CLEVELAND, Ohio — One of these days, the crowning achievement of a Browns season has to be about more than making life difficult for a hated rival. But with the spoiler role the only one remaining, they at least deserve credit for embracing it.

In a stadium where Steelers fans wore their colors and waved their Terrible Towels with impunity, the Browns quieted the intrusion with a solid half defensively and two Phil Dawson field goals to lead 6-3 at the intermission.

Pittsburgh’s best-case scenario was to play hobbled quarterback Ben Roethlisberger long enough to get a lead, keep an eye on the Baltimore-Cincinnati game and maybe run in backup Charlie Batch. The Browns didn’t let it happen, at least not in the first half.

I wouldn’t jump to too many conclusions about what playing hard all the way to the end means for a losing team. It doesn’t always mean they’re playing for the coach. In fact, Mike Holmgren has made it clear Pat Shurmur’s job isn’t in jeopardy.

Players play hard in these situations for a lot of different reasons, including their own job security.

A year ago, the Steelers blew the Browns out in a similar situation, 41-9. The Browns knew Eric Mangini was gone, as were many of the players Mangini brought in.

A win over the Steelers hardly puts a bow on this season, not with the Browns finishing 5-11 for the third consecutive year. Two years ago, they helped ruin the Steelers’ season. That one had more riding on it.

If they can win this one, they can only inconvenience the Steelers. But if you get the chance, why not?

If anybody needs tickets to games, remember to click the tickets link at the top.

ABOUT THE BROWNS’ COACHING . . .

1. I’m glad Mike Holmgren settled the question about Pat Shurmur returning as coach in 2012. At this point, the Browns don’t need another coaching change. But they do need to make some changes in how the coaching staff is set up.

2. Yes, some successful head coaches such as Sean Peyton (Saints), Mike McCarthy (Packers) and Andy Reid (Eagles) call their own plays. But I still wonder if it’s wise for coaches to do that. Bill Belichick, Eric Mangini and Romeo Crennel were all successful defensive coordinators, yet none of them held that job when they became head coaches. Yes, they had a lot of input into the defensive preparation — and may have even called a few formations during a game, but overall, they gave the job to the coordinators.

3. There have been some examples this season of when the Browns didn’t seem to be aware of what was happening on the field. In the opener, the defense fell asleep and no player or coach called a timeout before what became a 41-yard touchdown pass to the Bengals’ A.J. Green. If Shurmur were not the offensive coordinator, would he have noticed the confusion and called a timeout? Who knows? But someone in authority needed to do it.

4. The same was true during the 13-12 loss to St. Louis when it was clear Shurmur wasn’t sure who was at fullback — fullback Owen Marecic or tight end Alex Smith. It was Smith, because Marecic was injured. Smith received a handoff for the first time in his seven-year pro career and he fumbled. Was the confusion because Shurmur was doing two jobs? Maybe not. But when you are doing two jobs and there is confusion, it’s a legitimate question.

5. There has been some discussion of adding an offensive coordinator, but the head coach still calls the plays. Some teams have that system. I prefer the coordinator as the play-caller, and the head coach as the big-picture guy who deals with officials, watches the game for decisions on field goals, timeouts, punts and the rest.

6. And the Browns absolutely, positively must do something about the special teams. Not all of this is the fault of coach Chris Tabor, but some of the blame must fall to the first-time special teams coach. The Browns have allowed two touchdowns on returns for the first time since 1999. Three field goals have been blocked. When snapper Ryan Pontbriand fell apart, no one could put the Pro Bowler back together. The return teams have been just OK. Joshua Cribbs ranks 21st in punt returns, sixth in kickoff returns — and no kicks or punts returned for a touchdown.

7. The best unit has been the defense. The main reason is its young talent. But it also helps that veteran Dick Jauron, an experienced head coach and defensive coordinator, is in charge of the defense.

8. One of the issues Shurmur will have to face next season is dealing with players who speak out to the media about not getting the ball enough. Losing also brings complaints, and players feel they can speak out more when there is a rookie head coach.

ABOUT THE BROWNS . . .

1. Make of this what you will: Profootballfocus.com ranks Joe Thomas No. 1 and Tony Pashos No. 6 among all offensive tackles in their “pass blocking efficiency” ratings. It says Thomas has allowed three sacks, one quarterback hit and 15 hurries in 527 pass-blocking snaps for a 97.2 rating. Right behind him are the Bengals’ Andrew Whitworth and Tennessee’s David Stewart. Atlanta’s Tyson Clabo is No. 4, followed by Tyson Smith of Dallas and then Pashos.

2. So why has Colt McCoy taken such a pounding? The website ranks guard Shawn Lauvao at No. 55 and guard Jason Pinkston at No. 69 in terms of pass blocking. Center Alex Mack ranks 12th, so the guards have been the trouble spots, as was right tackle when Pashos was hurt as Artis Hicks and Oniel Cousins filled in.

3. A month ago, I wrote about Eric Steinbach coming back strong from his back surgery and the Browns expecting him to return to left guard. That would allow Pinkston to provide depth at right tackle. I’d still like to see the Browns sign a solid offensive lineman or take one in the first three rounds of April’s draft. Linemen are like starting pitchers — you think you need only five, but usually a few are injured.

4. It’s possible Seneca Wallace will look better than McCoy in the West Coast offense when the Browns play in Arizona today. The Cardinals rank 21st in defense, 23rd against the pass. But they have played well lately, beating Dallas (19-13) and San Francisco (21-19). But they obviously don’t compare to Pittsburgh (ranked No. 2), Baltimore (No. 3) and Cincinnati (No. 7) in defense. Pittsburgh is No. 1 against the pass. A fairer test will be if Wallace also plays the final two games against Baltimore and Pittsburgh — especially if those are meaningful games to the powers in the AFC North.

5. I’m not reading much into the vague answers from Holmgren and Tom Heckert about McCoy. They were probably vague because they won’t know what to do about the quarterback situation until the off-season when they see who is available in the draft and free agency. I would be shocked if they traded some of their higher picks to move up and draft a quarterback. But I would expect them to draft a quarterback at some point.

ABOUT THE INDIANS . . .

1. The reason for the additions of Felix Pie and Aaron Cunningham is the Tribe’s lack of outfield depth at Class AAA. It’s possible Cunningham can make the big-league roster — he is out of minor-league options. He has 1,156 Class AAA plate appearances, hitting .304 (.869 OPS) with 32 homers. He is mostly a doubles guy, and a right-handed hitter who is good with the glove in right and left field. The Tribe likes that he has a .906 OPS against lefties in his minor-league career.

2. Like Cunningham, Pie has been a highly regarded prospect. But Pie turns 27 in February, and Cunningham is 25. Both have struggled to hit in the majors. The outfield at Class AAA Columbus was Jared Head, Chad Huffman, Ezequiel Carrera, Travis Buck and Tim Fedroff. None are considered prime prospects.

3. The Indians have had serious talks with Mike Cameron, the former Gold Glove outfielder. Cameron, who turns 39 next month, batted only .203 with nine homers and 27 RBI in 237 at-bats last season between Boston and Florida. He hit .245 (.754 OPS) with five homers in 133 at-bats after the All-Star break. Why Cameron? He could provide depth in center in case Grady Sizemore‘s physical problems continue.

4. The Tribe also has talked to Andy LaRoche, who is a career .226 hitter (.642 OPS) in 1,180 big league at-bats. He is mostly a third baseman. At 28, he could fill that spot at Class AAA. Cameron and LaRoche will probably receive minor-league deals if they are signed.

5. LaRoche, Pie, Cunningham, and infielder Jose Lopez (also signed to a minor-league deal Friday) were all considered promising young players at some point in their careers. But they all have flopped in their chances in the majors. The Indians are hoping one of them suddenly figures it out — and they are adding some experience at Class AAA. And none of this is very exciting to Tribe fans. The hope is they find someone such as Jack Hannahan, who made the team a year ago when invited on a minor-league deal — and helped all season. Others such as Buck and Adam Everett made the team, but didn’t last.

6. Meanwhile, free agents Josh Willingham and Mike Cuddyer signed elsewhere. Tribe fans wanted them to sign here. Never was going to happen. If the Indians make a significant addition with a right-handed hitter, it will be via a trade, not free agency.

7. Tribe manager Manny Acta is in the Dominican Republic, where he will watch Ubaldo Jimenez and Fausto Carmona pitch in winter ball. Both wanted to do it, and both didn’t pitch last winter. Both had bad regular seasons. Jimenez had always pitched in the Dominican before, and believes it helps him prepare for the majors. Carmona pitched winter ball in 2010, before his solid 13-14, 3.77 ERA season. Because he threw 210 innings in 2010, the Tribe decided he should skip the Dominican League after that season.

8. Who knows if pitching winter ball will help either guy, but they think it matters. The Indians believe having assistant strength coach Nelson Perez spending the entire off-season in the Dominican Republic to work with Jimenez, Carmona, Carlos Santana and some of the other Tribe Latino players will make a positive impact.

ABOUT THE CAVS . . .

1. After watching the Cavs’ 91-87 preseason victory at Detroit, you can see why the Cavs made Kyrie Irving the No. 1 pick in the draft. The point guard from Duke had five turnovers and forced some poor shots (4-of-14 from the field), but he was able to drive to the rim and pick up fouls. He was 13-of-15 at the foul line, finished with 21 points and looked comfortable running the offense. He is only 19 and played a mere 11 games at Duke, so there will be some frustrations as he learns the pro game. But there is reason for excitement.

2. Coach Byron Scott talked about why he started Ramon Sessions over Irving, and how he wants Irving to earn the job. But another factor is the Cavs asked Sessions to do a few things in the off-season in terms of conditioning, and he came to camp in perhaps the best shape on the team. He also has made a commitment to defense, which has been of little interest to him before this season.

3. Sessions is a valuable player because he can drive to rim, almost at will. In 38 starts for the Cavs, he averaged 14.5 points, 5.9 assists and shot 44 percent from the field, 80 percent from the foul line. He also led the Cavs in free-throw attempts. The Cavs see situations in the regular season where Irving and Sessions can play together. Sessions led the Cavs with six assists against Detroit.

4. Tristan Thompson has impressed in practice with his defense, rebounding and shot-blocking. He is trying to model his hustling style to that of Anderson Varejao, and the two big men have spent a lot of court time together. The Cavs believe Thompson can become an elite offensive rebounder. His problem will be shooting. Thompson had eight points (including two thunder dunks) Friday night.

5. Lost in the debut of Irving and Thompson was a strong performance by Samardo Samuels, who had 15 points. He was a factor inside, and will push for playing time at power forward. The Cavs may also use him as backup center in some games.

6. While he had a poor shooting game (0-of-7) against Detroit, Alonzo Gee led the team with six rebounds. The Cavs said along with Sessions, Gee had shown the most improvement from a season ago — based on practices. We’ll see if that carries over into the regular season, but Gee could see quite a bit of time at small forward behind Omri Casspi. Gee started 34 games at small forward last season, averaging 8.0 points and 4.3 rebounds in 26 minutes, shooting 46 percent.

7. By cutting Baron Davis under the “amnesty” clause, the Cavs still have to pay him about $24 million over the next two seasons. Mo Williams (traded to the Clippers for Davis) earns $17 million over the next two seasons. Add it all up, and Cavs owner Dan Gilbert paid $7 million (the difference in the two contracts) for the Clippers’ No. 1 pick that became Irving.

8. The Cavs are about $7 million under the salary cap. With Antawn Jamison in the final season of his $15-million deal, the Cavs can be about $22 million under the cap next summer. While some fans may focus on the cap room being used for free agents, the Cavs believe it also is very valuable in a trade because it allows them to take back a big contract in a deal.

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CLEVELAND, Ohio — Weren’t calamity and dysfunction in Berea supposedly put on notice when the Big Show arrived? Now that nickname feels more ironic than anything.

Big Show? Mike Holmgren gave up the stage and his claim to the marquee when he decided he wasn’t going to return to the sidelines. Coaching is what he did best. Did he have to become the mystery man behind the curtain?

Didn’t owner Randy Lerner deem the need to overhaul the organization’s credibility almost as important as fixing the endlessly flawed football operation? Isn’t that why Lerner gave some consideration to the idea of hiring Mark Shapiro once upon a time?

Even if Cleveland sports fans don’t recognize it, Lerner saw how the Indians have done it right under Shapiro; how they dealt professionally and directly with issues; how Shapiro always showed support for his manager when the criticism came in an avalanche.

In which instance have the Browns shown even the slightest inclination in that direction under Holmgren? His tenure has created more issues than it’s resolved.

There was a wasted year with Eric Mangini. Now a season spent with an overwhelmed coach in a dual role, and a kid quarterback running for his life with no receivers to bail him out. That’s Holmgren’s watch in brief.

In this latest episode, a ESPN report cast aspersions on the Browns’ medical staff and head coach Pat Shurmur over the handling of Colt McCoy’s concussion. The father of the quarterback basically leveled both, saying high school trainers he knows would’ve handled it better and that his son had no business returning to the field.

That’s a double broadside shot at the organization, the response to which should’ve come from Holmgren on behalf of the team medical staff and the head coach Holmgren hired. Instead, to answer that criticism — or, more accurately, to not answer that criticism — the Browns trotted out Shurmur Monday to reiterate that procedure was followed after James’ Harrison’s hit knocked McCoy out of the game.

Did that procedure include the league’s sideline concussion test? Shurmur wouldn’t say yes or no. So it’s understandable if you took that as a no. If there weren’t enough evidence — beyond a vicious helmet-to-facemask hit — to administer the test, well, that’s one explanation. Not a great one mind you. But it’s one.

If trainers were overwhelmed by multiple injured players, as right tackle Tony Pashos seemed to suggest, concussive hits still have to take precedent. But, at least that would be a second explanation.

The Browns medical staff has done right by other concussed players. Trainers deserve more than the benefit of the doubt. They deserve clarity. If they followed protocol, do them a favor. Check off each step followed. Or let them explain for themselves.

Was McCoy tested more extensively Thursday night after the game when the Browns’ own PR staff asked the TV people to turn off the camera lights on McCoy’s behalf? Is it true they waited until the next morning to administer the concussion test, after he flew on a plane back to Cleveland and after a night’s sleep?

Was there any danger in that? If not, it can only help the Browns to explain what they knew and when they knew it. The Browns’ inadequate, contradictory response only made it look like they were trying to get their stories straight.

Don’t confuse this with Holmgren not wanting to address a contract situation, or the performance of a first-year head coach. This isn’t about placating the media. Head injuries are serious matters. Players’ welfare is at stake. Much less importantly, so is the organization’s image.

If the Browns wanted to withhold comment until after the NFL and NFLPA officials were done with them Wednesday, Holmgren was the guy to deliver that message in support of an overwhelmed coach, if nobody else.

Shurmur actually said one of Monday’s questions would be better directed at the medical staff. No kidding. Quickly asked if reporters could talk to the medical people then, Shurmur said what amounted to, um, uh, er, maybe … yes, maybe someday.

This would be laughable if the issue weren’t so serious, and if we hadn’t seen this sort of unintentional comedy of errors out of Berea for so long.

On Twitter: @budshaw

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CLEVELAND, Ohio — The reality of the Browns’ season begins right now, this Sunday in Cincinnati.

It’s the final six games, five of them against teams in the AFC North. Only two are at home.

We can learn much about this team.

Two games with Pittsburgh, two with Baltimore. One with the Bengals.

Combined, the three teams have a 20-10 record.

Cincinnati is an especially sore subject. The Browns began the season with a 27-17 loss to Cincinnati, the home opener for new coach Pat Shurmur. That was a game in which they were flagged for 11 penalties.

It also was a game in which the defensive unit looked like a bunch of guys standing in a circle at a bus stop, staring at some clouds when quarterback Bruce Gradkowski called a quick snap and lobbed a 40-yard touchdown pass to a wide open A.J. Green.

That was a demoralizing debut because the Browns looked ill-prepared.

Their record is 4-6, and the season has been rocky. The question is not if the Browns can finish with a winning record — or even .500. That would be a shock.

So what can we expect in the final six games?

“How about 2-4 with no blowouts, competitive entertaining games would be nice,” Austin Zeizing posted on my Facebook page.

The most recent time the Browns made the playoffs was 2002. Counting that season, they are 4-16 vs. teams in the AFC North during the final six games of seasons.

Overall, the Browns are 19-35 in the “Sad Six” dating back to 2002.

The sad six

“I’m sick of the ‘Oh we need to win for progress the next year,’ ” emailed Justin Heinzmann. “How did Eric Mangini win four straight to end the year?”

That was in 2009, when the Browns beat Pittsburgh and three teams with losing records. But at least it was a 4-2 mark in those final six games.

The only other seasons in which the Browns were better than 2-4 in the final six games were 2007 and 2002.

In the last six games of the season, the injuries pile up. The weather is usually awful. The team often is out of contention. The Browns players might not admit it, but too often they just wanted the year to be over and they played like it.

The Browns ended last season with four losses, three to the teams in their division.

This year, the Bengals, Ravens and Steelers are three of the NFL’s top six defenses.

For the Browns’ Colt McCoy, the final two losses to Baltimore and Pittsburgh were disturbing. Both were on cold, windy days on the shores of Lake Erie, and the rookie quarterback threw six interceptions compared to one touchdown.

Those two games started the real doubts about McCoy’s long-term future with the Browns.

Those also were his No. 7 and No. 8 pro starts, and he was playing for a perpetually losing team that sensed its coach was about to be fired.

Joe Maylish emailed: “I’m not concerned about who they beat as much as McCoy’s ability to play in bad weather and Greg Little emerging as the [team's] No. 1 receiver . . . and improvement in the running game as we saw last week. We all want to see progress, but these three areas will [affect] how they approach the draft in April.”

Yes, this also is the time of year when the hearts of Browns fans turn to spring — and the NFL Draft.

A list of five

But there are six games still left, and here are five things I would like to see from the Browns:

•1. McCoy performing well in the cold weather and under the onslaught of these defenses. The offensive line must keep McCoy from ending up in the hospital, but the quarterback also has to not rush into contact or hang on to the ball too long.

•2. Phil Taylor to play hard as he did in the last two games against some rugged offensive lines in this division. The rookie can be a big-time defensive tackle if he makes an Ahtyba Rubin-type commitment.

•3. Shurmur to show some creativity on offense and for his team to stay disciplined, organized and motivated in games with the Steelers and Ravens, where it could get ugly.

•4. Little to show he can make plays against these defenses. How about someone else giving hope as a receiver?

•5. Someone to show he can consistently run the ball. Do we see Peyton Hillis or Montario Hardesty again for more than two games? Is Chris Ogbonnaya for real?

Notice that I didn’t pick a record.

Jerry Lee Boatner emailed: “Would love to get one against the Steelers, but would not be shocked if they lose all six. Hillis could win the fans back with big games against Baltimore and Pittsburgh.”

If the Browns actually finish 6-10 . . . that means they end 2-4 . . . it will be only the second time since 2005 that they have won at least six games.

Yes, it has been that bad . . . and the Browns do have a chance in these last six games to show things are indeed getting at least a little better.

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CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns play the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday at Browns Stadium in a matchup of 2-3 teams.

The Browns might be without running back Peyton Hillis, who injured his left hamstring in the first quarter of Cleveland’s 24-17 loss to the Raiders in Oakland last Sunday.

Hillis’ career took a temporary turn when he tore his right hamstring three years ago, when he was a Denver Broncos rookie. He may well have been on his way to establishing himself as Denver’s long-term answer at tailback before the injury set in motion a set of circumstances that allowed the Browns to get him at moderate cost — trading quarterback Brady Quinn to Denver for Hillis and two late-round draft picks prior to the 2010 season.

(A recent cleveland.com story detailed Hillis’ career since his college days at Arkansas, and how he has had to prove himself time and again)

On Nov. 6, 2008 in Cleveland, Hillis got a chance to run with the football for Denver after four Broncos tailbacks had been injured. His numbers weren’tt spectacular– eight carries for 24 yards — but he picked up crucial first downs in short-yardage situations as the Broncos overcame a 23-10 Browns lead to win, 34-30.

Steve Doerschuk of the Canton Repository writes about Hillis’ current injury, and that his injury in 2008 changed things for the Broncos and Hillis. Prior to the game against the Browns, writes Doerschuk, Hillis….:

He had broken out as a receiver a week earlier, not getting a single carry, but catching seven passes for 116 yards against Miami.

He followed up the Cleveland game with a 10-carry, 44-yard game against Atlanta, then accelerated to 74 yards on 17 carries against Oakland.

Broncos fans were hooked when he hit Eric Mangini’s Jets for 129 yards on 22 carries one week later. He just kept getting better every week, even as opponents got more film to study.

He was on his way to another big game a week later, with 58 yards on his first eight carries against the Chiefs.

Late in the first half, he jumped to make a circus catch and was pounced on by defensive backs Jarrad Page and Brandon Carr. His right foot got stuck. His hamstring got mangled. He missed the last three games with the hamstring tear.

Then-Head Coach Mike Shanahan said at the time, “It’s always tough to lose a guy like that, but he will be good for the future. He’s proved that he can play tailback in the National Football League, and that one catch he made was probably as good a catch as you could make … unfortunately, he pulled his hamstring making that catch.”

The Broncos were 8-5 after the Chiefs game but lost their last three games without Hillis. Shanahan was fired. Under his replacement, Josh McDaniels, Hillis was healthy, but he carried just 13 times for 54 yards in the entire 2009 season.

Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Browns coverage includes Mary Kay Cabot’s story that Browns president Mike Holmgren says that contract talks with Peyton Hillis are at a standstill for now; Cabot’s update on the Browns’ injuries; the weekly video edition of the Browns Insider, with Cabot, Dennis Manoloff and Bud Shaw talking about the Browns; Plain Dealer Twitter updates from today when Mike Holmgren talked with the media; a Starting Blocks poll on the Browns-Seahawks game; Cabot’s Browns Insider; and, much more.

Goal to goal

Former Browns running back Jerome Harrison has been diagnosed with a brain tumor, though the long-term prognosis for his health and even his football career is good. By Adam Schefter, and according to sources, for ESPN.com.

Concern about injuries among the Browns’ defensive backs, and Browns notes, by Fred Greetham for Scout.com’s Orange and Brown Report.

Stop breaking down every word that Mike Holmgren says. By Criag Lyndall for Waiting For Next Year.

AFC North teams are setting the NFL standard for defensive play this season, Jamison Hensley writes for ESPN.com.

Browns notebook, highlighting running back Chris Ogbonnaya, by Steve Doerschuk of the Canton Repository.

Mike Holmgren tries to defuse any drama surrounding the Browns, Daniel Wolf writes for the National Football Authority.

Anthony Campomizzi, writing for Dawg Pound Daily, wonders if Browns quarterback Colt McCoy is regressing this season.

The AFC North quarterback watch — including the Browns’ Colt McCoy — by Jamison Hensley on ESPN.com.

Seattle Seahawks coverage on the Seattle Times.

Comment Below!.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns have 13 days left to correct the flaws apparent in Sunday’s 31-13 loss to the Tennessee Titans.

That leaves lots of time for lots of opinions.

Zac Jackson of FoxSportsOhio.com has some Browns opinions, as he writes:

Peyton Hillis needs the ball. Evan Moore needs to be involved. Armond Smith never, ever, ever should be carrying the ball on fourth and short. The defense is still as slow as Eric Mangini wanted it to be. Had the Browns won Sunday, the timing for the bye week would have been terrible. As is, the timing is great. The Browns are still getting to know one another, their coaches and their strengths. This won’t be the last time they get run out of the building. I guess what’s alarming — and I really don’t know if this violates my own jumping to conclusions rule or not — is that if Colt McCoy isn’t the answer at QB, this whole season is basically for naught. And that goes for two wins, four wins, nine wins, whatever. It’s all about finding that QB and not having to start over. Again.

The Browns are at the beginning of their bye week with a 2-2 record which, indeed, is better than many critics thought they’d be at this time. Cleveland’s next game is on Oct. 16 against the Raiders (2-2) in Oakland.

Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Browns coverage includes Mary Kay Cabot’s report that Browns center Alex Mack was sent to the Cleveland Clinic today for an appendectomy; Terry Pluto’s thoughts on Browns coach Pat Shurmur and running back Peyton Hillis; Cabot’s report that Shurmur says Hillis’ playing time isn’t being reduced because of his contract status; video by David I. Andersen of Shurmur and players talking about the Browns; Tony Grossi’s podcast; Mary Kay Cabot’s Starting Blocks TV interview about the Browns; and, much more.

Post patterns

Cleveland Browns Team Report on USAToday.com.

Center Alex Mack has appendicitis, and other Browns health matters, by Matt Florjancic of clevelandbrowns.com.

Re-visiting the Browns’ loss to Tennessee. By Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com.

A (small) mention/criticism of Browns safety Usama Young, by Clark Judge on CBSSports.com.

Pat Shurmur says Peyton Hillis fits into the Browns offense, and Browns notes, by Fred Greetham for Scout.com’s Orange and Brown Report.

There is no running back controversy with the Browns, Steve DiMatteo writes for the Dawg Pound Daily.

The Browns have a tall task in trying to figure out the loss to the Titans, Vic Carucci writes for clevelandbrowns.com.

Peyton Hillis’ contract status won’t lead to diminished playing time. By Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal.

Browns observations by Steve Doerschuk of the Canton Repository.

There is the quick update of the day.

DAVIE, Fla. (AP)—Everywhere offensive coordinator Brian Daboll goes,
frustrated fans carp about the coaching.

He heard second-guessers rip his play-calling with the Cleveland Browns, and
now that he’s working for the winless Miami Dolphins, it’s more of the same.

So when he’s asked if the job requires thick skin, Daboll smiles, looks down
at his stomach and concedes he might be carrying a few extra pounds.

“I’ve got real thick skin,” he says. “My wife feeds me good.”

A sense of humor helps, too. Daboll is quick with a quip and popular with
players, who praise his fiery personality. Still to be determined is whether he
can produce more points in Miami than he did with the Browns.

And on Sunday in Cleveland, the question will be whether the Dolphins (0-2)
can outscore the Browns (1-1).

Daboll became a target of fan frustration in Cleveland, where his game plans
were criticized as being wildly inconsistent and too conservative. The Browns
finished last in the NFL in yards in 2009, then fourth worst in 2010 en route to
a 5-11 record.

When Cleveland fired coach Eric Mangini after last season, Daboll was out,
too. Even so, Daboll describes his two years with the Browns as a good
experience, as well as an education.

“I got to work for Eric and a lot of good coaches there,” he says. “You
take the good with the bad. That’s what you sign up for when you coach in this
league. Your responsibility is to win, and when you win it’s better than when
you lose.”

In defense of Daboll’s offense, inexperience and injuries at quarterback
made it difficult to sustain success.

One of those QBs was rookie Colt McCoy(notes). In his autobiography “Growing Up
Colt,” McCoy complains the Cleveland coaches last year treated him “like a
leper” because they wanted him watching and learning as a rookie, rather than
playing.

Daboll says he hasn’t read the book. He describes McCoy as “a smart young
quarterback who has a lot of potential.”

Because of injuries, McCoy was pressed into duty last year and went 2-6 as a
starter. He’s now the No. 1 quarterback but says he won’t go into Sunday’s game
eager to prove a point with Daboll.

“No, coach Daboll from all that I’ve heard has been doing a great job in
Miami,” McCoy says. “If you ask the guys in this locker room, we have respect
for him. We played hard for him.”

Browns tight end Ben Watson says Daboll worked hard to ease McCoy’s
transition into the NFL.

“He put his all into it,” Watson says. “He had some great plays that we
didn’t execute well, and then he had some plays he wished he could’ve had back.
… Sometimes stuff doesn’t work out. You have to go to another place, and we
wish him the best of luck—not this week obviously.”

Cleveland will face a Miami offense that has showed signs of improvement
under Daboll, who replaced Dan Henning. Dolphins players praise Daboll’s game
plans for being more aggressive and wide-open than last year.

“He has brought a lot of energy to our offense, and I think it’s something
new and refreshing to this team,” running back Reggie Bush(notes) says.

Quarterback Chad Henne(notes) looks more decisive and confident this year, and he
applauds Daboll’s willingness to give the quarterback more freedom in play
selection at the line of scrimmage. Henne threw for a career-best 416 yards in
the season opener, and the Dolphins rank third in the NFL with 14 plays gaining
at least 20 yards, after they totaled only 49 all of last season.

On the other hand, the Dolphins scored just one touchdown last week and rank
next to last in red-zone scoring efficiency. The most important stat is their
record, which has coach Tony Sparano back on the hot seat after nearly being
fired last January.

Daboll’s accustomed to such tumult. As he says, it’s a game of ups and downs
— such as the time last season he celebrated a Browns score by greeting
312-pound tackle Joe Thomas(notes), who bumped Daboll and sent him into a backward
flip.

Thomas will be looking for Daboll on Sunday.

“I’m probably going to jump up and knock him down again once, for
good-old-times’ sake,” Thomas says. “We had some good times together.”

AP Sports Writer Tom Withers in Cleveland contributed to this report.

Gotta run!.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Welcome to today’s edition of Starting Blocks TV, hosted by Chuck Yarborough and Bill Lubinger.

The Browns will try to put a win streak together Sunday when they take on the Miami Dolphins on Sunday at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The game will mark the return of Brian Daboll, the Browns’ offensive coordinator last season under Eric Mangini. Which team do you think will win, and by how many points? That’s the question in today’s Starting Blocks poll.

Today’s guest on SBTV is Plain Dealer reporter Dennis Manoloff, who is talking Browns and Indians. He says he thinks the Browns will win Sunday; and that as he reviewed the game tape from Sunday’s win over Indianapolis, he thought Colt McCoy played better than when he watched the game the first time.

Dman also discusses whether Greg Little can become the Browns’ No. 1 receiver; whether the Indians can build their lineup around slugging first baseman-catcher Carlos Santana, who set a record in Monday’s loss to Seattle; and whether it’s important that the Indians finish the season with a .500-or-better record.

SBTV will return Wednesday with Plain Dealer Ohio State reporter Doug Lesmerises discussing how the Buckeyes will rebound from Saturday’s loss at Miami.

Feel free to leave your comments below.

That’s all for today.

Not much else going on in the NFL world today.

Read More: Bruce Gradkowski (QB – CIN), Scott Fujita (LB – CLE), Gary Brackett (LB – IND), Robert Mathis (DE – IND), Reggie Wayne (WR – IND), Peyton Hillis (RB – CLE), Donald Brown (RB – IND), Pat McAfee (P – IND), Colt McCoy (QB – CLE), Andy Dalton (QB – CIN), Indianapolis Colts, Cleveland Browns

Week 2 brings the Cleveland Browns into Indianapolis for the home opener, who struggled about as much as the Colts did last week in losing 27-17 to the Bengals, at home. The series between the Colts and Browns has been lopsided as of late, with the Colts winning the past 5 meetings, going back to 1994. The last three meetings, however, have been defensive struggles, all close Colts wins. In fact, the Browns failed to score a touchdown in all three meetings, and haven’t scored one on the Colts since 2002. Possible good sign for Sunday? The last meeting in 2008 needed a Robert Mathis strip/sack/scoop touchdown to win 10-6 in an ugly, ugly game.

The Browns have a new coach this season in Pat Shurmur, who was the Rams Offensive Coordinator the past two seasons, and was the Eagles QB coach for 10 years before that. He replaced Eric Mangini (who I never knew how he got that job to begin with). The Browns are led by second year QB Colt McCoy, who seemed to be hand-picked by team President Mike Holmgren, and feature Madden ’12 cover boy Peyton Hillis. The last time the Colts saw defensive captain Scott Fujita, he was in Miami celebrating a Super Bowl victory with the Saints. He’s now the anchor of a young Browns defense that should improve as the season goes along.

Since I can’t adjust for opponents yet, here’s how both teams did last week in Week 1:

Some thoughts:

• Turnovers will, once again, play a critical role in the outcome of the game. The Browns didn’t force a turnover last week, but did have four sacks of Bengal QBs, which is a huge concern now with Kerry Collins. I’m already at the point where any sack I assume will jar the ball loose. I see it as a minor victory when he holds on.
• The Browns defense wasn’t that great against either Andy Dalton or Bruce Gradkowski, which is a good sign that maybe the Colts passing game can be a little more effective. I’m looking to see if Collins can get anyone other than Reggie Wayne involved in the offense. That will be a signal to me that this team has a good chance of winning.
• The Browns were good at RB Success Rate, but had a fairly high Yards / Carry last week, meaning they probably allowed a couple big gainers, but were pretty good at the point of attack. Maybe we’ll see Donald Brown this week, since he was MIA last week. The Colts will need to have success in the running game to help slow down the Browns pass rush.
• On the other side of the ball, both the Browns Offense and Colts Defense really struggled in all the drive related stats last week, meaning it’s tough to tell who will have the upper hand. Last season, we saw a giant improvement on the defensive side when the Colts played at home, so I’d like to think they won’t be nearly as bad this week. Playing without Gary Brackett won’t help though.
• The Browns were pretty successful in the red zone last week, so for the Colts to win they’ll have to continue to force them into field goals. I haven’t checked, but I feel pretty confident that there might be only one or two people left from 2002, the last time the Browns scored a TD against the Colts. If the Colts do that again, it should be a good day inside Lucas Oil Stadium.
• Slowing down Peyton Hillis, especially early on, will be imperative. I expect them to pound it with him often, so getting him down is crucial.
• It’s not specifically in the stats here, but not allowing a special teams touchdown to Josh Cribbs. It’ll be tough enough for the Colts to win by just letting the Browns offense score the points. Adding in another element scoring points, and it becomes damn near impossible. Pat McAfee just needs to boom the kicks out of the back of the end zone.

Before I started writing this, I had every intention of picking the Browns to win, and I still think they have a really good chance to do so. In fact, I see them as a Jacksonville clone, in that they’ll control the clock, and on third down and X, they’ll run X + 1 curl routes in front of the DBs to gain first downs. The “paper-cut” offense. McCoy is very accurate, so if the Colts aren’t playing up on receivers, it’ll be a long day.

However, after going over these points, and remembering how the team came out in Week 2 last year (defense especially), I think the Colts will win this weekend. It won’t be pretty, but I think they get a win. It’s probably the homer in me coming out, but dammit I want to see this team win.

Colts 17, Browns 13

That’s all for today guys, i’ll be back to blog you tomorrow.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — In the second year of building the Browns’ roster, General Manager Tom Heckert adopted a concerted youth movement.

He removed most of the last vestiges of the Eric Mangini era, collected draft choices and disdained free agents anywhere close to the age of 30. The only new player added was offensive lineman Artis Hicks (32), who was signed only after guard Eric Steinbach was sidelined for the year following back surgery.

“We knew we were an older team last year and it wasn’t necessarily just the age, we wanted to improve at certain positions,” Heckert said. “That [anti-] 30-year-old thing, that’s kind of a myth. It worked out that way in a lot of areas, but we don’t go in and say, ‘We’re not going to sign a 30-year-old guy.’

“We just wanted to get younger from a team perspective just because of the fact we want guys that are going to practice every day, we want guys that are going to be out there all the time and it’s tough when you get older.

“We all know there’s going to be injuries and that’s part of the game, but I just think the younger you are the less chance you have to have injuries. It wasn’t really a statement where, ‘We are going to get younger,’ but we know building through the draft that you’re going to get younger anyway. That’s kind of been our plan.”

Last year the Browns’ opening-game roster was the NFL’s second-oldest (average of 27.49 years) and second most-experienced (average of 5.23 years). They had an NFL-high 18 players over 30 and only six rookies or first-year players — tied for second-fewest.

The roster the Browns take into the 2011 season is down to an average age of 26.01 and average experience of 3.77 years. It has nine players over 30 and 15 rookies and first-year players.

It has 20 players who were not on the regular roster at any point last year. That includes five new starters and a new punter.

The Browns lack experience at defensive line and linebacker, but are deeper at wide receiver, tight end, offensive line and cornerback. They should be faster on defense, but head into the season without the true burner at wideout that their legion of fans coveted in the draft and free agency.

Quarterbacks (3)

Starter: Colt McCoy.

Backups: Seneca Wallace, Thaddeus Lewis.

Analysis: McCoy takes over as the team’s 10th starting QB in 13 season openers in the expansion era. McCoy’s attributes — studious, quick-thinking, nimble and accurate — mesh perfectly with the West Coast offense. His grasp of it was evident in a very good preseason. Wallace was exposed to this same system for six years in Seattle. Lewis, a late claim, impressed coach Pat Shurmur in his rookie camp a year ago in St. Louis.

Running backs (4)

Starter: Peyton Hillis.

Backups: Montario Hardesty, Armond Smith (r), Owen Marecic (r).

Analysis: Madden NFL 12 cover boy Hillis is a rarity — a bruising, downhill runner with exceptional hands. Hardesty did not scintillate in his first preseason after ACL surgery. But he took the pounding and is expected to regain form with more reps. Smith, one of two undrafted rookies to stick, was the preseason rushing leader and survived three fumbles. Marecic has legs as thick as redwoods; he struggled in his first camp.

Wide receivers (6)

Starters: Brian Robiskie, Mohamed Massaquoi.

Backups: Greg Little (r), Josh Cribbs, Jordan Norwood, Carlton Mitchell.

Analysis: Coaches believe the receiver-friendly offense will allow Robiskie and Massaquoi to flourish in their third seasons. Little is raw and a bit unpredictable, but physical and flamboyant. He might be the best of the bunch at positioning himself to outmuscle and outleap defenders. Cribbs’ run-after-catch ability needs to be exploited. Norwood is a shifty slot receiver. Mitchell’s broken finger set him back, but coaches love his potential.

Tight ends (4)

Starter: Benjamin Watson.

Backups: Evan Moore, Alex Smith, Jordan Cameron (r).

Analysis: Watson has been dinged up, but he should challenge his team-high 68 catches of a year ago. Moore’s spectacular preseason foretells a breakout year. Smith is the best blocker, but displayed good hands. Cameron’s athletic ability was too tempting for them to pass up in the fourth round.

Offensive linemen (9)

Starters: Joe Thomas, Jason Pinkston (r), Alex Mack, Shawn Lauvao, Tony Pashos.

Backups: Artis Hicks, Steve Vallos, John Greco, Oniel Cousins.

Analysis: When healthy, it is the team strength. But the loss of Eric Steinbach and recurrent nagging injuries to Pashos led them to bolster depth with the additions of Hicks and Cousins. Pinkston can keep the starting left guard job with solid play until Hicks catches up. Lauvao was strong in preseason.

Defensive linemen (8)

Starters: Jayme Mitchell, Phil Taylor (r), Ahtyba Rubin, Jabaal Sheard (r).

Backups: Emmanuel Stephens, Scott Paxson, Brian Schaefering, Marcus Benard.

Analysis: Mitchell and Sheard flashed some outside pass rush in preseason, but both looked vulnerable to the run at times. Taylor beat up on Philadelphia’s rookies, showing he can be a force, too, against the pass. Rubin is always hustling and a model teammate. Benard looks to have played himself into condition and could be instrumental in the sub pass rush. Stephens was a late claim after Atlanta waived him. Paxson had two sacks in preseason.

Linebackers (6)

Starters: Scott Fujita, D’Qwell Jackson, Chris Gocong.

Backups: Quinton Spears (r), Titus Brown, Kaluka Maiava.

Analysis: Gocong missed most of camp with a neck injury and Brown will be out a few more weeks with a high ankle sprain. Fujita clearly has taken on a leadership role in his second season with the team. Protected by the big tackles, Jackson is being counted on to flourish in the new 4-3 alignment. Spears, an undrafted rookie, was a late claim after being cut by the Dolphins.

Cornerbacks: (5)

Starters: Joe Haden, Sheldon Brown.

Backups: Buster Skrine (r), Dimitri Patterson, James Dockery (r).

Analysis: In his second year, Haden could be poised to challenge as one of the AFC’s best corners. Brown is healthy after shoulder surgery and was a much better player in the same defensive system in Philadelphia than here a year ago. Skrine is a speedster with a physical attitude. Dockery’s aggressive style endeared him to the coaches despite some penalties. Patterson should hold down the nickel back role.

Safeties: (5)

Starters: Mike Adams, T.J. Ward.

Backups: Usama Young, Ray Ventrone, Eric Hagg (r).

Analysis: Young’s summerlong hamstring injury allowed Adams to nail down the starting spot. Ward is expected to stay closer to the line of scrimmage and patrol the intermediate passing zones. Ventrone is a key player on special teams. Hagg missed most of his rookie camp with a knee injury, but healed fast enough to make the final cut.

Specialists (3)

Starters: Phil Dawson, Richmond McGee (r), Ryan Pontbriand.

Analysis: At 36, Dawson is still among the best outdoor kickers in northern climes. Signed after Reggie Hodges blew out his Achilles tendon, McGee kicked well in preseason but will be making his NFL regular-season debut. Pontbriand has one bad snap eight NFL seasons.

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

On Twitter: @Tony Grossi

What do you guys think about this.

What do you guys think about this.