Some of the same issues that plagued the Browns' passing game last year are evident again.

Quarterbacks Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III were taken No. 1 and No. 2 in the NFL Draft and their impact on their teams and the league as a whole have made the selections look more like Nos. 1 and 1A. Needless to say, there's no Ryan Leaf in this couple.

Luck and Griffin play the position in different ways while achieving the same end. The one similarity the Rookie-of-the-Year candidates enjoy is the presence of a reliable veteran receiver. In Indianapolis, Luck has Reggie Wayne, who's caught 76 balls for 1,003 yards and three touchdowns. In Washington, Griffin has a trio of vets including Santana Moss, who's recorded 29 receptions for 416 yards and seven TDs.

In the offseason, both teams dipped into free agency to ease the transition for their young quarterbacks. The Redskins added Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan. The Colts acquired Donnie Avery.

The Browns chose not to pursue such a veteran wideout for their rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden. They did upgrade the position – and, man, does it need upgrading -- by plucking Josh Gordon from the supplemental draft.

Browns management and coaches said during training camp they expected their young receiving corps to be an improvement on last season's edition. Outgoing team president Mike Holmgren anticipated a big year from veteran Mohamed Massaquoi. But the fourth-year receiver suffered a concussion on the first play of preseason and, after an encouraging start to the regular season, was sidelined again with a hamstring injury.

Some of the same issues that plagued the Browns' passing game last year are evident again. A season after Colt McCoy was victimized by 36 dropped passes -- tied for fifth in the NFL according to ProFootballFocus.com -- Weeden ranks second in the category with 32.

We're not suggesting Weeden would be playing in the same strata as Luck and Griffin had the Browns acquired a dependable, veteran receiver. Those two occupy a different level than the other members of the quarterbacking class of 2012.

But in the offseason general manager Tom Heckert, or whoever is playing the role of Tom Heckert, needs to address the deficiency, whether via trade or free agency.

Gordon, 21, shows potential and Greg Little, 23, is the Browns' most improved player over the past four games. But each would benefit from having a productive veteran, one who could challenge, inspire and mentor the youthful tandem. Not taking sides, but it's clear the coaching staff has no interest in letting special teams standout Josh Cribbs become that player on game days.

How different does the receiving group look if the Browns had just taken Julio Jones a year ago instead of trading down with the Atlanta Falcons? It's the grist that keeps message boards and sports talk radio shows cranking.

Assuming the Browns stick with Weeden, they have other needs -- outside linebacker, cornerback, pass-rushing defensive end -- which can be satisfied in the draft. But 28-year-old rookie receivers are even rarer than 28-year-old rookie quarterbacks.

Do potential free agents such as Dwayne Bowe, Greg Jennings, Wes Welker, Mike Wallace make it to market and would they have interest in playing here?

The offseason is six weeks away. But don't think the prospects of bolstering the Browns receiving ranks haven't already crossed the mind of Weeden and others.

Browns center Alex Mack talks about scoring touchdowns and his consecutive-start streak.

Q: Today will be your 59th consecutive start, meaning you've started every game in your career. What does that kind of durability mean to you?

A: "It's important to be on the field for your teammates and the team. You want to be there for the guys. That's what our job is. You try to stay healthy and do what you can. It's a lot of luck, too."

Q: How did you manage to play through an appendicitis attack last year in a game against Tennessee?

A: "That was not a smart thing to do if we'd known it was an appendicitis. We just thought it was a stomach flu. I thought I could play at a level which was good enough to perform out there. After the fact, we had to rush over to the hospital and have surgery.

"I have no regrets about it. If something bad had happened, I would have regretted it, but we got through healthy and we're all right. (The Browns had a bye week following the Tennessee game and Mack was in the starting lineup the next game).

Q: How much fun was it to take a lateral from Montelle Owens and run 40 yards in the Pro Bowl last year to score the first touchdown in your career?

A: "I stole the pitch at about 40 yards away and rumbled on in. It was a fun experience, being in Hawaii. I hope I get a chance to go back. The whole team was happy for me. Offensive linemen don't get to score many touchdowns and I was lucky to be the one to do it."

Q: How did wrestling for four years at San Marcos High School in Santa Barbara, Cal., finishing second in the state as a senior, help you as a football player?

A: "Wrestling absolutely helps anything having to do with football. Wrestling makes you a great athlete. I always encourage kids to play as many spots as they can when they're young.

"I did wrestling and track (shot put, discus) in high school along with football. Wrestling teaches you body control and hand control. Where the other guy's weight is, where your weight is. I would definitely encourage every kid to wrestle."

Q: Could you be a long snapper if you had to be?

A: "No, that's a specialized skill that I do not possess. I might be able to chuck it back there for a field goal, but punts. . .no, I do not have the skill. Maybe I could learn, but it would take a lot of work and we have a real good long snapper (Christian Yount)."

The Browns are 0-5 when Joe Haden doesn't play. They need to add more help in the secondary.

The Browns are 0-5 without Joe Haden this season. Associated Press

With Joe Haden expected back from his oblique injury, the Browns are a better team. Most fans know that, just as they are aware the Browns are 2-3 when Haden plays, 0-5 when he doesn't this season. The hard part for fans is Haden benched himself for four games by being suspended after flunking a drug test for a performance enhancing drug -- Adderall. He missed games 2-5 because of that. He sat out the 23-20 overtime loss in Dallas with an injury.

2. When Haden plays, the Browns hold opposing teams to 238 yards passing -- along with six touchdowns through the air in five games. When Haden sits, it's 290 yards passing and 11 touchdowns in the air in five games.

3. All of this underlines the need for the Browns to add a cornerback in the off-season. Even when Haden was playing, the Browns were moving away from starting 33-year-old Sheldon Brown. But injuries to Dimitri Patterson and Haden have kept Brown in the lineup, and also forced second-year man Buster Skrine into starting duty in some games.

4. When Skrine has been the "nickel back," he has been acceptable covering slot receivers. When he is forced to start and face prime time receivers, he's struggled. So the Browns need to look hard at the secondary, and perhaps add at least one more cornerback and perhaps another safety for depth.

5. Also, Haden must take his role as the team's second-highest paid player (behind D'Qwell Jackson) very seriously, because it requires him to be a leader.

6. It was impressive to hear Trent Richardson taking responsibility for a fumble and failing to get into the end zone from the 1-yard-line: "I tried to jump over the pile and I didn't score. I guess you can put the game on me. I guess I'm the reason why we lost...I'm really saying it. You can put the game on me. I'm a man. I'm going to man up to my mistakes and my faults. No man is scared of his own faults or decision-making. I made my decision and I messed up."

7. Yes, Richardson did question the play call, but he also said he needed to make the play work. Overall, I've been very impressed with Richardson's maturity for a 22-year-old.

8. With Owen Marecic being inactive for the last three games and likely not to see the field again this season, it's obvious he was a miss in the fourth round of the 2011 draft. The Browns thought the fullback/linebacker could be an asset on special teams, a punishing blocker and even add depth to the defense. While you don't expect an impact player in the fourth round, you like to at least find a role player.

9. The coaches are thrilled with the recent progress of Greg Little. He has always been a good blocker, but he's been even more effective. Meanwhile, he has 19 catches and one drop in the last five games.

10. STATS INC has the Browns third in the NFL with 26 dropped passes. Detroit (29) and Jacksonville (28) are the only teams with more drops. Little leads the team with five, followed by Marecic and Richardson with four each. Josh Gordon has three.

11. Remember when there was a debate Justin Blackmon vs. Richardson? Well, Blackmon has 33 catches for a 14.7 average and two touchdowns for Jacksonville. But the Jags best receiver has been Mount Union and Collinwood product Cecil Shorts, who has 32 catches for an outstanding 20.1 average -- and five touchdowns.

12. This is a good game to judge Brandon Weeden. The Steelers still have a great defense. The weather is cold and windy. It's winter football in Cleveland, the kind of games where quarterbacks must not make a lot of mistakes -- yet still find a way to get their teams into the end zone.

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis is trying to downplay Palmer's return with his club just one game behind the Indianapolis (6-4) and Pittsburgh (6-4) in the wild-card hunt.

Carson Palmer, above, wanted out of Cincinnati and was prepared to stay away for the entire 2011 season to make his point.

The Bengals eventually relented -- dealing him to Oakland for a 2012 first-round pick and a 2013 conditional pick -- on the way to reaching the playoffs.

Palmer returns to Cincinnati on Sunday and the Bengals (5-5) hope to take another step toward late postseason run. The home team looks to make it three straight against as they welcome their former star.

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis tried to downplay Palmer's return with his club just one game behind the Indianapolis (6-4) and Pittsburgh (6-4) in the wild-card hunt.

"Just like any other player who was here," Lewis told reporters in Cincinnati this week. "Now he's not here, so our job is to beat the Oakland Raiders and Carson Palmer on Sunday. He no longer plays here, so I think we no longer need to spend any time speaking about it."

Bengals current quarterback Andy Dalton will want to attack a defense allowing an NFL-worst 32.2 points per game. The Raiders (3-7) will need to pay special attention to receiver A.J. Green, who has caught a touchdown pass in nine straight games.

Rolling Ravens: Baltimore coach John Harbaugh must prepare his club for a classic trap game. One week after a key win over Pittsburgh and one week away from the rematch, the Ravens (8-2) travel to San Diego to face the somnambulant Chargers (4-6).

"The feeling right now is we're exactly where we want to be but we haven't arrived yet," Ravens tigght end Ed Dickson told the team's official website. "We want to build from here. It's not how you begin the season; it's how you end the season that brings you a championship."

The Chargers have won two of their last three meetings with the Ravens, including a 34-14 victory a season ago.

Baltimore didn't start the season well on the road but is playing better of late, posting a 13-10 win in Pittsburgh last week. Offense has been a struggle away from M&T Bank Stadium, where they are averaging just 16.6 points.

The Ravens will want to get after Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, who thrown 14 interceptions and lost four fumbles. He's also been sacked 26 times.

Welcome to Week 12 of the NFL Megablog as the Browns host their arch rival Pittsburgh Steelers. Join our live coverage with updates from Plain Dealer reporters and also participate in our in-game chat and post-game show with Dennis Manoloff and Glenn Moore in the comments section.

Brandon Weeden is looking for his first win against the Steelers. (Associated Press)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Welcome to Week 12 of the NFL Megablog as the Browns host their arch rival Pittsburgh Steelers.

Join our live coverage with updates from Plain Dealer reporters at the stadium and also participate in our in-game chat and post-game show with Dennis Manoloff and Glenn Moore in the comments section.

Come back at 12:30 p.m. and refresh often for updates.

Game preview: Chargers at Browns

Join our live in-game chat with cleveland.com's Glenn Moore and other fans in the comment section below. Use the audio player for the post-game show with Glenn and Dennis Manoloff. The call-in number is 440-678-7599. Mobile users can click here

The Browns hope to beat the Steelers without Big Ben, but they still have to contend with the league's top-ranked defense.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - With Ben Roethlisberger out with a rib injury and the Steelers down to 37-year-old third-team quarterback Charlie Batch, the Browns are viewing this as a game they darn well better win.

Never mind that they're 2-8 and that the 6-4 Steelers roll into town with the league's No. 1 defense.

"We've been in a lot of ballgames and they're dealing with their third-string quarterback," said Browns linebacker D'Qwell Jackson. "It's one of those deals where we smell blood, let's take advantage of it. But you've got to respect them. They've got a lot of skill guys on the outside. I played those guys for years. I think we match up well with 'em."

Coach Pat Shurmur knows the Browns won't be on easy street just because Big Ben, who's 14-1 against the Browns, is out. Batch is 5-2 as a starter with the Steelers, including a 34-21 victory over the Browns in 2005. In his lone start last year, he beat the Rams, 27-0; and the Steelers almost defeated the 8-2 Ravens last week with Byron Leftwich at the helm. They lost 13-10 and also lost Leftwich to broken ribs.

"This is going to be a battle," Shurmur said. "I've seen it before. I know it's the case. Veteran quarterbacks that have been in the league a long time find a way to come in and be very efficient. He's a veteran player amongst a very veteran team. That's what we're anticipating. There's enough previous film on Charlie where you can see how he functions. We've got to try to piece it together with how they play offense now, which is a little bit different. You basically get ready to play the Steelers, and just know that they've got a veteran leader behind center."

It's easy to see why some of the Browns feel a little hopeful with Big Ben sidelined. He's 34-9 against AFC North foes, and the Steelers are only 4-4 under Mike Tomlin without him. But they know it's still the Steelers, who've won 16 of the last 17 meetings.

"There are very few people that are Ben Roethlisberger anywhere," said Browns defensive coordinator Dick Jauron. "Charlie Batch is an NFL quarterback that has had a lot of playing experience in this league. He has won a lot of games. I have a lot of respect for Charlie, I always have. He'll certainly be able to control the football game, understand their offense and everything they do. He won't have the arm strength, clearly, that Ben has. Again, there are very few that do anywhere. We'll have our hands full with their speed and their skill, and just their overall ability on the offensive side."

Batch is 24-29 as a starter with 60 TDs, 48 INTs and a 77.8 rating. In his seven starts with the Steelers, he's completed 60.9 percent of his passes with eight TDs and seven INTs for an 83.7 rating. In his victory over the Browns in 2005, he completed 13 of 19 attempts with no TDs and no picks. He also rushed for a TD.

"We expect him to play winning football," said Steelers coach Mike Tomlin. "We believe he's capable of that. He's a veteran player, one that's distinguished himself over the latter part of his career of being able to play above the line on a limited number of snaps. He's done it for us as recently as last year, he did it for us in 2010 and we expect the same."

Steelers receiver Mike Wallace notes that no one can replace Roethlisberger, but expects big things from Batch.

"We know Chuck has good leadership and he takes control of the huddle every single time he comes into a game," said Wallace. "We know he knows every single read. We just know we have a veteran guy. We know we've got a guy who's been playing 16 years, so there's not too much he hasn't seen. We feel comfortable with him."

Batch will also have 6-5 veteran receiver Plaxico Burress, who was signed this week.

"This is the biggest guy I've played with ever since I've been in the NFL," said Wallace. "Hopefully he can take some coverage away, some guys go over there and it'll free up me, Heath (Miller) and Emmanuel (Sanders)."

Regardless of who's at quarterback, the Browns still have to contend with the NFL's top-ranked defense, including the No. 1 unit against the pass.

"The best thing about this defense is that they have good players," said Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden. "They've got guys that have been in the league for a long time, they've got guys that can tackle and they've got guys scheme-wise that are really, really good. (Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau's) a big zone-blitz guy. They don't give up many big plays. They try to keep everything in front and they do a great job with it. They've done it for a long time and I don't really expect it to change when we play them."

The Steelers have gone 4-1 in the last five games largely because of their defense. They've held opponents to 20 points or fewer during that span and 200 total net yards or less in three of those five outings. They've also held the last five quarterbacks to sub-76.0 ratings, and the list is a who's who in the NFL: Andy Dalton (56.4), Robert Griffin (72.8), Eli Manning (41.1), Matt Cassel (46.0) and Joe Flacco (75.5). The pass defense has allowed the second-fewest completions (169) in the NFL this season.

But Browns receiver Greg Little, for one, is undaunted.

"I feel like they have some holes in their defense that we can exploit," he said. "I feel like the coaches have done a very good job of scouting, and I think we'll be able to beat them downfield as well as short to intermediate things.

"I never go into a game (lacking confidence) and I don't think any of my teammates do either. It's just a defense that makes plays, and as of late we've been making a lot of plays as well. We have to improve in the red zone, and I think if we do that, we'll definitely win."

Receiver Josh Cribbs doesn't think the young guys will grasp the intensity of the rivalry until the game is over. The Browns are aiming to snap a five-game losing streak to the Steelers.

"It'll mean everything for the city and our fans (if we win)," he said. "That's why I'm going to be egging the guys on. Not that they need it, but I'm going to be still standing there like, 'You know what this means for our city? We've lost a lot of games, but we can make it right.' Our coaches are beating it in everybody's heads. Letting them know what it means, to the rookies more than anybody. Because this rivalry is everything to us and our fans. It's about bragging rights."

And maybe, just maybe, with Big Ben on the sidelines, the Browns will finally have something to brag about.

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

On Twitter: @marykaycabot

Cleveland Browns News and Notes with Trent Richardson, Joe Haden, D'Qwell Jackson and Pat Shurmur after their 20-14 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Hosted by Plain Dealer's Browns beat writer Tom Reed. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Here is the 2012 Associated Press Division I All-Ohio high school football team, based on the recommendations of a state media panel. DIVISION I

Mentor quarterback Mitch Trubisky was selected as the state's Division I Offensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press. - (Joshua Gunter, The Plain Dealer)

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Here is the 2012 Associated Press Division I All-Ohio high school football team, based on the recommendations of a state media panel.

DIVISION I

First Team

OFFENSE: Ends--Gareon Conley, Massillon Washington, 6-2, 175, sr.; Brandon Fritts, Mentor, 6-4, 210, jr.; Jake Butt, Pickerington North, 6-6, 220, sr.; Liam Allen, Tol. St. John's, 5-11, 170, sr. Linemen--Dylan Wiesman, Cin. Colerain, 6-4, 300, sr.; Nathaniel Devers, Massillon Washington, 6-5, 273, sr.; Jim Byrne, Cleve. St. Ignatius, 6-4, 270, jr.; Matt Miller, Tol. St. John's, 6-5, 255, sr. Quarterbacks--Mitch Trubisky, Mentor, 6-3, 200, sr.; Alfred Ramsby, Cin. Colerain, 5-11, 195, sr.; Dom Iero, N. Canton Hoover, 6-0, 175, sr.; Nick Holley, Tol. Whitmer, 6-0, 175, sr. Backs--Godwin Igewebuike, Pickerington North, 6-0, 185, sr.; Kareem Hunt, Willoughby South, 5-11, 210, sr.; LeShun Daniels, Warren Harding, 6-0, 220, sr. Kickers--Grant Coffman, Dublin Coffman, 5-8, 174, sr.; Matt Colella, Cleve. St. Ignatius, 5-8, 155, jr.; Pierce Royster, Hudson, 5-10, 165, jr.

DEFENSE: Linemen--Tracy Sprinkle, Elyria, 6-5, 260, sr.; Billy Price, Austintown Fitch, 6-4, 312, sr.; Taco Charlton, Pickerington Central, 6-6, 235, sr.; Ryan Davis, Lakewood St. Edward, 6-0, 205, sr. Linebackers--Shane Jones, Cin. Moeller, 6-2, 225, sr.; Jack Linch, Tol. Whitmer, 6-0, 210, sr.; Nick Isaacs, Cin. Withrow, 6-2, 244, sr.; Conner Kramczyk, Elyria, 6-1, 215, jr.; Ben Gedeon, Hudson, 6-2, 220, sr. Backs--Caleb Day, Hilliard Davidson, 6-1, 188, sr.; Jayln Powell, Warren Harding, 6-2, 190, sr.; Solomon Warfield, Lakewood St. Edward, 6-0, 185, sr.; Jimmy Hessel, Avon Lake, 6-2, 175, sr. Punter--Tyler Alders, Macedonia Nordonia, 6-2, 205, sr.

Offensive player of the year: Mitch Trubisky, Mentor.

Defensive players of the year: Tracy Sprinkle, Elyria; Billy Price, Austintown Fitch; Shane Jones, Cin. Moeller.

Coaches of the year: Jerry Bell, Tol. Whitmer; Steve Channell, Miamisburg.

Second Team

OFFENSE: Ends--Austin Wolf, Lebanon, 6-4, 200, sr.; Austin Freiberg, N. Canton Hoover, 6-0, 172, sr.; Anthony Young, Lakewood St. Edward, 6-1, 170, sr.; Jalen Bell, Westerville South, 6-0, 215, sr. Linemen--Sean Welsh, Springboro, 6-4, 275, sr.; Jason Idoine, Hudson, 6-4, 235, sr.; Donovan Munger, Shaker Hts., 6-4, 295, sr.; Dominic Giunta, Willoughby South, 6-3, 245, sr.; Grant Judson, Whitehouse Anthony Wayne, 5-11, 215, sr. Quarterbacks--Kyle Kempt, Massillon Washington, 6-5, 200, sr.; Nick Renzetti, Westerville South, 6-4, 180, sr. Backs--Tim McVey, Cleve. St. Ignatius, 5-10, 185, sr.; Donovan Wilson, Dublin Jerome, 6-0, 210, sr.; Vance Settlemire, Findlay, 5-11, 180, sr. Kicker--Tom West, Kettering Fairmont, 6-2, 215, sr.

DEFENSE: Linemen--Antoine Miles, Canton McKinley, 6-3, 250, sr.; Marquise Moore, Tol. Whitmer, 6-1, 285, sr.; Kevin Kavalec, Cleve. St. Ignatius, 6-3, 240, sr.; Mike Tyler, Brecksville-Broadview Hts., 6-5, 235, sr. Linebackers--Airius Moore, Beavercreek, 6-0, 220, jr.; Charlie Dear, Massillon Jackson, 6-0, 210, sr.; Guy Schuler, Amherst, 6-3, 185, sr.; Tyler Rus, Willoughby South, 6-1, 222, sr.; Mitchell Rowell, Gahanna Lincoln, 6-0, 235, sr. Backs--Luke Grandjean, N. Canton Hoover, 6-3, 170, sr.; Dominic Abounader, Lakewood St. Edward, 6-0, 195, sr.; Marcus Elliott, Tol. Whitmer, 6-1, 183, jr.; Joseph Davidson, Findlay, 6-7, 202, sr. Punter--Andrew Horstman, Lewis Ctr. Olentangy, 6-4, 208, sr.

Third Team

OFFENSE: Ends--Timmy Tupa, Brecksville-Broadview Hts., 6-1, 185, jr.; Nick Krempasky, N. Royalton, 6-3, 190, sr.; Tim Shadoan, Dublin Scioto, 5-10, 175, sr.; Jimmy Orwick, Findlay, 6-0, 183, sr.; Dan Ratliff, Elyria, 5-10, 185, sr. Linemen--Mike Cray, Cleve. St. Ignatius, 6-1, 245, sr.; Matt Blaha, Euclid, 6-4, 265, sr.; Eric Hart, Tol. Whitmer, 5-7, 245, sr. Quarterbacks--Travis Tarnowski, N. Royalton, 6-0, 190, sr.; Drazen Markovic, Mayfield, 6-1, 180, sr. Backs--Herbert Walker Jr., Cleve. Glenville, 5-7, 188, sr.; E.J. Jennings, Hilliard Davidson, 5-11, 214, sr. Kicker--Grant McKinniss, Findlay, 6-0, 160, fresh.

DEFENSE: Linemen--Adam Coberly, Hudson, 6-2, 210, sr.; Miles McCollum, Dublin Coffman, 6-3, 245, sr.; JoeNathan Mayes, Tol. Whitmer, 5-9, 265, sr. Linebackers--Devin Dennard, Findlay, 6-0, 190, sr.; Nate Holley, Tol. Whitmer, 6-2, 195, sr.; Troy Lowe, Canton McKinley, 5-11, 225, sr.; Kyle Berger, Cleve. St. Ignatius, 6-3, 210, jr.; Marcus Oliver, Hamilton, 6-1, 220, sr. Backs--Austin Niswander, Findlay, 6-2, 182, sr.; Ose Omofoma, Whitehouse Anthony Wayne, 6-1, 185, sr.; Robbie Ries, Cin. St. Xavier, 5-10, 175, sr.; Marcus Ball, Westerville South, 6-3, 220, sr. Punter--Jake Hartbarger, Whitehouse Anthony Wayne, 6-4, 190, jr.

Special Mention

Jared Johns, Hilliard Davidson; Zack Murdock, Dublin Coffman; Austin Schmidt, Lewis Center Olentangy; Kyle Trout, Lancaster; Nick Walter, Pickerington Central; Donovan Wilson, Dublin Jerome; Mason Sawicki, Dublin Scioto; Granyl Smith, Gahanna Lincoln; Greg Basalyga, Pickerington Central; Cameron Kohl, Hilliard Darby; Philip LaFleur, Cols. St. Charles; Tim Bates, Westerville South; Kyle Hites, Marysville; Conner Krizancic, Mentor; Kyle Kuhar, Avon Lake; Kent Berger, Mentor; Christopher Worley, Cleve. Glenville; LaVonte Robinson, Lakewood St. Edward; Myles Alexander, Euclid; Andrew Venclauskas, Willoughby South; Nick Iapaolo, Painesville Riverside; George Berry, Solon; Aaron Neal, Lorain; Anton Vrebac, Eastlake North; Derek Kief, Cin. La Salle; Alex Gall, Cin. Moeller; Evan Lisle, Centerville; Kyle Meadows, West Chester Lakota West; Keith Watkins, Cin. Moeller; Darryl Johnson, Mason; Rahman Hardin, Springboro; Brant Gressel, Centerville; Jake Replogle, Centerville; Charlie Lawler, Loveland; Conrad Lamb, Springboro; Tyler Cross, West Chester Lakota West; Bradd Ellis, Lebanon; Sam Geraci, Cin. Moeller; Alex Alders, Macedonia Nordonia; Jeff Richardson, Canton McKinley; Cameron Bell, Macedonia Nordonia; Eric Glover-Williams, Canton McKinley; Matt Futkos, Austintown Fitch; Sam Woods, N. Canton Hoover; Patrick Benson, Canton GlenOak; Cameron Dial, Twinsburg; Kentrell Taylor, Massillon Washington; Tre'Vontae Jackson, Canton McKinley; Raymond Wesley, Canton GlenOak; Justin Babos, Youngs. Boardman; Nick Winkler, Wadsworth; Devon Allen, Massillon Perry; Keith Lawrence, Austintown Fitch; Bryce Burnside, Findlay; Eric Hart, Tol. Whitmer; Matt Fields, Tol. Bowsher; Curron Barringer, Tol. Waite; Sam Bruno, Whitehouse Anthony Wayne; Jordan Connor, Whitehouse Anthony Wayne; Ryan Stout, Sylvania Southview; Joseph Davidson, Findlay.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Here is the 2012 Associated Press Division II All-Ohio high school football team, based on the recommendations of a state media panel. DIVISION II

Avon running back/defensive back Ross Douglas was selected to the All-Ohio first team for offense in Division II. - (Allison Carey, The Plain Dealer)

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Here is the 2012 Associated Press Division II All-Ohio high school football team, based on the recommendations of a state media panel.

DIVISION II

First Team

OFFENSE: Ends--J.T. McFarland, Zanesville, 5-11, 170, jr.; Connor Stickelman, Franklin, 6-2, 180, sr.; Trei Thomas, Kent Roosevelt, 5-10, 160, sr.; Robert Wheelwright, Cols. Walnut Ridge, 6-3, 183, sr.; Ralph Smith, Avon, 5-9, 160, sr. Linemen--Cody Collins, Trotwood-Madison, 6-2, 302, sr.; Patrick Dougherty, Aurora, 6-5, 265, sr.; Damon Dillard, Cols. Marion-Franklin, 6-4, 355, sr.; Isiah Moore, Tiffin Columbian, 6-4, 285, jr.; Sam Coverdale, Chagrin Falls Kenston, 6-7, 280, sr. Quarterbacks--Cody Callaway, Grafton Midview, 6-2, 185, jr.; Maurice Hale, Cols. Beechcroft, 6-3, 195, sr.; Tra'Von Chapman, Kent Roosevelt, 6-2, 200, sr. Backs--Tyree Elliott, Cin. Mt. Healthy, 6-0, 185, jr.; Jamal Johnson, New Philadelphia, 5-6, 160, jr.; De'Veon Smith, Warren Howland, 5-11, 220, sr.; Kale Huss, Mansfield Madison, 5-10, 185, sr.; Ross Douglas, Avon, 5-10, 180, sr. Kicker--Nick Barker, Ashland, 6-0, 165, sr.

DEFENSE: Linemen--DeOntaye Cosby, Canal Winchester, 6-1, 250, sr.; Jon Perrin, Tol. Cent. Cath., 6-0, 305, sr.; Jared Urcheck, Chardon, 6-3, 215, sr. Linebackers--Michael McCray, Trotwood-Madison, 6-2, 233, sr.; Austin Jones, Dresden Tri-Valley, 5-10, 208, sr.; Zach Smierciak, Aurora, 6-3, 225, sr.; Kevin Skotko, Avon, 5-9, 175, sr. Backs--Bo Ransom, Madison, 5-9, 175, jr.; Cameron Burrows, Trotwood-Madison, 6-2, 204, sr.; Darron Lee, New Albany, 6-3, 210, sr.; Jayme Thompson, Tol. Cent. Cath., 6-1, 180, sr.; Keon Jacobs, E. Cleve. Shaw, 5-11, 165, sr. Punter--Joshua Brebant, Copley, 6-0, 200, sr.

Offensive player of the year: De'Veon Smith, Warren Howland.

Defensive player of the year: Michael McCray, Trotwood-Madison.

Coach of the year: Chad Murphy, Cin. Northwest.

Second Team

OFFENSE: Ends--Kevin Gladney, Akron Firestone, 6-4, 180, sr.; Andrew Bonfiglio, Tol. St. Francis, 6-0, 160, jr.; Eric Lauer, Grafton Midview, 6-4, 185, sr. Linemen--Jason Tretter, Richfield Revere, 6-7, 305, sr.; Jeff Dew, Tol. Cent. Cath., 6-3, 290, sr.; Antonio Weatherspoon, Maple Hts., 6-2, 265, jr.; Collin Prouty, Dresden Tri-Valley, 6-4, 280, jr. Quarterbacks--Nathan Strock, Dresden Tri-Valley, 6-4, 190, sr.; Connor Jansen, Cin. Turpin, 5-9, 205, sr.; DeShone Kizer, Tol. Cent. Cath., 6-4, 205, jr.; Dave Zeh, Avon, 6-1, 170, sr.; Braden Billger, Celina, 6-2, 175, sr. Backs--Israel Green, Trotwood-Madison, 5-9, 202, sr.; Aregeros Turner, Copley, 5-11, 170, sr.; Amir Edwards, Tol. Cent. Cath., 5-10, 195, sr.; Mark Murray, Madison, 5-11, 205, sr. Kicker--Brandon Matchum, Grafton Midview, 5-10, 160, jr.

DEFENSE: Linemen--Chandler Hoover, Tiffin Columbian, 5-9, 210, sr.; Dominic Bodnar, Avon, 5-11, 220, jr.; Andrew Carlson, Grafton Midview, 6-3, 215, sr.; Max Rutenschroer, Cin. Turpin, 6-2, 220, sr. Linebackers--Brady Vanover, Kings Mills Kings, 6-0, 235, sr.; Deon'tae Moore, Akron Kenmore, 6-4, 216, sr.; Justin Ward, New Philadelphia, 5-10, 205, sr. Jaleel Taylor, Mansfield Senior, 5-11, 205, jr.; Brandon Friedrich, Olmsted Falls, 6-1, 209, sr. Backs--Mike Gib, Olmsted Falls, 5-11, 185, sr.; Shawn Gilbert, Ashtabula Lakeside, 6-0, 181, sr.; Johnny Crawford, Wapakoneta, 6-2, 180, sr.; Ron Carruthers-Kimball, Pataskala Licking Hts., 5-10, 165, jr. Punter--Michael Finch, Ashland, 6-1, 195, sr.

Third Team

OFFENSE: Ends--Kamaron Green, Cols. Mifflin, 5-9, 160, sr.; Da'Vonte Price, E. Cleve. Shaw, 5-10, 175, sr.; Alex Kelly, Avon, 6-0, 260, sr. Linemen--Hunter May, New Philadelphia, 6-3, 245, sr.; Joe Lowery, Tallmadge, 6-6, 210, jr.; Nate Boggs, Mansfield Madison, 6-3, 260, sr.; Marvin Simmons, E. Cleve. Shaw, 6-2, 210, sr.; Tim Van Salter, Avon, 6-2, 270, sr. Quarterbacks--Thomas Wibbeler, Zanesville, 5-11, 170, jr.; Darryl Richards, Chagrin Falls Kenston, 6-3, 180, sr.; T.J. Benanti, Chardon, 6-0, 170, sr. Backs--Matt Blasiole, Uniontown Lake, 5-10, 184, jr.; Cory McCarty, Logan, 5-10, 180, sr.; Jack Jacoby, Tiffin Columbian, 6-0, 195, sr.; Aaron Rossi, Geneva, 5-9, 190, soph. Kicker--Chas Miller, Vincent Warren, 5-11, 185, sr.

DEFENSE: Linemen--Antonio Sanderfer, Mansfield Senior, 5-11, 185, jr.; Jarred Gray, Oregon Clay, 6-3, 220, sr.; Darionne Lawson, E. Cleve. Shaw, 6-1, 200, sr. Linebackers--T.K. Fortson, Warren Howland, 6-0, 170, jr.; Kyle Durham, Perrysburg, 5-9, 215, sr.; Seth Gowitzka, Mansfield Madison, 5-11, 185, sr.; Adam Gray, Chagrin Falls Kenston, 6-0, 215, sr.; Dakota Hill, New Philadelphia, 5-10, 205, sr. Backs--Shawn Turk, Westlake, 6-0, 175, sr.; Devin Cunningham, Lodi Cloverleaf, 5-11, 200, jr.; Jamal Gladden, Zanesville, 5-11, 175, jr. Punter: Taylor Wilson, Worthington Kilbourne, 6-0, 202, jr.

Special Mention

Matt Smith, New Albany; Willie Carter, Pataskala Licking Hts.; Terry Cole, Cols. Walnut Ridge; Julian Simon, Sunbury Big Walnut; David Stambaugh, New Albany; Brenden Kemp, Pataskala Watkins Memorial; Derrick Pope, Cols. Mifflin; Alan Watson, New Albany; Noah Ising, Canal Winchester; Steven Clum, Pataskala Licking Hts.; Antonio Davis, Cols. Beechcroft; Gavin Elifritz, Worthington Kilbourne; Adonis Davis, Cols. Beechcroft; Matt Mayville, Pataskala Licking Hts.; Alijahwon Tarvin, Cols. Marion-Franklin; Nick Toledo, Canal Winchester; Casey Gayle, Cols. Brookhaven; Seth Myers, Sunbury Big Walnut; Caleb Beans, New Philadelphia; Hunter Joseph, New Philadelphia; Trevor Krouskoupf, Dresden Tri-Valley; Matty Lynn, Zanesville; Will Weir, Zanesville; Gray Moody, New Philadelphia; Sam Shook, New Philadelphia; Austin Kimble, Zanesville; Kris Michael, Dresden Tri-Valley; Kyle Huth, New Philadelphia; Jeff Virden, New Philadelphia; Tyler Edwards-Frick, Dresden Tri-Valley; Daniel Sensabaugh, Dresden Tri-Valley; David Johnson, Zanesville; Seth Brock, Dresden Tri-Valley; Tristan Rock, Zanesville; K.J. Grimmett, Zanesville; Dar Stanford, Zanesville; Jesse Kandel, New Philadelphia; Logan Keib, New Philadelphia; Andrew Vincent, Vincent Warren; Dylan Leffingwell, Vincent Warren; Ryan Mathis, Chillicothe; Kyle Bronski, Marietta; Tyler Kelley, Chillicothe; Cliff Garner, Maple Heights; Joe Bashore, Madison; Jack LeMasters, Chardon; Logan Paul, Westlake; Jackie Curry, E. Cleve. Shaw; Robert Hardin, Maple Hts.; Anthony Cantanzariti, Chardon; Andrew Soltay, Chagrin Falls Kenston; Jared Cook, Cin. Anderson; Kennedy Cook, Kings Mills Kings; Craig McCorkle, Cin. Winton Woods; Andrew Gatchell, Tipp City Tippecanoe; Chris Hymer, Franklin; Evan Berg, Kings Mills Kings; Daniel Cage, Cin. Winton Woods; Truman Gutapfel, Harrison; Chuck Buchanan, Tecumseh; Rasheen Jones, Cin. Northwest; Nate Woods, Franklin; David Henry, Wilmington; Mike Edwards, Cin. Winton Woods; DeQuan Render, Cin. Northwest; Robbie Lewis, Cin. Winton Woods; Jacob Wood, Tallmadge; Stan Zalewski, Kent Roosevelt; Grant Stokes, Wooster; Anthony Gotto, Tallmadge; Bruce Kinsey, Medina Highland; Zach Quinn, Aurora; Austin Mastroine, Kent Roosevelt; Brett Rodgers, Aurora; Matt Sommers, Kent Roosvelt; Matt Geer, Akron Ellet; Kordelle Phillips, Alliance; Crissean Caver, Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit; Doug Lewis, Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit; Keith Towbridge, Tol. Cent. Cath.; Zach Harmon, Tol. Cent. Cath.; Leon Robinson, Mansfield Senior; Willie Moore, Ashland; Dalton Fix, Mansfield Madison; Matt Robinson, Mansfield Senior; Gio Masi, Lexington.

The Cavaliers are back in action tonight as they travel to Memphis to take on the Grizzlies. Get Twitter updates from Mary Schmitt Boyer (@PDCavsInsider) and Jodie Valade (@JodieValade) in the box below. Check out the in-game box score here. Read on for a game preview. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m.

The Cavaliers are back in action tonight as they travel to Memphis to take on the Grizzlies. Get Twitter updates from Mary Schmitt Boyer (@PDCavsInsider) and Jodie Valade (@JodieValade) in the box below. Check out the in-game box score here. Read on for a game preview. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m.

Memphis Grizzlies guard Jerryd Bayless, right, drives around Los Angeles Lakers guard Chris Duhon (21) and Antawn Jamison (4) with help from Grizzlies' Darrell Arthur (00) in the second half of an NBA basketball game on Friday. AP Photo/Lance Murphey

(AP) -- The Memphis Grizzlies responded in positive fashion after the end of one of their longest win streaks in franchise history and might have the opportunity to start another run during the remainder of their season-high homestand.

Records through Sunday (Previous week's ranking in parentheses)

Hathaway Brown mainains its No. 1 position in The Plain Dealer's girls basketball top 25 despite an early loss to state power Reynoldsburg.

Records through Sunday

(Previous week's ranking in parentheses)

1. Hathaway Brown, 1-1 (1): At Archbishop Hoban on Wednesday.

2. Solon, 1-0 (2): Hosts Mayfield on Wednesday.

3. Wadsworth, 1-0 (3): Hosts Twinsburg on Saturday.

4. Twinsburg, 2-0 (4): At Wadsworth on Saturday. Short-handed Tigers managed to top Berlin Hiland in overtime and Reynoldsburg.

5. Walsh Jesuit, 1-0 (8): Hosts Holy Name on Wednesday.

6. St. Vincent-St. Mary, 0-1 (5): Hosts Lake Catholic on Saturday.

7. Hudson, 0-0 (7): At Brunswick on Saturday.

8. Archbishop Hoban, 0-1 (6): Hosts Hathaway Brown on Wednesday.

9. Magnificat, 2-0 (13): Hosts Cleveland Heights on Wednesday. Inexperienced Blue Streaks played like veterans in wins over Mayfield and Brecksville-Broadview Heights.

10. Holy Name, 1-0 (10): At Walsh Jesuit on Wednesday.

11. Medina, 1-0 (20): Hosts Massillon on Wednesday. Battling Bees scored a major season-opening victory at Midpark.

12. Midpark, 1-1 (12): Hosts Berea on Dec. 5.

13. Brecksville-Broadview Heights, 0-1 (9): Hosts Cuyahoga Falls on Wednesday.

14. Gilmour Academy, 1-0 (14): At Lutheran West today.

15. Lake Ridge Academy, 1-1 (11): Hosts John F. Kennedy today. Lions' lack of depth caught up with them in setback to Midpark.

16. Woodridge, 0-0 (16): At Coventry today.

17. Aurora, 1-0 (17): At West Geauga on Friday.

18. Kenston, 1-0 (23): Hosts North Royalton on Wednesday. Bombers made a statement with 53-40 win over host Ravenna.

19. Brunswick, 1-0 (19): Hosted Avon Lake on Monday.

20. Mayfield, 0-1 (18): At Solon on Wednesday.

21. Norton, 2-0 (21): Hosts Manchester on Wednesday.

22. Ravenna, 0-1 (15): Hosts Mogadore on Wednesday.

23. Mentor, 1-0 (22): Hosts Chagrin Falls on Monday.

24. Eastlake North, 1-0 (25): At Chardon on Saturday.

25. Riverside, 2-0 (--): At Geneva on Saturday. Beavers defeated previously-ranked Glenville en route to winning Harvey Tournament.

Dropped out: Glenville.

C arder writes:"I want to sincerely apologize for the word I used!

Browns backup linebacker Ricky '€œTank'€ Carder has apologized for a homophobic slur Chuck Crow, The Plain Dealer

Responding to a comment he didn't appreciate, the Browns rookie used the slur in response. He eventually deleted the Nov. 21 tweet after initially standing by it and writing he was "unapologetically strong."

"Haters gon hate cause that's what they do, haters don't give respect where it should be given so I'm done arguing with you fools," Carder wrote on Nov. 24. On Monday, however, he expressed contrition on his account, @tankcarder.

"I want to sincerely apologize for the word I used! I did not in anyway mean to offend anyone! That tweet doesn't define me as a person!"

Outsports.com, a Web site covering gay sports news, believes Carder should be suspended for a game and his game check donated to a gay sports organization.

"Nothing short ... will suffice as a punishment for this," according to the site. "It cannot be tolerated."

The Browns released this statement: "These comments are certainly not reflective of the Cleveland Browns organization, nor do we condone them in any fashion. We have spoken with Tank and have made this very clear to him."

Carder has appeared in 10 games for the Browns this season, primarily on special teams. He was drafted in the fifth round by the Buffalo Bills.

Beating Pittsburgh any way, any time should be enough for Browns fans to stop grumbling.

Browns fans embraced Trent Richardson and the rest of the team during Sunday's victory over the hated Steelers. So Terry Pluto is a bit baffled by some locals' inability to enjoy the moment. Chuck Crow, The Plain Dealer

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- I confess, there are times when I'm sure I'm living on another planet.

It can't be Pluto, because Pluto has been stripped of planetary status and reduced to an "insignificant iceball" according to many astronomers. In the same way the Browns were "lucky" to beat the Steelers, at least based on my emails.

As Frank wrote: "Eight takeaways. No offense from Pittsburgh. Score 20-14. Should have been a runaway. Browns were lucky to win a game against a team that was decimated by injury."

Wonder what he'd have written if they lost.

I want to get this straight, the Browns did find the end zone against Steelers -- twice.Last season, the Browns played the Steelers twice. Guess how many times they scored a touchdown? Zero.

In 2010, they played the Steelers twice. Guess how many times they scored a touchdown? One. So in the previous four games, they scored one touchdown.

Yes, the defense set up the two touchdowns by creating excellent field position on the Pittsburgh 10 and 31. How many times in the last few years did the Browns take field position like that and turn it into field goals?

When Brandon Weeden's pass was tipped and run back for a touchdown by the Steelers' Lawrence Timmons only 71 seconds into the game -- did you think the Browns were in big trouble?

They ended last season with a 13-9 loss at Pittsburgh. Didn't you sense something like that happening again, especially since the Steelers have the No. 1 defense? Or how about at the end of the half when the Steelers' Chris Rainey ran up the middle, bounced off a wall of defenders, and scored a touchdown?

Sense of doom

How optimistic were you when Pittsburgh had a 14-13 lead? How often have we've seen the Browns lose games like this?

Yes, QB Charlie Batch was awful. The Steelers turned the ball over eight times. The officials missed a Trent Richardson fumble with two minutes left -- allowing the Browns to retain possession. The Browns offense stalled and sputtered much of the afternoon.

But they still won.

The fact is, the Browns demonstrated they can lose to any time, anywhere, any way, period. Especially the Steelers. I still remember them turning Tommy Maddox into the next Terry Bradshaw several years ago.

But Sunday, they won.

Guess how many fumbles the Steelers lost in their first 10 games before Sunday. Five. Then they lost five more Sunday.

Before the game, Rainey, Rashard Mendenhall and Jonathan Dwyer had not lost a fumble this season. They combined to lose four against the Browns. Maybe, just maybe, did those orange helmets have something to do with that?

Grumble, grumble

Then there was Al, who emailed: "What a pathetic performance! With all the Pittsburgh turnovers and all the Browns come up with is 20 points. ... Near the end of the game, when Colt McCoy comes in, all they call is six running plays up the middle.

"I know you want to protect against a turnover but you also need a first down to keep the ball away from Pittsburgh. Now would be the time after this win to chuck [Pat] Shurmur!"

That's what you want to do, fire the coach for beating Pittsburgh!

That was the only email demanding that Shurmur leave the building this week with Mike Holmgren. But more than half of the messages leaned in the negative direction. Reading them, you'd have sworn the Browns were the team that had won 16 of 17 against Pittsburgh.

Yes, it was an "ugly" game. Games against Pittsburgh are ugly. As Shurmur said Monday, "That was a big man's game, a very physical game ... real football."

It was AFC North football, and the Browns have to start to win like games such as this if they want to be a factor in the division. It happens when physically you don't back down for the team and those fans with the terrible towels.

Here are some recent Steelers/Browns scores: 13-9, 14-3, 41-9, 28-10, 13-6 (a win), 27-14, 31-0, 10-6. In those eight games since 2008, the Browns scored four touchdowns.

The Browns are 3-8. The Steelers probably aren't going to the playoffs. No one is making the case for the Browns being a contender. But in the previous four seasons, they were 3-21 in their division, 1-5 vs. the Steelers.

This season they are 2-3 in the division, and have one more game left against Pittsburgh.

This wasn't a great leap forward, but it was a step in the right direction for the Browns.

Costello played 10 seasons with the Browns, and was their starting linebacker during every one of them, helping the team to three NFL championship games.

Browns linebackers (left to right) Galen Fiss, Walt Michaels, Vince Costello and Tom Catlin during Cleveland's 1958 training camp. Plain Dealer

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A countdown of the top 100 players in Cleveland
Browns history. Players must have spent at least four seasons with the
Browns. The ranking is based only on players' careers with the Browns.

No. 56, Vince Costello, linebacker, 1957-66

Vince Costello didn't begin his Browns and NFL career until he was 25, but that didn't stop him from becoming one of the best middle linebackers in team history.

Costello, from Dellroy, Ohio -- just south of Canton -- played football, baseball and even one year of basketball at Ohio University. After playing two years as a first baseman in the Cincinnati Reds farm system, Costello served in the U.S. Air Force.

Costello, who had not been picked in the 1953 NFL draft, signed with the Browns prior to the 1956 season. Former Ohio football assistant coach Howard Brinker, who had begun his 22-year career as a Browns' defensive assistant in 1952, remembered Costello's excellence as a college player.

Hampered by a hamstring injury during training camp, Costello was advised by Browns coach Paul Brown to sit out the season and report to camp the next summer. Costello did just that, and took over the starting middle linebacker job during his 1957 rookie campaign.

The 6-0, 230-pound Costello was among the NFL's fastest and most athletic players at his position. And, he was an exceptional tackler.

Costello missed just two games during his Browns career. He intercepted 18 passes during the regular season and ran for two touchdowns off of fumble recoveries. The Browns played in three championship games with Costello at middle linebacker, including their 27-0 win over the Baltimore Colts in 1964, when he made a key interception of a Johnny Unitas pass. Costello also picked off a pass during Cleveland's 10-0 Eastern Division playoff loss to the New York Giants in 1958.

The Browns, looking to get younger at linebacker following the 1966 season, traded Costello -- who would turn 35 over the summer -- to the New York Giants for a draft pick. Still starting, he intercepted four passes in 1967, including one during a 38-34 New York win over the Browns. Costello played two games in 1968 to close his career.

(The Browns' all-time top 100 players so far)

Video: From a portion of the 1965 Browns highlight film, narrated by television play-by-play announcer Ken Coleman. About three minutes in, middle linebacker Vince Costello (50) intercepts a late pass to preserve the Browns' 24-17 win over the Cowboys in Dallas. About 8:50 in, Costello's late pick sets up the game-winning touchdown in the Browns' 27-24 win over the Cardinals in St. Louis:

Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Jeremy Pargo is concentrating on helping his new team develop.

The Cleveland Cavaliers Jeremy Pargo (8), going up against the 76ers' Spencer Hawes last week, is blocking out everything about his former team the Memphis Grizzlies. Associated Press

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Jeremy Pargo knew the questions were coming, although he didn't particularly care for them.

As the Cavaliers' starting point guard in place of the injured Kyrie Irving, did he have any extra motivation Monday playing against the Grizzlies, who traded him to the Cavs last summer for D.J. Kennedy, a second-round draft choice and cash?

"No, I just want to come out and try and stay on an even keel, continue to play with my teammates and hopefully we get a win," he said after shootaround at the Fed Ex Forum.

Although Pargo did start for the Grizzlies last season when point guard (and former Ohio State star) Mike Conley was injured, he said he mostly remembers sitting on the bench. That's why he was eager to get another chance in Cleveland.

"After sitting for a while, I needed another opportunity to prove that I could play at this level," he said.

He will not be trying to prove the Grizzlies made a mistake. "I'm just going to come out and play my game and do whatever it takes to help the team," he said.

"That's not anything that's in the front of my head right now," he said. "That's way in the back. Frontal lobe is all about us winning and playing well as a team."

Cavaliers coach Byron Scott was happy to hear that.

"Because if he does that, he'll just sit on the bench anyway," Scott said. "It's that simple. Don't try to do too much. Do what you've been doing. He's been playing pretty good solid basketball. Just cause you're home, or your ex-team, just stay within yourself. If he does that, he'll be fine."

Scott said he would not talk to Pargo about that before the game. "If he starts [trying to do too much] I'll talk to him about it... after I take him out," Scott said. "[I'll tell him] 'Relax. When I put you back in just go back to playing normal like you've been playing the last two or three games.'"

Memphis coach Lionel Hollins was not surprised at Pargo's performance this season.

"He had some decent games with us as well," Hollins said. "It's just a matter of consistency and being able to bring it every night. That's what this league is about. It's not about having one or two good games. It's about establishing consistency."

He's No. 1: Anderson Varejao continues to lead the league in rebouding, averaging 14.1 per game before Monday's game. Memphis' Zach Randolph is second at 13.6. No Cavalier has ever led the category for an entire season. Tyrone Hill was fifth in 1994-95 (10.9) as was Carlos Boozer in 2003-04 (11.4).

More Pargo: Scott would not categorize Pargo as a "gamer," meaning he plays better than he practices. Scott has found Pargo plays as he practices -- hard.

"There are lot of guys who are great in practice who can't play a lick, and there are guys who are not very good in practice because it's just not their thing. They like the competition of being in the game. When they get in the game, their juices start to flow a little more.

"Chris Paul wasn't the greatest practice player. He did everything you asked him to do, but he wasn't the greatest practice player until you said, 'All right, we're going 5-on-5 and the losers run.' That's when he started really getting into it. He wasn't one of those guys I had to worry about. I knew he was going to get his work done. He was going to come in and take it serious. But he wanted to play.

"We won't compare Jeremy with Chris Paul. But what I see with Jeremy is he plays in practice the same way as he does in the game. He comes to work at practice. He plays hard at practice, [is] very vocal at practice. He does the same thing in games. He doesn't change as far as his approach from practice to games."

Coach Pat Shurmur says he will know more Wednesday about Weeden's condition as he recovers from concussion. Watch video

Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden, shown here looking for a receiver in Sunday's win over the Steelers, is recovering from a concussion and his status for Sunday's game at Oakland is uncertain, coach Pat Shurmur said today. AP

BEREA, Ohio -- Considering that the Browns had to hide Brandon Weeden's helmet so he didn't go back into the Steelers' game with a concussion, you can bet he'll do everything he can to play Sunday in Oakland.

But for now, the decision on Weeden's head is out of his hands.

"It's very strict protocol when it comes to concussions," said coach Pat Shurmur. "We'll go through the process and we'll know way more on Wednesday. I'm not making any predictions at this point."

If Weeden can't play, backup Colt McCoy will make his first start for the Browns since suffering his own concussion in Pittsburgh last Dec. 8. McCoy replaced Weeden in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 20-14 victory over the Steelers and handed off to Trent Richardson six times to preserve the victory.

"If Colt goes in the game, I expect he's going to function fine and help us win games," said Shurmur. "I have all the confidence in the world in Colt. Colt has handled his situation this year in a very professional way. I don't see any reason why he can't go in and function well."

He said McCoy, 6-15 as a starter, has a better grasp on the offense than last season, when he didn't have an off-season with the coaches to learn the West Coast scheme.

"I watched Colt function through the off-season and of course training camp and I've seen him in practice," said Shurmur. "He just knows way more about what's going on with our offense this year than last year."

Shurmur acknowledged that McCoy would have to take a crash course this week, as he lacks many first-team reps. But that's nothing new for McCoy, who was thrown into the fire as a rookie in Pittsburgh and held his own.

But Shurmur won't draw up two game plans this week for the 3-8 Raiders, who are 25th in total defense and 24th against the pass.

"We'll do what we have to do," Shurmur said. "Our quarterbacks' styles are pretty similar. So you put the plan together on how to attack Oakland and then we'll see who shows up to play."

If Weeden is ruled out, the Browns will most likely sign developmental QB Thaddeus Lewis off their practice squad. But will Shurmur play Weeden if he's cleared late in the week?

"I think each player's different and I'll know way more about this on Wednesday when we start actually practicing," he said. "Each situation this time of year is different. There are guys that can practice throughout the week and really still not be ready to go, then there are guys that do very little early in the week, a little bit at the end and are ready to go. We'll just have to see."

He said Weeden was at the practice facility Monday, but declined specifics. Weeden was injured when he was twisted down by linebacker Jason Worilds and smacked his head off left tackle Joe Thomas' leg. Weeden was checked on the sidelines and argued to go back in, but soon walked into the locker room with a doctor.

"Yeah, I don't think anybody wants to leave the game," said Shurmur. "Especially a game that's in the balance like that one was. That's typical of what I see and feel from guys that are on the sideline."

Weeden completed 17 of 26 attempts for 158 yards on Sunday, with one touchdown and one interception. He was sacked four times and knocked down another five. The interception was a pick-six off a tipped ball on his first drive, and his TD was a perfectly-thrown 5-yarder to Jordan Cameron.

The Browns managed just 17 points off the defense's eight takeaways, and scored two of four times in the red zone. The 17 points all came on drives that started in Pittsburgh territory, including one at the 10.

"He contributed to the win," said Shurmur. "Of course, the tipped ball -- there's many reasons why balls get tipped, but typically had it not gotten tipped it would've been a first down. It got tipped, and it was an interception for a touchdown. But he did some good things in that football game.

"But as we move forward and get ready to play the Raiders, there's some things that he can clean up that'll help us have a better performance next week."

Shurmur noted that offensive performance wasn't a thing of beauty "but we did enough to win. It's easy to say, 'well, you should have more points with that many turnovers' and I would agree we should. But we did what we had to do to win."

Outgoing President Mike Holmgren, who drafted McCoy in the third round of the 2010 draft and Weeden with the 22nd pick this year, is confident both can be successful quarterbacks.

"[McCoy] certainly has prepared himself in a very difficult situation for any player and he's handled himself beautifully this season and worked very, very hard in practice," said Holmgren. "I think if called upon, he's prepared to play."

As for Weeden, "He's a good player. I think [he] can play and he has a chance to be a very fine quarterback in this league. He has shown you in spurts that he can really pass the ball well and keep in mind that he's a rookie, even though he's a 29 year old."

Holmgren said he thinks Weeden can handle new CEO Joe Banner saying he has to prove himself down the stretch.

"Particularly with a guy his age, 29, it's not going to rattle him too much that way and being as competitive as they are, they still have to produce on the field and no one is going to hand them anything," Holmgren said. "I think he absolutely realizes that and it doesn't have much effect on him."

On Twitter: @marykaycabot

Browns president Mike Holmgren says he sees winning days ahead for the franchise; and that he has left the house 'a little bit in order.' Watch video

Mike Holmgren meets the media Monday afternoon as he prepares to leave the Browns organization Friday. Gus Chan, The Plain Dealer

BEREA, Ohio -- Outgoing Browns president Mike Holmgren might return to coaching. He might start a non-profit organization. He might immerse himself in a variety of other interests.

His only immediate plans, Holmgren said Monday, are to say farewell to friends in Cleveland and decompress after running the organization the last three years.

"What I told you the first time and what I told you the second time and what I will tell you today is that we are going to fly to Phoenix on Saturday and catch my breath a little bit and take it easy and ride my motorcycle," Holmgren said in meeting with the Cleveland media Monday.

Whether he will lounge on a patio sipping umbrella drinks in the desert or get busy finding a coaching job is not yet known. But his last day in Berea comes Friday about four months after Jimmy Haslam purchased majority ownership of the Browns from Randy Lerner.

Holmgren, 64, has been working in an advisory capacity since NFL owners green-lighted the team's sale on Oct. 16 and Joe Banner was brought aboard as the CEO. He believes the franchise, which went 12-31 under his watch, is in "really good hands," and no longer felt the need to finish out the season.

"I was starting to think I come to work, I go to practice and talk to players and coaches, but as far as contributing I was done," Holmgren said. "I had already passed the baton."

Banner praised Holmgren for easing his transition to the Browns and called him "one of the icons in this game." He said Holmgren notified him of his decision to leave last week.

The former team president has been linked with the Cowboys as a potential next coach should Jason Garrett be fired. He was asked about his decision to meet with Dallas owner Jerry Jones on the field at Cowboys Stadium prior to the Browns game on Nov. 18 just days after rumors about his interest in the job went public.

Holmgren said he spoke to Jones by phone in the days leading up to the Cowboys game, apologizing for any distraction the rumors might have created. He also offered not to meet Jones on the field, which he says has been a custom of the men over the years.

"We talked about the stuff we always talk about -- family and the Salvation Army," Holmgren said. "He does a wonderful job there with the Salvation Army. We have good friendship and if we handle this properly it shouldn't be a big deal."

Banner said the meeting, caught by CBS cameras, had nothing to do with Holmgren's exit. The top executive acknowledged there's nothing in Holmgren's settlement with the Browns that precludes him from taking a coaching job elsewhere or provides the organization compensation should another team hire him.

Holmgren signed a five-year deal in December of 2009.

The former Green Bay and Seattle coach said he didn't realize how difficult it would be to watch games without contributing from the sidelines. Holmgren opted to become an executive with the Browns, he said, and stuck with his decision even when he had chances to coach them following 2009 and 2010 seasons.

As for the future, he said coaching and getting involved in a non-profit organization with his wife, Kathy, are possibilities. He hasn't given thought about his Cleveland legacy, Holmgren said. That could improve if players such as Trent Richardson, Brandon Weeden, Phil Taylor and Joe Haden form the core of a winning organization.

"I would definitely say the organization is moving in a positive direction with a group of guys that are going to be together probably for a while," cornerback Sheldon Brown said when asked about Holmgren's contribution.

Cut-down Steelers? Steelers tackle Max Starks accused the Browns of cutting the legs out from under their offensive linemen in Sunday's game.

"Cleveland came up with some creative things, cutting offensive linemen," Starks told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review after the game. "I'd never seen that [from Cleveland] in my nine years in the NFL. But it happened, so the Steelers are now going to think it's all right doing that."

Black flagged: Banner said he ultimately made the decision to cancel the "white flag" promotional giveaway that was set for Sunday. Both fans and players voiced their displeasure with the idea of waiving inflatable white flags, which included the Browns' orange helmet, in front of their AFC North tormentors.

"The last thing we want to do is have somebody or people even think that we're sending any kind of message like that," Banner said. "I don't think there's any way watching this team or meeting people who work here for a second could think there's anybody surrendering now or ever will."

Anderson Varejao had 15 points and 22 rebounds, one short of his career high, to lead a spirited Cavaliers effort.

MEMPHIS — Two nights after hanging with the best team in the Eastern Conference before falling at Miami, Cavaliers coach Byron Scott was asked if he was surprised that his young team was able to hang with the best team in the NBA before falling, 84-78, to the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night at Fed Ex Forum.

"Am I surprised? No,'' Scott said as his team, playing without injured star point guard Kyrie Irving, dropped to 3-11 with its third straight loss on the road. "I think we're heading in the right direction. Our guys are playing hard and competing. That's what we need them to do on a night-to-night basis. We've just got to find a way in the fourth quarter to get over the hump.

"This time it wasn't on the defensive end, it was on the offensive end. We've just got to keep competing like this. Sooner or later, being in this situation this many time, we'll find a way to break through it.''

Anderson Varejao had 15 points and 22 rebounds, one short of his career high, to lead a spirited Cavaliers effort, and Dion Waiters added 15 points. But the Cavs made just 4 of 20 shots in the fourth quarter (20 percent), scored just nine points, went scoreless for more than five minutes and committed six turnovers. They certainly missed Irving, out another three weeks with a fractured left index finger.

"We got stagnant on the offensive end,'' Scott said. "If we just keep putting ourselves in this position, we'll get better. We're doing a lot of real good things right now. We're getting better on both ends of the floor. Our guys are focused and committed to what we're trying to do. We just still have those lapses that most veteran teams don't have, and that's what's killing us right now.''

Zach Randolph had 19 points and eight rebounds, and Marc Gasol added 19 points and six rebounds as the Grizzlies improved their league-leading record to 10-2. The Grizzlies are 6-1 at home, having beaten the New York Knicks, the Miami Heat and, most recently, the Los Angeles Lakers. Their only home loss came to Denver last Monday.

Scott's game plan was to run the bigger Grizzlies as much as he could, and it helped the smaller, quicker Cavs build a 10-point lead in the first half and settle for a 47-42 lead at halftime. They were still ahead after three quarters, 69-62, after an offensive rebound by Varejao that led to a 20-footer at the buzzer by -- who else? -- Varejao.

The Cavs were leading, 74-68, before back-to-back 3-pointers by Quincy Pondexter and Rudy Gay tied the score at 74-74 with 7:24 left. It was still tied at 76-76, but two free throws by Tony Allen with 2:49 left preceded a shot clock violation by the Cavs, and Randolph scored inside with 1:29 left to give Memphis an 80-76 lead. Alonzo Gee rammed through a missed shot by Varejao with 44.5 seconds left to get the Cavs within two.

Jarryd Bayless hit an 11-footer, Varejao lost the ball in the frontcourt and Bayless made two free throws with 13.8 seconds left. Bayless started in place of former Ohio State star Mike Conley, who missed the game with the flu.

On Twitter: @pdcavsinsider

Here lies the beauty of the runner-up: Come back next year and work just as hard, if not harder, to be a champion.

For every exultant champion -- in this case, Cincinnati Summit Country Day's Caelen Huber -- there's a valiant runner-up -- which was goalie Peter Labe and the Hawken boys soccer team in the state finals earlier this month. Thomas Ondrey, The Plain Dealer

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Consider the state runner-up. All the guts, and a lot less glory, but for one measly win.

Champions get their smiling color pictures on the front page hoisting a glistening trophy. Runners-up get a tear-stained award and a gray story in the back pages.

During runner-up trophy presentations this weekend at the state football finals, a high school commissioner will give virtually the same version of the same canned speech about being one of the last two teams in the state still standing. One year, the bureaucrat didn't quite get the line right and said to the runner-up, "there are 200 teams in your division in the state, and this year, you were one of them."

A slip of the tongue, yes, and also an appropriate reminder that in today's society, if you're not No. 1, you're one of the other 199.

Everyone refers to St. Ignatius as the 11-time state football champion. Know how many times it has been a runner-up? No one ever says, "Eleven-time state champ and one-time runner-up St. Ignatius." Its 1996 second-place team receives barely a mention in the team's 70-page media guide.

Likewise, St. Edward once issued a very cool poster of all its state championship wrestling trophies, which now number 27. But even when St. Edward doesn't win, it tends to achieve greatness. The Eagles' 2010 runner-up squad scored 167.5 points and lost by five points to Wadsworth. That St. Edward team was one of the greatest Ohio has ever known, and is but a footnote to the Grizzlies, who were better and wrestled a perfect tournament.

Wrestling has its share of hard-luck runners-up. Massillon Perry is a four-time bridesmaid to St. Edward. Individually, Madison and Perry in Lake County have combined to produce 14 individual wrestling runners-up without a champion. Among them are Perry coach Dave Rowan and Madison coach Ryan Wirtzberger, who were runners-up as Madison wrestlers.

Then there's Wadsworth's Derek Foore, the only wrestler to be a three-time state runner-up while losing to the same wrestler in each final, St. Edward's Sean Nemec. Foore went on to become an NAIA champ at Notre Dame College and a pro wrestler (the fake kind).

Perhaps no school knocks its head against the glass ceiling more than Hawken. The Hawks' nationally regarded girls swimming program has won 22 state championships (and three runners-up), and its current streak of 14 straight titles is an all-sports state record.

But in the other sports?

Hawken's girls track team has been a two-time champ and five-time runner-up, including four seconds in a row between 2001 and 2004. The football team was a runner-up in 1987, even though it had O.J. McDuffie, the finest high school athlete I've ever seen. Last month, the boys soccer team lost for the eighth time in nine state finals.

Hawken soccer coach Dani Giulvezan, who took his fourth team to the final without a title, had the proper perspective after losing again.

"Of course you always want to be first and not second," he told Plain Dealer reporter Joe Maxse. "All you can do is go back to work. You never give up. I'm very proud of my kids."

And therein lies the beauty of the runner-up: Come back next year and work just as hard, if not harder, to be a champion.

Perhaps no squad embodies that more than Coldwater's football team, which plays Kirtland on Saturday in its fourth straight Division V state final. Coldwater lost to Youngstown Ursuline in 2009 and 2010, and last year to Kirtland.

Undaunted, Coldwater adopted the slogan "Play 60" this year, meaning their goal was a fourth straight, 15-game trek to the season's bitter or better end. Coldwater has walked the fine line between succumbing to disappointment and using defeat as motivation.

"It's frustrating when you lose," coach Chip Otten said Monday. "They want to win. They've been really good about that this year, and will be ready to play, to try to win that 60th game."

On Twitter: @TimsTakePD

Rowe spent the last 22 years as a minor-league pitching coach and player adviser in the Indians system.

Long-time Indians instructor Ken Rowe died on Nov. 21. Chuck Crow, PD

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Former big league pitcher Ken Rowe died on Thursday of pneumonia. Rowe spent the last 22 years as a minor-league pitching coach and player adviser in the Indians system. Rowe was 78.

Rowe pitched professionally for 15 seasons. He spent time in the big leagues with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1963 and Baltimore in 1964 and 1965. Rowe started his association with the Indians in 1991 as the pitching coach at Class AAA Colorado Springs.

Friends can send condolences to the Rowe Family, 347 Princeton Drive, Dallas, Ga., 30157.

New guy: The Indians signed utility man Nate Spears to a minor-league deal and invited him to big league spring training. The left-handed hitting Spears, 27, played three games with the Red Sox last season, but spent most of his time at Class AAA Pawtucket where hit .240 (83-for-345) with 16 doubles, four triples, 10 homers and 38 RBI in 108 games.

The Indians also outrighted right-hander Fabio Martinez to Class AAA Columbus. He was designated for assignment last week.

New jobs: Three members of former manager Manny Acta's staff have new jobs with the Indians. Ruben Niebla, interim pitching coach, will be the minor-league pitching coordinator. Bullpen coach Dave Miller will join the scouting department and first-base coach Tom Wiedenbauer will be the minor-league field coordinator.

Wiedenbauer replaces Rob Leary, who was hired as bench coach for the Miami Marlins.