"I'm disappointed if I'm part of the reason they didn't succeed," said outgoing pitching coach Scott Radinsky.

Chuck Crow/The Plain DealerScott Radinsky has been fired as Indians pitching coach.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- After the Indians fired Scott Radinsky as pitching coach on Thursday afternoon, he took his son, Scott, to a park in Cleveland to play catch.

"He asked me if he couldn't like the Indians anymore," said Radinsky. "I told him he could like anybody he wanted."

Radinsky was fired following the end of an 11-game losing streak that featured some of the worst pitching in team history. Ruben Niebla was promoted from Class AAA Columbus to replace him. He was scheduled to join the team sometime Thursday night during their game against Boston.

"Honestly, I didn't really see this coming," said Radinsky. "I really didn't. We were losing and things get magnified. Then you start hearing rumors that someone is going to take the fall."

It appears the decision was made to fire Radinsky during the Indians' 11-game losing streak, but the hammer wasn't dropped until the streak ended with a 6-2 victory over the Twins on Wednesday.

"We did not want it to look like Scott bore the whole brunt of the streak," said GM Chris Antonetti.

Radinsky was fired in his first year as pitching coach after replacing Tim Belcher, who stepped down after the 2011 season. Radinsky spent the previous two years as the Tribe's bullpen coach. Overall, he spent nine years in the organization.

"I'm holding my head pretty high," said Radinsky. "All I care about is those pitchers. I wanted to do everything I could to make them successful and help them establish themselves in the big leagues.

"I'm disappointed if I'm part of the reason they didn't succeed. Working with pitchers is why I got into coaching. My only concern was working with those pitchers, to help them get better, and protect them until the day I was fired."

The starting rotation was Radinsky's demise. "We were expecting the pitching, especially the starting rotation, to be better," said manager Manny Acta. "It's not all on Rad. He couldn't go out and pitch for those guys. But we were expecting some of those guys to take a step forward and it didn't happen."

The rotation went 0-8 with a 10.44 ERA (58 earned runs in 50 innings) during the skid. Overall, the starters have the third-highest ERA in the American League at 5.10. Only Kansas City at 5.28 and Minnesota at 5.40 are higher. As a staff overall, they have the second-highest ERA in the AL at 4.74.

"It absolutely hurts to know [my struggles] might have contributed to this," said former starter Josh Tomlin.

Radinsky said Acta called him early Thursday and asked him to come to the office.

"When I opened the door and saw Chris there, I knew what was going on," said Radinsky. "They didn't really have to say anything. Look I've always been a little different. I've always marched to my own drum beat, but they were good about it.

"I apologized for not being good enough. They said it wasn't all on me, but I was the one walking out the door. I'll never take the credit, but I'll take the blame."

The Indians' redrawn rotation includes three pitchers Niebla has worked with at Columbus this year -- Zach McAllister, Corey Kluber and Chris Seddon.

"Our focus right now is to get as much out of the rest of the year as we can," said Antonetti, adding that Niebla's status will be evaluated after the season.

"This is a sad, awful day," said Acta. "We lost a good member of our staff. All the blame doesn't go on him. We're all responsible."

McAllister worked closely with Niebla the last couple of years at Columbus. "Ruben has been a huge help to me, especially as I change my delivery," said McAllister. "He helped me get consistency with it."

Niebla, 40, has worked for the Indians for 12 years. He spent the 2010 season as an assistant to the big-league coaching staff. He played six years professionally with Montreal, Los Angeles and in various independent leagues.

On the shelf: DH Travis Hafner was placed on the disabled list Thursday with lower back inflammation. He could be done for the season. If that's the case, Hafner's last at-bat as an Indian could have come Sunday in the 10th inning when he homered against Detroit. It was the 200th of his career.

The Indians recalled Jason Donald from Columbus to take Hafner's spot.

Hafner, 35, is in the final year of his contract. He's appeared in just 60 games, hitting .239 with 11 homers and 32 RBI, while making $13 million. The Indians hold a $13 million club option on Hafner for 2013, which they will not exercise.

This is his ninth trip to the disabled list with the Indians and his second this season. Trainer Lonnie Soloff is scheduled to meet with reporters on Friday to explain the injury.

On Twitter: @hoynsie

Carli Lloyd's two goals in a 2-1 victory over Japan gives the Americans redemption after losing last year's World Cup in a shootout.

View full sizeLefteris Pitarakis, Associated PressThe U.S. women's soccer team drank in the cheers at Wembley Stadium after receiving their gold medals Thursday evening. The Americans defeated Japan, 2-1, in the Olympic tournament final.

LONDON -- Immediately, it was clear this would not be a repeat of the 2011 women's soccer World Cup final. Ultimately, this was about something more.

Team USA clearly demonstrated Wednesday night you can't change history, but surely you can make it anew. It defeated nemesis Japan, 2-1, in the London Olympics final at Wembley Stadium.

Thrilling a women's soccer Olympics record crowd of 80,023 with an action-packed 90 minutes, the game could go a long way toward renewing momentum the sport lost with the collapse of its U.S. professional league. At the very least, it put the U.S. back on top with its third straight gold medal, and fourth in the five Olympics women have played soccer.

Thirteen months ago, the U.S. was reeling from a World Cup final loss to Japan in a shootout. That provided some motivation for redemption Wednesday, to be sure, but those feelings tend to fade quickly once the game begins. American players said the lasting impact of last year's loss was to galvanize the U.S. side like never before.

"A gold medal is a gold medal but one this is different. This is the first time in my athletic career, and I've been in a few major tournaments, that it really feels like a team," said goalie Hope Solo, whose aloofness previously had been an issue at times.

Solo had to point no further than exhibits Nos. 1 and 2: Carli Lloyd, who scored both U.S. goals. The 30-year-old midfielder from New Jersey was benched before the Olympics, only to regain her job in the second game after Shannon Boxx suffered a hamstring injury.

"Superstars don't go unnoticed for very long. I'm so proud of Carli. She didn't pout about [losing her job]. She stayed professional and, look it, she scored two goals in the finals of the Olympic Games," teammate Abby Wambach said.

It was another page in Lloyd's fascinating U.S. soccer story. She scored the game-winner in extra time to beat Brazil in the 2008 gold-medal game, but she missed the first penalty shot in the World Cup loss to Japan.

"The penalty shot wasn't in my mind one bit. It happens," said Lloyd, who intends to play in the 2016 Games. "To be honest, it was just another game. We obviously lost to them at the World Cup, but this was just another game and another opportunity to show that we're the No. 1 team in the world.

"To have a second gold medal is a dream come true. I definitely want a World Cup win."

Lloyd scored in the eighth minute of the first half and ninth minute of the second. The first goal was a header off a left-side crossing pass just shy of the end line by left-footed Alex Morgan. The ball appeared directed toward Wambach's feet until Lloyd darted in, stooped and knocked it with her noggin past Miho Fukomoto, who had only allowed two goals in the first five games.

The U.S. caught several breaks in the first half, some of its own making, others not so much. It got away with a clear handball in the box. The crossbar blocked two Japan shots. One was a save by the 5-foot-9 Solo, who leaped high to tip a shot that skimmed off the bar.

Japan's patience was never more evident than in the 33rd minute of the first half when Ohno worked the ball in the box with three U.S. defenders between her and the goal. She found a crease, fired a pass to Yuki Ogimi, whose shot rattled the crossbar.

Lloyd gave the U.S. a 2-0 lead with a strong individual play in the 54th minute, taking possession midway through the Japan zone and dribbling to the edge of the box before firing a BB inside the far post.

Japan was increasingly physical in the second half and took more chances on offense. Ogimi, who scored three of Japan's seven tournament goals, put her team on the board in the 63rd minute, driving home a rebound of a Hamoare Sawa shot.

Solo had not played particularly well in the tournament, but showed up for the final. She was credited with four saves, two of which were point-blank shots, none bigger than a diving save after a U.S. turnover in the 83rd minute.

"You can't win a major tournament without some great goalkeeping. The Japan goalkeeper also made some good saves," Solo said.

On Twitter: @TimsTakePD

Highlights include the Olympics, Red Sox at Indians, Browns at Lions exhibition game and second-round play at the PGA Championship.

10 a.m.-10:45 a.m. -- Canoe/kayak.

10:45 a.m.-11:45 a.m. -- Men's water polo. Live

11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. -- Canoe/kayak.

12:15 p.m.-12:30 p.m. -- Swimming.

12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m. -- Synchronized swimming.

1:30 p.m.-1:45 p.m. -- Swimming.

1:45 p.m.-2:45 p.m. -- Rhythmic gymnastics.

2:45 p.m.-4 p.m. -- Wrestling.

8 p.m.-Midnight -- NBC Primetime: Track & field, cycling, men's volleyball, men's diving.

===

12:35 a.m.-1:35 a.m. Saturday morning -- NBC Late Night: Track & field, men's water polo.

1:35 a.m.-5 a.m. Saturday morning -- NBC Primetime repeat.

CNBC

5 p.m.-8 p.m. -- Men's boxing.

===

3 a.m.-4 a.m. Saturday morning -- Boxing highlights from previous day.

MCNBC

10 a.m.-Noon -- Men's volleyball. Live

Noon-1:30 p.m. -- Men's handball. Live

1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. -- Wrestling.

2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. -- Men's soccer. Live

4:30 p.m.-6 p.m. -- Men's handball.

NBCSN

8 a.m.-8:30 a.m. -- Taekwondo.

8:30 a.m.-11 a.m. -- Men's boxing. Live

11 a.m.-Noon -- Wrestling.

Noon-2 p.m. -- Men's basketball (semifinals). Live

2 p.m.-3:30 p.m. -- Women's field hockey.

3:30 p.m.-6 p.m. -- Men's basketball (semifinals). Live

===

4 a.m.-8 a.m. Saturday morning -- Men's walk. Live

Telemundo

9 a.m.-5 p.m. -- Men's soccer, men's volleyball, basketball, boxing.

===

Midnight-2:30 a.m. Saturday morning -- Highlights from previous day.

The game, originally scheduled for Saturday in Columbus, will be played Wednesday, Aug. 22 at Crew Stadium.

View full sizeAP PhotoColumbus Crew midfielder Kirk Urso, right battles for the ball with Toronto FC forward Ryan Johnson during first half MLS soccer action in Toronto on Saturday March 31, 2012. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Frank Gunn)

NEW YORK — Major League Soccer has rescheduled a game between Columbus Crew and Toronto FC to allow Crew players to attend teammate Kirk Urso's funeral.

The game, originally scheduled for Saturday in Columbus, will be played Wednesday, Aug. 22 at Crew Stadium.

The 22-year-old Urso died Sunday at Grant Medical Center in Columbus after collapsing at a downtown bar and restaurant. On Monday, a coroner said signs pointed to "an apparent natural death" pending results from toxicology tests and on other tissue after an autopsy.

There are 20,000 media members covering the Olympics and we have an unfortunate tendency to run roughshod over each other. This can lead to some precarious moments amid the pushing and shoving during post-event interviews.

APUnited States goalkeeper Hope Solo celebrates after winning the women's soccer gold medal match against Japan at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 9, 2012, in London.

It’s a dangerous job, but somebody has to do it.

There are 20,000 media members covering the Olympics and we have an unfortunate tendency to run roughshod over each other. This can lead to some precarious moments amid the pushing and shoving during post-event interviews.

Thursday night, after the women’s beach volleyball final, a raised floor gave way under the weight of sweaty scribes who wanted to know what Misty May-Treanor thought of her third gold medal.

“Are you guys all OK?” she asked at a safer news conference later in the evening. “That was scary.”

Friday night, grouchy media members waited 90 minutes in a tiny, hot room under Wembley Stadium to interview gold-medal soccer goalie Hope Solo. When she finally appeared, everyone pressed forward. The wood barrier that separated her beauty from us beasts cracked like a heaving redwood.

I was in the second row and told the unlucky bloke in front of me, “If we go down, you’re my soft landing.”

Solo ordered everyone to take a step back, order was restored and the barrier held.

There were no injuries, but thanks for your concern.

Lake Erie walleye fishing continues to shine off Vermilion, Geneva, Conneaut and Ashtabula. Yellow perch fishing is still spotty, but good catches have been reported off Lorain's Beaver Creek and northwest of Fairport Harbor.

D'Arcy Egan, The Plain DealerWalleye are scattered off the coast of Cleveland, with few anglers chasing them in deep water.

Lake Erie walleye fishing continues to shine off Vermilion, Geneva, Conneaut and Ashtabula. Yellow perch fishing is still spotty, but good catches have been reported off Lorain's Beaver Creek and northwest of Fairport Harbor. Low water levels plague Berlin and West Branch reservoirs. Inland catfish, bluegill and largemouth bass fishing have been good.

Cleveland area

Lake Erie fishing has been slow, with some yellow perch caught in 46 to 48 feet of water off the Cleveland Crib, Gordon Park and Bratenahl, with fair catches in the Euclid area. Walleye are scattered, with few anglers chasing them in deep water.

Cleveland Harbor shoreline fishing has been mediocre, with some rock bass and smallmouth bass reported caught. A program to eliminate invasive hydrilla growing in Berea's Wallace Lake has closed the lake through Aug. 27.

Central Lake Erie

Walleye fishing around the Lorain Sand Bar in 41 to 45 feet of water north of Vermilion continues to sparkle for trolling fishermen and drift-and-cast anglers. Good numbers of walleye in a variety of sizes have been reported caught all week between the sand bar and weather buoy on the Ohio-Ontario border. Spinner rigs and night crawlers and Reef Runner diving plugs target walleye suspended about 35 feet deep.

Good numbers of walleye are also being caught in 15 to 25 feet of water from Huron to Vermilion, and off Geneva, Conneaut and Ashtabula in 70- to 72-foot depths.

Yellow perch fishing has been good off Beaver Park in 42 feet of water, around the hump northwest of the Grand River and in 48 to 50 feet off Ashtabula and Conneaut.

Western Lake Erie

Walleye have been hard to find around the Bass islands and Kelleys Island. West Sister Island walleye fishing continues to be good for drift-and-cast anglers using small spinner rigs tipped with a night crawler. Schools of yellow perch are hard to find. Some perch are being caught from spotty schools around Kelleys Island, the Toledo water intake and Green and Rattlesnake islands.

Inland lakes, reservoirs

Boaters must take care in launching at Berlin and West Branch reservoirs, where water levels are low and some launch ramps closed. Berlin Reservoir bluegill fishing has been good in 3 to 5 feet of water along the shoreline on tiny jigs and maggots worked under a float.

The best bass fishing around the area has been at Turkeyfoot and East reservoirs in the Portage Lakes chain, where plastic worms, jigs and diving plugs are targeting bass around drop-offs, humps and the edges of weed beds. Bluegill are being caught in good numbers all around the Portage Lakes.

Mosquito Reservoir is down about 4 to 5 feet. The causeway boat ramps are closed, but the state park ramps are still open. Anglers are catching lots of catfish, especially after dark, as well as crappie, bluegill and some walleye while trolling the southwest area of the lake and south of the island on the north side. Shad Raps and worm harnesses are taking walleye.

Catfish, bass and bluegill are luring anglers to Mogadore Lake. Bass anglers are casting plastic worms around the outside edges of the weed beds. Crappie and bluegill are being caught along the Pymatuning Causeway.

Fishing tournaments

Walmart Bass Fishing League Buckeye Division (Ohio River at Tanners Creek) How they finished: 1. Matt Cash, Cincinnati, five bass, 9-01 pounds, $3,842; 2. John Miller, Washington, Pa., five, 8-01, $1,921; 3. Mike Spicer, Bellbrook, five, 8-0, $1,089. Big Bass: Kevin Spears, New Boston, 4-15 pounds, $510.

Using electrofishing and nets to probe Sandusky Bay, Maumee Bay and Western Lake Erie, fisheries experts this week from Ohio, Michigan and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service could not find an Asian carp.

AP FileUsing electrofishing and nets to probe Sandusky Bay, Maumee Bay and Western Lake Erie, fisheries experts this week from Ohio, Michigan and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service could not find an Asian carp.

Using electrofishing and nets to probe Sandusky Bay, Maumee Bay and Western Lake Erie, fisheries experts this week from Ohio, Michigan and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service could not find an Asian carp.

The team of researchers, responding to four positive DNA samples collected in August 2011, took more than 500 water samples last week. Those samples will be analyzed for Asian carp DNA, with the results expected in a month.

“We caught a lot of common carp and other things,” said Lake Erie program administrator Roger Knight of the Division of Wildlife’s Sandusky Research Station. “But not a single bighead or silver carp. I didn’t expect to see any, considering all of the netting done each year by our biologists and Lake Erie commercial fishermen. And the fact we haven’t seen a live Asian carp since 2000. But it was worth doing the intensive surveys in those areas [because of the August 2011 positive DNA samples].”

Comments wanted: Ohio fishermen and hunters have complained about new skin-on fish filleting rules; hunting and fishing seasons; size limits; and even a crackdown by game wardens on so-called “boat limits” of Lake Erie fish.

The Division of Wildlife says it is listening and wants sportsmen to check in at one of seven open houses Saturday to voice wants, needs and concerns.

If open houses held in recent years are an indicator, crowds are unlikely at the gatherings from noon to 3 p.m. at the five district offices of the DOW. Those include the Akron office at 912 Portage Lakes Dr.; the Fairport Fisheries Unit, 1190 High St., Fairport Harbor; and the Lake Erie Shores and Islands Welcome Center, 770 S.E. Catawba Road, Port Clinton.

Wildlife officials are proposing a scaled-down version of the new rule this year requiring skin to be left on fish fillets, allowing officials to determine what types of fish have been caught and whether they comply with bag limits.

The poorly publicized rule was a surprise for most anglers in the spring, a loser in a court challenge and rated a flop by fishermen.

Waterfowling opportunities: The Division of Wildlife has a drawing Aug. 18 for more than 270 waterfowl duck-blind permits at state parks this fall, including Portage Lakes and West Branch state parks in Northeast Ohio.

Drawings are being held at 6:30 p.m. at the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area on Wednesday, and the Pipe Creek and East Sandusky Bay Metro Park on Thursday for early season teal and goose hunts.

Turkey shoot: The Streetsboro Sportsman Association kicks off its turkey shoots Sunday at 10 a.m. at its Shalersville Township grounds on Peck Road, a half-mile south of Ohio 303.

Manning threw 7 passes with one pick in Broncos debut, while RG3 threw only 6 passes, with a touchdown for the Redskins.

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) looks to pass under pressure from Chicago Bears defensive lineman Israel Idonije (71) during the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game in Chicago, Thursday, Aug. 9, 2012. The Broncos won 31-3. (AP Photo/Daily Herald, Mark Welsh) MANDATORY CREDIT; TV OUT; MAGS OUT

CHICAGO — Peyton Manning's first appearance with the Denver Broncos was brief and a bit uneven.

Manning got intercepted near the goal line on the game's opening possession and watched from the sideline the rest of the way as Denver beat the Chicago Bears 31-3 in the preseason opener on Thursday night.

All eyes were on Manning and the results were mixed for the four-time MVP. Considering he missed all of last season with a nerve injury in his neck that weakened his throwing arm and led to his tearful farewell from the Indianapolis Colts, it was hardly a surprise.

Manning is trying to show he still has something left with Denver (No. 10 in the AP Pro32), and all things considered, coach John Fox was impressed.

On a cool and rainy night, Manning completed 4 of 7 passes for 44 yards, but didn't have to contend with Julius Peppers or Brian Urlacher. He had all the time he needed, too, so it remains to be seen how he'll handle a big hit.

EAGLES 24, STEELERS 23

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Andy Reid was welcomed back to the sideline with a standing ovation and chants of "Andy! Andy! Andy!"

Then the Philadelphia Eagles gave their grieving coach a small reason to smile. Reid coached the Eagles just two days after his 29-year-old son's funeral.

Alex Henery kicked a 51-yard field goal with 12 seconds left after the Steelers went up on Daniel Hrapmann's 42-yarder with 1:57 left. Trent Edwards led the Eagles (No. 8 in the AP Pro32) back on an 11-play drive to set up Henery's kick.

Rookie Nick Foles threw two long TD passes to help the Eagles overcome a 13-0 third-quarter deficit.

Ben Roethlisberger was sharp in his only series for the Steelers (No. 7 in the AP Pro32). He led the offense on a 16-play scoring drive in the first game under new offensive coordinator Todd Haley.

Michael Vick escaped injury after banging his left thumb on center Jason Kelce's helmet, and took a seat on the bench after the offense went three-and-out in his only two drives.

RAVENS 31, FALCONS 17

ATLANTA (AP) — Baltimore backup Curtis Painter threw three second-half touchdown passes.

Atlanta's Matt Ryan led two touchdown drives, including a scoring pass to Julio Jones, before Painter took over.

Ryan completed 9 of 13 passes for 155 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He was 5 for 5 for 71 yards, including the 7-yard touchdown pass to Jones, on the opening drive for Atlanta (No. 13 in the AP Pro32).

Joe Flacco completed 9 of 12 passes for 88 yards and a touchdown for Baltimore (No. 5). The Falcons led 14-0 before Flacco threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to Ed Dickson midway through the second quarter.

Ravens safety Omar Brown, an undrafted rookie from Marshall, had two fumble recoveries and an interception.

PATRIOTS 7, SAINTS 6

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Will Smith crunched Tom Brady from behind, forcing a fumble in the first quarter. It may be the Saints defensive end's biggest play for a while.

One of four players punished in New Orleans bounty scandal, Smith was suspended for the first four regular-season games. So Thursday night's sack of New England's star quarterback was a highlight in the Patriots lackluster 7-6 win in their exhibition opener.

John Kasay had a chance to give the Saints (No. 9 in the AP Pro32) the lead, but his 41-yard field goal attempt went wide to the right with 3:07 left.

Brady left after two series and 15 plays and finished with four completions in seven attempts for 30 yards.

Washington Redskins' Robert Griffin III throws during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park, N.Y., Thursday, Aug. 9, 2012. (AP Photo/Bill Wippert)

New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees also played two series, lasting just six plays. He was 1 of 4 for 4 yards in his second exhibition game.

REDSKINS 7, BILLS 6

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Robert Griffin III needed only three passes on his third and final drive to show glimpses of stardom in his much-anticipated NFL preseason debut Thursday night.

After a muffed handoff and no first downs in his first two series, RG3 found his rhythm by completing his final three passes for 58 yards, capped by a 20-yard touchdown to Pierre Garcon.

It was an eventful cameo appearance for the Heisman Trophy winner, who was drafted with the No. 2 pick out of Baylor. Griffin finished going 4 of 6 for 70 yards and a lost fumble.

Defensive end Mario Williams made a debut of his own for the Bills (No. 19) in his first game since signing a six-year, $100 million contract in free agency in March. Williams, the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history, and the Bills' new-look defensive front was solid in limiting the Redskins to 11 yards and no first downs in the first two series.

CHARGERS 21, PACKERS 13

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Shannon Eastin became the first woman to officiate an NFL game and Philip Rivers had a touchdown, an interception and a fumble in limited action for the Chargers ( No. 16 in the AP Pro32). Rookie Jarrett Lee got most of the action, throwing for 235 yards and a touchdown.

Eastin broke the NFL's on-field gender barrier by serving as the line judge for the seven-man crew of replacement officials.

She helped oversee a predictably ugly preseason opener by both teams, filled with fumbles, interceptions and missed assignments.

Aaron Rodgers had an interception and a fumble in three series for the Packers (No. 1).

Tianna Madison of Elyria competes in the women's 4x100 meter relay today in London.

APTianna Madison competes in the women's 4x100 relay today in London.

Tianna thinks podium

The Elyria native, right, felt great after running a strong leadoff leg in a heat Thursday, as Team USA ran a 41.64 that was just off the Olympic record of 41.60. The world record of 41.37 could be in play today, when the race runs at 3:40 p.m. EST, with NBC coverage in prime time. But Madison said, “We're just thinking about getting on the podium.”

Semis in men’s hoops

It’s the United States vs. Argentina and Russia against Spain, with NBCSN showing the

Americans live at 3:30 p.m. EST. Still led by Manu Ginobili, Argentina knocked off Team USA on the way to the gold medal in 2004. The other semi tips off live on NBCSN at 11:45 a.m.

Handball semis

Handball gets some television love with two semifinals. Sweden and Hungary meet on MSNBC live at noon, followed by France vs. Croatia on MSNBC at 4:30 p.m. EST. Sure looks fun, doesn’t it?

Men’s wrestling on a mission

U.S. Greco-Roman and women’s freestyle combined for one medal, a bronze. Today through Sunday, it’s up to the men’s freestyle team to produce a bigger haul. It starts today with defending world champion Jordan Burroughs at 163 pounds. Later in the week, medal hopefuls Jake Varner, Jake Herbert and Columbus heavyweight Tervel Dlagnev take the mat. Wrestling broadcasts today are 10:45 a.m. on NBCSN, 2:15 p.m. on NBC and again at 3:30 p.m. on NBC.

For the full schedule for the rest of the Games, go here.

Dwight Howard appears to be finally getting his wish: a one-way ticket out of Orlando.

Associated PressDwight Howard is headed to the Lakers, according to multiple reports.

The Los Angeles Lakers have a deal in place to acquire Dwight Howard from Orlando in a four-team, eight-player trade also involving Denver and Philadelphia, and the NBA has scheduled a conference call Friday with the four general managers to finish the deal, according to multiple reports.

Citing unidentified sources, ESPN first reported the deal was in place. The Los Angeles Times, citing unidentified NBA executives, later confirmed the trade. The Denver Post confirmed the Nuggets' end of the deal, and Yahoo! Sports also confirmed the trade, both citing unidentified sources.

A person with knowledge of the trade also confirmed the Denver portion of the deal to The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because details have not been officially announced.

Philadelphia would get Andrew Bynum from Los Angeles and Jason Richardson from Orlando, while Denver would get Andre Iguodala from the 76ers.

Orlando would receive Arron Afflalo and Al Harrington from Denver, Nikola Vucevic and Moe Harkless from Philadelphia, and lottery protected first-round picks from each of the three teams.

Howard had asked for a trade to Brooklyn, but Orlando failed to work out a deal with the Nets, opening the way for the Lakers to get the All-Star center.

Howard averaged 20.6 points and 14.5 rebounds in 54 regular-season games for Orlando last season. In eight seasons with the Magic, he averaged 18.4 points and 13.0 rebounds.

Paul will chat with cleveland.com's Glenn Moore about the Tribe's recent play, the firing of Scott Radinsky, Manny Acta's status and the long losing streak.

Paul Hoynes answers your Indians questions today at noon.

Get your Indians questions ready and join Indians beat writer Paul Hoynes today at noon as he talks Indians baseball.

Paul will chat with cleveland.com's Glenn Moore about the Tribe's recent play, the firing of Scott Radinsky, Manny Acta's status and the long losing streak.

You can jump in the chat room and ask your questions as well as interact with other users and respond to Hoynsie's remarks, or you can just listen. The chat will also be made available shortly after its completion in mp3 format.

The Indians came from behind to beat Boston, 5-3, Thursday night to win their second straight game after losing 11 straight games.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The day the Indians fired pitching coach Scott Radinsky, Ubaldo Jimenez struck out a season-high 10 batters as the Indians beat Boston, 5-3, Thursday night at Progressive Field.

Jimenez (9-11, 4.77) won his first game since July 7. He'd gone 0-4 in his previous five starts with an 8.42 ERA (24 earned runs in 25 2/3 innings).

The 10 strikeouts were a season high and the most Jimenez has had since he struck out 11 against Kansas City on Aug. 26, 2011. Jimenez allowed three runs on eight hits in six innings.

The win was the Indians' second in a row following their season-altering 11-game losing streak. Is it too soon to call that a hot streak?

The Indians added a critical insurance run in the eighth on Jason Donald's RBI grounder for a 5-3 lead. Donald, fresh from Class AAA Columbus to replace injured Travis Hafner, started the game with a homer off lefty Felix Doubront (10-6, 4.70).

Chris Perez, coming off two straight blown saves for the first time this season, pitched the ninth for his 30th save.

The Indians took a 1-0 lead in the first on the first leadoff homer of Donald's career. He hit a 2-0 pitch just inside the right-field foul pole. Donald was a late addition to the lineup when Jason Kipnis was scratched with a stiff neck. Kipnis has not homered since June 17.

The Red Sox came back to take a 2-1 lead in the fourth on Adrian Gonzalez's two-run homer off Jimenez. Dustin Pedroia singled to start the inning before Gonzalez hit his third career homer against Jimenez.

Boston made it 3-1 on Pedroia's single in the fifth. Jacoby Ellsbury started the inning with a single. He stole second and scored on Pedroia's one-out hit to center. Ellsbury opened the game with a walk and stole second and third, but did not score.

In Jimenez's first 22 starts this season, the opposition has stolen 23 bases in 27 attempts.

The Indians took a 4-3 lead with three runs in the fifth. Lou Marson singled with one out and took second when Donald walked. Asdrubal Cabrera doubled to left to score Marson and send Donald to third. Doubront walked Shin-Soo Choo to load the bases and Carlos Santana singled to left to tie the score. Lefty Andrew Miller relieved and Michael Brantley greeted him with a sacrifice fly.

It was Brantley's 49th RBI, three more than he had last season.

Jimenez struck out the side in order in the sixth. He did the same in the 10th. When he came out for the seventh, however, he gave up a leadoff double to No.9 hitter Pedro Ciriaco. Lefty Tony Sipp relieved to face lefties Ellsbury and Carl Crawford. Sipp struck out Ellsbury and then sat back and watched a unique double play unfold.

Crawford sent a grounder to Cabrera at short as Ciriaco took off for third. Cabrera threw to third to catch Ciriaco in a rundown. He took a return throw from third baseman Brent Lillibridge to tag Ciriaco and threw to second where Donald tagged out the sliding Crawford.

Then the ball went to Vinnie Pestano for the eighth. Pestano, pitching in his third straight game, hit Gonzalez and gave up a single to Cody Ross with one out. Bullpen coach Dave Miller visited the mound because new pitching coach Ruben Niebla was presumably still in transit from Durham, N.C. where Class AAA Columbus was playing. Whatever Miller said worked.

Pestano struck out Jarrod Saltalamacchia and retired Will Middlebrooks on a fly ball to left. It was Pestano's 21st consecutive scoreless inning. He entered the game tied with Tampa's J.P. Howell for the longest scoreless inning streak in the American League.

Ezequiel Carrera and Lillibridge started the eighth with singles. Casey Kotchman advanced the runners with a sacrifice bunt and Marson walked to load the bases. Donald's grounder to the hole at short scored Carrera.
 

Indians DH Travis Hafner, on the DL for the second time this season, is hitting .239 in 60 games. He has a bulging disc in his lower back.

View full sizeCarlos Osorio, Associated PressWill this homer against Detroit last Sunday be Travis Hafner's farewell hit for the Indians? His status for the rest of the season is uncertain after going back on the DL Friday.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Indians designated hitter Travis Hafner has a bulging disc in his lower back, trainer Lonnie Soloff said Friday afternoon. Hafner was placed on the 15-day disabled list Thursday -- his second DL stint of the season and ninth of his career.

"He's been started on anti-inflammatory medication and received an epidural injection [Friday]," Soloff said. "The timetable for his return will depend solely on his responses to the medication, the injection and the treatment."

Soloff said the injections can be repeated every other week or every three weeks, depending on symptoms.

Soloff said it is not uncommon for the general population to have disc inflammation. "If 10 of us in a group had an MRI scan, four probably would be shown to have a bulging disc," he said. "If you're feeling good, it's not uncommon for it to be asymptomatic. Sometimes, through prolonged sitting or posture, that disc can become symptomatic."

Hafner said the back began to flare up after several plane rides, with the worst pain being felt after the Indians flew from Minnesota to Kansas City recently. He said he is not sure what caused it.

Hafner, 35, said he will need to see how a few weeks of treatments go before becoming concerned that his season might be over. He is in the final year of his contract that pays $13 million. The Indians hold a $13 million option for 2013, which they will not exercise. There is a $2.75 million buyout, according to multiple reports.

Remaining healthy has been an enormous challenge for Hafner since he played 152 games and drove in 100 runs in 2007. Here is a capsule look:

• 2008: 57 games, .197 average, five homers, 24 RBI. Disabled list for right-shoulder strain; underwent surgery in October.

• 2009: 94 games, .272 average, 16 homers, 49 RBI. Disabled list, right-shoulder soreness.

• 2010: 118 games, .278 average, 13 homers, 50 RBI. Disabled list, right-shoulder inflammation.

• 2011: 94 games, .280 average, 13 homers, 57 RBI. Disabled list, right oblique and right foot.

• 2012 (through Friday): 60 games, .239 average, 11 homers, 32 RBI. Disabled list, right knee and back.

The Donald: Utility man Jason Donald was recalled from Class AAA Columbus on Thursday to take Hafner's roster spot. During batting practice that afternoon, Donald learned he would be starting at second and batting leadoff because Jason Kipnis had a stiff neck.

Donald hit a third-pitch homer off Red Sox lefty Felix Doubront in the Tribe's 5-3 victory. He finished 1-for-4 with two RBI and two runs.

Kipnis's neck has improved considerably, but not enough to start. With the Indians facing righty Clay Buchholz, Donald was moved to ninth and left fielder Ezequiel Carrera batted leadoff.

He's in: Ruben Niebla spoke with reporters Friday afternoon for the first time as the Indians' interim pitching coach. The Tribe fired Scott Radinsky on Thursday and promoted Niebla, who had been the Clippers' pitching coach since 2011.

"It was a little surprising at first, then it set in," Niebla said. "Obviously, you don't want this set of circumstances to be when you get the first call-up as a pitching coach in the big leagues. You want to go through the interview process and win it outright. This year, I was focusing on being in Columbus and finishing the year in Columbus. But this happened, and now we have to make an adjustment and move onto the next chapter."

Radinsky was in his first year as Cleveland's pitching coach, having taken over for Tim Belcher. Niebla and Radinsky worked together on the major-league staff in 2010.

"Rad has been a big part of this organization for many years," Niebla said. "He's a good friend of mine and I wish him all the best."

Niebla said the first item on his agenda will be to build a relationship with the pitchers.

"I want to make sure those guys know I'm here to help them, that I'm a resource for them," he said. "I'm not here to put the magic wand over anybody, but, if we work and communicate collectively, we can get the staff headed in the right direction. I'm not saying that it wasn't -- but there are certain things that can be adjusted."

Even though Niebla was not in uniform Thursday, the staff's solid performance that night against the Red Sox goes in his column. Right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez posted a quality start (six innings, three earned runs) in a 5-3 victory. Bullpen coach Dave Miller and manager Manny Acta handled the duties while Niebla was in transit.

"Ubaldo was great," Niebla said. "If he can continue doing that, we'll be fine. I'll stay out of his way."

The Indians' starters Friday (Chris Seddon), Saturday (Zach McAllister) and Sunday (Corey Kluber) have spent large chunks of the season under Niebla in Columbus.

"It makes it a little bit easier knowing I know those guys," he said. "I know their heartbeat, I know what makes them good. When they're struggling, hopefully I can figure it out what can get them back on track."

Niebla, 40, has worked for the Indians for 12 years. He has been a pitching coach in rookie league and at Class A, advanced-Class A, Class AA, Class AAA.

Julio Rangel will serve as Columbus pitching coach for the remainder of the season. Rangel is based in Goodyear, Ariz., and is the organization's mental skills and lower level pitching coordinator. He has been with the organization since 2007.

On Twitter: @dmansworldpd

Weeden displayed his strong arm with a 34-yard pass to rookie Travis Benjamin down the right sideline, but had two turnovers in his preseason debut.

View full sizeCarlos Osorio, Associated PressBrandon Weeden's first preseason possession ended with this fumble, as the rookie QB was stripped by Detroit's Willie Young.

DETROIT -- Rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden started strong, but had some issues in his first NFL action Friday night.

He completed his first pass attempt (for 12 yards to Mohamed Massaquoi). Weeden displayed his strong arm with a 34-yard pass to rookie Travis Benjamin down the right sideline.

Weeden, however, missed on his next two passes. Weeden didn't get a chance to make his next pass attempt. Weeden fumbled when he was sacked by Willie Young.

Weeden made his second mistake late in the quarter when his attempt to force a pass to Greg Little was intercepted by Dwight Bentley. The Lions took over at the Browns 25 and scored two plays later on Keiland Williams' five-yard run.

The Lions have a 111-91 edge in offensive yards after the first 15 minutes, with the Browns' two turnovers proving critical. Colt McCoy has replaced Weeden, who finished 3 for 9 for 62 yards.

Saturday's semifinals begin at 10 a.m. at The Country Club.

PEPPER PIKE, Ohio -- Top seeds Lydia Ko and Ariya Jutanugarn set up a semifinal showdown in the U.S. Women's Amateur with quarterfinal victories Friday at The Country Club.

Jutanugarn, from Thailand, beat UCLA's Erynne Lee of Silverdale, Wash., 5 and 4. The 16-year-old Jutanugarn successfully defended her title last week in the Junior PGA Championship. She also won the Canadian Women's Amateur this summer and the 2011 U.S. Girls' Junior.

• More coverage of U.S. Women's Amateur

The 15-year-old Ko, the South Korean-born New Zealander who tops the world amateur rankings, beat South Africa's Paula Reto 3 and 1. Ko won the New South Wales Open in January in Australia at 14 to become the youngest player to win a professional tour event.

Canada's Nicole Zhang will face Jaye Marie Green of Boca Raton, Fla., in the other semifinal. Zhang, a Notre Dame player, beat Australia's Su-Hyun Oh, 2 and 1, and Green topped Mexico's Marijosse Navarro, also 2 and 1.

Zhang owns one of the biggest upsets of the tournament when she eliminated third-ranked Hyo-Joo Kim, 1-up, on Thursday.

The matches begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, with Sunday's finals scheduled at 8:30 a.m. Both rounds are televised on The Golf Channel, beginning at 3 p.m.

Injuries and penalties haunt the Browns in first half against Detroit.

View full sizeRick Osentoski, Associated PressDetroit's Stefan Logan (11) winds his way through the Cleveland defense during the first half of Friday night's game at Ford Field. Logan had the Lions' second touchdown of the game with a three-yard catch late in the second quarter.

DETROIT -- A flood of penalties, injuries and other mistakes led to the Browns taking a 14-3 deficit to the halftime break Friday night at Ford Field.

Colt McCoy took over for Brandon Weeden in the final three minutes of the first quarter and remained in the second quarter. McCoy, 6-for-8 for 88 yards, completed the biggest play of the half for the Browns with a 42-yard pass to tight end Jordan Cameron. The drive sputtered at the 19 and the Browns scored on a 37-yard Phil Dawson field goal.

The Lions drove the field in the final minutes on a 14-play, 80-yard touchdown drive. On fourth down from the 3, Detroit's Stefan Young got past linebacker Craig Robertson for a 3-yard catch from Shaun Hill.

The Browns didn't have any more turnovers after Weeden's fumble and interception in the first quarter, but they committed eight penalties -- the Lions had just one -- that consistently ended any offensive threats.

Meanwhile, injuries took defensive lineman Scott Paxson, receiver Mohamed Massaquoi, cornerback Dimitri Patterson and tight end Cameron off the field. The team had not yet released information on the injuries.

Statistically, the Browns were competitive. Detroit had a 245-201 edge in total yards, but the teams were even in yards per play at 6.3.

Penalties and a defense that labored dominated the first 30 minutes Friday.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerBrowns defenders Scott Fujita (left) and Eric Hagg help break up this pass attempt to Detroit tight end Brandon Pettigrew in the first half Friday.

DETROIT -- Here are my Browns halftime scribbles:

1. Don't want to think what the Browns secondary will be like if Joe Haden does receive a four-game suspension for failing the NFL drug test. Dimitri Patterson was playing 10 yards away from Lions receiver Calvin Johnson. Matt Stafford could have thrown to Johnson all night for sizeable gains as Patterson was worried about being torched for a touchdown.

2. Buster Skrine took a turn on Johnson, trying to play bump defense. But Johnson just shoved the 5-foot-9, 185-pound Skrine to the turf. Patterson later left the game with an ankle injury. The 6-foot-4, 230-pound Johnson is a monster to cover.

3. Travis Benjamin looks like a keeper, very quick, good hands, a passion that makes your eyes go to him as he runs out for a pass.

4. Brandon Weeden looked like a rocky rookie in his first game. I'm not going to spend a lot of time analyzing it because he didn't even play an entire quarter.

5. I never can figure out why they let a rookie starting quarterback play only a quarter (if that) in his first pro game. He has to get used to the quick pace and getting hit. Coaches will say they don't want the rookie getting hurt, and they want him to play with the first string. Fine, let the starting linemen also play into the second quarter. The Browns have an extremely young line that needs experience.

6. Colt McCoy was scrappy and I hope he stays as the backup.

7. The defense looked slow, slow and sometimes even slower.

8. Josh Gordon seemed a bit overwhelmed. No surprise since he didn't even play last season.

9. Too many dumb penalties. Mitchell Schwartz (false start), Chris Ogbonnaya (false start), an illegal formation -- all in the first half.

10. Jordan Cameron had two big-time catches and could play a lot of tight end this season.

Asdrubal Cabrera is the entire Cleveland offense with a solo homer and a double as two-game win streak ends.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians' post-losing streak juggernaut was no match for the right arm of Boston's Clay Buchholz on Friday night at Progressive Field.

Buchholz gave up two hits -- a homer and double by Asdrubal Cabrera -- in a complete game as the Red Sox prevailed, 3-2, in front of 27,246 paid. The Indians (52-61) had won two in a row since an 11-game slide. They have lost 17 of 22.

The Red Sox (56-58) improved to 27-24 on the road. They are 4-2 against the Tribe.

Buchholz (10-3, 4.24 ERA) struggled in April but has gotten better and better. He entered Friday with a 5-1 record and 2.21 ERA in his previous 10 starts; the ERA was the second-lowest in the American League in that span. He struck out six and did not walk a batter. One of the runs was unearned.

"That was probably the best game pitched against us so far -- and it wasn't even a shutout," Indians manager Manny Acta said. "The night belonged to Buchholz. We couldn't do anything. The only guy who took good swings against him was Cabrera."

Buchholz threw 72 of 104 pitches for strikes. He crafted the 50th complete game by an opposing pitcher in Progressive Field history, the seventh while holding Cleveland to two hits or fewer.

"The most impressive thing was the way he mixed his pitches," Acta said. "He had great command."

Third baseman Jack Hannahan, who went 0-for-3, agreed this edition of Buchholz was the best the Tribe has seen. "He almost had you looking for a pitch you didn't want to hit," Hannahan said. "He located his fastball, threw a good cutter and kept us off-balance."

Buchholz needed to be sharp because Tribe left-hander Chris Seddon performed well. Seddon allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits in six innings, walked two and struck out three. He threw 90 pitches and rebounded nicely from his season debut with Cleveland last Sunday in Detroit, where he allowed four runs on seven hits in 4 1/3 innings of a no-decision.

"I felt a lot more comfortable this time," he said. "That allowed me to pitch down in the zone. I was ahead in the count more and put pitches where I wanted to."

The Indians took a 1-0 lead in the first. After Ezequiel Carrera struck out, Cabrera blasted a 2-0 fastball over the wall in right-center near the Tribe bullpen. It was homer No. 13 for No. 13.

Seddon retired the first six, including a strikeout of former AL MVP Dustin Pedroia to end the first. Pedroia swung through a fastball that ran in on the hands.

Red Sox DH Ryan Lavarnway dumped a single into right to open the third. With one out, Lavarnway bolted for second on a pitch in the dirt, but catcher Carlos Santana pounced and erased him with room to spare.

Boston broke through in the fourth. Seddon primarily had himself to blame. Mike Aviles drew a four-pitch walk with one out. During Pedroia's at-bat, Seddon threw wildly past first on a pickoff, Aviles racing to third. Moments later, Pedroia lined a 1-2 pitch past a drawn-in Cabrera and into the hole at short.

"I went for the pick and, I don't know, just lost it," Seddon said.

With Adrian Gonzalez batting, Pedroia stole second. After Gonzalez flied to center, Ross was intentionally walked. Seddon bowed his neck and prevented further damage, getting Will Middlebrooks to line to short.

The Indians squandered an opportunity in their half. Cabrera led off by smacking a changeup for a double to right-center. "Those were the only two pitches he missed," Cabrera said of his two hits.

He advanced to third on a grounder, but stayed there when Santana grounded to first and Michael Brantley flied to center.

"In a close game, there's not much margin for error," Acta said.

Boston pulled ahead, 3-1, in the sixth. Pedroia hit a one-out single and trotted home on Cody Ross's two-out homer. Ross blasted a slow-developing off-speed pitch over the high wall in center.

"I should have bounced it," Seddon said. "I'd bounced the one before. I didn't bounce it and he hit it."

Pedroia gave one back in the bottom of the inning. Jason Donald's leadoff grounder somehow eluded Pedroia as he moved toward the mound. Once Donald made a wide turn, shortstop Aviles thought he could get him. But Aviles's throw skipped into the stands, putting Donald at third. The next batter, Carrera, delivered a sacrifice fly.

Cody Allen relieved Seddon and worked a perfect seventh. With one out in the eighth, Aviles singled, becoming just the second batter to get a hit off Allen in his eight appearances since being recalled from Class AAA Columbus (2-for-31).

Esmil Rogers relieved and retired the ultra-dangerous Gonzalez on a 4-6-3. He made sure Allen did not allow a run in his first 10 1/3 innings in the majors.

"Allen has been a pleasant surprise," Acta said.

Among those in attendance was Gaylord Perry, who will be inducted into the Cleveland Indians Hall of Fame Saturday. Perry won 24 games for the Tribe in 1972 and bagged the Cy Young Award. He is a National Baseball Hall of Famer.

On Twitter: @dmansworldpd

Seneca Wallace is effective against the Detroit backups as the Browns narrow the deficit.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerThe Browns complained about the apparent pass interference on this Colt McCoy pass to Evan Moore in the first half, but didn't get any satisfaction from the replacement referees working the game.

DETROIT -- The Browns and Lions had emptied their benches after halftime, and the Browns appeared to be the better collection of subs in the third quarter.

No. 3 quarterback Seneca Wallace was 6 of 12 for 77 yards and one touchdown as the Browns narrowed the margin. The Browns took the lead in total offense and got a good rushing effort from Chris Ogbonnaya (27 yards)

Following a 45-yard punt return by Jordan Norwood, Wallace led the Browns to their first TD of the preseason with a 12-yard pass to rookie Brad Smelley. The score was set up by an impressive left-handed grab over the middle by rookie free agent receiver Josh Cooper.

The Browns moved deep into Detroit territory again late in the period, but free-agent kicker Jeff Wolfert missed left on a field goal.

It doesn't make any sense to obsess over every Brandon Weeden throw, fumble and interception in the preseason, says Terry Pluto.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerBrandon Weeden felt a legitimate NFL pass rush on Friday -- on this play from Detroit's intimidating Ndamukong Suh -- and looked like a rookie QB in his NFL debut. Which isn't really a big issue, says Terry Pluto.

DETROIT -- OK, Browns fans, take a deep breath. Now repeat after me: "It's just the first game."

Another deep breath.

"It's just the first preseason game."

One more.

"It's just the first quarter of the first preseason game for a first-year quarterback."

That's why I'm not going to obsess over every Brandon Weeden throw, fumble and interception. In the Browns' preseason opener in Detroit, Weeden looked exactly like what he happens to be -- a rookie quarterback with a good arm and a lot to learn.

The 28-year-old Weeden opened with a sharp 12-yard completion to Mohamed Massaquoi. I was anxious to see more of Massaquoi, who received raves from Pat Shurmur in training camp. Only Massaquoi left the game with a "head injury." Not a good sign for a guy who has had three concussions in the last two years.

Weeden also connected on a perfect 34-yard pass down the sidelines to rookie Travis Benjamin. Young Mr. Benjamin from Miami looked more like a four-year NFL veteran than a fourth-round draft pick. He showed good hands on passes. He returned punts and kicks. Most of all, he looked fast ... and quick.

Fast running a straight line downfield. Quick making some moves to get open. And on this night, the Browns didn't have many guys who looked fast or quick on the artificial turf of Ford Field.

Jordan Cameron is another who seemed very comfortable on this surface that accents athleticism. He caught a 16-yard pass from Weeden, a 42-yarder from Colt McCoy. Cameron has impressed the coaches almost from Day One of the minicamps, and the former USC basketball player really makes you believe the Browns have found a big-play tight end.

But wouldn't you know it? Cameron came down hard on his back catching that pass from McCoy, and left the game.

Who'd have guessed that the two guys catching the ball making the best first impressions would be Benjamin and Cameron. But both also had strong training camps.

Jordon Norwood also had some nice moments with a couple of catches and returns. He caught the eye of the coaches at the end of last season, and could surprise by taking snaps away from one of the other more highly regarded slot receivers.

If you're a Browns fan, there are reasons to worry -- well beyond Weeden's 3-of-9 passing for 62 yards and two turnovers in his three series. Rookie Mitchell Schwartz and the right side of the offensive line was pushed around. They never could get much of a running game in gear.

Most of the defensive backs appeared a step slow and a little timid. Second string Lions quarterback Shaun Hill had a 114.2 rating. But the Browns also allowed 115 yards on 18 carries in the first half.

The defense has been savaged by injuries: Chris Gocong (Achilles), Phil Taylor (pectoral muscle) are out long-term. The Browns didn't use five of their usual defensive starters, so that may have explained part of the troubles.

But it doesn't excuse the Browns having eight -- that's right -- penalties in the first half. A couple of the flags were iffy from replacement refs. Nonetheless, this would be a good night for the Browns to borrow a chapter from Eric Mangini's old coaching book and have some of these guys run home from Michigan. They had three false starts, an illegal formation, and just looked too sloppy.

As sometimes happens in the preseason, the backup quarterbacks seem superior to the starters. McCoy was 6-of-8 passing for 88 yards, and had a 20-yard run. Seneca Wallace scrambled and found rookie Brad Smelley for a touchdown in the third quarter, the first time the Browns reached the end zone in the preseason.

It's so hard to draw grand conclusions from these early games because the key players are on the field so little. Other starters simply don't play. But playing in a dome does reveal a team's speed, and the Browns still need more of it.