THUMBS UP

Phil Dawson, Browns kicker

He went 5-for-5 on field goals in a windy Buffalo night, including the kick that (at least temporarily) saved the Browns season. He made a career-long 56-yarder with 1:39 left for a 29-27 lead the Browns managed to keep.
Dawson has been great all year, and his leg gets stronger by the week. The longest-tenured member of the team — he’s the only guy left from 1999 — likes nothing better than playing a pivotal role in a win.

THUMBS DOWN

Trent Edwards, Bills quarterback

He had committed seven turnovers (five interceptions, two fumbles) in a three-game skid before Monday night, then promptly threw three interceptions in the first quarter.
Coach Dick Jauron stayed with him and he finished 16-for-26 for 148 yards, a touchdown, three interceptions and a 50.3 rating. Edwards was clearly affected by the picks, looking to dump the ball to his running backs rather than trust himself downfield.

PLAY OF THE GAME

It didn’t secure the win like it should’ve, but Jerome Harrison’s first career rushing touchdown was a thing of beauty.
He took a pitchout off left tackle, cut it upfield, got blocks from Charles Ali and Steve Heiden and split the seam. That was the hard part. The easy part was outrunning the defense to finish the 72-yard sprint.
Harrison (above) entered the game averaging 7.5 yards a carry and Crennel promised to get him the ball more in the second half Monday night. When he finally did — the touchdown was his second carry of the day — he made it count.

STAT OF THE GAME

186
Yards rushing by the Bills. It doesn’t matter if the Browns have a lead or are behind, they always manage to give up huge chunks of yardage. Buffalo averaged 4.9 yards on 38 carries.

QUOTE OF THE GAME

“They played hard, they didn’t quit. They kept going and were able to win it at the end.” — Browns coach Romeo Crennel on his team, which had been accused of quitting in the previous game.

MATCHUPS

Offense

Neither team was good. The Bills had four turnovers, and the Browns failed to capitalize with touchdowns. Both teams had big days running.
EDGE: Even

Defense

The Browns still can’t stop the run and their tackling gets worse by the week. The Bills managed to hold the Browns to field goals most of the night.
EDGE: Bills

Special teams

Phil Dawson was outstanding, including the winning
56-yard field goal. Rian Lindell missed a
47-yarder at the end, or else this category would’ve gone to the Bills. They dominated the return game, including a 98-yard touchdown by Leodis McKelvin.
EDGE: Browns

Coaching

Romeo Crennel’s team played hard, if not efficiently. And he made the right call by testing Phil Dawson’s limits on the winner. Bobby April easily won the battle of special teams.
EDGE: Browns

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