Ohio's win over Penn State highlighted a weekend on which MAC teams gave some big-name schools all they could handle.

View full sizeNam Y. Huh, Associated PressNorthern Illinois and coach Dave Doeren nearly pulled off an upset of Iowa on Saturday in Soldier Field.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Yes, the Miami RedHawks took one on the nose from Ohio State, but the rest of the Mid-American Conference fared well in the opening week of college football.

While no big surprise, Ohio's 24-14 victory against Penn State was still impressive. Quarterback Tyler Tettleton continues to stand out among MAC signal-callers, as he passed for 324 yards and two touchdowns against the Nittany Lions.

The stinger to the MAC was Northern Illinois, which suffered an 18-17 setback after Iowa scored a touchdown with 2:15 to play in a game the Huskies had pretty much dominated.

"It's tough when you invest that much, when you play that hard, to come out with a loss," said NIU coach Dave Doreen.

The Huskies recorded six sacks and held the Hawkeyes to four field goals.

But that's not all. Bowling Green proved to be its own worst enemy with a pair of big turnovers in a 27-14 loss at Florida, while Buffalo, considered to be a weak link in the MAC, held its head high after walking out of Georgia with a 45-23 setback that didn't get out of hand until the fourth quarter.

That's two very competitive games against Southeastern Conference teams that traditionally have no problems rolling up points to open the season.

The only misleading score, a 24-17 Toledo loss in overtime at Arizona, disguised the fact that UT still has defensive problems (524 yards allowed) after the Wildcats missed a pair of short field goals and had two touchdowns called back by penalties.

Get it right! First and foremost (instead of last but not least), Andre Parker's wrong-way return in Kent State's victory against Towson never counted. But thanks to the Internet and ESPN (and football in general), never let the facts get in the way of a good video.

Adding insult to injury was KSU alum Lou Holtz, blathering into the ESPN camera, "They have lowered the academic requirements since I went there."

Make no mistake, privately, that isn't sitting well inside the walls of Dix Stadium.

But missing in everyone's amusement over Parker's return was the more serious actions, or inactions, by the officials. Plays such as that, off script and against the norm, more often than not result in injuries.

"That play should have been blown dead, immediately," said Bill Carollo, head of the Midwest Officiating Alliance that includes both the Big Ten and the MAC, during the weekend.

The play was being reviewed -- and all the officials involved were being interviewed throughout the weekend -- to determine if any reprimands, sanctions or other actions are needed. Watching the replay, it's easy to see there is one official behind the play, while Parker is running right toward another, but a whistle never blows.

Carollo said it was his understanding that the official closest to the action, just as Parker, "became confused about offense-defense.

"All the while it's going on, he's replaying it in his head. There were some incorrect mechanics, a lot of confusion, and everybody became frozen."

The good thing, Carollo said, was that the officials immediately huddled together at the end of the play and made the correct call without need for instant replay.

"They did a good job with that, all around. In the end, this is going to make a good training tape for us in the future."

Sadly for Parker, that probably never hits the Internet or "SportsCenter."

Elton's view: The MAC's East Division, long considered the weaker of the two, looks to be markedly improved. And while OU looms as the division favorite, opening week efforts from Bowling Green and Buffalo indicate a title won't be a cakewalk. Teams such as Miami and Kent State, which also have aspirations of contending, may have to either step up quickly on defense (Miami) and offense (Kent), or expect a dogfight just to be at, or near, .500.

Injuries, suspensions and a lot of young players are some of the issues facing the Browns as they get ready for Sunday's season opener.

View full sizeScott Shaw, The Plain DealerThe Browns spent the third overall pick on running back Trent Richardson, but a knee injury has the rookie's status for the opener in doubt.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Browns coach Pat Shurmur has attempted to project an air of confidence with so much uncertainty swirling around him. From changes at the top -- the ownership group -- to a lack of depth at the bottom of the injury-depleted roster, it has been an unsettling six weeks for Shurmur and staff.

The coach recently chided reporters for weighting questions with the language of anxiety.

"I'm not worried or concerned about anything," Shurmur said after a 27-10 preseason loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Aug. 24. "So the concerned and worried questions, hold those and think of other things to ask me."

It's Shurmur's way of trying to keep spirits upbeat in Berea and not make excuses. After all, almost every team is saddled with a thorny issue or two. But it's hard to imagine many NFL clubs dealing with as many unknowns as the Browns heading into Week 1.

Injuries to starters. Injuries to backups. A potential four-week drug suspension for the team's best defensive back. The iffy status of running back Trent Richardson. The tattered state of the linebacking corps. The recent miscues on special teams. Fifteen rookies on a 53-man roster.

And all the while, the Eagles sit in Philadelphia sharpening their talons, waiting for a chance to pounce again on a rookie quarterback whom they strip-sacked twice in the preseason.

Airing this laundry list isn't meant as a knock on Shurmur or General Manager Tom Heckert. Some of the issues they confront are beyond their control. It's not as though they can beg for leniency from Commissioner Roger Goodell on possible suspensions to linebacker Scott Fujita (New Orleans bounty system) and cornerback Joe Haden (reported drug violation).

In an effort to preserve a dwindling supply of able bodies, Shurmur sat out scores of regulars in the 28-20 loss to Chicago in the preseason finale. He played only one starter on defense. Naturally, it was the starter, rookie linebacker James-Michael Johnson, who got hurt.

Johnson (oblique muscle) is expected to miss the opener and his absence -- he was replacing Fujita -- puts an even greater strain on a linebacking crew that lost Chris Gocong (torn Achilles) for the season. The Browns will be reliant on youngsters such as L.J. Fort, Craig Robertson and Tank Carder, who sounds as if he were peeled from the pages of a comic strip.

"You've got to go with what you've got," said linebacker Kaluka Maiava, whose four years of experience make him the second-most senior linebacker currently available to defensive coordinator Dick Jauron. "We are real comfortable with the guys we have here. We've got some young linebackers who are really awesome. [Fans] are going to be in for a treat watching these guys all season."

Maiava was one of several Browns players and personnel speaking Saturday in optimistic tones about a defense that also will begin the season without tackle Phil Taylor (torn pectoral muscle).

"I do like our defense," Heckert said of a unit that finished fifth in points allowed a season ago. "I know it's been hit with injuries and that's unfortunate. Not that I don't still feel that way, but I really liked our defense when we had the full [group]."

The offense is more healthy at least in terms of the injury report, but questions abound.

Can the line afford the strong-armed, lead-footed Brandon Weeden enough time to throw downfield? Can the quarterback develop chemistry with receiver Greg Little? Can tight end Ben Watson stay healthy? Can rookie right tackle Mitchell Schwartz adjust to the speed of the NFL pass rush?

But the primary concern -- sorry, coach -- is Richardson's health. Shurmur and Heckert need to win to keep their jobs, but they cannot rush the No. 3 overall draft pick into the lineup. The guess here is they won't.

Linebacker D'Qwell Jackson likened Richardson to Jacksonville's Maurice Jones-Drew on Saturday. No receiver is more important to the long-term success of Weeden than his braided running back. If it takes Richardson several more weeks for his left knee to regain full strength, the Browns must wait.

Unfortunately for Shurmur, reserve running back Montario Hardesty regressed in preseason, losing two fumbles, and versatile Brandon Jackson is more a complementary piece.

If this sounds like there are a lot of issues, it's because there are.

Amid the gloom, there have been bright spots. Weeden throws a nice ball, receiver Josh Gordon looks more comfortable by the week, kicker Phil Dawson appears as reliable as ever. And, at least Shurmur doesn't have to answer daily questions about Tim Tebow. The Browns look like the 1979 San Diego Chargers compared to the New York Jets and their one preseason touchdown.

It's Shurmur's prerogative to internalize his worries. He knows grousing publicly about the misfortunes of preseason isn't going to win him sympathy from new owner Jimmy Haslam, who's making the rounds and taking copious notes.

Someone asked Shurmur on Saturday about the paucity of depth at linebacker. The coach didn't budge in his assessment.

"We're going to put enough guys out there to play good defense," he said. "I'm not concerned."

The fan base might have a different take.

Tom Heckert and Pat Shurmur believe in building the team through the draft, but the youthful Browns might not win too many games this season.

Thomas Ondrey, The Plain DealerThe loss of linebacker Chris Gocong for the season only added to the number of young players who will be in key roles for the Browns this season.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- You probably heard about the Browns preparing to open the season with 15 rookies.

That's a stunning number.

But I also count 11 players who are in only their second pro season.

That's 26-of-53, and even I know that's 50 percent.

OK, not quite.

But the list doesn't include Phil Taylor. The 2011 top draft pick is out for at least the first eight games with a pectoral injury, but he is expected to play at some point this season.

So let's round it off and say the Browns will have half of their players as rookies or second-year men.

"They have fresh legs," said Pat Shurmur.

The coach is certainly right about that.

The kids may indeed be fast. Now the coaches just have to hope all the young guys know where they are supposed to be going.

Shurmur also added, "I've seen these guys play good football . . . absolutely we can win with 15 rookies."

I've never seen a Cleveland team in any sport with nearly half of the roster composed of rookies and second-year men have a winning record.

Then again, how many Cleveland teams have had winning records lately?

The Browns have had only four since 1989.

Which is why General Manager Tom Heckert and Shurmur are doing this -- even if it virtually guarantees another losing season for a team that is 18-46 in the past four years.

I don't include team President Mike Holmgren in this discussion, because it's reasonably certain he will be gone once Jimmy Haslam officially becomes the new owner next month.

Holmgren did set the course for building through the draft, but those whose football futures really are at stake are Heckert and Shurmur.

A bold plan

Give them credit for not signing some marginal veterans or over-priced free agents to try to win a few more games. But do light a few holy candles for them so that Haslam can see beyond the final record before deciding who should run his football team in 2013.

Heckert and Shurmur are convinced the only way the Browns will ever be successful is to draft and develop their core players. Every front office/coach combination says that, but few are so committed as these guys.

After the 2009 season (Eric Mangini's first year), the Browns had one of the oldest teams in the league.

Now, it's hard to imagine anyone being younger.

On offense, the Browns will start rookies at quarterback (Brandon Weeden), running back (Trent Richardson) and right tackle (Mitchell Schwartz). But they also have second-year men at wide receiver (Greg Little), left guard (Jason Pinkston) and fullback (Owen Marecic).

If they take out the fullback and go with more receivers, rookie Josh Gordon will be on the field. Or second-year tight end Jordan Cameron will play.

"(Cameron) needs to develop into a starting tight end in this league," said Shurmur.

The defense will probably have a rookie starting at tackle (John Hughes) and second-year men at safety (Eric Hagg) and defensive end (Jabaal Sheard). A rookie or first-year player (L.J. Fort, Craig Robertson or Tank Carder) will start at Scott Fujita's linebacker spot.

That's 10 starters with fewer than two years of experience.

Only two starters -- center Alex Mack and guard Joe Thomas -- have ever made a Pro Bowl.

"The mental part is the hardest for rookies," said veteran linebacker D'Qwell Jackson. "The (16-game) season is longer than college. The mental work was so much harder for me, compared to college. I took notes on everything my first year, and we (veterans) have to set the right examples."

Jackson talked about "little tricks" veterans pull out for the regular season, "how they hold you so the official can't see it or give you a move you have never seen before."

The only players on the Browns who were here before 2009 are Phil Dawson (1999), Joshua Cribbs (2005), Jackson (2006), Thomas (2007) and Ahtyba Rubin (2008).

The roster

By assembling what Heckert admitted is an "unorthodox (roster) -- maybe too many guys at one position," the Browns are looking for players who can eventually start or play significant roles in the near future.

The hard part (after winning games) will be to convince a beaten-down fan base that this actually might work.

Browns fans can write a graduate thesis in sports management about the different approaches to team building -- and how they fail.

That's because they've heard it all, and seen none of it work.

That has to change as fans will now see the results of three Heckert drafts.

This should be the year that T.J. Ward, Joe Haden and Shawn Lauvao take major steps forward. They are the core of Heckert's 2010 class, along with Montario Hardesty and Colt McCoy. Haden has the talent to be a Pro Bowler, and Ward needs to stay healthy to be the hard-hitting safety that they need.

A key is Lauvao, who has been handed the right guard spot. Can he prove to be a starter? The Browns have no other real alternatives.

Contrary to what some media members insisted, McCoy had been in their plans for months as a backup -- assuming he played well and accepted his role. That has happened. A viable No. 2 quarterback in the third round is not a bad selection.

Hardesty has dealt with so many knee problems, he doesn't have the speed that convinced Heckert to trade up into the second round and grab the running back.

I'm not going to sort through all of Heckert's picks, but all the excitement about the 2012 class of Weeden, Richardson, Gordon and the rest disguised the fact that most players either become starters by their third season . . . or are backups . . . or are cut.

So it's important to watch the 2010 class.

Shurmur and Heckert are optimistic. They believe Weeden, Richardson, Schwartz and Gordon are upgrades over guys who played those spots last season. They are sure that some of the younger players from the 2010 and 2011 drafts will improve.

And that may very well be true.

But the question is how fast will it happen.

The biggest contribution from freshmen in the win over Miami came from players on the defensive side of the ball.

View full sizeJay LaPrete, Associated PressNoah Spence (No. 8) was one of the freshmen who had an impact for Ohio State in the opening win over Miami. QB Zac Dysert got the ball away on this play before Spence could sack him, but the freshman did notch his first college sack during the game.

News, notes and leftover tidbits about the Buckeyes

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The final count on Ohio State true freshmen who played on Saturday was 14, or 67 percent of the healthy signees from Urban Meyer's first 25-man group. Though running back Bri'onte Dunn made the biggest splash, scoring the final touchdown of the game on a 4-yard run while carrying seven times for 31 yards, most of the new guys showed up on defense.

Noah Spence, Adolphus Washington and Tommy Schutt all worked into the defensive-line rotation, and sacks by Washington and Spence were the only two for the Buckeyes. Linebackers David Perkins and Jamal Marcus and defensive backs Devan Bogard and Najee Murray were part of the first-team kickoff coverage, while linebackers Josh Perry and Camren Williams also saw action and defensive back Armani Reeves returned two kicks.

Offensively, aside from Dunn, right tackle Taylor Decker worked into the line, though not as early in the game as expected, while center Jacoby Boren also played. Receiver Michael Thomas played but didn't make a catch.

By the numbers: Quarterback Braxton Miller ranked seventh in the nation with 368 total yards through Saturday's games, but he didn't lead the state of Ohio. In keying a win against Penn State, Ohio quarterback Tyler Tettleton amassed 371 total yards. . . . The Buckeyes' overall offensive output tied them for ninth in scoring (56 points) and ranked them 20th in total offense (538 yards). One note to temper the enthusiasm over the offense -- in last year's season-opening 42-0 win against Akron, the Buckeyes managed 517 yards of offense.

Coordinating signals: Saturday was the first day for former head coach Luke Fickell to call the signals as the defensive coordinator, and he was just glad everything worked smoothly. He is working with co-coordinator Everett Withers and cornerbacks coach Kerry Coombs for the first time this season.

"It was interesting to be with a bunch of new people," Fickell said. "Coach Withers was upstairs, and I'll tell you, he did a great job communicating down. He has a really good understanding of what we're trying to do, and he made some great adjustments.

"We went into the game not knowing about communication -- we'd only been in the stadium for one mock scrimmage -- and we needed to get it under our belts and I'm really happy and proud of how it went."

Former Buckeyes debate the wisdom of cheering for the Wolverines .... even if it's against an SEC team.

View full sizeMarvin Fong, The Plain DealerCheer for Michigan? Former Ohio State center Mike Brewster says no way, no how.

Countdown to Ohio State-Michigan: 82 days.

With the Buckeyes' game completed by 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, everyone was watching the Wolverines that night. An interesting debate sprang up on Twitter as to how Ohio Staters should be rooting.

Former OSU safety Kurt Coleman offered three Twitter comments just before the Michigan-Alabama kickoff: "Couple things on my mind: Go Bucks! Michigan [Stinks]! Roll Tide. . . . That is all."

Former OSU tight end Jake Ballard disagreed: "You always want to root for Michigan, especially against [the] SEC [because] it makes it that much sweeter when we beat them! #GoBucks."

But former center Mike Brewster reflected the more common opinion: "Rule #1, whoever Michigan is playing -- root for that team -- Big Ten pride is put aside for the embarrassment of Michigan."

Former OSU punter Jon Thoma held the same view during the pregame, but he was wounded a bit by the 41-14 final score.

"Don't care if it's Michigan. 41-14 score line in a Big Ten vs. SEC team hurts to see. I'll NEVER get over that loss. [Darn] you, Urban!"

No. 8 Michigan's loss to No. 2 Alabama was the fourth preseason, cross-conference showdown in Texas as part of the Cowboys Classic. The previous three losers, starting in 2009, were No. 3 Oklahoma to No. 20 BYU; No. 24 Oregon State to No. 6 TCU; and No. 4 Oregon to No. 3 LSU.

Oklahoma went on to a miserable 8-5 year that was derailed by an injury to quarterback Sam Bradford. Oregon State was even worse, finishing 5-7, and Oregon bounced back last year to finish 12-2, with a three-point loss to Southern Cal its only other blemish.

Notre Dame and Arizona State are scheduled to play next year, but in October, not at the beginning of the season, while Texas and UCLA are matched up for 2014.

HEISMAN WATCH

Matt Barkley, Southern Cal QB, Sr.: Threw for 347 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions in a 49-10 win against Hawaii. Like Andrew Luck last year, he starts in the driver's seat, but he isn't the dynamic dual threat that some other Heisman candidates are.

Geno Smith, West Virginia QB, Sr.: Like this guy. Threw for 323 yards and four touchdowns and ran for 65 yards and another score against Marshall. He's in an offense that could create huge numbers, and he will be helped by playing in a more respected conference such as the Big 12.

De'Anthony Thomas, Oregon RB, So.: Touched the ball just seven times from scrimmage and accounted for 119 yards and three touchdowns. He will have to share his time as the go-to guy, but he's electric. And the Ducks will put up yards.

GAMES OF THE WEEK

NATIONAL

1. No. 6 Georgia (1-0) at Missouri (1-0), Saturday, 7:45 p.m., ESPN2: Welcome to the Southeastern Conference, Missouri, as the Tigers play their first conference game against my national title game sleeper. Missouri defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson said to the Columbia Daily Tribune of Georgia: "It's like watching Big Ten football. It's old-man football." So he's ready for the SEC.

2. Washington (1-0) at No. 3 LSU (1-0), Saturday, 7 p.m., ESPN: Washington is ranked just outside the top 25, and I think the Huskies could be a surprise team in the Pac-12. But the LSU defense sometimes eats surprises. Even hanging close would be a win for Washington.

3. No. 23 Florida (1-0) at Texas A&M (0-0), Saturday, 3:30 p.m., ESPN: The other SEC welcome wagon is driven by Florida, as Texas A&M joins the conference fray. The Aggies had their opener against Louisiana Tech postponed, but that was better than the Gators, who struggled against Bowling Green.

BIG TEN

1. Purdue (1-0) at Notre Dame (1-0), Saturday, 3:30 p.m., WKYC Channel 3: Are the Boilermakers a Leaders Division threat? Purdue put up 547 yards on Eastern Kentucky, while Notre Dame hung 490 on Navy. The Fighting Irish have won four straight in the series, but this one could be tight.

2. No. 17 Nebraska (1-0) at UCLA (1-0), Saturday, 7:30 p.m., WJW Channel 8: The Cornhuskers looked as good as any Big Ten team on the first weekend, as quarterback Taylor Martinez had 364 yards of total offense. UCLA beat Rice in the debut of coach Jim Mora Jr.

3. Vanderbilt (0-1) at Northwestern (1-0), Saturday, 8 p.m., Big Ten Network: Vanderbilt probably should have beaten South Carolina and Northwestern blew a big lead at Syracuse, then escaped. And remember that Vandy opens next season at Ohio State.

The Indians’ Lonnie Chisenhall, with the Clippers on a rehab assignment, went 1-for-3. Columbus 2B Cord Phelps (.278) had two hits and three RBI and CF Aaron Cunningham (.197) had three hits, including his second home run of the season.

AAA Columbus Clippers

AP Photo/Gail BurtonAaron Cunningham

Aeros at Flying Squirrels, ccd.

Keys 2, Mudcats 1 (10 inn.)

Lugnuts 9, Captains 2

Jammers 10, Scrappers 2

Crushers 6-2, Miners 2-6

Video includes post-game interviews with manager Manny Acta, starting pitcher Zach McAllister and first baseman Thomas Neal, who made his big league debut.

The Cleveland Indians lost for the 16th time in 18 games in a 8-3 loss to the Texas Rangers at Progressive Field. The Plain Dealer's Dennis Manoloff reports from Progressive Field.

Video includes post-game interviews with manager Manny Acta, starting pitcher Zach McAllister and outfielder Thomas Neal, who made his big league debut.

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Cleveland Indians lose to Texas Rangers, 8-3

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Aaron Cunningham has three hits in Clippers' loss to Mud Hens: Minor League Report

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Pitching coach Ruben Niebla has a difficult assignment: Cleveland Indians Insider

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A lineup that must be seen to be believed: Cleveland Indians daily briefing

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Five questions with Indians rookie right-hander Corey Kluber

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Spring training starts now for Indians: MLB Insider

• Watch more video from CineSport

The Indians guaranteed that for the immediate future any promotions from their top farm club will be only be a three-hour drive away as they extended their player development contract with Class AAA Columbus through 2016.

View full sizeAP photoThe Cleveland Indians and Columbus Clippers extend player development contract through 2016.

DETROIT, Mich. -- The Indians and the Columbus Clippers have agreed to extend their player development contract through 2016.

The Clippers, who did not make the postseason this year, won consecutive Class AAA International League championships and Class AAA National championship under manager Mike Sarbaugh the last two years with the Indians as their parent club.

"These first four seasons of being affiliated with the Cleveland Indians in our new ballpark has exceeded all of our expectations," said Clipper GM Ken Schwanke. "The awards we have won together are a testament to how well we work together, how much our fans appreciate not only Huntington Park, but also our relationship with the Tribe."

Said Tribe GM Chris Antonetti, "We are pleased to extend our relationship with the Columbus Clippers, taking us through the 2016 season.  The Clippers are a first-class organization that provides our players and staff with a Major League-caliber operation and facility. We look forward to continuing this unique opportunity of developing our upper-level prospects in the heart of our regional fan base."

The Indians and Clippers' first year together was 2009.

Right-hander Frank Herrmann, like most of the Indians, has spent time in Columbus.

"I love Columbus," said Herrmann, just recalled by the Indians. "You don't want to get too comfortable there, but I can't imagine a better city to play Class AAA ball in. It's a nice city and the facility is great.

"You get first class treatment there."

Today's lineups:

Indians (56-78): RF Shin-Soo Choo (L), 2B Jason Kipnis (L), SS Asdrubal Cabrera (S), CF Michael Bratnley (L), DH Russ Canzler (R), 1B Casey Kotchman (L), LF Ezequiel Carrera (L), 3B Jack Hannahan (L), C Lou Marson (R) and RHP Corey Kluber (0-3, 5.16).

Tigers (72-61): CF Quintin Berry (L), LF Andy Dirks (L), 3B Miguel Cabrera (R), 1B Prince Fielder (L), DH Delmon Young (R), RF Brennan Boesch (L), SS Jhonny Peralta (R), C Alex Avilla (L), 2B Omar Infante (R) and Anibal Sanchez (7-11, 4.24, 2-4, 5.29 with Detroit).

Umpires: H Gary Cederstrom, 1B Lance Barksdale, 2B Fielding Culbreath, 3B Adrian Johnson.

Indians vs. Sanchez: Kotchman is hitting .571 (8-for-14) with one homer and three R RBI.

Kluber vs. Tigers: Kluber's only appearance against the Tigers came last year when he allowed four earned runs in two relief.

Tigers vs. Kluber: Ramon Santiago and Don Kelly are each 1-for-1 against Kluber.

Sanchez vs. the Indians: He's 1-1 with a 2.08 ERA in two career games against the Tribe. Both starts came this year, one with the Marlins and one with Detroit.

Next: RHP Justin Masterson (10-12, 4.91) will face RHP Rick Porcello (9-10, 4.57) Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. STO/WTAM will carry the game.

Browns running back Trent Richardson returned to the practice field today, less than a month after undergoing a scope on his left knee. It looks like he'll play against the Eagles. Watch video

BEREA, Ohio -- Browns running back Trent Richardson returned to the practice field today less than a month after a scope on his left knee and and got some work with the first-team offense in preparation for Sunday's opener against the Eagles.

"If he's ready to go, he will be our starter,'' said Pat Shurmur. "Trent looked good. He was in team. I knew he'd be out here today and he did a good job. It was his first day back in practice so we did what we could do. Trent looked healthy running around.''
  
As for when he'll make a decision on whether or not Richardson will start, Shurmur said, "I think each person is different when they come back from injury. We'll see as we go. All along I've been hopeful that he'd be there.''

The team's lone practice in pads this week will be on Thursday.

Richardson was not available for comment.

With the team in shorts, shells and helmets, Richardson -- wearing a rubber sleeve on his knee -- participated in individual drills and looked fluid and quick taking handoffs and running 35 yards to the end zone. He also looked completely healthy catching passes and running around with the ball.

Shurmur pulled Richardson aside for a brief chat during individual drills.

Just before the media was ushered out 15 minutes into the session, Richardson lined up with the first team offense to take some reps. Montario Hardesty and Brandon Jackson also worked with the first unit.

Richardson, who had a small piece of loose cartilage removed from the knee Aug. 9 in Alabama by Dr. James Andrews, is expected to see action Sunday against the Eagles.

Richardson also had a scope in February to repair a torn meniscus in the same knee.

Shurmur has said he's "very optimistic'' Richardson will play against the Eagles and Browns GM Tom Heckert said Richardson hasn't suffered any setbacks during all of the behind-the-scenes work he's been doing.

In other Browns news:

*  Cornerback Joe Haden said he can't talk about his possible suspension for reportedly failing a drug test. Asked if he'd play Sunday against the Eagles, he said, "I honestly don't know.'' Shurmur said "at this point we're moving forward and we'll just see what happens.'' Haden said the situation hasn't been a distraction and that his teammates have been great. "Everybody's cool,'' he said. "That's what I like about my teammates. It's like nothing's going on. Just keep practicing. We're like family basically.''

* Haden also said, "This is the best I've played at corner in my life. I just feel really comfortable at the position.''

* Cornerback Dimitri Patterson and safety Ray Ventrone returned to practice. Shurmur said Patterson has done a lot behind the scenes and has looked good.

* Starting safety Eric Hagg was sent home with a stomach flu.

* Shurmur said he'll use rotations at a number of positions, including defensive line and receiver. "All the guys that are up and playing will be in there.''

* Tight end Jordan Cameron sat out practice with an unspecified injury. It's unknown if it's related to the back injury he suffered in the first preseason game against Detroit.

* Fortunately for the Browns, tight end Ben Watson (leg), who's missed most of preseason, is practicing and ready to face the Eagles. "I'm preparing for this week,'' he said. "I'm excited for Sunday. It's been a long time.''

* Running back Chris Ogbonnaya (ankle), offensive linemen John Greco and Oniel Cousins and linebacker James-Michael Johnson (oblique) were all on the exercise bikes today.

* The Browns released linebacker Solomon Elimimian from the practice squad and re-signed defensive lineman Brian Sanford.   

The Indians start a long road-trip today as they face off against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. First pitched is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. Get game updates on Twitter from Paul Hoynes, @hoynsie.

The Indians start a long road-trip today as they face off against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. First pitched is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. Get game updates on Twitter from Paul Hoynes @hoynsie or click here for a live game box score. You can also download our Cleveland Indians app for Android to get Tribe updates on your mobile device. Read on for a game preview.

View full sizeAP Photo/Carlos OsorioCleveland Indians' Jack Hannahan (9) safely slides under the tag of Detroit Tigers catcher Alex Avila (13) during the seventh inning of a baseball game in Detroit, Friday, Aug. 3, 2012.

Linebacker Tank Carder has roots in Cleveland.

AP fileIn 2011, TCU's Andy Dalton (left) and Tank Carder led their team to a Rose Bowl victory over Wisconsin.

Cleveland Browns president Mike Holmgren held a press conference today in Berea to preview the upcoming season. Get updates from @MaryKayCabot and @treedpd on Twitter.

View full sizeAP Photo/Jay LaPreteBrowns president Mike Holmgren will hold a press conference today at 1:30 p.m.

  (Opening Statement) – "(Today was the) first real preparation for Philadelphia. The way this week is structured, of course, kind of practice then off, practice then off, then Wednesday we'll get into the normal routine. (I'm) glad there was some heat out here today. It could be this hot at one o'clock on Sunday. It was good for...

View full sizeJohn Kuntz/The Plain DealerPat Shurmur

(Opening Statement) – "(Today was the) first real preparation for Philadelphia. The way this week is structured, of course, kind of practice then off, practice then off, then Wednesday we'll get into the normal routine. (I'm) glad there was some heat out here today. It could be this hot at one o'clock on Sunday. It was good for the guys to get out here and run around. It has been good. I think we had the most guys at practice that we've had in a while. Other than a couple guys, I think we had most everybody out here, which is good. We'll see where we go from there."

(On how Trent Richardson looked at practice today) – "Trent, as you know, was out here today. He looked good. I knew he'd be out here today and he did a good job."

(On if he had to limit Trent today) – "(It's) his first day back at practice, so we just did what we could do."

(On if Trent participated in team drills) – "Yes, he was in team."

(On if Trent was running in a way where you wouldn't know he'd been hurt) – "Trent looked healthy running around today."

(On when he thinks he'll make a decision if Trent will play Sunday) – "I think each person is different when they come back from injury and you handle each injury separately. We'll see as we go. All along I've been hopeful that he'd be there."

(On how Dimitri Patterson looked today) – "He looked good. Again, he was running around fast. I'll go in and watch the tape. Again, some of these guys are just getting back into it. You haven't been aware of it, but they've been doing lots of work behind the scenes. It doesn't surprise me to see them out there running around."

(On if he uses the film from the preseason game to study Philadelphia) – "Yes, we watch everything that the Eagles do and the preseason is no exception."

(On if Wednesday will be the only day they wear pads every week) – "I'm going to do pads on Thursday. It's Thursday because that's when we do short yardage and goal-lines. I'll elect to use the weeks that I can wear pads. As you know, we only get 14 of them. It doesn't add up, but the weeks that I can wear pads, typically, I'll do it on Thursday."

(On Eric Haag missing practice today) – "He's just had a little stomach flu, so we just sent him home precautionary."

(On Dimitri's overall importance to the secondary) – "Dimitri and Buster (Skrine) are both (important). I see them the same. They challenge and they have speed and that allows them to play the slot as well as play outside when they're running down the field on you. I think it's important. It's really important."

(On if there is any additional information on Joe Haden's situation) – "I couldn't talk about it if I knew. At this point, we're moving forward with him. We'll just see what happens on gameday."

(On how Mike Holmgren has been since the ownership change) – "Mike's the president and I've seen him do the things that he's done as president since I got here 18 months ago."

(On what Trent does for the offense when he's healthy) – "I think when you have a dynamic running back, there's synergy. When you hand the ball off, you're going to get yards. Then of course, they've got to decide how they want to defend him. Then of course, the passing game is obviously involved there as well. You'd like to be able to run it and pass it on any down. If you got a guy that's a runner that can make guys miss or break tackles, I think that's important."

(On if the pressure to win was sped up with ownership change) – "No, I have that tension I put on myself to win every year. This is the team we have. I love our team. We have certain games we're going to go play and I can't wait for us to go out and do it. Throughout, you guys have been asking me these questions, coaches live with that tension that you have to win. We all live with that. When you get involved with this profession, you just know that's the most important thing. Everybody else tries to predict what kind of hand you got dealt or what the match-ups look like, but coaches are not in the prediction business. We're out here to educate, encourage and inspire our players to go win."

(On how he feels with most of his team present for the first day of Eagles preparation) – "There were some guys out here in new numbers. Did you get that Nate (Ulrich)? (jokingly) I knew that of course, I okayed the number changes, but when you see it for the first time you're like, 'Wow, that's a big guy.' You know? It's fun. You want all your guys out. You'd like to be able to go into a game deciding who your guys are having healthy scratches. Hopefully, that's where we'll get to."

(On if Billy Winn has done enough to earn a starting position) – "Billy has had an outstanding camp. We saw a lot of good football from him. You will see him in there on Sunday for sure."

(On if Jordan Cameron will be back for Sunday) – "We're hopeful."

(On if he has decided on a starter for Phil Taylor's spot) – "We'll talk about that when we release it. What I think you'll see is a rotation there. Just like you will see at receiver, just like you will at tight end, linebacker and of course, when they go to nickel. That dictates some match-ups because you put a fifth DB (defensive back) on the field. You'll see the guys that we have that are up and playing will all be in there."

(On previously saying he felt more comfortable with John Hughes against the run and Billy Winn against the pass) – "Did I say that? I think what I said was that Billy Winn has shown the ability to pass-rush inside, but I still think he can defend the run. I think they'll both play on all downs. I don't mean to do that on your questions, but I do remember my words and I don't want you to infer something about my words. That's why, I just want to get it straight, that's all."

(On if he felt the team got used to Philadelphia's speed in the preseason game) – "We saw how fast they were for sure. Some of our guys have learned something. Typically, you like to see improvement between the first and second time you do anything."

(On if he thinks the offensive line got an attitude because they were criticized against Philadelphia) – "I don't know. I think our offensive line has an attitude. I'm not sure where the criticism came. Like I said pressure on the quarterback, sacks and scheme. I'm thinking of the first one, where he got hit on the screen pass. There are reasons why things happen, so where the criticism comes, I'm not concerned. I do know our guys are tough physical guys. I think their attitude is there, always has been."

(On if he expects to start Trent this game) – "If he's ready to go, he will be our starter."

The Indians won for just the second time on the road in their last 20 games Monday by beating the Tigers at Comerica Park.

View full sizeAP Photo/Paul SancyaCleveland Indians right fielder Shin-Soo Choo is congratulated after scoring on a Asdrubal Cabrera RBI single against the Detroit Tigers in the third inning of a baseball game in Detroit, Monday, Sept. 3, 2012.

DETROIT, Mich. -- Rookie right-hander Corey Kluber pitched six innings and Asdrubal Cabrera drove in the game-winning run as the Indians beat Detroit 3-2 on Monday at Comerica Park.

 It was Kluber's first win in the big leagues and it came against a Tiger team that only a few hours earlier climbed into a tie for first place in the AL Central by completing a three-game sweep of Chicago on Sunday night. The Indians, who won for just the second time in the last 20 road games, are 8-5 against Detroit this season.

 The Indians reshuffled bullpen joined in the victory as well. With closer Chris Perez still at home following the birth of his daughter Saturday, rookie Cody Allen and Esmil Rogers pitched a scoreless inning each to get the ball to Vinnie Pestano in the ninth.

 Pestano gave up a leadoff double to Prince Fielder, but retired Delmon Young on a tapper in front of the plate. He hit Brennan Boesch with a two-strike pitch, but struck out Jhonny Peralta and retired Alex Avila on a great diving stop by Kipnis at second. Pestano completed the play by hustling to first to retire Avila by a step.

 It was his second save.

 Cabrera gave the Indians a 3-2 lead in the seventh with a sacrifice fly to center off Brayan Villarreal. Catcher Lou Marson, who entered the game hitting .238 (38-for-160), bounced a single over Miguel Cabrera's head at third with one out in the seventh against lefty Darin Downs (1-1). Marson stole second and Downs loaded the bases with a walk to Shin-Soo Choo and bloop single to Kipnis to set the stage for Cabrera's sacrifice fly.

 The sac-fly was Cabrera's first of the season and gave him 13 RBI since the All-Star break. he had 42 RBI before the break.

 Kluber (1-3, 4.79) held the Tigers to two runs on six hits. He struck out four and walked one on 95 pitches.
 
 The Indians took a 1-0 lead in the first when Kipnis scored on a passed ball by Avila. Kipnis singled to center off Anibal Sanchez with one out. Michael Brantley, with Kipnis running on the pitch with two out, sent him to third with a single to left.

 Sanchez, with Russ Canzler batting, sent a high fastball home that Avila got leather on, but couldn't hold as Kipnis scored.

 The Tigers came right back to tie in the bottom of the first. Quintin Berry reached on a leadoff single to the hole at short. He stole second with one out as Kluber loaded the bases by walking Miguel Cabrera and hitting Prince Fielder on the foot with a pitch.

 Young singled to right to tie the score. It was Young's 12th RBI in the last 12 games.

 Kluber escaped when Boesch grounded to third to start a double play.

 The Indians made it 2-1 on Cabrera's single after Choo singled, stole second and went to third on Avila's throwing error. Cabrera fouled off six pitches with a full count before driving the ball into center field.

 Detroit tied it, 2-2, in the fourth on Peralta's long single to the base of the left field fence. Kluber, on his second trip through the lineup, allowed three straight hits to start the fourth. Young doubled and Boesch blooped a single to center field before Peralta delivered Young.

 Another double play, this one a grounder to second by Avila, helped to right Kluber. The inning ended when Omar Infante lined out softly to short.

 Sanchez, facing the Indians for the third time this season, allowed two runs on eight hits in six innings. The two runs were unearned because of Avila's passed ball and throwing error.

 The Indians pressed the action against Sanchez. They put at least one runner on base in his six innings and stole two bases, but they couldn't score against him after the second.

 Sanchez's first start against the Tribe this year came as a member of the Miami Marlins. The Tigers acquired him on July 23rd from the Marlins.

Browns President Mike Holmgren still hopes to be on board when new owner Jimmy Haslam takes over in October.

Cleveland Browns president Mike Holmgren addressed a number of topics in his preseason press conference.

BEREA, Ohio -- Browns President Mike Holmgren has no plans to walk away from the team when new owner Jimmy Haslam takes over in October.

"I've never quit anything in my life,'' said Holmgren, who's in the third year of his five-year contract.''

Holmgren said he hopes to fulfill his five-year contract. "That's what plan is,'' he said.

He said he talked to whole building recently and told his staff, "you're good, keep doing what you're doing.''  He added, 'we see light at end of tunnel, we'll see what happens.''

 Holmgren said his agent Bob LaMonte didn't talk to Jimmy Haslam about Holmgren's future when LaMonte was here few wks ago

He said Haslam seems to understand the team is in rebuilding mode: "He's a good man. He knows we're young. He asks a lot of football questions."

Holmgren said he'lll attend Oct. 16 approval meeting in Chicago with Haslam.

 Quick hits from the Holmgren presser on a number of topics:

* Holmgren said he was almost startled when he realized how young this team is. "But we've chosen to build the team that way. My expectations are we're better.'' He said this is about where he'd expect the roster to be in a five-year plan.''

* He praised rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden, but reminded everyone he's a rookie.

"Obviously he's a fine passer, he has good movement for a big guy, I guess he's right on schedule from where I thought he'd be''

He said he thinks Weeden "will function as well as any rookie coming into league but he is a rookie...He'll be a great leader.''

* Holmgren said of the 15 rookies, one first-year player and 11 second-year players, "we are young, but we're better.''

* Holmgren said doctor's call the piece of cartilage removed from running back Trent Richardson's knee a "little flap,'' and said the team didn't know when it drafted him that he'd need this recent scope.

He said a few times of Richardson for the Eagles game "if he's ready to play'' and cautioned, "the worst thing we could do is rushhim before he's ready''

* Holmgren admitted he was concerned right after the draft that Colt McCoy's popularity among the fans might be a distraction to Weeden. He was also concerned about McCoy would handed his demotion.

He said he loves McCoy and that he's handled his situation extremely well and that he's not worried about those issues anymore.

* As for Joe Haden's possible suspension for a failed drug test, he said "it'll happen when it happens and we'll all deal with it'' He added that it wouldn't be fair for the league to spring a suspension on them late in the week.

* Holmgren on Shurmur: "I'm still learning his coaching style, to be honest. when he calls the team together they listen to him.''

* Holmgren said "I hope so'' in terms of earlier comments that he wants team to take big jump and that 6-10 wouldn't be good enough.

      Brendan Aussem was going to play college golf. 

Avon Lake senior Brendan Aussem works out last month at Black River Landing in Lorain in preparation for Marines boot camp in June. - (Thomas Ondrey, The Plain Dealer)

    Brendan Aussem was going to play college golf. 

    That was the original plan. And why not? Things were in place. 

    He had given up baseball in the eighth grade -- one of his favorite sports as a youngster -- to concentrate on golf. As a relative late bloomer, his golf game took gigantic strides in a short period. 

    The Avon Lake senior improved so much in two years that he qualified for the Division I state tournament as a freshman -- no simple feat -- and added two more appearances as a sophomore and junior. He began his senior year as a legitimate contender for the individual state championship. 

    His scores were consistently right around par and his credentials included an opening-round 3-over 75 in last year's state tournament, which left him three shots out of the lead. Had he thrown a second-round 75 at the field -- instead of the disastrous 89 he shot -- he would have won a share of the state championship. He was that close. 

    "I don't want to say it was nerves, but I think it was," Aussem said of his disappointing second round. "I was thinking that I was there, I was only three shots back and maybe I got a little nervous. I hit a crummy drive on the first hole and made double bogey. Things went downhill from there. I was playing catch-up all day and never caught up." 

    Still, college coaches continued sniffing around, showing up at his summer events. He was more than a blip on the radar screen. 

    "I think his best golf is in front of him," said one college coach who spoke anonymously. 

    However, a thought lingered in the back of Aussem's mind. Yes, he was improving as a golfer. Yes, he loved the game and everything connected to it. Yes, he would probably end up playing in college. 

    But, is that what he really wanted to do? 

    Tugging from the other end were images on posters, movies, billboards and television ads. The mental pictures of his swing and his visualizations on how he would play a certain hole shared time with thoughts at the opposite end of the spectrum. 

    Aussem also was thinking about exchanging his putter for a Mameluke sword of the United States Marine Corps. 

    "When I was in the eighth or ninth grade I began thinking that it would be pretty cool to serve my country," Aussem said after a recent round at Sweetbriar Golf Club, where he shot even-par during a dual match with Amherst. "You could say it was always in the back of my mind, that I've been thinking about it for some time." 

    After considerable research, discussions with his parents and a severe amount of soul searching, Aussem came to a decision in April. 

    Rather than continue his education and perhaps enjoy the leisurely life of a collegiate golfer he would join the Marines. He signed up on June 6, his 18th birthday. He will graduate from Avon Lake on June 1 and leave for Parris Island, S.C., on June 17. 

    Plans change. 

    "This is not something Brendan just jumped into," said Aussem's father, Scott. "He thought about it for quite some time and I know he did a lot of research. We talked. I told him that I would support his decision no matter what." 

    So, why would an improving, promising young golfer choose the rigors of the Marines and all its discipline and a possible perilous future? 

    "I love this country," Aussem said, his brown eyes focusing on the inquisitor. "I love everything it stands for. The Ryder Cup is my favorite sporting event and not just because it's golf. I get to root for America and I love rooting for America." 

    And, therein lies the story of Brendan Aussem. 

    The kid is a patriot in a Titleist shirt and Footjoy spikes. 

    "I love golf and everything that goes with it, but I wanted to do something different, more challenging, more meaningful," he said. "I thought the Marines would be a good place to start. I think it will be a good career choice. I think I've made a good decision." 

    Not only did Aussem's decision set a new course for his life, it set him on a change in lifestyle. 

    When Aussem played in last year's state tournament he weighed 205 pounds. Today, he is 165. 

    After making his career decision he began a rigorous exercise and diet program. He said he works out practically every day and three days a week he attends physical training sessions at the Marines Recruit Sub Station in Lorain. 

    Soda pop was replaced with water. Fast food went out the window fast. Snacking on junk food vanished. His days of lounging around the house turned into daily exercise sessions. Walking nine or 18 holes was accompanied by a mile-and-a-half run from the Recruit Sub Station to Lakeview Beach, where workouts similar to those he'll see in boot camp take place under the watchful eye of Marine sergeants. 

    "Everything I do, all the working out and training and dieting and running, I do in preparation for boot camp," he said. "They've told us the physical training we do now is harder than what we'll expect to see in basic training. It should make things easier." 

    It's also helped his golf game. He's gained about 15 yards per club, which includes an average drive of 305 yards. 

    "I am hitting the ball farther than I was before," he said. "I know I have more flexibility. Everything is easier when you are fit." 

    Aussem said he will be involved in combat support once his military occupation specialty is assigned. He could be driving a tank or a land assault vehicle or operating artillery. 

    "I think it would be cool to drive a tank," he said. "I talked with some soldiers during Marine Week and they said it was a good job." 

    Now, that, would be a real switch. 

    He's spent the past six years driving a Titleist. Now, he's discovered he'd rather be driving a tank. 

    In either instance, you hope he hits 'em straight. 

By all accounts, Jimmy Haslam III is a quick study. But how does he evaluate one of the youngest teams in the league playing one of the toughest schedules?

View full sizeThomas Ondrey, The Plain DealerJimmy Haslam will understandably be keeping a close eye on rookie QB Brandon Weeden this season, but how much patience should the Browns' new owner have for a roster that is extremely young in 2012?

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Reflecting the age of the Browns' roster, look for the pre-game meals on the road to be held at Chuck E Cheese.

Jimmy Haslam is asking a lot of questions. Hopefully, he already has an answer to this one: How do you fairly evaluate one of the youngest teams in the league playing one of the strongest schedules?

The easiest answer? By watching for signs that what's being built on offense is worth keeping.

Offense, at least the West Coast variety, is what Browns president Mike Holmgren and head coach Pat Shurmur and offensive coordinator Brad Childress know best. Offense is where Tom Heckert turned his attention in the draft. Offense, particularly the passing game, is what drives the NFL in 2012.

Haslam says he believes in building through the draft, but even that process can be fairly scrutinized since this is Year Three of that process. Why the snail's pace? Did it make sense to go so young at the expense of veteran guidance?

More than half the roster has one year of experience or less -- evidence of an organization working at a leisurely pace on a projected five-year plan. Haslam's entrance and presumed urgency to restore glory to a once-great franchise means that everything is under review at a time when the reviewing doesn't figure to be very pretty.

It could be a coincidence that Holmgren, who earlier said he expected the Browns to be "a lot better than 6-10," now says attaching numbers to the season ahead makes him feel a "little squirrely." But then again, maybe not.

Since Haslam introduced himself as the prospective owner, linebacker Chris Gocong was lost for the season, cornerback Joe Haden has appealed a four-game suspension, Trent Richardson had surgery, and two of the biggest rookie hopes -- Brandon Weeden and Mitchell Schwartz -- have had ragged exhibition seasons.

No reason to panic for sure. Being new to the scene, Haslam obviously didn't know enough to wear a garlic necklace to fight off the vampires who annually suck the life out of everyone's highest hopes. Despite those setbacks and any more that might arise, he has to quickly and correctly evaluate the best course for this franchise. Holmgren didn't do that in deciding to keep Eric Mangini on in 2010 and the Browns have lagged ever since.

Making the same decision in the name of continuity alone would be repeating a mistake. Hints of significant progress, if not full-blown proof, can't come fast enough. The Browns need to show that their version of the West Coast -- pilloried for its predictability a year ago -- is clearly the way to go.

• That it was compromised by Colt McCoy's arm and the over-rating of untested receivers.

• That Weeden is the right trigger man.

• That Shurmur is a good head coach in training and not the product of a comfort level Holmgren shared with former coordinator Fritz Shurmur.

The Browns are young by necessity. But this young? That's by choice. As a whole, that choice must show dividends. Will youth be served? Or simply served for lunch to more talented and experienced opponents week after week?

One thing we know. Holmgren, Heckert and Shurmur expected to have a few more seasons to show the genius of their plan.

But it shouldn't buy them more time with Haslam. Because if there's anything for sure around Berea it's that time's a wastin'.

SPINOFFS

View full sizeRichard Lipski, Associated PressThere's no truth to the suggestion that replacement referee Jerry Hughes is checking with Colts coach Chuck Pagano on how many players are allowed on the field. No truth at all.

We're approaching the six-month anniversary of Indians' manager Manny Acta getting the fortune cookie in Goodyear that read, "Your sports team will be very successful." With any luck, the Mayans won't be any more accurate than the Chinese. ...

The NFL says player safety rules will continue to be enforced with an emphasis on horse-collar tackles, blows to the head and hits on defenseless receivers. Calling those penalties will be replacement refs drafted from the high school, small college and, in one reported case, the Lingerie Football League ranks.

So obviously the league will let nothing distract from its mission -- other than its own hypocrisy. ...

NFL Network will introduce "First on the Field" at 7 a.m. Sundays on the apparent premise that other pre-game shows beginning later in the morning don't allow enough time to sufficiently examine each team's punt coverage tactics. ...

In an interview with On Tap, Washington Redskins wide receiver Josh Morgan said Robert Griffin III is "as fast as Michael Vick, but he can make all the throws that Peyton Manning can make and he can make all the reads Tom Brady can make."

No pressure, he failed to add. ...

In his book "The Secret Race," Tyler Hamilton accuses former teammate Lance Armstrong of receiving virtually undetectable micro doses of the banned drug EPO administered while sleeping in an altitude tent. He said Armstrong also had EPO administered in a way that "99 percent" guaranteed him passing drug tests.

It's hard to imagine someone going to that length to soil a sport as pristine as cycling. ...

View full sizeAP fileHe might have been a little irritable, but he probably had a good Labor Day weekend.

You have to feel for the Yankees losing their hold on first place after reducing their payroll from a zillion to a trillion this season. ...

The Notre Dame IMG Radio Network suspended analyst Allen Pinkett for three games for saying the recent suspension of four players might signify the program is attracting a necessary bad boy element in its recruiting.

Said Pinkett, "I've always felt like to have a successful team you've got to have a few bad citizens on the team...That's how Ohio State used to win all the time. They would have two or three guys that were criminals and that just adds to the chemistry of the team."

So that's the kind of critical thinking needed to gain admission to Notre Dame? ...

SEPARATED AT BIRTH

View full sizeAP fileHe was agitated last week, but he wasn't in Dallas.

(The Faceoff Edition)

Michigan coach Brady Hoke and comic Artie Lange -- Pat H,, North Ridgeville

NJ Gov Chris Christie and Hoke -- Geoff, Shaker; Aaron, Mayfield Heights

Hoke and Mike Golic -- Harold Decker

HE SAID IT

"I don't see that happening." -- Roger Clemens, on whether he plans to pitch again in the majors after starting games for the Independent League Sugar Land Skeeters.

View full sizeAP fileHe's generally in a good mood, unless Notre Dame loses.

We'll take that as a yes.

HE SAID WHAT?

"It's not about what's happened. It's about what's happening." -- Justin Masterson on why winning two in a row is reason for "positivity."

Just so we agree finishing double-digit games out of first in consecutive years is also about to happen.

HE TWEETED IT

"Dear NFL, Thank you for your letter to fans on player safety & the integrity of the game. Now can the refs please come back to work? Thanks -- Scott Fujita"

No joke. Well said.

View full sizeAP fileYeah, he's had better holiday weekends, for sure.

YOU SAID IT

(The Expanded Midweek Edition)

Hey Bud:

With so many athletes caught using PEDs to enhance their otherwise inexplicable results, has the PD ever tested you after a great article? -- Russ

I'll let you know.

Hey Bud:

Did your high school football coach tell you that since you had a 49 percent completion record in summer practice, had no TDs and a passer rating of 59.7 that you didn't have to play in the final scrimmage and would be his starting QB? -- John, Avon Lake

The only thing my coach told me was to stop showing up in practice wearing bubble wrap over my uniform.

Bud:

Do you think Paul Dolan remembers the day Mark Shapiro took out his pocket watch and swung it in front of his face? -- Harvey

I just know Spin readers often complain of getting very sleepy.

Bud:

I just came back from the Year 2022. Brandon Weeden was let go in 2020 by Coach Newsome. Something about diminishing skills. Jimmy Haslam decides to devote more time to his recently purchased soccer team in England. Pat Shurmur is coaching high school football and, would you believe, your column is still running? -- John M., Mayfield Heights.

Am I by any chance reading it to an empty chair?

Bud:

When I woke up to find there was no Spin in (last Sunday's) paper, I was depressed. Do you blame this on my missing the excellence of your writing, or the banality of retirement? -- Gary Baker, Tucson

Are we ruling out sun stroke?

Bud:

For the sake of saving a few bucks, does Major League Baseball not drug test the Indians? -- Jim W

First-time "You Said It" winners receive a T-shirt from the Mental Floss collection.

Hey Bud:

Getting a question printed in "You Said It" is really a nice consolation for those of us not chosen as "Fugitive of the Week." -- Jim Corrigan

Repeat winners receive an alias.

Bud:

I think the Indians cameramen should get an Emmy for their crowd shots. -- Joe S

Some repeat winners get overexposed.

On Twitter: @budshaw

Age: 18.  School: Avon Lake. 

Age: 18. 

School: Avon Lake. 

Sport: Golf. 

Family: Parents Scott and Vicki; brother Matt (22). 

In the bag: Titleist irons and metal woods; driver (8.5 degree); 3-metal (15 degree) and hybrid (19 degree); Nike putter; Titleist Pro-V1 or Pro-V1x balls. 

Favorite local golf course: Red Tail, Avon. 

Favorite course ever played: TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. 

Favorite player, all-time: Byron Nelson. 

Favorite player, modern: Tiger Woods. 

Favorite non-golf athlete: Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. 

Favorite sport other than golf to watch: Pro football. 

Favorite sport other than golf to play: Basketball. 

Favorite food: Yogurt. 

Browns and Eagles play in a season opener. The teams haven't met in the regular season since 2008.

Joshua Gunter, The Plain DealerBrowns' quarterback Brandon Weeden (3) is flushed out of the pocket as Eagles' defensive end Brandon Graham (54) chases him during Philadelphia's 27-10 preseason game win at Cleveland on Aug. 24.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns play the Philadelphia Eagles in a season-opening game on Sunday at Browns Stadium.

Both teams, obviously, hope for better seasons than they had in 2011. The Browns finished 4-12, last in the AFC North. The Eagles were picked by numerous analysts to win the Super Bowl, but instead, didn't even make the playoffs, going 8-8 and finishing second in the NFC East.

The teams haven't met since the Eagles routed the Browns, 30-10, on Dec. 15, 2008 in Philadelphia. They did play a preseason game on Aug. 24 in Cleveland. The Eagles won, 27-10, with both teams cautious not to show much, as Sunday's game was just 16 days ahead.

Cleveland has 31 wins to Philadelphia's 15 wins, with one tie, in the all-time series between the teams. The Browns and Eagles met twice a year from 1950 to 1966, as rival members of the National Football League's Eastern Conference. The Browns won 24 games against the Eagles in those 17 seasons, lost nine and tied one.

Cleveland.com features the Browns' history database, with Plain Dealer game stories on every Browns' regular season and playoff game from 1946 through 2010.

Click here for the links to every game story in the Browns-Eagles series. Included is the game story of the Browns' 35-10 win over the defending NFL champion Eagles in Philadelphia on Sept. 16, 1950 -- the first regular season game for the Browns in the NFL. Due to the early deadlines of the era and the game being played at night, Harold Sauerbrei's report details play only into the fourth quarter.

How will Sunday's Browns-Eagles game turn out?

Trent Richardson still plans on being a superstar back despite knee surgery that wiped out his preseason. Watch video

BEREA, Ohio -- Trent Richardson knows that Browns fans still have great expectations for him this season, despite knee surgery that wiped out his preseason.

He plans to deliver.

"It's been a fight," he said. "I haven't played no football yet and people still talk about me and still have high hopes for me and stuff like that.

"I've just got to make believers and I've just got to make myself believe that I can play this game still and do what I can and play every down like it's my last."

Richardson, the third pick in the draft, underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Aug. 9 to remove loose cartilage. It was his second scope since Feb. 3, when he had a torn left meniscus repaired. He returned to practice Monday and is expected to play Sunday against the Eagles.

"It's just a minor setback for a major comeback," he said. "I don't look at it as being a downer. God puts me in situations because he knows I can fight through it. He won't put me in nothing I can't bear."

The latest procedure is nothing compared to what Richardson endured in high school, when he suffered torn ankle ligaments in back-to-back seasons and had to have screws inserted. After the second surgery, doctors told him he might never run again.

Look where he is now.

"Oh yeah, most definitely," said Richardson. "That keeps my mind ahead of the game anytime."

But with such high expectations, including Richardson's own goal "to be remembered as the most dominant player to ever play the game," sitting out the preseason was pure agony.

"I just felt like, 'man, I've got to make sure I'm a part of this team, I've got to get on that field and contribute.' I was very antsy."

Richardson acknowledged that pain and swelling had been building in his left knee, and getting the scope done may have saved his season. He said it was unrelated to the February surgery, also performed by orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews.

"I could've played in the first preseason game," he said. "I was still running full speed. But coach [Pat Shurmur] didn't want to take that chance and end up [with me] being injured even more, so it wasn't even worth it. This might be the best thing for my career here."

While teammates sweated on the field, Richardson ran in the pool and the field house. He's had no swelling since the surgery, but a truer test comes Thursday, when he puts the pads back on for the first time and has some contact.

"Conditioning is gonna always play a part, especially when you haven't run in like four or five weeks," he said. "[But] when it comes game time, I don't see why you'd be tired. I mean, it's a game."

Richardson hopes to pick up where he left off.

"I've been studying all my plays every day, I'm still in all the meetings, but it's different when you're not on the field," he said.

Richardson knows he made the right decision. "I feel a major difference in [the knee]," he said. "I've got fresh legs, so I'm ready to go.

"It doesn't worry me at all. It's not going to be a problem down the line."

Despite missing the preseason, Richardson feels ready for his first NFL hit.

"I'm very anxious to take a pop and give one," he said. "In my head, it's I'm going get hit or give a hit. To me, if you're a running back you don't want to get hit too many times. You want to give that first hit. I can't wait."

Quarterback Brandon Weeden can't wait to see his star back plowing through defenders again.

"Obviously he's a huge addition," said Weeden. "Being able to turn and hand him the ball is one of the best plays we have in our playbook.

Trent Richardson can't wait to see his first live NFL action. "I'm very anxious to take a pop and give one," he said Wednesday. "You want to give that first hit." Joshua Gunter, The Plain Dealer

"He's obviously an extremely gifted runner. I'm excited to see him pass block, I'm excited to see him catch balls out of the backfield, do all those different things. He's a guy I'm excited to have back in this lineup and I know he's champing at the bit to start playing again."

Eagles coach Andy Reid would've rested a little easier if Richardson had needed another week.

"I don't think it's any secret: He's a heckuva football player," he said. "That's what we're expecting. He was a great college player, he's built for this game, he's built for the NFL game. We know with him you have size and speed, toughness and quickness and you better wrap him up and be sure you tackle well with him."

Richardson has no idea how much he'll be used Sunday, but he'll take what he can get.

"I'm still gonna play every play like it's my last," he said. "But in my mind, I'm ready. I can't wait to see what the results are going to be on Sunday."

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