. "When Luis Valbuena was called up, Juan Diaz came up and did a nice at shortstop. Down the stretch Jared Goedert really played well at third base."

Fedroff hit .343 (12-for-35) as the Clippers won Governor's Cup in the International League playoffs.    

Tonight's lineup:

White Sox (76-79): LF Juan Pierre (L), SS Alexei Ramirez (R), C A.J. Pierzynski (L), CF Alex Rios (R), DH Adam Dunn (L), 1B Dayan Viciedo (R), RF Alejandro De Aza (L),
3B Brent Morel (R), 2B Gordon Beckham (R), RHP Phil Humber (9-8, 3.59).

Indians (76-78): RF Kosuke Fukudome (L), 2B Jason Kipnis (L), SS Asdrubal Cabrera (S), DH Travis Hafner (L), C Carlos Santana (S), CF Grady Sizemore (L), 1B Matt LaPorta (R), 3B Jack Hannahan (R), LF Ezequiel Carrera (L), Jeanmar Gomez (4-2, 3.78).

Lineup notes: Asdrubal Cabrera is back in the lineup after missing the second game of Tuesday's day-night doubleheader and Wednesday's game with a strained back muscle.

Umpires: H Bill Welke, 1B Jeff Nelson, 2B Tim Tschida, 3B Marty Foster.

Him vs. me: Beckham and De Aza are 1-for-2 against Gomez. Santana is 1-for-1 with a double against Humber.

Lefty-righty: Lefties are hitting .330 (32-for-97) with one homer and righties .276 (27-for-98) with three homers against Gomez. The White Sox have four lefties in the lineup.

Lefties are hitting .271 (93-for-343) with six homers and righties are hitting .207 (48-for-232) with two homers against Humber. The Indians have eight lefties, including two switch-hitters, in the lineup. 

Next: The Indians open a four-game series against the Twins on Friday with Justin Masterson (12-10) facing former Indian right-hander Carl Pavano (8-13, 4.40). STO and WTAM will carry the game.

Mike Adams and Usama Young are rotating at free safety for the Browns, and it's been good enough for the team to record the second-best pass defense in the NFL after just two games. But a rotation might not last the entire season.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerBrowns safety Mike Adams is putting a positive spin on the rotation at his position.

BEREA, Ohio — In the eyes of the Browns' starting free safety, there are two ways to look at the possibility that his grip on his job is loosening.

It could be viewed as internal competition, the kind that drives everyone on the squad to fight harder, the kind that has helped the Browns to surprisingly develop the second-best pass defense in the NFL in this very young season.

"Or you can look at it as trying to get two guys who play the game out there," Mike Adams said. "That's how I look at it. Two guys who are competitors are out there. When we get to wider offenses that spread the ball out, we'll both be in there at the same time. So it's a positive thing."

Spun positively, the Browns are finally developing some depth in the defensive secondary, and it has paid off. The Browns are allowing an average of 165.5 yards passing per game, second-best in the league behind Houston (162.5).

It comes from Joe Haden and Sheldon Brown steadying the cornerback positions. And it comes from T.J. Ward at strong safety and a rotation at free safety that has included Adams and Usama Young. Young, an off-season free agent signee, sat most of training camp with a hamstring injury, but has earned increasing playing time as the practice days tick off.

Adams has retained his starting position, but Young's time on the field has increased to the point where Browns coach Pat Shurmur believes there might be a change in the depth chart sometime soon.

"It's a real possibility," Shurmur said. "I look at it this way: I feel at this point we've got three safeties in there playing and doing a nice job. It's a very long season."

For now, Adams and Young are helping each other by allowing for significant rest time for both players. In two games, Young has eight tackles and one interception, while Adams has six tackles.

"It's a rotation and it'll help us in the long run," Adams said. "Especially down the line, especially when it gets late in the season. More guys getting experience out there playing -- it helps."

Without the positive spin, there's the reminder that Adams has been vocal about wanting to retain his starting spot. An often overlooked player in seven years in the league, Adams is blunt about wanting to prove his worth and that he has earned his position. But he's also careful to remind that the team is his top priority, not individual achievements.

Young, too, has been careful to say the right things about wanting the team to benefit more than anything else.

"Helping out the defense . . . that's what I'm here for -- to help out the defense in any way," Young said. "Whether it's coming off the bench, whatever. I'll be an asset to this team."

For now, a rotation is working, and the Browns will keep what works for as long as it continues to go well.

"We like them both," Browns defensive coordinator Dick Jauron said. "We like Mike and what he's done. Usama is getting back into it. We'll still split time and give them both a chance out there."

Browns GM Tom Heckert's philosophy on building a team includes drafting well and securing players to long-term deals -- but running back Peyton Hillis is still waiting for his contract extension.

View full sizeJoshua Gunter, The Plain DealerBrowns running back Peyton Hillis has 151 yards on 44 carries this season.

BEREA, Ohio — Tom Heckert believes an NFL team is best built slowly. Build a system, make smart draft picks and let it all simmer together. There are no quick fixes.

That's why securing those draft picks and current players to long-term deals is part of the plan, too, on how to build a team. In the past month, the Browns' general manager has extended the contracts of left tackle Joe Thomas, tight end Evan Moore and defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin.

Peyton Hillis waits.

Heckert would not comment Thursday on negotiations with Hillis or the running back's agent. Hillis is in the last year of his original rookie contract, and is scheduled to earn the NFL four-year minimum of $555,000.

Hillis dismissed thoughts that the contract instability bothers him as it lingers during the season.

"The bottom line is it's not up to me in the end," Hillis said. "When people say they want to stop negotiating, that's just because they want to play better and they don't want the figure to hang over their heads. To me, if they want to come back and talk, I'm more than open. It's just whenever. I keep that frame of mind and hope everything works out."

Hillis said he speaks with his agent whenever there are updates in contract negotiations; he said Thursday that he hasn't spoken with his agent in several days.

As for the rest of Heckert's philosophy on the foundations of a team, the general manager said he was pleased with how this year's top draft choices, defensive linemen Phil Taylor and Jabaal Sheard, have been performing as starters.

"It was pretty obvious when we drafted them they were probably going to be starting no matter what happened," Heckert said. "Obviously it's only two games into it, but we're happy with them. We're happy with all our draft picks to be honest with you. I'm not saying they're going to be Hall of Famers or anything, but so far they've done what we've asked them to and we're excited about it."

In addition to Taylor and Sheard, left guard Jason Pinkston, receiver Greg Little and fullback Owen Marecic have earned significant playing time in their rookie seasons. The team is young, but Heckert prefers grooming draft picks to bidding for free agents.

"I think there's way more mistakes made in free agency than there are home runs," Heckert said.

Hillis' fumbles: Last season, Hillis had eight fumbles -- one of the negatives in an otherwise breakout season in which he rushed for 1,177 yards. Two games into this season, Hillis has one fumble already.

"It doesn't concern me at all," Hillis said. "I made a mistake but I rebounded. I put another one in the end zone toward the end [against Indianapolis]. And whatever mistakes I make, I will respond. That's the kind of player I am. As long as I'm breathing I'm going to do my best."

Injury update: Receiver Mohamed Massaquoi was limited in practice Thursday, again, because of a left ankle injury. Browns coach Pat Shurmur said Massaquoi participated in most of Wednesday's practice despite being listed as limited. Massaquoi wore a bandage on his left ankle in the locker room.

Right tackle Tony Pashos was limited in practice again Thursday, as well, with a left ankle injury that has prevented him from playing in either of the first two games. He played sparingly with the second unit during the open practice session.

Linebacker Marcus Benard missed Thursday's practice for personal reasons, and is expected to rejoin the team today.

UPDATED: Kosuke Fukudome and Jason Kipnis begin the game with homers, Asdrubal Cabrera continues to set records, and Travis Hafner gets his 1,000th career hit as the Indians rout the White Sox at Progressive Field.

The Indians started to hit the baseball and they never really stopped on the way to beating Chicago, 11-2, Thursday night at Progressive Field.

Kosuke Fukudome and Jason Kipnis started the game with consecutive homers off Phil Humber (9-9, 3.86). It was the first time the Indians have started a game at home with two straight homers since June 19, 1971, when Craig Nettles and Vada Pinson did it.

Fukudome, the diamond the Indians stole from the Chicago Cubs back in July when they still had a chance to win the American League Central Division, added a diving catch in right field in the fourth and a two-run single in the fifth.

In the seventh inning, Travis Hafner doubled to the wall in right center for his 1,000th career hit. The Indians were leading, 8-2, and manager Manny Acta removed Hafner for pinch-runner Cord Phelps. The crowd of 21,487 gave him a standing ovation.

Acta said he didn't plan it that way.

"I'm not that clever," he said. "I was just trying to take care of the big guy. But it worked out pretty well."

On the pitching side, Jeanmar Gomez (5-2, 3.52) won his fifth straight start since arriving from Class AAA Columbus at the end of August. In those five starts, he has a 1.80 ERA (six earned runs in 30 innings). If this guy hasn't put himself in the mix for a rotation spot next year, the Indians haven't been watching.

Enough preliminaries. Now the main course.

After missing two games with a strained back muscle, shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera returned to the lineup with conviction in his eyes and bat. He hit a three-run homer in the seventh and a two-run bases-loaded single in the eighth to give him his second five-RBI game of the season.

Everytime Cabrera turns around lately, he's setting a record. It's lucky this season is almost over or Elias Sports Bureau would buy more computer space just to keep track of his season.

Thursday night's homer was his 25th and gave him the Indians' single-season record for homers by a shortstop. He'd been tied with Jhonny Peralta.

The homer also extended his record for most homers in a single season by a Venezuelan shortstop. He set that record Tuesday.

Cabrera has 92 RBI this season. It's the most by an Indians shortstop since player-manager Lou Boudreau drove in 106 in 1948. It's been a long time, but Indians fans should remember the year as the last time their favorite team won a World Series.

How unexpected has Cabrera's performance been this season? He hit three homers last year and never hit more than six in a season. His total number of homers coming into the year was 18.

Cabrera's never had more than 68 RBI in a season before this year. He started the year with 166 RBI in his career.

"When the season is over, I'll think about this," Cabrera said. "This year, I just wanted to come to the ballpark every day and show people what Asdrubal Cabrera can do."

Can he reach 100 RBI?

"I know that's a lot. Let's just wait till the season is over and see what the numbers are," Cabrera said.

Cabrera golfed a low fastball into the right-field seats off Addison Reed in the seventh for an 8-2 lead. In the eighth, he lined a slider from Josh Kinney through the middle.

"It's been remarkable what this guy has been able to do offensively this year," Acta said.

Fukudome wears his game face 24/7, but he does have a sense of humor. He's a free agent at the end of the year and has made it clear he'd like to re-sign with the Indians. He does have one problem with the city.

"I like playing in Cleveland, but there are too many bugs," Fukudome said through his translator as he pointed to mosquito bites on his elbow.

Hafner said he really appreciated the crowd's ovation after his 1,000th hit. When he got to the dugout, the ovation continued with Shelley Duncan screaming "2,000 more, 2,000 more."

It was that kind of night.

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

On Twitter: @hoynsie

Hegan announced earlier this week that he will be stepping away from broadcasting Indians games after 23 years.

View full sizeThomas Ondrey, The Plain DealerLongtime Indians broadcaster Mike Hegan.

Clubhouse confidential: The Indians have been talking about how they will replace broadcaster Mike Hegan for next season, but won't make a decision until sometime in the off-season.

Hegan announced earlier this week that he will be stepping away from broadcasting Indians games after 23 years. Tom Hamilton and Hegan have done Tribe games on the radio for the past 14 years. This year, Jim Rosenhaus partnered with Hamilton on most of the road games as Hegan reduced his schedule.

From across the pond: Paul Kray, a railroad conductor from Cornwell, England, is in town to watch his favorite baseball team -- the Indians. In 2004, Kray spread out a map of the United States, closed his eyes and stuck a thumbtack into the city of Cleveland. He has been making the 3,750-mile trek almost every year since because he likes the people and the Tribe.

England is a land of cricket, soccer and rugby, but Kray has picked up bits and pieces about baseball from friends and fans at Progressive Field.

"I'm still learning," he said.

Kray's house is jammed with Indians stuff. He has Chief Wahoo tattooed on his right arm. And the name tag he wears at work reads, "Bob Feller."

Stat of the day: Indians pitchers have thrown two complete games this season. They have both been on the road.

Bill Lubinger contributed to this story.

Former Indians teammates Jim Thome and Omar Vizquel exchange lineup cards before Thursday's game between the Indians and White Sox.

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerTwo major parts of the powerhouse 1990s Cleveland Indians .... White Sox shortstop Omar Vizquel and Indians designated hitter Jim Thome ... exchange lineups before Thursday's game.

White Sox infielder Omar Vizquel, who played with Thome in Cleveland from 1994 through 2002, wanted to be there as well, but the schedule worked against him. The Indians and White Sox closed their season series Thursday night at Progressive Field.

So the Indians arranged for Thome and Vizquel to do the next best thing: Exchange their team's lineup cards with the umpires at home plate before Thursday's game.

"This is going to be awesome," said Vizquel. "I've never done it before. It's the highlight of my year. . . . No, it is. I haven't done much this year that makes you say, 'Wow!' "

Said Thome: "This is going to be great. I can't wait. I've never done it before and it's great I'm doing it with Omar."

If and when they retire, Thome and Vizquel could go into the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown as Indians.

"Jimmy's just an amazing human being," said Vizquel. "It's so awesome to see a guy who's been so honest and true to the game. He stays out of trouble, and he cares about people. When he asks, 'How are you doing?' he means it."

Thome's last year with the Indians was 2002. Vizquel's last year was 2004.

"It was like growing up with a brother," Vizquel said. "All of a sudden, he's got Hall of Fame numbers. It's amazing to see guys grow up like that."

Thome, 41, and Vizquel, 44, have played in a combined 5,388 regular-season games and 124 postseason games over 44 seasons. They have combined for 5,123 hits and 2,994 runs in the regular season.

It is possible Thursday night was the last time both were in uniform as players on the same field, certainly Progressive Field. Vizquel plans to return next year; Thome said he will make his decision upon returning home after the season.

True to his word: Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera was back in the lineup Thursday after missing Wednesday's game.

Cabrera strained a back muscle on a swing in the eighth inning of the first game of Tuesday's day-night doubleheader against Chicago.

Rotation, 2012: Manager Manny Acta said, at the moment, the top four spots in the Indians' rotation for next season would belong to Justin Masterson, Ubaldo Jimenez, Fausto Carmona and Josh Tomlin.

"We've got the off-season in front of us," said Acta.

Does that mean a starter could be added?

"Why not? You never have enough pitching," said Acta.

Unknown qualities: Acta said he has found out a couple of things he didn't know about rookie second baseman Jason Kipnis.

"Much has been made of Kipnis' ability to hit," said Acta. "He's swung the bat well, but he runs better than I expected. He also has the ability to bunt. No one raved about that because bunting isn't a big part of the game these days. But it's a pretty good weapon.

"When you can hit the way he can hit and bunt like that, it's going to help."

Acta, an infield instructor with the Mets and Expos, has also been impressed with Kipnis' range at second base.

"For a guy who was playing outfield not too long ago, he has done good things out there," said Acta.

Chasing the Rock: Travis Hafner, with two homers in his past three games before Thursday, has hit 188 with the Indians. He is two shy of tying Rocky Colavito for ninth place in franchise history.

Hafner, who came off the disabled list Sept. 10, says he is feeling as good as he did at the plate in the first half of the season. He is 6-for-18 with two homers and eight RBI in his past five games.

Finally: The Indians are carrying 35 players on the active roster. That includes injured Shin-Soo Choo and 10 rookies.

Dennis Manoloff contributed to this story.

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

On Twitter: @hoynsie

For a boy in Cleveland in 1940, some things ... like watching Feller pitch ... are more important than a day of classes.

View full sizePD fileThe legendary Bob Feller.

This spring, we asked readers to tell us their best memory at an Indians game. More than 600 responded. The five finalists and winner were featured during the week leading up to Opening Day. All season, The Plain Dealer will publish other fan memories -- one each day the Indians are scheduled to play. Here is today's essay by Mina Kulber, of Lyndhurst:

I turned 88 years old on May 21. Every morning, my breakfast consists of cereal -- hot or cold -- a cup of coffee and solving the puzzles in The Plain Dealer.

I am remembering a day in 1940 when I played hooky, left John Adams High School at noon, took three streetcars (2 cents carfare each) and went to an Indians game. A ticket cost about 35 cents.

The pitcher was Bob Feller. Need I say more?

He won, of course. It was a steamy day -- there was no air-conditioning before WWII -- and it was very hot on the streetcars, coming and going. But, oh, the joy of watching Feller masterfully deliver each pitch. We Clevelanders were so proud to have "Rapid Robert" on our team.

There was no television in those days, but we did have radio. Those of us who were at home listened to the game (announced by Tom Manning). If my dear mother didn't have to work that day, she sat with her ear glued to the radio. She cheered loudly (and she was a lady!) when something good happened for the Indians.

Mother was a "visitor" for the Cuyahoga County Relief Association. She tramped the streets of Cleveland carrying a heavy briefcase filled with information about families who were "on relief." Her job was to be sure that these people did not have jobs while the county was helping them financially.

If Mother were alive today and I were to win this contest, she would want to place the coveted baseball in a deserving spot in her living room.

At my age, I am still teaching pre-K at Laurel School, volunteering at the information desk of the Cleveland Museum of Art, writing musicals (on my 15th) for the seniors at Myers Apartments, singing in the temple choir, writing poetry, working on updating my autobiography, painting, knitting and sewing.

Boy, what a perfect birthday gift it would be for me to throw out a ceremonial ball at a baseball game. You must understand, I am 4 feet, 8 inches tall and I weigh 88 pounds. Wow, this could be a very special moment in my life.

A week after the OSU receivers had no catches but three clear drops in a 24-6 loss at Miami, there are no clear fixes.

View full sizeMarvin Fong, The Plain DealerThe Buckeyes need more production from wide receivers like Verlon Reed.

A week after the OSU receivers had no catches but three clear drops in a 24-6 loss at Miami, the fixes in the second half of the pass-catch equation aren't so obvious as they are in the first half, where freshman Braxton Miller will be getting the start at quarterback. Senior DeVier Posey is still suspended for two more games, and head coach Luke Fickell confirmed Thursday that sophomore Corey "Philly" Brown won't play against Colorado, missing his second straight game after injuring his left ankle.

After featuring a string of future NFL receivers in recent years, the Buckeyes are incredibly young and inexperienced on the outside, with just 18 catches for 312 yards and one touchdown from their receivers in three games. That's 38 percent of the catches the receivers had at the same point in 2006. While tight end Jake Stoneburner (eight catches, 93 yards, four TDs) has emerged as the Buckeyes' best pass-catching threat for the moment, it would be better for the them if he complemented the receivers, not replaced them.

"They weren't trying to hurt the team, I know that for a fact," OSU receivers coach Stan Drayton said this week of his receivers' performance against Miami. "Those guys have not had a bunch of playing experience and most certainly have not been on a stage like that before. So, as a coach, you expect some things to not go as well as you expect them."

Top three receivers Verlon Reed, Chris Fields and Evan Spencer all had drops, while No. 4 receiver Devin Smith couldn't haul in a Joe Bauserman pass while trying to catch it straight over his head after a Miami defensive back rode him out of his route.

"He had a collision there and the ball was in flight, and I think he may have gotten himself a little bit too involved with the collision instead of fighting through the collision," Drayton said. "He's got to be able to play through contact."

Drayton said the Buckeyes didn't make a lot of mistakes Saturday, but he regretted the few opportunities they did miss. But there's something about finding holes in a defense and creating separation from defenders that these young receivers may not have mastered yet, so sometimes, the opportunity never even arises. This happened against a Miami defense that Drayton said didn't bring a lot of different looks. In general, Drayton said young receivers can be slowed by coverages they have never seen before.

But being young isn't an excuse, according to the coaches. It is a reality the Buckeyes are dealing with.

"Our guys didn't have opportunities to get loose, and they weren't running free," Fickell said, praising Miami's defensive backs. "Do we need to get better there? Yeah. We need to get better in a lot of areas. We need to get open when guys are up on us. That's just the nature of the game. That's no excuse that they're young. We're not going to give them that excuse. We're not going to have that excuse as a coaching staff or as a team."

In fact, the best answer for now may be to get even younger and give some more playing time to a true freshman such as Smith.

"My guys are not dropping their head. They're disappointed. They hurt. We all hurt," Drayton said.

They also can't drop the ball.

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

The Plain Dealer offers a look at some of this weekend's local college football games.

View full sizeRick Osentoski, Associated PressNo one can accuse Toledo of playing a cupcake schedule ... after facing both nationally ranked Ohio State and Boise State, the Rockets face Syracuse this weekend.

DIVISION I

Big Ten Conference

Ohio State vs. Colorado

Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. at Ohio Stadium, Columbus.

Radio/TV: WEWS Channel 5; WKNR AM/850.

Notable: OSU is 2-1 after last week's loss at Miami (Fla.), and Buckeyes coach Luke Fickell is trying to massage his players' feelings and help them gain confidence as he prepares them for the Buffaloes. "We need to make sure we understand what we're doing," Fickell said. "We need to make sure we focus on what we're doing -- tackling on defense, ball security on offense. So it's still got to be about us and how we get better." One player with a lot of room to grow is true freshman QB Braxton Miller. Fickell announced Thursday that Miller will be the starter and senior Joe Bauserman will come on in relief. Saturday's game will feature two of the 22 first-year Football Bowl Subdivision head coaches in Fickell and Colorado's Jon Embree. The Buffaloes (1-2) rank 101st in the nation in rushing.

Next for OSU: Oct. 1 vs. Michigan State, 3:30.

-- From staff and wire reports

Mid-American Conference

Akron vs. VMI

Kickoff: 2 p.m. at InfoCision Stadium, Akron.

Radio: WARF AM/1350.

Notable: Akron's offense is showing signs of life, scoring two touchdowns last week in a loss to Cincinnati and getting a 133-yard rushing performance from tailback Jawon Chisholm. The 0-3 Zips, who have scored a combined 17 points in three games, could be looking at their first win of the season against VMI (0-3). The Keydets have lost to Delaware State (24-21), William & Mary (24-7) and Richmond (34-19).

Next for Akron: Oct. 1 at E. Michigan, 1.

Kent State vs. S. Alabama

Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. at Dix Stadium, Kent.

Radio: WNIR FM/100.1.

Notable: KSU (0-3) has a solid challenge in South Alabama (2-1), a young (formed 2008) Football Championship Subdivision team that had won 19 games in a row until falling, 35-13, last week to N.C. State. The Golden Flashes are still struggling on offense (6.3 ppg) and have hurt themselves with penalties (24 for 262 yards, a league-high 87.3 ypg). Freshman Trayion Durham gets his first start at tailback.

Next for KSU: Oct. 1 at Ohio, 2.

Bowling Green at Miami

Kickoff: 1 p.m. at Yager Stadium, Oxford.

Notable: BG (2-1) and Miami (0-2) open their MAC schedules in a game matching two of the top passing quarterbacks in the league. Falcons sophomore Matt Schilz (986 yards, 11 TDs) is on the cusp of 1,000 passing yards already. Miami junior QB Zac Dysert (519 yards, 2 TDs) has the veteran wideouts to erupt at any moment.''

Next for BG: Oct. 1 at West Virginia, 1.

Next for Miami: Oct. 1 vs. Cincinnati, 1.

Ohio at Rutgers

Kickoff: 2 p.m. at Rutgers Stadium, Piscataway, N.J.

Notable: The Bobcats (3-0) take on a 1-1 Rutgers team that is coming off a 24-22 loss at North Carolina. OU is getting stellar play to date from QB Tyler Tettelton (577 yards passing, seven TDs) and solid production from tailback Donte Harden (217 rushing yards). Rutgers has struggled rushing the ball, but receiver Mohamed Sanu (20 rec., 187 yards, two TDs) will have to be contained.

Next for OU: Oct. 1 vs. Kent State, 2.

Toledo at Syracuse

Kickoff: Noon at Carrier Dome, Syracuse, N.Y.

Notable: Toledo (1-2) continues its nonconference gantlet at Big East Syracuse (2-1), which is coming off a 38-17 loss at USC last week despite a solid passing performance (230 yards) from QB Ryan Nassib. Rockets will continue with their two-quarterback system, but Glenville High product Terrance Owens (34 of 60, 460 yards, three TDs, two INTs) may get his first start of the season. He had a solid relief effort in 'loss last week to No. 4 Boise State.

Next for Toledo: Oct. 1 at Temple, noon.

-- Elton Alexander

DIVISION II

Lake Erie vs. No. 21 Hillsdale

Kickoff: 1:05 p.m. at Jack Britt Memorial Stadium, Painesville.

Radio: WFUN AM/970.

Notable: Lake Erie closes a two-game homestand as it welcomes nationally ranked Hillsdale for a Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference game. It's homecoming/alumni weekend. Last week, LEC (1-2, 0-2) fell to Saginaw Valley State, 35-20. LEC senior WR Brandon James (Mentor) had his fifth career 100-yard receiving game (eight catches, 101 yards, one TD). Sophomore S DaVon Coman (Akron North) made a career-high 11 tackles and senior S Steve Bensinger became the first player in school history with two interceptions in a game. Hillsdale (2-1, 2-0) knocked off Grand Valley State, 34-31, two weeks ago and outlasted Ashland, 40-34, in triple overtime last Saturday.

Next for LEC: Oct. 1 at Ferris State, 7 p.m.

Notre Dame College vs. Siena Heights

Kickoff: 7 p.m. at Korb Field, Brush High School, Lyndhurst.

Radio: WELW AM/1330.

Notable: NDC (1-2) plays its home opener in what will be the second night game in program history. The Falcons and Saints are two upstart programs: NDC instituted football in 2010; Siena Heights is 2-0 in its first season. The Saints, from Adrian, Mich., have looked like anything but newcomers so far, scoring 58 points this season. The Falcons are coming off a 38-0 loss at NAIA No. 4-ranked Marian (Ind.) last week. NDC running back Pedro Powell ran for 157 yards to notch the seventh 100-yard performance of his career last week in Indianapolis.

Next for NDC: Oct. 1 vs. Central State at Brush, 1.

DIVISION III

Baldwin-Wallace vs. Capital

Kickoff: 1:30 p.m. at George Finnie Stadium, Berea.

Radio: WBWC FM/88.3

Notable: B-W (2-0, 1-0 Ohio Athletic Conference) has beaten Wooster, 23-0, and Heidelberg, 35-20. Capital (1-1, 1-0) lost at Wittenberg, 45-28, and beat Wilmington, 26-12. Yellow Jackets junior QB Ryan O'Rourke (Avon) is this week's OAC Offensive Player of the Week after completing 24 of 29 passes for 279 yards and three TDs last week against Heidelberg. Junior RB Tyler Lohr (Kent Roosevelt) had a career-high 124 rushing yards and two TDs. The defense is led by senior All-OAC safety Ryan Dugan (Mentor) with 16 stops. Capital has played three QBs in its first two games, and the big question is, who will play against B-W? Capital senior WR Matt White is one of the OAC's best, with 14 catches for 214 yards and three TDs. All-OAC linebacker Troy Spiker tops the Crusaders with 19 tackles.

Next for B-W: Oct. 1 at Marietta, 1:30.

Case Western Reserve vs. Denison

Kickoff: 1 p.m. at Piper Stadium, Granville.

Notable: CWRU (1-1) is coming off of a bye week following a 17-7 loss to Rochester on Sept. 10. Dating back to the beginning of the 2007 season, the Spartans are 19-1 in road contests. The Spartans have defeated Denison in six straight meetings and hold a 17-7-1 lead in the all-time series. CWRU's defense has forced seven turnovers through two games. Junior LB Ryan Ferguson, a first-year starter, has led the way with 22 tackles and an interception return for a touchdown. With one sack so far in 2011, senior DT Dale English (Holy Name) has 251/2 for his career -- five away from tying a school record.

Next for CWRU: Oct. 1 at Allegheny, 1.

John Carroll at Marietta

Kickoff: 6 p.m. at Don Drumm Stadium, Marietta.

Radio: WJCU FM/88.7

Notable: JCU is 0-2, 0-1 in the OAC, opening with back-to-back losses for the second consecutive year. Sophomore CB Ryan Winchell leads the Blue Streaks in tackles with 26 on the season, eight more than the next leading tackler. Junior Lane Robilotto will play a key role for the Blue Streaks on offense, as he leads the team with 225 all-purpose yards. Marietta is 1-1, 0-1, and is coming off a loss to Muskingum this past weekend. Pioneers senior QB Andrew Keller completed 21 of 34 passes for 218 yards and two touchdowns against the Muskies. The Blue Streaks lead the all-time series against the Pioneers, 22-0-1, and have won 15 in a row since a 21-21 tie in 1995.

Next for JCU: Oct. 1 vs. Otterbein, 2.

No. 2 Mount Union vs. Wilmington

Kickoff: 7 p.m. at Mount Union Stadium, Alliance.

Notable: Mount is 2-0, 1-0 OAC. The Quakers are 0-2, 0-1. The Purple Raiders are playing their third straight home game. Mount Union beat John Carroll, 58-7, last week and rolled up 631 yards of offense as Jeremy Murray rushed for a career-high 224 yards and three TDs. Wilmington lost, 26-12, at Capital, posting just 39 yards of offense in the first half. The Purple Raiders hold a 13-0 lead in the series.

Next for Mount: Oct. 1 at Ohio Northern, 1:30.

Oberlin vs. Hiram

Kickoff: 1 p.m. at Savage Stadium, Oberlin.

Radio: WOBL AM/1320.

Notable: Oberlin (1-1, 0-0 North Coast Athletic Conference) enters this homecoming contest coming off a 14-3 loss to Wooster that saw the Yeomen score just three points on four trips into the red zone. Still, Oberlin has a chance to start 2-1 for the second year in a row and just the third time since 1989. Last season against Hiram, Oberlin set a single-game school record with 622 yards in a 47-21 win. Hiram leads the all-time series, 28-24. Hiram is 1-2, 1-1.

Next for Hiram: Oct. 1 vs. Carnegie Mellon, 1.

Next for Oberlin: Oct. 1 at Wittenberg, 1.

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

It is widely anticipated NBA officials will announce today the league is postponing the start of training camps -- scheduled to open Oct. 3 -- and the first slate of exhibition games after owners and locked-out players made no progress in labor talks Thursday in New York.

View full sizeLM Otero, Associated PressNBA Commissioner David Stern will brief the league's labor relations committee today on the status of negotiations.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Cavaliers fans hoping to catch a preseason glimpse of rookie Kyrie Irving might want to enroll their kids in his camp this weekend in Westlake.

That might be the last time anyone in Northeast Ohio sees a Cavalier in action for at least three more weeks.

It is widely anticipated NBA officials will announce today the league is postponing the start of training camps -- scheduled to open Oct. 3 -- and the first slate of exhibition games after owners and locked-out players made no progress in labor talks Thursday in New York. Camps and games are expected to be scratched through Oct. 15, according to Yahoo Sports, with the league re-evaluating the final two weeks of preseason on Oct. 1.

They are the first casualties of a lockout that began July 1.

NBA Commissioner David Stern told reporters he will brief the labor relations committee, of which Cavs owner Dan Gilbert is a member, today on the status of negotiations. The two sides met for five-plus hours and left the meeting with few updates.

"I have no announcement to make today, but the calendar is not our friend," Derek Fisher, president of the National Basketball Players Association, told reporters in New York.

The league offered no details to the players union about its revenue-sharing plan that Stern has vowed to substantially increase from $60 million, Fisher said.

The most interesting nugget from Thursday's talks, according to ESPN, is that owners are asking players to reduce their take of basketball-related revenue to well below 50 percent. The old collective bargaining agreement allotted the players 57 percent. It's believed the union was considering concessions that dropped its cut into the 52 to 54 percent range.

The players are resistant to a hard salary cap favored by some owners. With players' paychecks expected to stop in November, the league might wait another month to see if the union caves to its demands.

The Cavaliers do not expect to make any comment about the presumptive loss of preseason games except for letters, emails and phone calls to season-ticket holders and other partners. No tickets for Cavs preseason games, scheduled to begin Oct. 11, have been sold to the general public.

Several weeks ago, the franchise sent a letter to season-ticket holders detailing a loyalty benefits program. Those not requesting a refund will have the value of their investment increased by 5 percent for any game canceled, plus get to choose from two additional benefits that include tickets to other Cavs games and shows at The Q.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: treed@plaind.com, 216-999-4370

Green Bay travels to Chicago for a key NFC North Division game. Also, the Houston Texans are trying for their first 3-0 start, but the New Orleans Saints stand in the way.

View full sizeBrian Cassella, Chicago TribuneThe Bears need to figure out how to better protect quarterback Jay Cutler if they want to beat the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.

Green Bay (2-0) at Chicago (1-1)

When: 4:15 p.m. Sunday.

TV: WJW Channel 8.

Early line: Packers by 4.

The skinny: Packers opponents have three touchdowns in 11 trips inside the 20. . . . Packers QB Aaron Rodgers has won five of seven starts against Bears. He ranks second in NFL with 126.4 passer rating, connecting on 46 of 65 passes for 620 yards and five TDs with no interceptions. . . . Pro Bowl S Nick Collins suffered a season-ending neck injury in Sunday's win at Carolina. He will be replaced by Charlie Peprah. . . . Bears QB Jay Cutler has been sacked league-leading 11 times, matching total in final season with Denver in 2008. He was sacked 52 times last season. . . . Devin Hester has three TDs against Green Bay -- one receiving, two on punt returns. . . . Since entering the NFL in 2002, DE Julius Peppers is third in NFL with 91 sacks.

Pittsburgh (1-1) at Indianapolis (0-2)

When: 8:20 p.m.

TV: WKYC Channel 3.

Early line: Steelers by 11.

The skinny: Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger needs four TD passes to join former QB Terry Bradshaw as only Steeler with 150 TD passes. . . . Steelers WR Mike Wallace has five straight 100-yard receiving games. . . . Safety Troy Polamalu's next interception will tie Jack Lambert (28) for No. 9 on team's career list. . . . Colts WR Reggie Wayne needs two receptions to become second player in history with 800 career receptions, joining ex-teammate Marvin Harrison. Wayne also needs 80 yards to reach 11,000. . . . Indy DEs Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis have combined for 68 sacks in past 47 games.

View full sizeAPHouston quarterback Matt Schaub.

Houston (2-0) at New Orleans (1-1)

When: 1 p.m.

Early line: Saints by 5 1/2.

The skinny: Texans seek first 3-0 start in franchise history. . . . QB Matt Schaub has completed an NFL-best 71.7 percent of his passes (38 of 53). . . . Schaub passed for 293 yards, 2 TDs and was not intercepted in the teams' last meeting. . . . Saints QB Drew Brees has thrown a touchdown pass in 29 straight games and needs one vs. Texans to tie Dan Marino's mark of 30 with a TD pass between 1985 and '87. . . . Including playoffs, Brees has won 14 of his past 19 home starts, completing 500 of 712 passes (70.2 percent) for 5,533 yards with 46 TDs against 16 INTs. . . . RB-PR-KR Darren Sproles has a TD in each of his first two games with New Orleans.

Denver (1-1) at Tennessee (1-1)

When: 1 p.m.

Early line: Titans by 41/2.

The skinny: Denver is looking for 400th regular-season victory in franchise history. . . . Broncos have won three straight against Titans. . . . Kyle Orton threw for 341 yards with two touchdowns in beating Tennessee last season. Orton has 20 TDs and no interceptions when he has a 100 or better passer rating in nine games with Denver. . . . Titans QB Matt Hasselbeck has thrown for 621 yards, third-most in AFC behind Tom Brady (940) and Philip Rivers (713). He has had a 90 or better passer rating in first two games. . . . Chris Johnson has 24 career 100-yard rushing games. . . . RB Javon Ringer had Tennessee's first rushing TD last week.

View full sizeAPLions receiver Calvin Johnson.

Detroit (2-0) at Minnesota (0-2)

When: 1 p.m.

Early line: Lions by 4.

The skinny: Lions favored in road game against Vikings for first time since 1981. They haven't won in Minnesota since 1997, a streak of 13 straight losses at Metrodome. Overall, Vikings have won 20 of past 23 meetings. . . . Kickers Jason Hanson (Lions) and Ryan Longwell (Vikings) face each other for 29th time in their career. . . . Lions WR Calvin Johnson is tied for NFL lead with four touchdown catches. Since start of 2008 season, his 33 TD catches are most in league. . . . Vikings QB Donovan McNabb has one turnover in two games, a batted pass at line in opener, but ranks 29th in NFL in passer rating at 71.3. . . . Vikings RB Adrian Peterson set franchise record last week with 54th career rushing touchdown. In four home games against Lions, Peterson has run for 520 yards and six touchdowns.

San Francisco (1-1) at Cincinnati (1-1)

When: 1 p.m.

Early line: Bengals by 1.

The skinny: San Francisco starts weeklong stay in Ohio. Rather than returning to West Coast and coming back for game in Philadelphia after Sunday, 49ers will work out in Youngstown next week. . . . WR Braylon Edwards had a surgical procedure on right knee and is sidelined indefinitely. . . . QB Alex Smith has completed 70.5 percent of passes, second in NFC. . . . San Francisco hasn't lost a fumble. . . . Bengals had so many tickets left for home opener they announced last week it won't be sold out. . . . Rookie QB Andy Dalton trying for third straight game with passer rating above 100.

New England (2-0) at Buffalo (2-0)

When: 1 p.m.

Early line: Patriots by 9.

The skinny: QB Tom Brady's 39 touchdowns passing against Buffalo are most against any opponent. His 268 career TDs rank 10th in NFL, six shy of passing Joe Montana. . . . Patriots have scored 30 points in 10 straight games, NFL's second-longest streak behind 1999-2000 Rams, who did it in 14 consecutive games. . . . WRs Wes Welker and Deion Branch each averaging more than 100 yards receiving after two games. . . . Bills have four players -- P Brian Moorman, CB Terrence McGee, LB Chris Kelsay and PK Rian Lindell -- left who were on roster that beat New England in '03. . . . QB Ryan Fitzpatrick's seven TDs tied with Brady and Detroit's Matthew Stafford for league lead. . . . RB Fred Jackson leads NFL with 229 yards rushing.

N.Y. Giants (1-1) at Philadelphia (1-1)

When: 1 p.m.

Early line: Off.

The skinny: Eagles rallied from 21-point deficit, scoring 28 points in final 7:28 to defeat Giants, 38-31, on DeSean Jackson's punt return for TD on last play at New Meadowlands last Dec. 19. . . . Eagles have won six in a row over Giants. . . . WR Jeremy Maclin has five two-TD games in first 33 games. . . . CB Asante Samuel has four career interceptions off Eli Manning. . . . Manning will make 106th consecutive start.

Jacksonville (1-1) at Carolina (0-2)

When: 1 p.m.

Early line: Panthers by 31/2.

The skinny: Blaine Gabbert, No. 10 overall pick in draft, makes first start at Carolina, becoming third rookie quarterback to start this year. . . . RB Maurice Jones-Drew averaging 92.5 yards rushing per game and aims for third straight game with 100-plus rushing yards against NFC. He has three 100-yard rush games in past five road games. . . . WR Mike Thomas has two TDs in past three games against NFC teams. . . . Panthers No. 1 overall pick QB Cam Newton passed for single-game rookie record 432 yards last week and is first in NFL history with back-to-back 400-yard games to begin career. His 854 passing yards are most by player in first two NFL games . . . WR Steve Smith leads NFL with 334 receiving. yards. . . . WR Brandon LaFell is No. 3 receiver but has more catches (8) than starting WR Legedu Naanee (3).

Kansas City (0-2) at San Diego (1-1)

When: 4:05 p.m.

Early line: Chargers by 15.

The skinny: Chargers TE Antonio Gates has 12 TD catches vs. KC, his most vs. any opponent. Gates (537) needs five receptions to surpass Hall of Famer Kellen Winslow (541) for second-most in team history. First on list is another Hall of Famer, Charlie Joiner, the team's wide receivers coach. Gates needs TD catch to join Tony Gonzalez (90) as second TE in NFL history with 70 TD catches. . . . Gates held without catch in San Diego's 35-21 loss at New England last Sunday, and only pass to him was intercepted. . . . Chiefs outscored, 89-10, through two games. The 1989 Steelers that were put together by coach Todd Haley's father, Dick Haley, started season by getting outscored, 92-10, but beat Vikings in Week 3. They finished 9-7 and won playoff game before losing to John Elway's Broncos.

N.Y. Jets (2-0) at Oakland (1-1)

When: 4:05 p.m.

Early line: Jets by 31/2.

The skinny: Jets RB LaDainian Tomlinson has 2,017 yards rushing and 25 total TDs in 18 career games against Raiders. Tomlinson needs one TD to join Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith as only players with at least 160 in career. . . . Jets had four INTs last week against Jacksonville, including two by CB Antonio Cromartie. . . . Jets RBs have two rushes for at least 10 yards with long of 12 by Shonn Greene. . . . Raiders RB Darren McFadden averaging 130.9 yards per game from scrimmage since beginning of last season, second in league to Arian Foster at 132.9. . . . Oakland rookie WR Denarius Moore had 5 catches for 146 yards and a TD last week.

Baltimore (1-1) at St. Louis (0-2)

When: 4:05 p.m.

Early line: Ravens by 4.

The skinny: RB Ray Rice leads Ravens in yards rushing (150) and receptions (9). RB Cadillac Williams leads Rams in yards rushing (127) and receptions (8). . . . Ravens lead AFC with plus-5 turnover ratio. . . . WR Anquan Boldin has 1,064 career yards receiving vs. Rams with six 100-yard games. . . . Rams QB Sam Bradford threw for career best 331 yards last week, but team has scored only two TDs in first two games and was thwarted three times inside the 10 last week. . . . WR Danario Alexander had three receptions for career-high 122 yards and TD last week in season debut.

Arizona (1-1) at Seattle (0-2)

When: 4:15 p.m.

Early line: Cardinals by 3.

The skinny: Cardinals QB Kevin Kolb is fifth in league in passer rating at 110.3. . . . WR Larry Fitzgerald is 99 yards shy of passing Roy Green for most yards receiving in franchise history. . . . Fitzgerald also four TDs shy of passing Green's club record of 69 total TDs. . . . Cardinals lead NFL averaging 8.26 yards per play on first down. . . . Seahawks run game absent in first two weeks with 95 total yards rushing. Twenty other teams have run for at least double the yards as Seahawks through two weeks. . . . RB Marshawn Lynch has carried 19 times for 44 yards in two games. . . . Longest rush of 13 yards belongs to WR Ben Obomanu.

Atlanta (1-1) at Tampa Bay (1-1)

When: 4:15 p.m.

Early line: Buccaneers by 1.

The skinny: Atlanta QB Matt Ryan is 7-1 over past eight starts within division, and he has won past five starts against Bucs. . . . Falcons RB Michael Turner has been tough on Tampa Bay, with 380 yards and four TDs rushing in past four meetings. . . . TE Tony Gonzalez led Falcons in receiving with 12 catches for 155 yards and two TDs against Eagles, moving into fifth place on all-time career receptions list with 1,081. . . . Bucs TE Kellen Winslow Jr. has caught a pass in 78 consecutive games. . . . Bucs RB LeGarrette Blount scored two second-half touchdowns to defeat Vikings last week. Last time he faced Falcons, Blount rushed for 103 yards and one TD.

Washington (2-0) at Dallas (1-1)

When: 8:30 p.m.

TV: ESPN.

Early line: Off.

The skinny: Redskins going for first 3-0 start since 2005. They have never started season with three consecutive victories against NFC teams. . . . QB Rex Grossman has started five games for Washington, and has three of his four career 300-yard games. That includes last December against Dallas with 322 yards and four TDs. . . . Dallas has lost both of its home openers at Cowboys Stadium, in 2009 against the New York Giants and last year vs. Chicago. . . . Cowboys trying to avoid consecutive Monday night losses for only time since 1999. . . . Dallas LB DeMarcus Ware has NFL-high four sacks.