Posted at 11:10 a.m., Sunday, December 16, 2007
NFL: Browns beat Bills in blizzard-like conditions, 8-0
By TOM WITHERS
AP Sports Writer
Jamal Lewis plowed for 163 yards and Phil Dawson somehow kicked two field goals through harsh, wintry winds as the surprising Browns improved their postseason chances with an 8-0 win over the Buffalo Bills today.
In blizzard-like conditions better suited for the Iditarod sled-dog race, the Browns (9-5), who never figured to be playing meaningful games in December when the season started, picked up one of their biggest wins since returning as an expansion franchise in 1999.
Cleveland needed a win and a loss by Tennessee to secure at least a wild-card berth. Only half of that scenario happened, but the Browns will clinch their first playoff appearance since 2002 with a win at Cincinnati next week.
The Bills (7-7) were all but eliminated from making the postseason.
Buffalo looked more like a warm-weather team as the elements — along with Cleveland's defense — prevented the Bills from scoring.
It was Cleveland's first shutout since 2005 and just the Browns' third since 1999.
Unable to throw the ball with swirling winds off Lake Erie gusting over 40 mph, the Browns handed it 33 times to Lewis, and the Atlanta native slopped his way down the field like a kid who grew up in the Midwest.
