Timothy Bradley in fold, but what about Pacquiao-Mayweather?

Timothy Bradley said he signed with his new promoter Top Rank to increase his name recognition, but there's a great hazard in that plan should he instead be just the latest replacement foe of Manny Pacquiao who further delays a Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather Jr. megafight.

The unbeaten Bradley will fight veteran Joel Casamayor on Nov. 12 in Las Vegas in the main feature under that night's Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez III main event.

By signing with Top Rank, Bradley admitted Wednesday at the Beverly Hills Hotel he left more than a $1.4-million offer to fight Amir Khan in July on the table. Why do such a thing unless you strongly believe a super-fight against Pacquiao is in your immediate future?

While Bradley said he was not promised or guaranteed any such deal, Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum said should Pacquiao beat Marquez and a bout against Mayweather remain unavailable, "It's an open book. If the stars are aligned, that's the fight [with Bradley], we'd be inclined to make."

Rick Martin had disease that is linked to repeated brain trauma

Flashy Rick Martin was never going to be confused with an enforcer, achieving acclaim as a vaunted goal-scorer, not a fighter, in his glory days with the Buffalo Sabres.

But Martin, who died in March of a heart attack at age 59, was revealed to have had chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a neurodegenerative disease linked to repeated brain trauma, according to Boston University researchers in a report issued Wednesday.

The other two former NHL players diagnosed with CTE, post-mortem, were known for their formidable fighting abilities, Bob Probert and Reggie Fleming. Martin was said to have stage two of the disease – stage four being the most severe.

“Rick Martin’s case shows us that even hockey players who don’t engage in fighting are at risk for CTE, likely because of the repetitive brain trauma players receive throughout their career,” said Chris Nowinski, co-director Boston University Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy.

Martin was part of the famed “French Connection” line along with Gilbert Perreault and Rene Robert, scoring 382 goals in 681 games with the Sabres, from 1971 to 1981. Martin’s career ended with the Kings as he was dealt to Los Angeles and played four games, scoring twice.

It was noted by researchers in the report that Martin’s only known concussion occurred in 1977 during a game when his head hit the ice. Martin, who was not wearing a helmet, suffered “immediate convulsions.”

RELATED:

Kings win exhibition in Germany, 5-4

NHL preview: Eastern Conference questions

NHL preview: Washington poised to be top team in Eastern Conference

--Lisa Dillman

Lisa.dillman@latimes.com

Twitter.com/reallisa

Photo: Rick Martin. Credit: Associated Press.

 

This Tiger Woods comeback is different from the others

The latest Tiger Woods comeback got off to a good start Wednesday.

First, Woods announced that he had signed an endorsement deal with Rolex. Second, he said he felt strong after finishing a pro-am leading up to this week’s Frys.com Open at CordeValle in Northern California.

“I’m able to walk the golf course,” he said. “This is a golf course I [previously] would have a very difficult time walking.”

Health alone makes this comeback different from others that have fallen flat, Woods told reporters during an afternoon news conference. He is scheduled to tee off in Thursday’s first round with Louis Oosthuizen and UCLA star Patrick Cantlay.

“I’ve got my strength back, the explosiveness in that leg,” he said. “That’s from having time to heal and train.”

Failing to qualify for the FedEx Cup playoffs meant extra days at home, playing 36 or more holes a day, looking to regain the sharpness that had faded with an inconsistent, injury-plagued schedule in recent years.

It also gave him time to continue working on major swing changes with coach Sean Foley. Woods seemed upbeat just days after falling out of the top 50 in the world rankings for the first time in more than a decade.

“I’ve done the legwork,” he said. “Now it’s time to go play.”

ALSO:

Tiger Woods misses the cut at PGA Championship

Bill Dwyre: Tiger Woods RSVPs for Frys.com Open; euphoria ensues

-- David Wharton

david.wharton@latimes.com

twitter.com/LATimesWharton

Photo: Tiger Woods tees off during the Frys.com Open pro-am on Wednesday. Credit: Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press

 

 

Rangers, Devils and Islanders Set Their Opening Night Rosters

Although the waiving of Sean Avery by the Rangers made headlines, there were few surprises among the three local N.H.L. teams when final rosters were submitted on Wednesday afternoon. In a league of one-way contracts, in which veterans are compensated equally whether they are in the N.H.L. or demoted to the minors, training camp competition is largely a myth.

The 2011-12 regular season starts Thursday night, with the Rangers debuting first among the locals with a 1:00 EST matchup on Friday against the Los Angeles Kings in Stockholm. On Saturday, the Islanders host the Panthers and the Devils play the Flyers at Prudential Center. Here are the final rosters for each team, followed by some news and views.

RANGERS

Goaltenders: Martin Biron, Henrik Lundqvist, Scott Stajcer

Defensemen: Brendan Bell, Stu Bickel, Michael Del Zotto, Tim Erixon, Steve Eminger, Dan Girardi, Ryan McDonagh, Michael Sauer, Marc Staal (injured)

Centers: Artem Anisimov, Brian Boyle, Erik Christensen, Brad Richards, Derek Stepan

Wings: Ryan Callahan, Brandon Dubnsky, Ruslan Fedotenko, Marian Gaborik, Brandon Prust, Mike Rupp, Wojtek Wolski, Mats Zuccarello

Notes: The Rangers may have been in denial or just employed wishful thinking in the case of No. 1 defenseman Marc Staal, who continues to suffer from concussion symptoms and has not been cleared for contact. Staal is not joining the team for the games in Europe and is out indefinitely. General Manager Glen Sather recalled Tim Erixon, resulting in a nice story as the New York-born, Sweden-raised defensive prospect may make his N.H.L. debut at home. Sather is reportedly in discussions with the representatives for Paul Mara, at this point in his career a third-pair defenseman but a capable puck-mover.

Coach John Tortorella is opting to put Dubinsky to the left of Richards and Gaborik on the first line to start the season. Christensen is expected to start the season as the Rangers’ extra forward. If Wolski cannot get his game together – he failed his first audition to play with Richards – Tortorella won’t hesitate to call on Christensen and his shootout prowess.

Stacjer remains as the third goaltender, allowed by the league for all teams opening the season in Europe. When the Rangers return home on Sunday, the young goalie will be bound for the minors.

DEVILS

Goaltenders: Martin Brodeur, Johan Hedberg

Defensemen: Mark Fayne, Andy Greene, Adam Larsson, Bryce Salvador, Henrik Tallinder, Anton Volchenkov

Centers: Adam Henrique, Jacob Josefson, Bradley Mills, Travis Zajac (injured), Dainius Zubrus

Wings: Eric Boulton, David Clarkson, Patrik Elias, Cam Janssen, Ilya Kovalchuk, Nick Palmieri, Zach Parise, Mattias Tedenby

Notes: Sykora was signed to a one-year contract after attending camp as a tryout. He will start his comeback on a line with his longtime teammate, Elias, at center and Parise at left wing.

Anton Stralman, also a tryout, is still with the team but has yet to be signed to a contract. The Devils will have to remove a roster player if they decide to sign the big defenseman.

The Devils named Parise captain on Wednesday. The selection was made by General Manager Lou Lamoriello and Coach Peter DeBoer.

ISLANDERS

Goaltenders: Rick DiPietro, Al Montoya, Evgeni Nabokov

Defensemen: Mark Eaton, Travis Hamonic, Milan Jurcina (injured), Andrew MacDonald, Mike Mottau, Steve Staios, Mark Streit

Centers: Josh Bailey, Frans Nielsen, John Tavares, Marty Reasoner, Ryan Strome

Wings: Blake Comeau, Trevor Gillies (injured), Michael Grabner, Matt Martin, Matt Moulson, Nino Niederreiter (injured), Kyle Okposo, Jay Pandolfo, P. A. Parenteau, Brian Rolston, Ryan Strome

Notes: The Islanders signed Strome, the 5th overall pick in the 2011 draft, on Tuesday. At 178 pounds, the gifted 18-year-old center is not ready for regular action at the N.H.L. level, but the Islanders will keep him around for a while to watch and possibly substitute since Niederreiter is sidelined with a groin injury.

The Islanders’ acquisitions for this season are all over 33 years of age: Reasoner (34), Pandolfo (36), Nabokov (36), Staios (37) and Rolston (38). The team’s youngsters required mentoring by experienced players. The first half of the season should tell whether the Islanders added the right ones.

According to the website Capgeek, the Islanders have a salary cap number of $52.6 million. But take away buyouts (Alexei Yashin, Brendan Witt) and bonuses – many highly unattainable – and the Islanders have a payroll of $38 million.

Sam Farmer discusses Week 5 in the NFL [Video]

Avery Clears Waivers

Rangers agitator Sean Avery cleared N.H.L. waivers on Wednesday, 24 hours after the Rangers placed him there and he was assigned to their American League affiliate in Hartford, the Connecticut Whale.

It came as little surprise that Avery went unclaimed by another team, which would have to pay him $2 million this season, high for a player who scored three goals last season.

When Avery was waived, his agent Pat Morris said he could explore avenues for Avery to play in Europe. The Rangers would have to agree to that, but likely would.

The Rangers also placed defenseman Marc Staal on injured reserve as he recovers from the effects of a concussion and recalled defenseman Tim Erixon from the Whale.

Where and when will Terry Francona manage next? [Updated]

Writers from around Tribune Co. discuss the future of Terry Francona, who stepped down last week after eight seasons and two World Series titles as manager of the Boston Red Sox. Check back throughout the day for more responses and weigh in with a comment of your own.

Dom Amore, Hartford Courant

Has to be the Cubs, doesn’t it?

The Cubs are bedeviled by the most hideous curse in sports, so what do they need? A manager who has d he can break such things. There are only two out there who have d then can win with organizations that haven’t in 80 years or more. The Cubs let Ozzie Guillen slip out of town and manage the Marlins. That leaves Terry Francona, the man under whom the Red Sox told the ghost of the Big Bam to scram once and for all in 2004.

Seriously, though, Francona, like most fired managers, will land in a place where he represents the opposite approach to his predecessor. The Cubs have tried the ranting of Lou Piniella and gone with a solid, longtime minor league organization man in Mike Quade. Francona would bring the gravitas of two championships, exciting the fans, and with his major league playing, coaching and managing experience, he has the ability to handle big stars in a big market and put out brush fires rather than start them.

He could work across town with the White Sox, too, or perhaps one day in New York, should abrasive Terry Collins wear out his welcome with the Mets. But the Cubs seem like a great fit. 

Moneyball: Did the Yankees once sign a player without ever seeing him play?

 

BASEBALL URBAN LEGEND: The Yankees signed a player sight unseen based solely on his statistics in an independent league.

One of the main (if not the main) conflicts in Michael Lewis' book Moneyball and the recent film of the same name is between "traditional" scouting (people who judge players by watching them play in person) versus statistical scouting (making decisions about players based on their statistical achievements). In the film, traditional scouting is portrayed as almost an archaic way of doing business but in reality, there is not a single Major League Baseball team today that does not place a great deal of emphasis on traditional scouting, including the Oakland Athletics. The differences between the various teams is how much emphasis they each give to statistical scouting in augmenting traditional scouting, not replacing it. While nowadays there is a general acceptance that the two modes of thinking are complimentary and not adversarial, it admittedly seemed pretty darn adversarial during those first few years after Moneyball came out. And in 2007, a 26-year-old relief pitcher became a symbol of the divide between traditional scouting and statistical scouting when the story came out that the Yankees signed Edwar Ramírez without seeing him in person.

But was that actually what happened? Read on to find out!

The Importance of a True No. 1 Receiver in the N.F.L.

Something that has really stood out on film this season is the significance of wide receivers. With the N.F.L. seemingly entirely pass-oriented these days – the four most productive weeks in league history in terms of passing yards have been Weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the 2011 season – weapons in the passing game have never been more important.

The tight end position is experiencing a meteoric rise that we’ll examine more closely as the season goes on and we’ve had time to confirm that Jermichael Finley and Jimmy Graham are indeed human. In the meantime, one pronouncement we can make is that if you don’t have a wideout who can create big plays, you’re in trouble.

Look at the bottom-ranked pass offenses (in terms of yards per attempt): Jaguars 32nd; Rams 31st; Browns 30th; Colts 29th; and Vikings 28th.

One thing that these teams – save for the Colts – have in common is the absence of a true No. 1 wideout. They don’t have someone who can consistently command double teams or stretch the field. The Jags have a respectable young possession target in Mike Thomas, but he’s not quite fast enough to make up for his smallish size.

The Rams have a decent option in Mike Sims-Walker, but he’s inconsistent and struggles at times to get open. The Browns have no one, unless you think that Mohamed Massaquoi’s often heavy feet and slow change of direction aren’t a problem (they are). As for the Vikings, they refuse to treat Percy Harvin as a No. 1 (he’s not a true No. 1 but he’s certainly more than the traditional slot receiver that they’ve been primarily using him as). And so they’re stuck with Bernard Berrian and Michael Jenkins, two veterans who simply can’t separate against press coverage.

A reading of the pass offense rankings would show that the general theme of this trend holds true for all 32 slots. Teams near the top of the pass rankings have elite receivers; teams in the low-20s – like the Seahawks, who had been without Sidney Rice; the Bucs; the injury-plagued Broncos or Redskins – don’t.

It’s not just that potent wideouts produce big plays – it’s that they also compel defenses to be conservative with their safeties. This stretches a defense, which creates bigger passing lanes. It also limits what defenses can do with blitz packages. These factors create the horizontal and underneath passing windows that so many offenses are exploiting these days (especially on first and second down).

It used to be that the key to a great offense was having a dominant running back who could force a safety to creep up as an eighth defender in the box. This would open things up over the top. Now, the key seems to be having a dominant receiver who can force a safety to creep back and help keep short passing lanes open.

Andy Benoit is an NFL analyst for CBSSports.com and founder of NFLTouchdown.com. He can be reached at andy.benoit@NFLTouchdown.com or @Andy_Benoit.

Tiger Woods lands endorsement deal with Rolex

Tiger Woods has fallen on some tough times lately, but he is ready for a comeback -- at least in the advertising world.

The former No. 1 golfer in the world -- who recently dropped out of the top 50 -- will be an ambassador for Rolex in a deal that is believed to be for at least five years.

It is the first major endorsement Woods has landed since his serial adultery was exposed nearly two years ago. He had lost five major endorsements -- including one with another watch company, Tag Heuer, two months ago -- since that time.

He also has not won a tournament in that span.

“Rolex is convinced that Tiger Woods still has a long career ahead of him, and that he has all the qualities required to continue to mark the history of golf,” the company said in a statement.

Mark Steinberg, Woods' agent at Excel Sports Management, says more such endorsement deals should be coming his client's way.

“This makes a big statement,” Steinberg said of Woods, who announced a deal to endorse a heat rub product in Japan this year. “I think this shows me where people are with Tiger Woods.”

Woods is taking part in this week's Frys.com Open at the CordeValle Golf Club in San Martin, Calif. It's one of four events remaining on his schedule this year.

ALSO:

Tiger Woods misses the cut at PGA Championship

Bill Dwyre: Tiger Woods RSVPs for Frys.com Open; euphoria ensues

-- Chuck Schilken

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Photo: Tiger Woods laughs with caddie Joe LaCava during the Pro Am of the Frys.com Open at the CordeValle Golf Club in San Martin, Calif. Credit: Robert Laberge / Getty Images

Kings send Slava Voynov to Manchester, place Jake Muzzin on IR

The Kings made three roster moves in advance of Wednesday’s noon Pacific time deadline to set their roster for the season.

Defenseman Slava Voynov, who had an impressive training camp, was reassigned to Manchester of the American Hockey League. Defenseman Jake Muzzin was placed on injured reserve and center Colin Fraser’s status was designated as injured non-roster. That’s reserved for players who don’t pass the training camp physical.

Fraser didn’t pass his physical because he was still recovering from foot surgery he underwent this summer to repair an unhealed fracture. And no, there has not been a resolution of the Kings’ grievance against the Edmonton Oilers related to the trade that brought Fraser to Los Angeles. The Kings contend the Oilers misrepresented the extent of Fraser’s injury; both sides filed their positions with the NHL a while ago but the league has not yet ruled.

Also, Jeff Zatkoff will remain with the Kings for their first two games as their third goalie, an exemption given to teams that will open the season in Europe. They will face the New York Rangers on Friday in Stockholm, Sweden, and will face the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday in Berlin.

RELATED:

Kings win exhibition in Germany, 5-4

NHL preview: Eastern Conference questions

NHL preview: Washington poised to be top team in Eastern Conference

--Helene Elliott 

Photo: Slava Voynov slams Colorado Avalanche right wing Chuck Kobasew to the ice during a preseason game Sept. 28. Credit: Barry Gutierrez / Associated Press

Plaschke-Simers video: Will the NBA lockout hurt the sport?

The NBA owners and the NBA Players Assn. can't seem to come to an agreement on how to split their fortune. Will both parties' apparent greed disgust fans and turn them off from the sport?

Times' columnists Bill Plaschke and T.J. Simers discuss the topic in their video series, L.A. Loud, moderated by Times sports reporter Melissa Rohlin.

Simers laments that L.A. is beginning to feel like Sioux City, Iowa, without any major local sports team to follow right now.

Plaschke points out that the average NBA salary is about $5.1 million. When the players start missing paychecks, they'll come back, he says. During the negotiations, he suggests, he and Simers should go hand-in-hand to a Kings game.

Simers is not thrilled about the prospect -- for more than one reason.

ALSO:

Plaschke-Simers video: Should Kobe Bryant play overseas?

Plaschke-Simers video: Are the Chargers the best NFL team for L.A.?

Plaschke-Simers video: Should Clayton Kershaw win the Cy Young award?

--Melissa Rohlin

Where and when will Terry Francona manage next?

Writers from around the Tribune Co. discuss the future of Terry Francona, who stepped down last week after eight seasons and two World Series titles as manager of the Boston Red Sox. Check back throughout the day for more responses and weigh in with a comment of your own.

Dom Amore, Hartford Courant

Has to be the Cubs, doesn’t it?

The Cubs are bedeviled by the most hideous curse in sports, so what do they need? A manager who has d he can break such things. There are only two out there who have d then can win with organizations that haven’t in 80 years or more. The Cubs let Ozzie Guillen slip out of town and manage the Marlins. That leaves Terry Francona, the man under whom the Red Sox told the ghost of the Big Bam to scram once and for all in 2004.

Seriously, though, Francona, like most fired managers, will land in a place where he represents the opposite approach to his predecessor. The Cubs have tried the ranting of Lou Piniella and gone with a solid, longtime minor league organization man in Mike Quade. Francona would bring the gravitas of two championships, exciting the fans, and with his major league playing, coaching and managing experience, he has the ability to handle big stars in a big market and put out brush fires rather than start them.

He could work across town with the White Sox, too, or perhaps one day in New York, should abrasive Terry Collins wear out his welcome with the Mets. But the Cubs seem like a great fit. 

ALSO:

Dodgers decline options on Casey Blake and Jon Garland

Brewers not quite in 'beast mode' in blowout loss to Diamondbacks

Photo: Terry Francona. Credit: Nick Wass / Associated Press

Questioning the Necessity of the NFL Network

Richard Sandomir has an update on the continuing battle between Time Warner and the NFL Network.

It’s a fight that began before the channel even started in 2003. But Sandomir is reporting that Time Warner is no longer demanding that the NFL Network be placed on a digital sports tier (for which subscribers have to pay extra).

So now that this obstacle has been removed, it’s just a matter of negotiating the final dollar amounts, right?

It has rarely been that simple — especially in a feud between Time Warner, which controls 14 million subscribers nationwide and about 1.3 million in the New York area, and the N.F.L., the most popular sports programming in the United States. Time Warner does not believe the league’s channel is a priority, and the league believes its channel is essential.

“It’s like the lockout,” said Corey Behnke, a co-founder of Cheesehead TV, a Packers online network, who cannot get the NFL Network in Manhattan. “Who do you side with: the billionaires or the millionaires? I’m sorry. I’m a thousandaire.”

Extra point An analyst is quoted as saying that carrying the NFL Network “just isn’t a big deal” to Time Warner. If you don’t have NFL Network, is it a big deal to you?

Week 4 Film Review: Cam Newton Rising

A closer look at some of the games in Week 4, via film analysis.

Panthers O vs. Bears D

There are still plenty of reason for Panthers fans to be excited. Cam Newton looks like the real deal. Against Chicago he was comfortable locating the voids in the Cover 2 defense. Several times he used his strength and speed to elude rushers or scramble effectively (including two first-half touchdowns). And, most enticing of all, he exhibited rare arm strength both inside and outside. His ball truly zips. That said, the Panthers can be concerned about losing their rhythm in the second half (they did that against Green Bay in Week 2, as well). They got away from their run game even though DeAngelo Williams was highly effective cutting back against the fast-flowing Bears linebackers. They also got away from Steve Smith in the second half, particularly down the stretch when far too many balls were thrown to Legedu Naanee (an uncomfortable downfield receiver). Over all, the Panthers’ offense still played well enough to win, but the Bears’ front seven successfully upped its tempo down the stretch and preserved a lead that their great special teams built.

Bears O vs. Panthers D

It was an uncommon run-first approach taken by Mike Martz. That may have been because Chicago’s make-shift offensive line had major issues in pass protection on the right side. Right tackle Frank Omiyale was embarrassed by Charles Johnson a few times and was benched for Lance Louis, a guard who struggled with his footwork playing out of position. Jay Cutler was under siege a few times early and looked a tad hurried the rest of the day. Thus, Matt Forte ran the show. It was a very good rushing performance that, augmented by two long runs, looked dominant on paper. All of Forte’s big runs came outside, where the Bears had tremendous success exploiting Carolina’s Jon Beason-less linebacking corps. In reality, the Bears’ offense only drove for 13 points; their other 21 points were scored or set up by defense and special teams.

Chargers O vs. Dolphins D

It was a well-executed plan from a Chargers offense that was without superstar tight end Antonio Gates. Norv Turner mixed his run-pass play-calling well and effectively used play-action, particularly with some deep passes in the first half. Vincent Jackson’s smoothness and power were on full display early in the game; in the second half, San Diego attacked underneath with dumpoffs and screens, a tactic they’ve had success with all season. Much of their passing game revolved around attacking  safety Yeremiah Bell, who was slow to recognize routes and consistently  poorly positioned in coverage. Attacking Bell was something the Chargers planned to do. Running back Ryan Mathews benefited from good initial spacing in his touches and was able to show off his natural acceleration. The key for him in taking that next step will be to consistently conjure this attribute when running lanes are less defined.

Dolphins O vs. Chargers D

The Chargers were sound and cohesive playing a Dolphins team that, with Matt Moore replacing the injured Chad Henne, posed minimal threat through the air. Moore was hit or miss with his reads, and many of his completions were a result of the Chargers playing to the situation and keeping everything underneath and in front of them. San Diego’s front seven was effective across the board, and both safeties were stellar in all of their assignments. For Miami, two concerns stood out: left guard Richie Incognito getting beat a few times and Reggie Bush stopping his feet when approaching defenders.

Saints O vs. Jaguars D

After the Saints methodically pushed the ball down their throats the first two quarters, the Jaguars finally realized that it’s unwise to play a traditional vanilla zone against Drew Brees and Sean Payton. Brees knows all of his receiving outlets far too well on every snap to be disrupted by a base zone (assuming there’s no pass-rush, which, with the Jags, there wasn’t), and Payton is way too crafty in his route combination designs to not calculate mismatches against the banal coverage. In the first half, those mismatches took place underneath with the speed and quickness of Darren Sproles and versatile athleticism of Jimmy Graham. Those two were the crux of New Orleans’s gameplan. The playing field leveled a bit in the second half once Jacksonville started going to  zone blitzes and hunting up the underneath routes, but by then, the Saints had already established the lead they needed.

Jaguars O vs. Saints D

It was interesting that Jacksonville assumed a spread-out, pass-first approach in Blaine Gabbert’s second game. It obviously didn’t work. The Saints’ secondary was simply too much for Jacksonville’s ho-hum receiving corps. And because Gregg Williams can be so aggressive in his blitzes, the Jacksonville running backs were used as pass protectors, not receivers, which meant the ball was not in the hands of Maurice Jones-Drew. Gabbert read the field fairly well but was a half-beat reactive and also inaccurate in the face of pressure. Typical issues with a callow quarterback. The Saints got an outstanding performance from their defensive line (Shaun Rogers had his best game of the season) and from cornerbacks Jabari Greer and Patrick Robinson.

Titans O vs. Browns D

The Titans made their money with three big first-half plays: Chris Johnson’s 25-yard first-quarter run (which highlighted the first scoring drive, capped  by Craig Stevens running a deep out in the end zone with Browns safety T.J. Ward staring in the backfield too long from his zone position); Jared Cook’s 80-yard touchdown; and Nate Washington’s 57-yard reception to set up a late second-quarter score. The Titans took advantage of man coverage on the two big pass plays (Cook easily won his matchup against linebacker Scott Fujita, and Washington got open because of a brilliant pick play  by Damien Williams). Matt Hasselbeck had good command of the offense. The Titans put up decent numbers on the ground but Johnson still didn’t show his usual initial explosiveness. The Browns’ linebackers did a very solid job containing him and recognizing the blocking assignments in front of him. The only Browns defender who really stood out, though, was the rookie end Jabaal Sheard. He owned right tackle David Stewart on running downs. Sheard, however, like the rest of his teammates all season long, made little noise rushing the passer.

Browns O vs. Titans D

Cleveland’s high volume of pass plays was mostly a product of circumstance. The Titans struck quickly on offense and took a 25-point lead into the fourth quarter. The Browns’ hurry-up, pass-oriented approach inflated McCoy’s pass attempt numbers. Coach Pat Shurmur knows it would be foolish to throw over 60 times every week – as this game showed, his team doesn’t begin to have the resources for that. Cleveland’s lack of speed and general potency at wide receiver made them easy for the Titans to defend. The Titans rarely bothered to blitz and were able to stay in traditional zone coverages that kept the action in front of them on third downs. Their front four gave the Browns’ young guards a little trouble at times, but McCoy had a clean pocket most of the afternoon. The few times he didn’t, he rolled outside and took questionable chances, like his pick-six to Jordan Babineaux. I don’t think even McCoy could tell you what he saw there. One last note: Montario Hardesty basically split snaps with Peyton Hillis.

Andy Benoit is an N.F.L. analyst for CBSSports.com and founder of NFLTouchdown.com. He can be reached at andy.benoit@NFLTouchdown.com or @Andy_Benoit.

2-on-1: Do the Islanders Have the Defense and Goaltending to Make the Playoffs?

In the first of three conversations previewing the upcoming seasons of the tri-state area’s hockey teams, New York Times hockey writers Jeff Z. Klein and Christopher Botta discuss the chances of the Islanders qualifying for the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2007.

Botta: Jeff, some of our colleagues around N.H.L. press boxes have selected the Islanders as the team most likely to surprise this season in the Eastern Conference. A few have picked them to make the playoffs, while the rest have only gone so far as predicting that they’ll push for a spot. What do you think?

Klein: I think there are likelier teams to surprise than the Isles, but they should improve. Simply having Mark Streit back on the blue line after he missed all of last year should do wonders. The guy’s a horse — look how he made Switzerland competitive at the Olympics, where he was easily among the top four blueliners in the tourney. (I love saying “tourney.”) And they’ve got Michael Grabner, Matt Moulson and of course, John Tavares.

Botta: A healthy Kyle Okposo from game 1 should help, and Frans Nielsen is an effective checking forward capable of scoring 40-50 points. The forward corps gives Islanders supporters reason to be optimistic.

Klein: No question, Chris. Goal scoring should be the last of their worries.

Botta: Defense appears to be a weakness, however, even with Streit back. Andrew MacDonald is very underrated in my opinion and Travis Hamonic has top-pair potential, barring a sophomore setback. But General Manager Garth Snow acknowledged a need for a top defenseman when he traded for the negotiating rights to Christian Ehroff and was unable to sign him. He signed Steve Staios off his training camp tryout and he’s a quality vet, but a third-pair guy. Do you think the Islanders can get by in the back end with Milan Jurcina, Mark Eaton and Mike Mottau and Staios?

Klein: You’ve got a point, Chris. Outside of Streit, there’s not a whole lot there. I’m not as keen on MacDonald and Hamonic as you are. But I’ll say it again: Streit by himself can make even an anonymous defense … acceptable.

Botta: Streit is a terrific player and good choice as the new captain. Keep an eye on Hamonic the next time you see the Islanders live, Jeff. You’ll be converted. MacDonald needs to stay healthy. It’s not easy because he’s got a thin build. But he’s such a smart defenseman.

Now for the real brain-teaser, Jeff. Is it possible to predict what will happen with the Islanders this season in goal? They’ll start the season with Rick DiPietro, Al Montoya and Evgeni Nabokov at the N.H.L. level and three good prospects — Kevin Poulin, Anders Nilsson and Mikko Koskinen — in Bridgeport.

Klein: Even if DiPietro is healthy, he is just not a good goalie, despite the millions the Isles have heaped upon him. Since getting drafted in 2000 he’s had only one good N.H.L. season (2006-7). Nabokov bombed out at SKA in the K.H.L. last year, does not want to be on the Island, and at 36, has all the earmarks of a player fading into retirement.

The club’s best hope is for Montoya to be No. 1 and continue the strong play of his 21-game 2010-11 campaign. Then maybe one of those prospects can be brought up. But really, considering the way the Islanders have handled their goalies over the last 20 years or so, I wouldn’t hold my breath that they’ll handle them right this year.

Botta: Let’s hope they give Poulin all the starts he needs in the minors to develop properly. He’s an under-the-radar prospect, the real deal if he’s ever allowed to come out of DiPietro’s shadow.

On a positive note, I think we can agree it would be a welcome sight if the Islanders can stay in the race. There’s a lot of exciting young talent, especially up front.

Klein: Agreed.

Botta: And that’s with recent top-5 picks Nino Niederreiter and Ryan Strome on the way, plus a few intriguing prospects like the Russians Kirill Kabanov and Kirill Petrov. O.K., Jeff. So where will the Islanders finish in the East?

Klein: I see them improving by about 10 points and moving up from last year’s 14th to 10th or 11th. You?

Botta: They must have an excellent start. This is a franchise that needs positive momentum after the loss of the arena referendum in August and all the uncertainty about the club’s future. They open the season with a four-game homestand against Florida, Minnesota, Tampa Bay and those world-traveling Rangers, so it’s very possible. I’m confident they’ll be in the thick of the race in March for the final two playoff berths.

But in the end, they’ll have a hard time clinching a spot. There’s always a chance of an early-season acquisition or important waiver wire pickup, but I was surprised they didn’t do more this summer to improve the team. Upgrades from Zenon Konopka and Trent Hunter to Marty Reasoner to Brian Rolston are not enough and neither is Staios. I also question whether this team is tough enough. They have enough players to scrap, but are they big enough, durable, able to battle through more than six months against so much size and skill in their conference?

The East is getting stronger. Unless Snow makes a key move, it will be an exciting season – an above .500 season – for an up-and-coming team on the Island, but they’ll finish in 10th place.