It was an ugly win, but important nevertheless. Not only did it get the Browns closer to the NFL postseason, but also it showed that they are learning how to win the tough games.
You’d think that a team from Buffalo would be ready for a snow-filled game, but the Bills didn’t seem like it at all. They were essentially embarrassing to watch, almost as bad were the Bills fans that came to the sports bar wearing Buffalo Sabres jerseys…really. But more importantly, the Browns came away with the win in turbulent weather. And if the increasingly realistic Browns playoffs hopes come to fruition, they will need to be ready to play in adverse conditions like they did today.
Today’s game showed some important aspects of the young Cleveland team. First, running back Jamal Lewis shows no signs of stopping, gaining well over 150 yards. Second, wide receiver Braylon Edwards loves the snow, as the Michigan grad made some incredible snags. Third, kicker Phil Dawson will be immensely important as the season draws to a close. Phil “Stash” (not sure how that nickname came to be) nailed a 48-yard field goal that barely cleared the crossbar. And although I rarely agree with the CBS announcers, Steve Tasker was dead-on when he called it “epic”.
In what is lining up to be a potentially “epic” postseason for the Brownies, they may very well need to play in Pittsburgh against the bad-driving Ben Roethlisberger, and possibly even New England against the annoyingly beautiful Tom Brady. When going into any of these cold-weather places, having a snowy victory under your belt can be the difference between an early playoff exit and an inspiring playoff run.
Keywords: Ben Roethlisberger, Braylon Edwards, Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, Jamal Lewis, NFL, NFL Playoffs, Phil Dawson, Tom Brady
