Plain Dealer Browns beat writer Tony Grossi answers readers' questions about the team and the NFL.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerDoes this guy look fragile to you? Despite the appearance, Browns lineman Tony Pashos has been dealing with injuries.

Q: Hey, Tony: I'm pretty frustrated with Tony Pashos. How can an offensive tackle be so fragile? Joe Thomas and Alex Mack have not missed a single game since they were drafted. Knowing this, and I know it's early, but do you think the RT position will be addressed in next year's draft? Also, why do you think Tom Heckert was OK with keeping someone as a starter with such durability issues? -- Joshua Reed, White Oak, Pa.

A: Hey, Joshua: Heckert committed to Pashos when he gave him a big free-agent contract in 2010. A GM can't change his mind after one injury-plagued season. After two? We'll see.

Q: Hey, Tony: Am I missing something or is President Mike Holmgren being unusually quiet after the debacle that was the Cincinnati game? Is it possible that even the Mighty Walrus has given up in the face of unrelenting Browns bumbling? -- PJ Dailey, Dallas

A: Hey, PJ: Holmgren didn't make any public comments after the Browns rebounded with a win in Indianapolis, either. He is trying to stay in the background and allow coach Pat Shurmur and GM Tom Heckert to be the team spokesmen.

Q: Hey, Tony: From what little we have seen from Colt McCoy, in your professional opinion, when Colt reaches his full potential, do you see him being in the same category as [Drew] Brees, [Philip] Rivers, [Aaron] Rodgers, [Peyton] Manning and [Tom] Brady? Also, sometimes it seems like he holds the ball too long. Is that a byproduct of the receivers not getting open or him not seeing the open receiver in time? -- Dan Desai, Toledo, Ohio

A: Hey, Dan: Your first question is the $100 million question. Can McCoy be in the same category as the quarterbacks you name? I don't know the answer. But I do know McCoy has to be in that same company for the Browns eventually to make it to the Super Bowl.

Q: Hey, Tony: You repeatedly keep bringing up 10-22 for any answer to a question regarding the prior head coach. Simple yes or no question: Is two years long enough to make an assessment? I'm assuming you think it was better to change systems once again rather than start an unprecedented third year in the same system. -- Mike B, Dover, Ohio

A: Hey, Mike: Yes, two years is long enough to make an assessment of a coach's program. Absolutely. Now, that's not to say a coach has to take his team to the Super Bowl in two years. But you can tell whether a program is working or not in two years.

Q: Hey, Tony: With all the change the Browns were facing at the start of this season, expectations should be realistic. I think the front office is doing a fine job building the team, and the players seem to sense it, too. They all seem to want to be in Cleveland, which is more than we can say for past years. Does that seem true from your discussions with the players? -- Dave Jackson, Blacklick, Ohio

A: Hey, Dave: Management has done a good job of weeding out players who were bad influences on younger players. That weeding-out process actually started under coach Eric Mangini. Now the locker room is without any bad influences.

Q: Hey, Tony: In your Sept. 11 column, you stated, "The league is extremely sensitive to not elongate games and further disrupt its pace by excessive replay reviews." With the excessive play stoppage for commercial breaks, isn't this sentiment laughable? -- Ray Novotny, Youngstown

A: Hey, Ray: Touche.

Q: Hey, Tony: Any reason Marcus Benard is not starting over Jayme Mitchell other than Mitchell is a Heckert guy? Bernard looks much better than Mitchell regardless of what weight he came into camp with. -- Michael Spitale, Galena, Ohio

A: Hey, Michael: The other reason is Benard is learning a new position, whereas Mitchell has much more experience playing defensive end in the 4-3 system.

Q: Hey, Tony: What an amazing week. I wrapped a wet towel around my head and produced so much steam that it finally rained here this week. Also, you kept your thoughts to yourself and the Browns won. Hopefully next week we can have similar results! -- Curtis MacDonald, San Antonio

A: Hey, Curtis: Told ya.

Q: Hey, Tony: What do the Browns get out of scapegoating Richmond McGee? A national championship punter with several bowl games under his belt, and time with the Eagles and Bears, it is laughable that butterflies played any part in McGee's performance against the Bengals. McGee's biggest fault was his desire to stay in the game and do his job despite an injury. I don't know how many punters have what it takes to put five good punts in the air with a herniated disc, but I know McGee is that tough. The team sent McGee for an MRI on Monday where the herniated disc below L5 was diagnosed. As to conversations between friends McGee and Brad Maynard, what successful NFL player wouldn't be as positive as possible and want to play despite pain and injury? McGee has the talent and grit we need -- here's hoping he rehabs and gets back in the game. In preseason, McGee punted 22 times for a net average 43.2 yards -- sixth in the NFL. Only two punters had more punts, and only five had a higher net (and none of those five had a high number of punts). -- Martin Holly, Bay Village

A: Hey, Martin: I think the Browns would have been better served by adding a second punter in training camp to compete with and challenge McGee. Then they would have had a better read on his mental makeup. I believe there was a lot of concern about McGee going into that first game.

Q: Hey, Tony: So Tony, let's have it -- does receiver Brian Robiskie have any future here at all? We all watched him a lot for the Buckeyes, and I always thought he would be a decent pro. For some reason though, he just isn't putting up any kind of numbers. What's your take? -- David Mack, South Euclid

A: Hey, David: I am predicting that Robiskie will have a fine NFL career. If not here, then someplace else.

Q: Hey, Tony: Here are a few observations following week two of the season: Joe Haden will become a Pro Bowl corner; Phil Taylor will be a good player but Jabaal Sheard was the best defensive lineman picked in the draft last year; we need to use one of our first-round picks next year on an offensive right tackle; Colt McCoy has intelligence, poise and leadership to go with an accurate arm, with the only question being whether he has the arm strength to battle the late-season wind and cold in Cleveland; Pat Shurmur has the demeanor and presence of a head coach and will become a good one; we are a year away with another good draft, using our extra picks wisely and signing a couple of good free agents; and the No. 1 pick this year will not be traded away because of Andrew Luck. Agree or disagree? -- Paul Naudain, Portland, Ore.

A: Hey, Paul: Agree, undecided, agree, agree, agree, agree, agree.

Q: Hey, Tony: Take a look at the replay of the first penalty flag thrown on Joe Haden in the Colts game. You can see the flag come flying into view before he ever touched the receiver. Do you think that his monster game against the Bengals influenced the calls in this game? Or do you think he interfered with the receiver before the cameras cut to him? -- Kirk Parsons, Medina

A: Hey, Kirk: I don't think Haden's performance in the Bengals game had anything to do with the penalties in the Colts game.

Q: Hey, Tony: What's up with no throws to Robiskie? -- Bill Everman, Wesley Chapel, Fla.

A: Hey, Bill: Must not have been open.

Q: Hey, Tony: I see promise in this team, but one thing keeps me asking "What the heck?" In both games we have had third and short and we go to an empty backfield. Has anyone asked the coach why? I may be old school, but would not having a fullback and running back behind the QB give you options? If both backs hit the three hole, linebackers would pull up, opening the seam route or a slant route if you want to pass, but also, with Hillis, why not run? I am not opposed to passing, but when you have a bulldozer in your backfield that the other team respects, why take that threat out of your play and become one-dimensional? -- Ken Pierson, Pinehurst, N.C.

A: Hey, Ken: I've never been a fan of the empty-backfield look. I understand the concept is that it increases the options of short passes, or extended handoffs. I've just never been comfortable with it.

Q: Hey, Tony: I am not sure if it is a good/bad thing, but all of Colt's big plays so far this year seem to come on broken plays. When he is out of the pocket running around he has hit Mohamed Massaquoi twice on his two longest throws this year. He has also thrown two of his three TDs while scrambling. Is that a bad thing that we are not succeeding on drawn-up plays but rather backyard ball, or a good thing that he can make it happen? -- Michael Spitale, Galena, Ohio

A: Hey, Michael: I have made the same observations and am frankly struggling with the answers. It's good that McCoy can extend plays, but I would like to see more plays made with him in the pocket.

Q: Hey, Tony: In the postgame conference coach Shurmur indicated that receivers Greg Little, Josh Cribbs, and Mohamed Massaquoi were in the game plan. Where is Robiskie? I thought he'd be the No. 1 receiver. In games he hasn't shown any indication that he can't play . . . yet he has the hardest time getting game time as well as targets in consecutive games. I read some rumors about his rookie season, but it all remains a mystery to me. What is the deal with him? How is he doing in practice? Are there personal problems? Talent issues? -- Clint Mayo, Wichita, Kan.

A: Hey, Clint: I can't put my finger on why Robiskie has not blossomed. I thought it would happen by now. I don't see any receiver working any harder than him. I don't see him dropping passes. It just seems on game days, he is not in the flow of the game or game plan. There are no issues or problems, to my knowledge. He is a really good person and dedicated player. A lot of people have been rooting for him and I am one of them.

Q: Hey, Tony: I hate to be critical of decisions after a win but a few things were baffling to me. 1.) First and goal and coach Pat Shurmur elects to hand off twice to an untested back while our workhorse bulldozer of a back watches from the sidelines. You have to have your best players on the field during these opportunities. 2.) On a third-and-1 play you try to get fancy and hand it to a fullback who hadn't run the ball all day. Once again get the ball in the hands of your best players. Hillis moves piles yet he was a glorified spectator. I am starting to wonder if this is a curse of the Browns, but every coach we have had seems to forget rule No. 1: Get the ball to your best players in critical situations! -- Gary Alfrey, Medina

A: Hey, Gary: 1. I can't explain that one. 2. Ditto.

Q: Hey, Tony: After reading previous questions I just figured I'd be a voice of positivity for you. Congrats Brownies for the win in Indy. I don't care if the Colts were without their star QB, there were 21 other positions on the field where the starter was playing. Mistakes were made, but who cares? We beat them! We can still go 15-1! Good luck against Miami! -- Jared Smith, Layton, Utah

A: Hey, Jared: Just one point of fact: They don't need to go 15-1 for a successful season.

Q: Hey, Tony: Are there any unsigned free-agent wide receivers still on the market? Also, why in the world did Holmgren not address this need in the off-season? -- Chris Robbins, Avon

A: Hey, Chris: Terrell Owens comes to mind. The Browns are not going to add a receiver unless they suffer injuries to the position. Holmgren and Heckert wanted to evaluate their receivers in the Shurmur offensive system before making any transactions.

Q: Hey, Tony: How much playing time is tight end Evan Moore getting? If he's not seeing much time, why not and what will it take to get this sure-handed big guy on the field? -- Lynn Langbein, Rockville, Md.

A: Hey, Lynn: I believe Moore's time in Indianapolis was limited because of the fact they wanted to use Alex Smith as a blocking tight end to help in the blocking of the Colts' defensive ends.

Q: Hey, Tony: Realize you have not been a fan of trading down, but Phil Taylor looks like a playmaker so far. I am not sure Julio Jones would have been a breakout star here, and we got a ton of picks. I doubt Atlanta goes 14-2 again, they have a tough schedule, and with both first-round picks, we can continue to build through the draft, which we are committed to. What do you think of the trade now? -- Tom P., Chapel Hill, N.C.

A: Hey, Tom: I think the same of the trade now as I did then. I said I was uneasy with the trade, but understood it and felt the trade would look a lot better in 2012 than right now. Taylor is off to a better start than I envisioned, but nobody can tell me that Jones wouldn't be helping the Browns right now. As for the "ton of picks," keep in mind the Browns had to surrender a third-round pick to trade up when they felt Taylor would not last for them. I know I am in the small minority on this issue. It's not a closed book.

Q: Hey, Tony: What ever happened to Jordan Norwood? Is he going to get some more reps? Also, what do you think is going to happen to Brian Robiskie because of how poorly he has been playing? -- Malek Abumeri, Cleveland

A: Hey, Malek: Norwood has been active in both games but hasn't gotten much action. I think Robiskie is going to have to make something happen soon or he will fade into backup status.

Q: Hey, Tony: When the Browns were looking for a punter after Richmond McGee's injury, did they consider bringing back Scott Player and his single-bar facemask? -- Nick Marek, Woodmere

A: Hey, Nick: They did not.

Q: Hey, Tony: Everyone saw how electric Julio Jones was in the Sunday night game against the Eagles. Looking at what the Browns already have from the trade with the Falcons so far, do you still think the trade should not have been made? -- Mark Monroe, Martinez, Calif.

A: Hey, Mark: At this point, yes.

Q: Hey, Tony: To this untrained eye, it appears to me this is the first time since Marty Schottenheimer we are on the upswing. Do you get the same impression as I? -- Dennis Bartlett, Queensbury, N.Y.

A: Hey, Dennis: I like what I see, but until a coach takes the Browns to the playoffs, Butch Davis will remain the best coach of the expansion era.

Q: Hey, Tony: We obviously could use some veteran help at WR. Why don't we pick up T.J. Houshmandzadeh? He's a solid receiver and he could teach the rookies a thing or two. Plus it wouldn't cost that much to sign him. -- David Brookins, Enon, Ohio

A: Hey, David: What could Houshmandzadeh teach them, how to drop a pass in a crucial moment in a playoff game? Gimme a break.

Q: Hey, Tony: As a career radio person I'm curious about what goes through the headsets that the coaches wear. Who talks to whom? Are there mini-voice networks for, say, the defensive coaches and offensive coaches? How many voices (through the headset, that is) does the head coach hear during a game? How many people can he talk to at once? -- Tom Bartunek, Princeton, N.J.

A: Hey, Tom: The head coach has two lines, one connected to the offensive coaches and one to the defensive coaches. When he talks, all the coaches on that side of ball hear him.

Q: Hey, Tony: Is it possible that your comment about the decline of the Steelers was one year early? -- Ted Belak, Sierra Madre, Calif.

A: Hey, Ted: I'd like to say "I had that story a year ago," but I'm a little gun-shy at this point. The truth is I have the utmost respect for the Steelers organization.

Q: Hey, Tony: Looking at the stats the top three tacklers for Miami are in the secondary with Bell, Jones, Davis, which are, by position safety, safety, CB. For Cleveland it's D'Qwell Jackson, Phil Taylor and then T.J. Ward. What (if anything) does this tell us about each defense for Sunday's game? -- Pat Burma, Denver

A: Hey, Pat: It tells us the Dolphins have given up a ton of yards in the air to Tom Brady and Matt Schaub and that tends to pad the tackling numbers of defensive backs.

Q: Hey, Tony: 1. After the Browns hired Shurmur, one of the many knocks I heard on him from St. Louis fans was his dink-and-dunk play-calling. After two games I'm starting to think the criticism might have some merit. It seemed the Browns had more success when they stretched thefield on the pass plays to Watson and Moore in the first game, but I didn't see hardly any of that in the second game. Are our receivers just not getting open or is it a matter of play calling or both? 2. There were a number of second and shorts that I kept yelling at the TV for themto go long and then they do a 5-yard slant and/or a screen to Hillis on the right. I know some of those converted to first downs but teams are going to continually stack the box to stop Hillis until we start at least attempting to stretch the field. I just don't get why they aren't. -- Ryan Branford, Fort Bragg, N.C.

A: Hey, Ryan: 1. I think you have to consider every variable when comparing Shurmur's offense in St. Louis to the one now. He had a rookie quarterback, a rookie left tackle and no receivers because of rampant injuries. I think this offense is only two games old and will evolve as the season goes along. 2. The Colts' cover-2 defense does not allow an offense to stretch the field with deep throws. They concede short passes and most teams attack them that way.

Q: Hey, Tony: Have the extensions given out this off-season been front-loaded to give the team more flexibility in future seasons, where they have a better chance to contend? -- Chris Zanon, Canton

A: Hey, Chris: I don't know what you mean by "front-loaded." Listen, the salary cap is not going to be a problem for this team moving forward. It is not an impediment to building the team. The smart GMs always overcome salary-cap restrictions by manipulating the cap, restructuring other contracts and using the draft deftly.

Q: Hey, Tony: Is Jeff Maehl a better wide receiver than any on the Browns' roster? -- William McCormick, La Canada, Calif.

A: Hey, William: Jeff Maehl? You got me on that one.

Q: Hey, Tony: Now that the deadline has passed for extending contracts for franchised players, has the team conceded that they will have a new kicker next season? -- Jason Blankenship, Medina

A: Hey, Jason: Well, they can always re-sign Phil Dawson to a new deal after the season. But I believe this is Dawson's last season with the Browns.

For a variety of reasons, rookies have benefited from the NFL labor dispute and are making a surprisingly quick impact on their teams.

View full sizeChuck Burton, Associated PressPanthers rookie quarterback Cam Newton has put up record numbers during the first two games of the season.

But the early trend appears to be the exact opposite. Throughout the NFL, more rookies are playing, and more are making immediate contributions than first thought.

The Browns are getting immediate contributions from five rookies: defensive tackle Phil Taylor, defensive end Jabaal Sheard, receiver Greg Little, fullback Owen Marecic and left guard Jason Pinkston.

Elsewhere:

• Carolina quarterback Cam Newton has accounted for five touchdowns and is averaging an amazing 10.29 yards per pass attempt, while Cincinnati's Andy Dalton has a passer rating of 105.7.

• Receivers A.J. Green of Cincinnati (11 catches, 165 yards, two TD), Julio Jones of Atlanta (seven catches, five for first downs), Titus Young of Detroit (17.8-yard average) and Jonathan Baldwin of Kansas City (17.4 average) have made their marks.

• Green Bay's Randall Cobb leads the NFL with a 45.8-yard kickoff return average and has a TD of 108 yards, while Arizona's Patrick Peterson leads with a 32.0-yard punt return average with an 89-yard TD.

• Washington linebacker Ryan Kerrigan has a sack and interception return for a TD, Denver linebacker Von Miller has a sack, Jets lineman Muhammad Wilkerson has a sack and Washington nose tackle Chris Neild has two sacks.

• Seven offensive linemen besides Pinkston have made starts in each of their team's two games.

Why are rookies making an impact so soon this year? We talked to three league sources -- two are general managers -- and came up with the following reasons.

1. Teams were forced to do less schematically because of the condensed training camp.

"People probably aren't using more than 60-70 percent of the playbook, leaguewide. You got to a point, after your second preseason game, you had to start getting ready for the regular-season opener, getting the game plan in place, etc.," said one GM.

"It obviously created less of a learning curve for rookies," said the other GM.

2. Eight teams with new head coaches -- 25 percent of the teams -- are under less pressure to win and are eager to play their rookies.

"They want to grow with the roster," said one GM.

The third source noted, "Many of these rookies got a tremendous amount of the reps in camp."

Some teams without new coaches also are not shy in playing rookies.

"The organizations that are not coach-driven in terms of player personnel decisions will always be more willing to play rookies," a GM said.

3. The new CBA is more rookie-friendly.

The reinstituted salary cap, which was slashed back to the 2008 figure of about $120 million, has put a lot of veterans out of work. Teams replaced them with rookies.

"The CBA is very favorable to teams, and future holdouts will be virtually nonexistent," said one source. "So if teams can get rookies up to speed more quickly with early game experience, teams will reap the benefits for a longer period of time, and before rookies acquire unrestricted free-agent rights.

"Plus, rookies are cheaper than vets, and rookies are more compliant than some vets, making it easier for coaches to coach."

The lockout also delayed free agency until training camps were set to open, discouraging teams from spending money on older players.

"The teams that weren't active in the late pro free-agency process decided to count on rookies to fill their holes," said one GM.

Does the early trend mean that stodgy coaches who historically treated rookies like lepers will change their attitude in the future?

"I think you still have to think of the locker room," said one GM. "If you force guys in before they're ready, it can be a morale killer in the locker room. But when you're fighting for your life as a head coach, you don't have time for no rookies. You have to put people out there to save your job."

And that will always be the case.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: tgrossi@plaind.com, 216-999-4670

On Twitter: @Tony Grossi

In the first game of a day-night doubleheader against the Twins, Duncan, starting in left field, went 1-for-3 with three RBI and a two quality defensive plays as the Tribe rolled, 8-2.

View full sizeAssociated PressCleveland Indians' Shelley Duncan is congratulated by teammates after hitting a home run against Minnesota Twins during the seventh inning.

Not long after the Class AAA Columbus shuttle brought him to Cleveland for the fourth time Aug. 19, Shelley Duncan got busy. He began providing evidence that he is more than just an ultra-intense, humorous clubhouse presence who contributes once in a while on the field.

The latest samples came Saturday at Progressive Field. Duncan, starting in left field for both games of a day-night doubleheader, went a combined 3-for-7 with two doubles and six RBI as the Indians swept the Twins. The Indians (80-78) have won four in a row. Minnesota fell to 60-98.

In the afternoon, Duncan was 1-for-3 with three RBI and a two quality defensive plays in an 8-2 victory. In the evening, Duncan was 2-for-4 with three RBI as the Tribe rallied from six down to win, 7-6.

Since the recall Aug. 19, Duncan is 25-for-88 (.284), including 19-for-69 (.275) with six homers and team-high 20 RBI in 22 September games.

"Shelley's picked us up this last month, big-time, as we've lost some guys," Indians manager Manny Acta said. "He's been huge in the middle of our lineup."

Overall, Duncan has 10 homers and 44 RBI with the Tribe.

"There's a saying: 'The beautiful part about this game is that there's always tomorrow,'" Duncan said. "But when you're a bench player, there's always maybe next week. That can make it tough."

Duncan's intensity can work against him in a minimalist role.

"When you only get a few at-bats here and there, you can start pressing and beating yourself up over each one," he said. "When you play as much as I've been playing lately, you can throw away the bad games as soon as they end. It allows you to stay in a good frame of mind."

Where mechanics are concerned, the 6-5 Duncan credits hitting coach Bruce Fields for making sure the backside stays firm and the head still.

"Bruce has helped make my swing short and consistent," Duncan said.

The Dunc Tank was open for business in the first inning of the opener.

Jason Kipnis hit a one-out single in the first off lefty Brian Duensing. Travis Hafner hit a two-out single up the middle, Kipnis racing for third. Kipnis narrowly beat center fielder Denard Span's throw. Duncan fell behind, 1-2, then s crushed an off-speed pitch to left-center for a two-run double.

Duensing, locked in a duel with David Huff, retired nine straight between Duncan's double and Matt LaPorta's walk in the fourth. He exited after five strong innings but trailed, 2-1.

The Twins' offense unhooked Duensing with a run in the sixth, but the damage could have been worse against Huff. Luke Hughes hit a liner toward the left-field line that Duncan snared on the run.

"Playing outfield always has been fun for me -- left or right," said Duncan, who also made a semi-leaping catch at the wall. "It reminds me of when I was a kid, when my brother and I used to shag in the outfield during batting practice."

Zach Putnam relieved Huff and struck out Joe Benson swinging. The Tribe offense put Putnam in line for his first major-league victory by dropping a six-spot on Twins relievers Francisco Liriano and Jim Hoey.

Liriano, simply trying to get some work in after an injury, did the bulk of the gas-canning. He walked Kipnis and Carlos Santana and plunked Hafner. Duncan bagged his third RBI with a sacrifice fly that put the Tribe ahead for good.

Huff was not lights-out, but he did more than enough to give himself peace of mind entering the offseason. He allowed the two runs on eight hits and struck out a career-best seven in 5 innings.

In his previous four starts, Huff went 0-4 with a 7.11 ERA in 19 innings.

"I was very impressed with his fastball," Acta said. "He had very good life on his fastball, and he was able to use his changeup and breaking ball effectively."

Huff went 2-6 with a 4.09 ERA in 11 appearances (10 starts) with Cleveland. He spent most of the season in Columbus.

"From where I was at the beginning of the season to where I am now, I made some huge strides," he said. "They told me I'm going to be fighting for a spot in the rotation next year. I've been doing that for the last few years."

Not all the news from the opener was good. Center fielder Trevor Crowe came up empty on a diving attempt of Ben Revere's first-inning fly ball and strained his left shoulder. He will undergo tests today and is done for the season.

In the second game, the Indians were in serious trouble through 51/2 innings. Minnesota scored one run in the first, two in the second and knocked out Mitch Talbot in a three-run sixth.

Twins lefty Scott Diamond carried a three-hitter into the sixth. Then it went sideways for him.

With one out, Santana doubled. Jim Thome walked. Duncan ripped an RBI single to left and Chisenhall hit an RBI double to right. Twins manager Ron Gardenhire hooked Diamond for righty Alex Burnett.

Lou Marson punched an RBI single to right and Cord Phelps drove in a run with a grounder to first. Ezequiel Carrera pulled the Indians within 6-5 with a single to right. Lefty Jose Mijares relieved Burnett and fanned Fukudome.

Jason Donald, who had replaced Asdrubal Cabrera at shortstp, led off the Tribe seventh with a single. Donald moved to second on Santana's single. Thome was called out on strikes.

Gardenhire opted for the righty Matt Capps to face Duncan. Duncan spoiled a nasty full-count pitch, then lined a two-run double to left for the 7-6 advantage. Santana motored around the bases as fast as he has all year.

Lefty Nick Hagadone worked a hitless seventh to earn his first major-league victory. Tony Sipp pitched the eighth and Chris Perez earned his 36th save.

Cabrera exited because of a left-elbow contusion, the result of a hit-by-pitch Friday.

After scoring six runs in the sixth inning in Game 1, the Indians score five in the sixth in Game 2 on the way of erasing a 6-0 deficit for a 7-6 victory and a doubleheader sweep.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Shelley Duncan's two-run double in the seventh inning Saturday night gave the Indians a 7-6 victory over the Twins as they rallied from a six-run deficit to sweep a day-night doubleheader at Progressive Field. They won the first game, 8-2.

Duncan's game-winning double gave him three RBI for the game and six for the doubleheader. The Indians, with 80 wins, have won eight of their last 11 games. The Twins have lost 16 of their last 18.

The win went to rookie lefty Nick Hagadone (1-0) for his first big-league win. Rookie Zach Putnam (1-1) won his first big-league game in the first game.

Chris Perez earned is 36th save in the nightcap.

Jason Donald and Carlos Santana started the seventh with singles against Jose Mijares (1-1) after the Indians scored five runs in the sixth to cut Minnesota's from 6-0 to 6-5. After Jim Thome struck out, Matt Capps relieved to face Duncan. The Tribe's left fielder lined a 3-2 pitch down the left field line to for a 7-6 lead.

The double gave Duncan 20 RBI in September.

Twins rookie left-hander Scott Diamond entered the sixth with a 6-0 lead, but lost control of the game. A double by Santana and a walk by Thome started the one-out rally. The next five hitters all drove in runs.

Duncan started it with a single to left. Lonnie Chisenhall followed with a double to make it 6-2 and knock Diamond out of the game.

Alex Burnett relieved and Lou Marson hit an RBI single to right and Cord Phelps scored Chisenhall from third on a roller down the first baseline. Ezequiel Carrera made it 6-5 with a single to right before Mijares relieved and ended the inning.

Mitch Talbot, in his first start for the Indians since July 8, got knocked around early and often. In 5 1/3 innings, he allowed six runs on nine hits and four walks. Four of the hits went for extra bases.

The Twins, who entered the sixth leading, 3-0, scored three times off Talbot to make it 6-0. After Brian Dinkelman walked and Matt Tolbert singled, Drew Butera brought them home with a single for a 5-0 lead. It gave Butera three RBI for the game.

Rookie Josh Judy relieved, but gave up a double to Ben Revere to send Butera to third. Trevor Plouffe scored Butera with a sacrifice fly to make it 6-0.

Talbot, activated before the game, threw 106 pitches, including 64 strikes.

Diamond, who made his big league debut against the Indians on July 18 at Target Field, allowed four runs on six hits in 5 1/3 innings. He walked two and struck out one.   

The Twins took a 1-0 lead in the first on Danny Valencia's sacrifice fly. They made it 3-0 in the second as Dinkelman doubled and scored on Butera;s triple. Revere followed with an RBI single.

The Indians didn't have a hit until Phelps and Carrera singled in the third. Phelps hit ended an 0-for-27 slump.

Plain Dealer Indians beat writer Paul Hoynes answers readers' questions about the Tribe and Major League Baseball.

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerPitcher Mitch Talbot is back on the Indians' 40-man roster.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: With the loss of Drew Pomeranz, Alex White and Carlos Carrasco, do you think the Indians need to put Mitch Talbot back on the 40-man roster? Also, do you think they should go after free agent Aaron Harang to shore up our starting staff? He has had a good year so we probably can't afford him. -- Joe Eversole, Pelham, Ala.

A: Hey, Joe: You must be a mind-reader. The Indians put Talbot on the 40-man roster so he could start against the Twins on Saturday in the second game of a day-night doubleheader. I'm sure the Indians will pursue some free-agent pitchers this winter. They were interested in Harang last winter, but perhaps he'll re-sign with San Diego.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: Who is the player to be named later in the Jim Thome deal? -- Lou Kovach, Cary, N.C.

A: Hey, Lou: The player to be named is Cash . . . $20,000 to be exact.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: Do minor leaguers get an increase in their salaries when called up to the major leagues? Do major leaguers, such as Matt LaPorta, get a reduction when sent down? With as many "call ups" from Columbus as the Tribe has had this year, does it impact their overall team salary expenses? And how the heck did the Clippers manage to do so well when they lost so many of their best players to the parent team? -- John Riter, North Royalton

A: Hey, John: Several players who have bounced between Cleveland and Columbus this year are on split contracts in which they earn one amount in the big leagues and one in the minors. LaPorta, for instance, makes $441,700 in Cleveland and $222,600 in the minors. If a minor leaguer isn't on a split contract and gets called up, he has to get paid at a prorated percentage of the major league minimum of $414,000.

Clippers manager Mike Sarbaugh credited the farm system with supplying good replacements when they lost players to the Indians.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: What's the status of baseball's CBA? When does it expire? Can the small-market teams gang up on the money teams and say "No more of this garbage. We want fair a playing field"? -- Patrick Nardini, Sault Ste Marie, Mich.

A: Hey, Patrick: The current contract between the players and owners ends in December. As far as leveling the playing field, I don't think that's going to happen. In baseball the playing field has never been level.

Changes could be made in the amateur draft so it can do what it was designed to do -- help the teams with the worst records the year before get the best players available. That's not how it works now.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: My father, Dick Edmond, was a sportswriter for over 35 years. Logic tells me you crossed paths with him from time to time. As we draw to the 13th year since his passing, what do you think he would say today to me (and his grandsons) about the state of the Tribe? -- Todd Edmond, Tiffin, Ohio

A: Hey, Todd: I never had the pleasure of meeting your father. I would think, if he could deliver a message to you and his grandsons, it would be the one all Indians fans have learned to live by, "endure and persist."

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: Four years ago Grady Sizemore was the talk of the major leagues. Are there any other reasons (besides the multiple injuries) that his overall game has declined? He is making errors on balls now that would have been easy outs earlier in his career. -- Tim Corbett, Ladera Ranch, Calif.

A: Hey, Tim: There is no hidden reason for Sizemore's decline outside of injuries. He's undergone surgery four times in the past three years.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: Can you tell us a bit about some of our position players in the farm system who might be ready to challenge in 2012 spring training? -- Charlie Rossi, Rocky River

A: Hey, Charlie: Most of them are already here. That includes Carlos Santana, Jason Kipnis, Lonnie Chisenhall, Ezequiel Carrera and Jason Donald.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: Do the Indians still have Anthony Reyes in their future plans? -- Matt Henryson, West Des Moines, Iowa

A: Hey, Matt: The Indians released Reyes so the answer would be no.

Q: Hey, Hoynsie: Two years ago two of the top pitching prospects in the Indians organization were Hector Rondon and Kevin De La Cruz. Both were rated higher than Jeanmar Gomez or David Huff. Any chance either or both will return and give the Tribe some starting pitching depth in 2012? -- Mitch Schwartz, Fairfield, Calif.

A: Hey, Mitch: Rondon is still recovering from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. We'll have to see how he pitches in spring training. De La Cruz's future is probably in the bullpen and he could help the Tribe there in the near future.

-- Hoynsie

Ramirez is saying he'd like to return to baseball after retiring in April in order to avoid a 100-game suspension. Indians officials should resist the urge to bring him here.

View full sizeAPManny Ramirez, once one of the most talented hitters in the majors, now is more trouble than he's worth.

As much as the current front office wanted, it could never completely cut the cord with the great Indians team from the 1990s. When Mark Shapiro was general manager and rumors surfaced about Jim Thome, Manny Ramirez or Omar Vizquel returning to Cleveland, he'd say he wasn't putting the old band back together.

Then he re-signed Lofton for the stretch run in 2007. Lofton helped the Indians win the AL Central and reach Game 7 of the ALCS. Something else was discovered. Every time Lofton came to bat at Progressive Field, the fans rose and applauded. The connection with those teams and players was deeper than anyone realized.

This year GM Chris Antonetti, Shapiro's right hand for several years, dipped into the past to bring back Thome for a stretch run that fizzled. The reaction from the fans was the same. Thome, who topped 600 homers before his return, has put fannies in the seats and a couple of homers over the wall. He's helped a season of improvement end the right way.

Lofton has retired. Thome could join him this winter. The ageless Vizquel, 44, wants to continue playing. He would make a good addition to a team that will probably start youngsters at second (Jason Kipnis) and third base (Lonnie Chisenhall) next year.

But Ramirez is the most intriguing ghost from the past. Just last week he said he wants to play again after retiring in April rather than serve a 100-game suspension for his second positive test for a banned substance.

Ramirez at one time was the best right-handed hitter in baseball, a World Series MVP for Boston and the owner of 555 homers. Now he's pushing 40, looking at a 100-game suspension after getting only 17 at-bats before his forced retirement. This is one member of the old band the Indians can do without.

Ohio State didn't ask Braxton Miller to throw much, leaning on the run game to win the freshman quarterback's first game as a starter.

Columbus -- A week ago Ohio State completed four passes. Saturday, the Buckeyes completed seven. Rarely has three more completions changed so much.

Ohio State didn't unveil a dynamic passing attack in Saturday's 37-17 win over Colorado, but in the first start of freshman quarterback Braxton Miller's career, the Buckeyes planted the seeds of an offense they may be able to grow into.

"I feel like we're going in the right direction," OSU senior center Mike Brewster said. "I feel like today was a step. The plays we were running today had a lot of similarities to what we had been running the last two years. I felt really comfortable with all the playcalls today. I felt like it was our bread and butter all the way across the board."

A offense that had leaned for three seasons on Terrelle Pryor, a quarterback who scared defenses as a runner, found that threat in Miller, but in a different style. Saturday, Miller ran 17 times for 83 yards, with 14 of the carries in the first half. He completed 5 of 13 passes for 83 yards and two touchdowns, both to fellow freshman Devin Smith.

Often working with a short field thanks to special teams plays, the Buckeyes gained 336 yards, which as a seasonal average would rank 91st the country. But compared to the 209 yards Miami held the Buckeyes to in their 24-6 loss last week, when Joe Bauserman was the starting quarterback, this was a high-flying affair. And it was a start.

"I think I've got a pretty good feel, and I think we all have a pretty good feel for where it's headed," OSU offensive coordinator Jim Bollman said. "But you don't go from A to Z. You've got to grow into things and kind of evolve through things, and we're in that process."

What the Buckeyes (3-1) will have to determine in Big Ten play, which starts against Michigan State next week, is how much they need to throw to win. At the end of the first half, after Colorado fumbled a punt, the Buckeyes saw Miller run for 10 yards. Then with six seconds left in the half, they chose to kick a field goal from the 1-yardline for a 20-7 lead, rather than attempt one pass into the endzone.

"Had you seen our passing game to that point?" Bollman asked.

It wasn't pretty. Miller was 2 for 6 for 40 yards and a touchdown in the first half. But the Buckeyes still managed to move the ball with Miller's feet and with running back Jordan Hall, who ran for 48 yards in the first half and for the game carried 18 times for 84 yards and a touchdown.

"We're pretty confident," OSU fullback Zach Boren said. "We're good at running the ball, and we knew that. We have a nasty offensive line and we have running backs who hit the hole fast. Now it's about intertwining the pass and play action and stuff like that, and I felt like we did that a lot. It was just that Braxton made a lot of plays with his (running). I've pretty confident with this offense."

So can Ohio State run its way into Big Ten contention? The OSU defense, which gave up 314 yards and 17 points to the less-than-dazzling Buffaloes (1-3), needs to lock down more. But the special teams, with a Hall 90-yard kickoff return to set up a touchdown, three Drew Basil field goals and another good day from punter Ben Buchanan, who dropped three of his four punts inside the 20-yardline, was more than solid.

"Special units had to make plays," OSU coach Luke Fickell said. "We did a good job there making some plays and trying to use that as a weapon."

Maybe passing isn't a prerequisite to victory, at least for now. Miller's two touchdown throws to Smith there thrown well, and he did drop back and make plays.

"I think it's important you have the threat of balance," Bollman said. "Not necessarily that you have balance, but that you have that threat of balance. Whether that threat in the passing game is him pulling it down and running it vs. the execution of passes, we'll have to flip a coin and see how it evolves."

Whether lining up with three tight ends, or in the shotgun with tailbacks Hall and Jaamal Berry flanking Miller, or with five wideouts, Hall and tight end Jake Stoneburner among them, the Buckeyes will continue to offer teams a variety of looks. At the heart of it all will be a freshman quarterback, who will continue to find his way against defenses far superior to the Colorado unit he faced Saturday.

In his first start, the Buckeyes managed to ease Miller in, ease their anxieties after a feeble loss and create some confidence that was obvious in the postgame. And for Miller's first start, that worked.

"After last week, it was, 'We should have done this or that,' " Boren said. "But today we were confident. And it's going to change. We're going to be confident from here on out. We feel like we're back to Buckeye football. We have that swagger back we've had for however long. And we're just going to run with it."

And maybe pass with it. Or maybe not.

Email Doug Lesmerises

Freshman quarterback Braxton Miller runs often and is effective when he passes as Ohio State atones for its embarrassment at Miami with a victory over Colorado.

View full sizeMarvin Fong, The Plain DealerOhio State Buckeyes quarterback Braxton Miller chased by Colorado Buffaloes.

Columbus -- Braxton Miller said he slept well before his first start at quarterback as a freshman at Ohio State. But it was probably a catnap. Forty winks. Two blinks of a defender's suddenly crossing eyes.

He's here, he's there. A dip here, a deke there. Inside out, upside down. The feet fast and furious. Shiftier than realigned conferences. Giving a dormant offense new pep. Showing hopscotch lateral moves. A Man of Action, as Ohio State coach Luke Fickell would say.

"It's your huddle, son. Take charge," said running back Jordan Hall to Miller when the Buckeyes trotted onto the field at the Horseshoe for the first snap.

Perhaps Miller will learn other ways to command a game other than with his legs. This was a generally one-dimensional show, with offensive coordinator Jim Bollman suggesting afterward that he looked forward to the day when Miller "is just as excited about standing in the pocket and throwing it downfield."

But a 37-17 victory against Pac-12 bottom-feeder Colorado is nothing to scoff at. Not after last week in South Florida, when Ohio State looked unprepared, outcoached, outplayed and, most of all, out-field-generaled -- and by the turnover-prone Jacory Harris of Miami, at that.

The 18-year-old Miller, taking over from limited and overly cautious fifth-year senior Joe Bauserman, ran 17 times, gaining 83 yards. In the first half, he ran 14 times, tried to hurdle a tackler on one second-quarter dash for 13 yards, got clipped at the ankles, got flipped head over heels in midair, and got spiked headfirst on the landing.

"They said just slide next time," said Miller, who said he has never slid in his life.

Fickell is a big no-pain, no-gain guy, which figures, since he is a former Ohio high school wrestling champion. He looks at the game with different metrics -- seeking poise and perseverance, not raw stats. "But we know we've got to be smart," he said. "We are going to have to figure out some self-preservation [for Miller.]"

No matter how intricate and dazzling is the footwork of a 6-1, 195-pounder like Miller, if he takes off in the open field often enough, some defender is going to get a shot on him that makes him look like something out of a very graphic video game.

In the third quarter, Miller took a late hit after releasing a pass, but he would still stick his nose in there like the neighborhood busybody.

"He's going to be special. You can see he makes people miss when the blocking breaks down," Hall said.

Asked if it was difficult to block for a quarterback who is darting around so unpredictably, center Mike Brewster said: "He was playing with his natural instincts. When he's running around like that, it gives us a second shot at guys."

Brewster is a senior, and he has been here before with scrambling quarterbacks.

"The last time I played with a freshman quarterback, I was a freshman, too," Brewster said, referring to Terrelle Pryor, now an Oakland Raider.

Now Brewster is a senior who is saying coachly things like how calm Miller was in the huddle. A composed demeanor is fine, but celebrations are more fun. Miller threw two touchdown passes to Devin Smith for 32 and 17 yards, and the first revealed Brewster's instincts for ebullience. He gave a helmet tap and a bear-hug to Miller.

"It's great to see a kid growing up before your eyes," Brewster said.

Overall, Miller was only 5-of-13 for 83 yards in the air, but he threw no interceptions and lost no fumbles. The two touchdown passes changed the perception of his performance. The first was on a perfect read by Smith, who ran a post pattern when he saw he was being played to the outside. The second was a 50-50 ball in which Miller gave his receiver a chance at the pylon and Smith made the most of it.

"Coach [Stan] Drayton says to high-point the ball, so that's what I did," Smith said, meaning to catch it at the high point of his jump.

The real high point, however, might have been an incomplete pass. On the next-to-last play of the third quarter, after the roughing penalty, Miller sidestepped the debris of his collapsing protection, started to run, then pulled up and rifled a pass barely too high for open running back Carlos Hyde beyond the first-down marker.

It wasn't high-pointing anything. But it was another quick step past Miami, and that was the lowest point in several seasons.

To reach Bill Livingston: email; phone: 216-999-4672; Read previous columns; On Twitter: @LivyPD

Coming off the first loss of his head coaching career, Fickell preached competition and fire to his players as they prepared for Colorado.

View full sizeMarvin Fong, The Plain DealerLuke Fickell: '. . . what we wanted, to get back home and get that feel of emotion.'

Looking at Luke: Coming off the first loss of his head coaching career, Fickell preached competition and fire to his players as they prepared for Colorado.

"We had to play with some emotion," he said. "That's what we wanted, to get back home and get that feel of emotion, get those guys on the sideline, get the students into it."

In a game against an overmatched opponent, Fickell was not tasked with a number of critical decisions. With the ball on the Colorado 1-yard line and six seconds remaining in the first half, he opted to kick a field goal rather than risk a shot into the end zone with no timeouts remaining.

Arguably his biggest decision involved trying to limit the amount of pressure felt by freshman quarterback Braxton Miller in the first start of his career.

"It's a lot of that, just for his mentality, just for his psyche," Fickell said.

-- Adam Jardy

The Buckeyes tweaked their defense in a way that should pay off the rest of the year.

View full sizeMarvin Fong, The Plain DealerColorado Buffaloes wide receiver Toney Clemons is tackled by Ohio State defensive back Christian Bryant linebacker Andrew Sweat, and defensive back Travis Howard.

Columbus -- Just like on offense, Ohio State had a new starter on defense Saturday. He didn't get as much attention as freshman quarterback Braxton Miller, but sophomore safety Christian Bryant could change the look of his unit almost as much.

Basically, the Buckeyes couldn't keep Bryant off the field any longer.

Last season, he got a start after Tyler Moeller's season was ended by injury, before a foot infection then sent Bryant to the sidelines for weeks. During preseason camp, Bryant looked like one of the best 11 players on the OSU defense. During the first three games, he rotated with junior Orhian Johnson, taking some series at a safety spot.

This time, was there was no injury, no part-time work and no more excuses for keeping the Glenville High grad out of the starting lineup. Bryant said words he heard somewhere from New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, a Michigan man, expressed his approach.

"He said he just wants to practice well every day so the team can know who should be the starter at the end of the week," Bryant said. "That's what I try to do, each day just work my butt off and do the best I can."

Bryant said safeties coach Paul Haynes told him on Sunday, the day after Ohio State's 24-6 loss to Miami, that "we're going to throw you in there."

But the Buckeyes did more than that. They tweaked their defense in a way that should pay off the rest of the year.

Ohio State was in its nickel defense all day against Colorado. The Buckeyes didn't have three linebackers on the field together other than in their goal-line defense. Bryant, replacing Johnson, was at safety along with C.J. Barnett, while Tyler Moeller worked at the star position as the fifth defensive back.

But when the Buffaloes were in an obvious passing down, on third-and-long, or even on second-and-long on at least one occasion, Ohio State put more speed on the field. Johnson came back in to his safety spot, while Bryant moved to star and Moeller came off the field. The Buckeyes also brought in Michael Bennett and J.T. Moore on the defensive line in those spots, with Adam Bellamy and Garrett Goebel coming out of the game.

The look made a lot of sense, and Bryant's ability to slide between safety and star made it happen.

"Last year, I knew the star pretty good," Bryant said. "I can keep going at wherever they need me to go. This year, they're trying to have me focus at safety a little more."

Don't look for Bryant to come off the field for the next three seasons. He's a heavy hitter with the speed to cover in open spaces. And it's easy to tell he's ready for this.

"Christian's a confident guy and he brings a little something to the defense," OSU coach Luke Fickell said. "Christian picked it up a little bit. We switched around, had some different personnel groups, tried to get the guys in the secondary on the field as much as possible."

Bryant finished with a team-high six tackles. There are more days like that ahead.

LOTS OF HALL: The 90-yard kickoff return by Jordan Hall on Saturday was the longest of his career, though his teammates gave him a hard time for being caught from behind and getting tackled on the 5-yardline. Hall should have had a lot of comebacks for them, because he was everywhere.

It's not hard to tell that OSU offensive coordinator Jim Bollman loves Hall's game, and part of the Buckeyes' continuing growth as a offense was moving Hall around the field more. He didn't catch a pass, but he lined up wide or in the slot a fair amount as a receiving threat. He ran the ball 18 times for 84 yards and a touchdown, returned one punt for 12 yards and gained a total of 135 yards on his two kickoff returns.

So he's good -- no surprise there. But after being suspended for the first two games of the season, then being forced to the sidelines by cramps at Miami last week, this was the first time Ohio State fans really saw the junior in full effect.

"It definitely felt good to be out there the whole game because last week I felt like I let my team down because I couldn't play in the second half," Hall said.

The four Buckeyes suspended for five games have one more game to sit out before they return. When they are back, running back Dan Herron and receiver DeVier Posey will change the offense again. Ohio State will need to find some way to get Herron, Posey, Hall and tight end Jake Stoneburner on the field as much as possible, often together. The more Hall can do, the better.

STOPPING COLORADO: The middle of the field is always open, but Ohio State's defense was really exposed on a few throws to tight end Ryan Deehan, who had three catches for a career-high 71 yards. Colorado also moved down the field rather effectively late in the game, on a 13-yard, 91-yard drive against many OSU defensive regulars.

The defense earned a passing grade, but defensive coordinator Jim Heacock will have a few things to pick on as the Buckeyes watch film this week.

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

Orlando "Zeus" Brown will forever hold a unique place in Browns history.

AP File PhotoIt’s a shame that most people will remember Orlando “Zeus” Brown for freaking out after getting hit in an eye with a weighted penalty flag in a Browns game in 1999.

It’s a shame that most people will remember Orlando “Zeus” Brown for freaking out after getting hit in an eye with a weighted penalty flag in a Browns game in 1999.

Brown, who died in Baltimore on Friday at the age of 40, was a huge specimen with a volatile personality, to be sure. But he was a gentle giant off the field, too.

“He loved being part of the team,” said Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome.

Brown grew up in a crime-ridden section of Washington, D.C., and had few social skills, let alone football skills, when then- Browns coach Bill Belichick signed him as a project in 1993.

Noting his temper, Belichick would assign teammates to bait Brown at practice, and then he would fine Brown $1,000 for blowing up. Brown eventually learned to control himself and became a starting offensive tackle.

He will forever hold a unique place in Browns history.

Brown began his career with the old Browns, followed them to Baltimore in 1996 and played three years as a Raven, returned to the new Browns as a free agent in 1999, and then ended his career back in Baltimore after his eye injury and a $25 million settlement with the NFL.

In Baltimore, he always made a point of telling reporters how much he liked playing here — despite the tragic end to his second stint in Cleveland.

Tony Grossi picks today's NFL games. He's 23-9 overall this season, 17-13-2 against the spread.

Tony Avelar / Associated PressTony Grossi is picking the Browns over the Dolphins, 14-12, saying Miami's red zone woes will doom them again in Cleveland.

Green Bay at Chicago, 4:15 p.m.

TV: WJW Channel 8.

Early line: Packers by 3½.

Tony’s take: Packers’ aggressive defense should score some sacks here. Packers 30, Bears 24.

Pittsburgh at Indianapolis, 8:20 p.m.

TV: WKYC Channel 3.

Early line: Steelers by 10½.

Tony’s take: Colts appear locked in on the Andrew Luck sweepstakes. Steelers 27, Colts 13.

Houston at New Orleans, 1 p.m.

Early line: Saints by 4.

Tony’s take: Last team with ball wins? Saints 35, Texans 28.

Detroit at Minnesota, 1 p.m.

Early line: Lions by 3½.

Tony’s take: I’m feeling a big day for Adrian Peterson. Vikings 34, Lions 31.

San Francisco at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.

Early line: Bengals by 2½.

Tony’s take: Bengals should take care of business. Bengals 20, 49ers 17.

New England at Buffalo, 1 p.m.

Early line: Patriots by 8.

Tony’s take: Bills end long losing streak to Pats. Bills 30, Patriots 28.

Denver at Tennessee, 1 p.m.

Early line: Titans by 6½.

Tony’s take: Think this is the day Chris Johnson loosens up. Titans 26, Broncos 23.

N.Y. Giants at Philadelphia, 1 p.m.

Early line: Eagles by 8.

Tony’s take: Michael Vick is expected back after concussion. Eagles 24, Giants 20.

Jacksonville at Carolina, 1 p.m.

Early line: Panthers by 3½.

Tony’s take: Cam Newton bests Blaine Gabbert in battle of first-round rookie QBs. Panthers 31, Jaguars 21.

Kansas City at San Diego, 4:05 p.m.

Early line: Chargers by 14½.

Tony’s take: Chiefs continue to get dirt thrown on them. Whah! Chargers 48, Chiefs 21.

N.Y. Jets at Oakland, 4:05 p.m.

Early line: Jets by 3½.

Tony’s take: Raiders can contend for playoffs. Need this one. Raiders 21, Jets 18.

Baltimore at St. Louis, 4:05 p.m.

Early line: Ravens by 4.

Tony’s take: Got to believe Rams won’t fall to 0-3. Rams 24, Ravens 23.

Arizona at Seattle, 4:15 p.m.

Early line: Cardinals by 3½.

Tony’s take: I have no idea who the Seahawks’ quarterback is. Cardinals 27, Seahawks 12.

Atlanta at Tampa Bay, 4:15 p.m.

Early line: Buccaneers by 1½.

Tony’s take: Matt Ryan has won five in a row against Bucs. Falcons 30, Buccaneers 20.

GROSSI UPDATE:

Last week overall: 11-5 .688

Season overall: 23-9 .719

Last week vs. spread: 8-6-2 .563

Season vs. spread: 17-13-2 .563

The Browns are expected to start nine of Tom Heckert's draft picks today. Think about that . . . nine.

View full sizeMCTBrowns fullback Owen Marecic ran for 1 yard on his only carry last Sunday at Indianapolis. He also caught two passes for 13 yards. (Sam Riche, MCT)

1. The Browns are expected to start nine of Tom Heckert's draft picks today. Think about that . . . nine. That's nine in two years. On defense, there's Phil Taylor and Jabaal Sheard on the line. T.J. Ward and Joe Haden are in the defensive backfield.

2. On offense, it's Colt McCoy (QB), Jason Pinkston (LG), Shawn Lauvao (RG), Greg Little (WR) and Owen Marecic (FB). Pinkston has been the biggest surprise. The fifth-rounder was supposed to be a backup, but left guard Eric Steinbach's back injury created an opening. Pinkston was given a chance and grabbed the job. The former left tackle from Pitt has graded above average in his first two starts.

3. Lauvao had an excellent preseason, but struggled in the opener against the Bengals. He was much better in the victory over the Colts. The Browns are hoping they can create a young line with Joe Thomas (LT), Alex Mack (C), Pinkston and Lauvao. The oldest is Thomas at 26. The open spot is right tackle, where veteran Tony Pashos has battled injuries. Oniel Cousins and Artis Hicks have split the snaps at right tackle, but neither is a long-term answer.

4. If Steinbach comes back strong from his surgery, it's possible Pinkston could move to right tackle. But back injuries are serious business and Steinbach will be 32 next season.

5. Marecic has played about 40 percent of the snaps in the first two games, normal for a fullback in the West Coast offense. That's also why they didn't want to spend big money for Lawrence Vickers. More often, they will play two tight ends rather than a fullback.

6. The new Browns coaches knew Ben Watson was a good receiver at tight end and are pleased with his blocking. That helps, with their problem at right tackle. And the right tackle situation is also why Alex Smith (32 snaps) played so much against the Colts. Smith and Watson were on the field 25 snaps together. Marecic played 31 snaps.

7. What Browns receiver has played the most in the first two games? Greg Little with 105 snaps. Last week gave a clue to how the receivers will be used: Little (48 snaps), Mohamed Massaquoi (39), Joshua Cribbs (29) and Brian Robiskie (26). Don't be surprised if Evan Moore (only nine snaps last week) takes some of Robiskie's time when the Browns want a third receiver on the field.

8. The Browns have only two starters (Mack and Massaquoi) left from the one season Eric Mangini picked the players. All of the former Jets -- Abe Elam, Kenyon Coleman, Jason Trusnik, David Bowens, Eric Barton, C.J. Mosley, Brett Ratliff, Hank Poteat, and Chansi Stuckey are gone.

9. While the Browns had an interest in re-signing Eric Wright, they are thrilled with Dimitri Patterson. They turned to Patterson once Wright seemed indifferent about returning. The former Eagle has been the nickel back, and usually in single coverage. The Browns believe he is good enough to start at cornerback if Sheldon Brown or Haden are out.

10. While the former Jets are gone, Heckert has brought in a few players from his old team . . . former Eagles Chris Gocong, Brown and Patterson.

ABOUT THE BROWNS' DEFENSIVE LINE . . .

1. At a recent news conference, I asked defensive coordinator Dick Jauron about the heavy load his defensive line is carrying. He admitted it is a concern, and that he needs to work in some other players to keep them fresh. There have been 138 defensive snaps in the first two games. Here is what the regulars have played: Scott Fujita (138), D'Qwell Jackson (138), Brown (137), Ward (135), Jayme Mitchell (132), Sheard (131), Ahtyba Rubin (121), Taylor (92) and Gocong (92).

2. It's common for defensive backs and most good linebackers to play more than 90 percent of the snaps in most games. But it's rare for defensive linemen to play that much. Mitchell, Sheard and Rubin have combined to play 384 of 414 snaps. That is too much, as you want to keep the linemen rested so they can better rush the passer.

3. Rubin ranks No. 2 in snaps played among NFL defensive tackles this season. Mitchell is No. 4 and Sheard is No. 5 among defensive ends.

4. The three backup linemen are Scott Paxson (20 snaps), Brian Schaefering (14 snaps) and Marcus Benard (11). Benard didn't play against the Colts. Here's what Jauron said: "We just have to get them more rest then what we are giving them. I believe we will fall into that rotation. I'm not certain it's going to be as soon as we would like, but it will happen as we see guys play more and more and getting a feel for everybody -- and then just doing it."

5. The good news is the line has played extremely well. The Browns are 17th against the run, allowing 4.2 yards per carry. They have given up one rushing touchdown. So this is progress from a year ago. The line is young, Mitchell being the oldest at 27 and Sheard the youngest at 22. The Browns must develop some depth on the line.

A TOM DELEONE MOMENT . . .

Martin Morrow sent me this email: "I was in College at Miami University and working my summer jobs in Cleveland in 1977 when I personally met Tom. My friend had met a girl in the Flats and left me to find my own way home. I was walking along Old River Road when a car pulled over and asked if I needed a ride. I said I was headed to Lake Avenue, my parent's house. He said he could take me there -- I don't know where he lived at the time, but he dropped me [off] and talked a little football along the way. He was a great guy and I never forgot his kindness."

ABOUT THE TRIBE'S BIG TRADE . . .

1. When it comes to the Tribe dealing Alex White, Drew Pomeranz, Joe Gardner and Matt McBride to the Rockies for Ubaldo Jimenez, here's what can be said for certain -- let's wait until next year to make any definite judgments. I was against the deal and wrote that, but I also want the Indians to figure out how to squeeze the most out of Jimenez.

2. Watching the 27-year-old right-hander with the Tribe, you can see why the Rockies became frustrated and traded him. You also can see why the Indians wanted a guy who can throw 95 mph regularly . . . or at least in some games when the mood strikes him.

3. Here's the good news: After hitting bottom when shelled for eight runs in 31/3 innings in Detroit, Jimenez has made seven starts. All have been at least six innings, and only once has he allowed more than three runs. (He allowed four in his most recent start.) In those seven starts, he is 4-2 with a 3.21 ERA.

4. But the Indians wish he'd stick more with his fastball, especially early in the count to keep his pitch count down. In the past seven starts, he's averaging 109 pitches in 6 innings. He has good innings where he fires the fastball early . . . then gets away from it, and usually some of his other pitches early in the count . . . and falls behind . . . and then throws more pitches.

5. For example, in his most recent start, 47 of 66 fastballs were strikes. But of his other pitches (slider, curve, changeup, splitter), only 19 of 47 were thrown for strikes. It's OK if he uses those pitches when ahead in the count, but Jimenez tends to love to use any of five different pitches at any point in the count. And in the end, the pitcher does call his own game.

6. This season, Jimenez was 6-9 with a 4.46 ERA for the Rockies, and is 4-3 with a 4.62 ERA for the Tribe. He wants to pitch winter ball, and the Indians have agreed. Jimenez didn't pitch in the winter last year and he believes that led to his groin injury and slow start this season. He won't throw more than 25 innings.

7. From 2008 to '10, he was 46-32 with a 3.43 ERA pitching in hitter-friendly Coors Field. In the previous three seasons, his ERAs were 3.99, 3.47 and 2.88 and he was 19-8 in 2010. Obviously, he has talent and he's not had any arm injuries. So the Indians believe there is plenty of room for him to improve -- and he did take some steps in the right direction at the end of this season.

8. In Colorado, it appears White came back too fast from his finger injury. He says he's pain-free, but he's 2-3 with an 8.63 ERA for the Rockies, shelled for 11 homers in 321/3 innings. He has struck out 23 and his fastball is in the 92-mph range, but opposing batters are hitting .321.

9. White was 1-0 with a 3.60 ERA in three starts with the Tribe. He did give up three homers in 15 innings, but kept people off base. Scouts say White just doesn't look like the same confident guy. The smartest thing may be for him to just take the rest of the season off and start fresh next year. That also would give him the winter to continue to strengthen the finger.

10. Because White does not have a wide variety of pitches, there were some with the Indians and other teams who believed his best spot would be in the bullpen. When the Tribe picked him in the first round, there was talk of making him a reliever -- but White asked for a chance to prove he could start. He vaulted through the farm system, and seemed ready to make an impact in the Tribe rotation when he injured the finger.

11. The Denver Post's Jim Armstrong wrote: "Neither White or Pomeranz is a snapshot of health. Pomeranz is trying to bounce back from an appendectomy. White squeezes putty to strengthen the torn flexor tendon in his right middle finger that disabled him for more than two months before the trade."

12. Pomeranz is on a strict pitch count in the 80-90 range, and in his first two starts with the Rockies he allowed only two runs in 10 innings. (On Friday, in his third start, the Astros lit him up for six earned runs in two innings.) He's mostly throwing in the low 90s -- as opposed to 95-97 mph in his best games in the Tribe farm system.

13. As for the others in the trade at Class AA Tulsa (Okla.), Gardner was 2-2 with 2.48 ERA. The Rockies consider him a prospect. The 23-year-old right-hander was 7-8 with a 4.99 at Class AA Akron before the deal. McBride has battled an eye injury and had only 18 at-bats for Tulsa. At 26, he's not a prospect.

Since 1999, Cleveland Browns Stadium has been the House of (Self-Inflicted) Pain. Pat Shurmur has a (second) chance to turn that around.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerA Browns fan is in disbelief over the outcome of the season opener, a 27-17 loss at home to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Home is where the heart . . . ache is.

Do a search for "Cleveland Browns" and "home-field advantage." Just don't get your hopes up.

It's like googling "George Kokinis" and "front office fixture."

Here's what you find:

"Cleveland Browns 48X60 Home Field Advantage Tapestry."

Really now.

"See the Cleveland Browns as you never have with this loom woven Cleveland Browns Home Field Advantage Woven Tapestry ThrowBlanket!"

The pitch for the NFL-licensed product says you can use it to cuddle and stay warm. And here you thought it was oversized for soaking up tears.

And all for the cheaper-than-therapy price of $36.99.

Here's what you don't find:

•Countless testimonials from beaten Steelers and humbled Ravens (or even bewildered Bengals) expressing just how hard it is to win here.

•Frustrated opposing coaches likening the stadium to an impenetrable fortress.

•NASA engineers equating the decibel level to a rocket launch pad.

•Any evidence to support the notion that the stadium for visiting teams has been a penultimate destination. Next stop: sleeping with the Lake Erie walleye and other fishes.

Only once since 1999 have the Browns won more games at home than they've lost. That was in 2007, when they went a dominant 7-1, only to return the next season and go 1-7.

The Browns are 34-63 at home since they returned as an expansion team. That includes their Ambien-induced loss to Cincinnati in the season opener.

Some of that goes with the territory. Young teams, bad teams, young bad teams don't win anywhere -- including their own backyard.

Other division teams, though, have protected their turf much better, even during losing seasons. The Bengals, who've tried to match the Browns in misery, are 46-49-1 at home during the same time.

Look at Baltimore. The Ravens only won six games in 2005. But they were 6-2 at home.

Bad enough the original Browns ran away and eloped to Baltimore. But since the Browns' "rebirth," Ravens fans have celebrated a Super Bowl and have never seen their team lose at home more than it has won in any season.

Bonds are built on those home Sundays where tailgating gives way to communal triumph. Here, those Sundays result far more often in mass exodus.

What it says all these years later that the Browns opened the 2011 season in front of some empty seats is open to interpretation. Mine? It's been too long since people could go to Browns home games expecting to be rewarded for their passion.

As an expansion head coach, Chris Palmer really had no chance to forge a bond with Browns fans on Sundays at the stadium. But no other coach has held up his end. Not Butch Davis. Not Romeo Crennel. Not Eric Mangini.

Pat Shurmur has that chance, though his is now a second chance after the bumbling loss to the Bengals.

When the Browns' schedule was announced, Shurmur said the following:

"I think it's good for our team and our fans that three of our first four games are at Cleveland Browns Stadium."

The Browns' non-division home opponents -- Miami today and Tennessee, Seattle, St. Louis and Jacksonville to come -- give this coach and this team their best chance in a long time to forge a connection.

As for the fans, Shurmur should understand there's no such thing as a promising home schedule to them until proven otherwise.

Spinoffs

View full sizeAP fileNew York Giants defensive back Deon Grant is, for some reason, helped up by trainers Monday.

I don't want to say the New York Giants were clearly faking injuries to slow down the St. Louis Rams offense last Monday night, but I hope I'm never involved in a fender bender with Deon Grant.

Soccer players and LeBron James think the Giants overdid it.

Prosecutors are reviewing allegations by a San Diego man claiming Kobe Bryant injured him in a tussle.

The man, whose identity was not released, sought treatment for an injured wrist. Police say Bryant apparently believed the man was taking his picture during a Sunday service last month and took the phone from him.

Finally some good news for the Bengals, who are happy to say no players have yet been accused of a crime in church.

Having suddenly decided to start freshman quarterback Braxton Miller Saturday against Colorado, Luke Fickell obviously got the inter-office email from "umeyer2012@osu.edu."

Marlins closer Leo Nunez of the Dominican Republic has been pitching under an assumed name. His real name is apparently Juan Carlos Oviedo, and he's a year older than the Marlins' media guide lists him.

In an unrelated matter, Ubaldo Jimenez has been masquerading for the better part of a year-and-a-half now as "Ace."

When you see big-time football schools willing to throw tradition overboard to greedily hook up with expanding superconferences, you're reminded why college kids cannot be allowed to trade memorabilia for tattoos. It goes without saying, it would totally betray college football's amateur ideals.

Separated at birth

•R Kelly and Josh Cribbs -- B Wright

•The Miller High Life guy and LeCharles Bentley -- Mike

He said it

"I wish I was 50 years younger, and I would kick your (butt)." -- HBO broadcaster Larry Merchant, to boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. during a contentious post-bout interview.

The only reason Merchant wouldn't fight now is boxing's age limit for pay-per-view fights: 79.

He Tweeted what?

"Ok, it's obvious the IRB are unjust. Wales get 7 days, we get 3. Unfair treatment, like slavery, like the holocaust, like apartheid." -- Samoan rugby player Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu, criticizing the International Rugby Board's scheduling while also unwittingly making a case for the use of helmets in rugby to protect against head injuries.

You said it

(The Expanded

Sunday Edition)

"Bud: Any truth to the rumor that Cheech and Chong are moving into [Bengals receiver] Jerome Simpson's house in Cincinnati?" -- Jim Lovelace

Given the amount of marijuana found by police, there would only be room for one of them.

"Hey, Bud: Like male pattern baldness and weekly Tom Hoffner e-mails, is it inevitable the Cleveland Browns will be the last team to go to a Super Bowl?" -- Tom, Parma

The only inevitabilities are death, taxes and Austin Kearns in left field in 2012.

"Bud: Is the media pat-down at the stadium different than the fans'?" -- Joe S

Yes. Working as many nights and weekends as baseball writers in particular do, we welcome it.

"Hey, Bud: Heard Santa was just placed on the DL. Who will the Tribe call up to throw out the first snowball at Snow Days?" -- Dan Coughlin

If the idea is to throw it at a fan or a photographer, I'd recommend Albert Belle, aka Mr. Freeze.

"Bud: Tony Pashos = Keith Hernandez." -- Bob Lees

Just because staying healthy has been Greek to him, let's not get carried away.

"Bud: You claim that the Indians should bring Fausto Carmona back because he is an 'innings eater.' Have you no consideration for the fans who must watch these innings without regurgitating their dinner? By the way, would you call Matt LaPorta an at-bats eater?" -- Wayne Kuznar

First-time "You said it" winners receive a T-shirt from the mental_floss collection.

"Bud: The Browns' defense sure got fooled at the end of Game 1. Any chance Dick Jauron is also defensive coordinator of our Cleveland Crush Lingerie Football League team so that we can see them get caught with their pants down?" -- Kevin, North Ridgeville

Repeat winners receive a restraining order.

Email Bud Shaw

Read Bud's previous columns

While some might view Irving as a threat to Davis' starting role with the Cavaliers, the 32-year-old point guard seems to be embracing the youngster.

View full sizePD fileKyrie Irving

For now, Kyrie Irving and Baron Davis are just a couple of unlikely college students.

Irving has gone from top pick in the NBA Draft in June to rubbing elbows with Duke co-eds in theater class. Davis has transitioned from 12-year NBA veteran to one of the richest men going back to school since Rodney Dangerfield.

Their academic status -- like their budding friendship -- is nontraditional.

While some might view Irving as a threat to Davis' starting role with the Cavaliers, the 32-year-old point guard seems to be embracing the youngster. They met this spring in Cleveland at Irving's predraft workout and have remained in touch during the NBA lockout.

"[I'm] really looking forward to playing with, and mentoring, Kyrie," said Davis in an e-mail. "He's so talented, creative, smart, has so much potential and could become a great cornerstone of the Cavaliers' franchise for many years to come. I've been talking to him a lot this summer about NBA life, and in Cleveland, he's going to learn so much from coach [Byron] Scott, who will be a great mentor as well."

View full sizePD file Baron Davis

Davis, who's taking classes at UCLA, had a decent finish to last season after the Los Angeles Clippers shipped him and a first-round pick to the Cavaliers for Mo Williams and Jamario Moon on Feb. 24. The draft pick was the lottery winner the Cavs used to select Irving.

The two-time NBA All-Star could help shepherd the teen through his first season. Davis has played and clashed with the demanding Scott during their days together in New Orleans (2004-05), but he has gained perspective on the relationship.

"I was a young player, young star in this league. I probably wasn't handling the responsibility the way I should," Davis told The Plain Dealer in February. "He stuck to his guns. I probably needed that discipline. A couple of years later, I actually thanked him for being who he was. That, ultimately, was the lesson I learned.

"A lot of times, it takes you a while to grow, especially in this league, because year to year is different. But sometimes, you look back and say, 'Oh, OK. I understand that now,' and it helps you understand a little bit more about yourself."

While they play the same position, Davis and Irving potentially could start in the same backcourt.

Irving, who's hosting a camp this weekend in Westlake, welcomes Davis' input and tutelage.

"I have idolized Baron since I was a kid," Irving said. "He has been in the NBA for so long. He still has the same talent as when he first came in [to the league]. What better way to come into the league than with a veteran point guard to learn under?"

That's assuming Davis plays for the Cavaliers.

The new collective bargaining agreement is expected to contain a "amnesty clause," which will allow teams to release a player without having his salary count against the cap. Davis could be a prime candidate, considering he's owed nearly $29 million during the next two seasons.

He would get his money from Cleveland and become an unrestricted free agent.

Davis, however, is focused on returning to the Cavaliers and helping mold the mind of the 19-year-old psychology major.

"Hopefully, I can help show him the ropes," Davis said. "It's a big jump from the college to the pros, but he's got the energy, work ethic and skill set to be very successful and contribute right away."

Notes: Irving said that while he feels "150 percent" and is training with no restrictions doctors have told him his right foot injury won't be completely healed until December. He played just 11 games last season at Duke due to turf toe. . . . Irving said he has no plans to play overseas during the lockout.

Browns coach Pat Shurmur can gauge the age of football stadiums by the size of their locker rooms. Not the ones accommodating players, but those equipped for the men coaching them.

Plain Dealer Historical PhotoPaul Brown, left, typically had five assistants when he coached the Browns from 1946 to 1962. Today's NFL coaches have 14 to 22 assistants.

Browns coach Pat Shurmur can gauge the age of football stadiums by the size of their locker rooms. Not the ones accommodating players, but those equipped for the men coaching them.

A room with 10 stalls was once sufficient for an NFL coach and his staff. Now, it has the feel of a walk-in janitor’s closet with wireless access.

“Guys are dressing on top of each other,” Shurmur said.

The size of most NFL coaching staffs has doubled in the past 30 years due in part to the complexity and specialization of the game, and the role technology plays in it. The days of employing just coordinators and position coaches have gone the way of reel-to-reel film study.

There are kicking coaches, quality-control coaches, defensive nickel-package coaches. Even assistants have assistants. Public schools would kill to have the teacher-to-pupil ratio found in NFL classrooms.

This season, coaching staff sizes range from 15 in New England to 23 in Minnesota. The Browns have 19 coaches — the number of non playing employees they had in 1946, the year of the franchise’s inception.

“It’s kind of interesting because they are still playing with 11 guys,” said Sam Rutigliano, who coached the Browns from 1978 to ’84 with 10 assistants. “They do have 53 guys, and we had 43 guys, but that’s not a gigantic difference.”

Many believe expanding staffs are necessary to keep pace with an evolving, increasingly intricate league. Some worry, though, that too many voices can send mixed messages, and too much data can overwhelm players.

“I really think the less you have, the more you are going to be able to communicate what you want the players to do,” Rutigliano said.

Coaching staffs in almost every sport have swelled in the pro and college ranks. In 2000, the Dallas Mavericks of the NBA famously experimented with 13 assistants or “ambassadors.”

But nowhere is the excess more evident than in the NFL, where the abundance of money almost gives head coaches a blank check to find an edge. Some coordinators earn seven-figure salaries, while low-level assistants can pocket $200,000.

Blanton Collier’s five-man staff, which produced Cleveland’s most recent title in 1964, would have been hard-pressed to compete in an era filled with minicamps, wildcat formations and exotic blitz schemes. Who would monitor the personalized conditioning programs, teach the steady stream of free agents a new system, or download individual highlight packages into the iPads of 50-plus players?

Playbooks have grown from fewer than 50 pages in the 1960s to 200 pages today.

“Part of it is keeping up with the Joneses,” Browns team President Mike Holmgren said. “Someone adds a special teams assistant, and you see several other teams doing the same thing. You have staffs with inside linebacker coaches and outside linebacker coaches.

“Part of it is also we are in a digital age that wasn’t there before.”

In 1990, Holmgren hired Jon Gruden in San Francisco for $500 per month to be one of the league’s first quality control coaches — assistants who do everything from breaking down video, to analyzing data, and to coach positions.

Twenty years ago, Gruden learned enough computer programming to digitize Holmgren’s playbook in one summer. This season, two NFL teams, Baltimore and Tampa Bay, issued their players paper-free playbooks downloaded onto handheld devices, according to Sports Illustrated.

Such advances boggle the mind of former Browns offensive lineman Doug Dieken. The team’s longtime analyst played from 1971 to ’84, an era when the team’s video staff consisted of a film-splicing projectionist and a couple of rookies who carried the projectors on the road.

In 1975, Dieken recalled standing in Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and hearing teammate Stan Lewis paged in the terminal.

“Stan came running up and asked the coaches, ‘Am I late?’ ” Dieken said. “They said, ‘No, you’ve been cut. We need the projector.’ ”

Dieken entered the league at a time when staffs were just adding a special teams coach. The Browns’ linebacker coach doubled as the strength-and-conditioning coach, Dieken said, and nobody had to supervise off-season programs because most players worked second jobs.

John Kuntz, The Plain DealerAs a first-time head coach, Pat Shurmur likes his assistants to be involved in all facets.

Shurmur, 46, joined the coaching profession in the late 1980s as a Michigan State graduate assistant, and he quickly learned no task was too menial. He spliced, hung and rolled film in the final season before the Spartans converted to video.

As a first-time head coach, Shurmur likes his assistants to be involved in all facets. His staff, the coach said, is not buttressed with a bevy of interns. Holmgren and Shurmur agreed they didn’t need low-level assistants standing around the practice field with little to contribute.

“There are more coaches coaching here than any place I’ve been,” said linebacker Scott Fujita, who’s playing in his fourth organization. “Other places had coaches who were more like interns and didn’t do a lot of hands-on coaching. They were crunching numbers and running copies.”

ESPN analyst Herm Edwards said expanding staffs have afforded enterprising youngsters such as Bill Belichick and Eric Mangini the opportunity to rise from glorified gofers to head coaches. But with more headsets can come more headaches. Edwards’ primary concerns are information overload and coaches who don’t stay on message.

The former Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets coach said he would speak to assistants before they addressed their respective units to make sure everyone was on the same page. That wasn’t always the case last season under Mangini, backup quarterback Seneca Wallace said.

Corporate middle managers might not attend more daily meetings than NFL players. Before Browns cornerback Joe Haden steps on the practice field, he sits through a team meeting, a defensive meeting, a defensive backs meeting and a special teams meeting.

Edwards believes classroom preparation is essential, but it cannot come at the expense of teaching technique on the field.

“They’ve got to be able to process it, practice it and then apply it,” Edwards said. “A lot of these [players] don’t have long enough attention spans. You can coach all you want to in the class, but you better be able to teach it on the grass.”

Larger staffs don’t guarantee success. In fact, the Patriots under Belichick have had some of the league’s smallest coaching pools on the way to three Super Bowls since 2001. He’s certainly never hired a football technology coordinator as the San Francisco 49ers did this season.

Michael Christianson, a former college assistant, spent the past three years as a field technician and football product specialist for XOS Digital.

And if the Niners make the playoffs, look for a football technology coordinator to be pacing a sideline near you.

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

In his autobiography "Growing Up Colt" McCoy described coach Eric Mangini and Daboll "treating me like a leper" until they needed him to start last season.

Joshua Gunter, The Plain DealerBrowns quarterback Colt McCoy thought he was snubbed by offensive coordinator Brian Daboll last season before he became the team's starter.

Perhaps Colt McCoy will look back on former Browns and current Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Brian Daboll someday and thank him for snubbing him as a rookie.

“Maybe it was Daboll’s way of toughening him up and making him have thick skin,” said Browns backup quarterback Seneca Wallace. “Colt had come from Texas, where he was a star. Maybe it was their way of saying, ‘Look, you’re not going to get everything handed to you here.’ ”

In his autobiography “Growing Up Colt” McCoy described coach Eric Mangini and Daboll “treating me like a leper” until they needed him to start last season.

McCoy called himself the “forgotten man on the roster” and said all he could do during practice was “stand on the sidelines, toss a football from hand to hand, and observe.” During training camp this year, a source told yahoo.com that McCoy was not even given the offensive game plan last season until Wednesday, two days after Jake Delhomme and Wallace received it each week.

Another source told The Plain Dealer that Daboll sometimes called McCoy choice names in his headset, ones that burned the ears of a committed Christian. Mangini, through an ESPN spokesman, declined to be interviewed, and Daboll was not permitted by the Dolphins to talk to Cleveland media.

“You could see Colt’s frustration in camp and the beginning of the season,” said Wallace. “But I think it was just a case of ‘you’re the rookie quarterback’ from the coaches, especially Daboll.”

Wallace, a fourth-round pick of the Seahawks in 2003, recalled even more of a cold shoulder back then.

“At least he got talked to,” said Wallace. “When I first got in the league, the third quarterback or the rookie didn’t get talked to unless you were a first-rounder.”

Wallace pointed out that Daboll came from the Bill Parcells-Bill Belichick coaching tree, where being rough on rookies is the norm.

“And then Daboll had his own way of treating people,” said Wallace. “It was tough for Colt, but he handled it all right.”

In camp last year, Daboll had his hands full teaching Delhomme and Wallace his offense. Then, after Delhomme went down in Week 1 with a high ankle sprain, he had to focus on Wallace, who was a more mobile passer. McCoy, who had been told from day one by Browns President Mike Holmgren that his job in 2010 was to watch, listen and learn, was the odd man out.

“Colt confided a lot in Jake during that time because they had a close-knit friendship,” said Wallace. “They drove in to work together. Jake told him, ‘You’re a rookie, and this is just the way it is.’ ”

McCoy also spent time with Holmgren, who helped him keep his head up, including when some speculated he might not make the final cut. But everything changed once Wallace went down with a high ankle sprain in the Atlanta game in Week 5, and Daboll had to prepare McCoy for the Steelers in Pittsburgh — with their No. 1-ranked defense.

“ Daboll’s attitude totally changed when you were starting,” said Wallace. “He did the same thing to me and Jake. When Jake got hurt, he really didn’t talk too much to Jake. When I got hurt, he didn’t talk too much to me. When Colt was playing, he was the next best thing since sliced bread. That’s just the way he was.”

Daboll burned the midnight oil prepping McCoy for the likes of James Harrison and Troy Polamalu. No one gave him much of a chance of making it out unscathed.

“ Daboll grinded,” said Wallace. “He had Colt come in, and they worked after hours. He made sure Colt would be able to manage the game as well as he could.”

McCoy exceeded everyone’s expectations in his debut, completing 23 of 33 attempts for 281 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions en route to a 28-10 loss. Daboll then schooled the rookie well enough to beat the defending Super Bowl champion Saints in New Orleans and the eventual 14-2 Patriots at home. He also took the playoff-bound Jets into overtime the following week, but the defense blew the game at the end.

“It’s no easy task to get [a rookie] to start in this league,” said Browns tight end Ben Watson, who knew Daboll from their New England days. “It was tough on everybody.”

McCoy focused on positives when asked about Daboll’s early treatment of him this week.

“No, I’m not going there,” said McCoy. “I have nothing but respect for coach Daboll. I ended up playing about half the season with him, so we did a lot of good things. If you ask the guys in this locker room, we have respect for him, and we played hard for him. He knows the game.”

Asked if he read McCoy’s book, Daboll told Miami reporters: “I have not. No.”

And he had nothing but praise for McCoy. “He did a good job,” said Daboll. “He’s a young guy, who is really smart, really eager, good in the classroom. We played some tough opponents early on. He’s a young, smart quarterback. He’s got a lot of potential.”

Hillis has strep: Running back Peyton Hillis missed Friday’s practice with strep throat and a high fever, a source told The Plain Dealer. He is listed as questionable.

The hulking left tackle had huge expectations. From a smashmouth Big Ten school, he was used to providing powerful blocking. He was strong and physical, and everyone knew he'd make a great pro.

Associated PressThe 6-7 Long has played two games for the Dolphins this season with an injured left knee that kept him out of preseason games.

The hulking left tackle had huge expectations. From a smashmouth Big Ten school, he was used to providing powerful blocking. He was strong and physical, and everyone knew he'd make a great pro.

And Joe Thomas thinks that Jake Long has done a pretty good job of living up to what everyone wanted from him in the NFL.

Thomas is the Browns' left tackle from Wisconsin who is one year older than Long, the Dolphins' left tackle from Michigan. Both were first-round picks in the NFL Draft. Thomas was third overall in 2007, while Long was the top pick in 2008. Their parallel careers meet again today, when Long's Dolphins come to Cleveland to face Thomas' Browns.

And Long says he's learned a lot from his Browns counterpart.

“I respect Joe a lot,” Long said. “From Day 1 when he came into the league, he's been doing a great job. I love watching film on him because he's got such a smooth pass set and is good in the run block. I respect him as a player very much.”

The 6-7 Long has played two games for the Dolphins this season with an injured left knee that kept him out of preseason games. It will take a lot more than a pesky sore leg to prevent him from missing regular-season games, however.

“I hate missing time,” Long said. “I hate missing practice, I hate missing games and I'm going to do everything I can in my power to never miss time. I just don't like it. I've always been one of those guys – if I can play, even if I'm banged up or hurt, I'm going to try to play and play to the best of my ability.”

Which is why he'll be there today, protecting quarterback Chad Henne and helping running back Reggie Bush gain yards. Like his counterpart with the Browns, Long just wants to play football.

“I come to work every single day and try to get better,” Long said. “I'm never satisfied with how I am. I always want to get better every single day. That's pretty much my thing. I'm going to work hard every single day to get better, and I think I'm getting better every single day.”

With the weather changing, the chess game that has resulted from the new kickoff rules takes another direction. Do the Dolphins try to kick the ball out of the end zone and risk Josh Cribbs storming out from closer to the goal line?

Darron Cummings, Associated PressJosh Cribbs is listed as questionable for today's game.

1. Pick your poison

With the weather changing, the chess game that has resulted from the new kickoff rules takes another direction. Do the Dolphins try to kick the ball out of the end zone and risk Josh Cribbs storming out from closer to the goal line? Or do they concede unfavorable field position for their defense by squibbing, pooching or popping up? Cribbs has jump-started his offense in both games with 50-plus-yard returns, while the Miami coverage teams have been suspect.

2. Red zone matchup

The Dolphins have had success moving the ball under first-year coordinator Brian Daboll, but they have hit a brick wall inside opponents’ 20-yard line. The Dolphins are 21st in red zone efficiency, scoring touchdowns four times in 10 trips. The Browns’ defense is tied for ninth with the same percentage defensively, yielding two TDs in five trips. Red zone inefficiency usually falls on the shoulders of the quarterback, in this case, Chad Henne.

3. Revenge of the corner?

Dolphins cornerback Vontae Davis has not finished either of the first two games and may not play today because of a hamstring injury. In his place would come second-year cornerback Nolan Carroll, who struggled in relief against the quarterbacking of Tom Brady and Matt Schaub. Recall it was Carroll, as a rookie, who dropped a sure Jake Delhomme interception late in the game last year, opening the door for the Browns to pull out a 13-10 win in Miami.

4. Wildcat revisited

Will the Dolphins dust off a new, refurbished version of their wildcat look? The fad seems to have come and gone, but Miami coaches have to find a way to get rookie back Daniel Thomas and utility back Reggie Bush on the field together. They might not do the old wildcat thingie, but something creative involving both backs. Then again, this offense isn’t lacking for playmakers with Brandon Marshall, Davone Bess, Brian Hartline and Anthony Fasano lining up as potential receivers.

Talking baseball with the Indians' rookie second baseman.

Chuck Crow, The Plain DealerJason Kipnis has done quite a bit to win over Indians fans in his short time with the team. If the Colorado Rockies had their way, Kipnis would be playing second base in Denver.

Q: What’s the first thing you’re going to do when the season is over?

A: “Sleep. Let the body and mind relax and recharge the batteries.”

Q: What’s made the biggest impression about being in the big leagues for the first time?

A: “How much under the spotlight these guys are. There’s scouting reports on how to pitch these guys. There’s speculation on everything they do.

“Everybody is watching everything. In the dugout, at the plate, when you go out to dinner. It’s a mental grind to make sure you’re doing the right thing and not stepping on anybody’s toes.”

Q: How did the Indians approach you about moving from center field to second base after you signed?

A: “They did it in Instructional League. They said, ‘We want to hit you a bucket of ground balls and see if there’s anything there.’ All I can remember is still being scared of the ground balls because I was so rusty. Somehow I don’t think I missed one the whole time and I haven’t seen my outfielder’s glove since. If I’d missed a couple on purpose I might not be a second baseman now.”

Q: So you didn’t fight the move?

A: “I’m not saying I was thrilled about it at the time. I was comfortable in the outfield. . . . I just stopped thinking about it and said I’d rather be uncomfortable in the big leagues instead of being comfortable in the minor leagues.”

Q: You were a wide receiver and kicker on your football team at Glenbrook North High School in Northbrook, Ill. What was your longest field goal?

A: “No, lie. I hit a 54-yarder in practice. In a game, probably my longest was a 37-yarder.”