ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Phil Dawson capped a five field-goal outing by hitting a career-long 56-yarder with 1:39 remaining to secure the Browns’ 29-27 victory over the reeling Bills on Monday night.
Cleveland snapped a two-game skid and avoided wasting a 13-point lead for a third straight game.
The Bills (5-5) had a chance to win with a clutch kick, but Rian Lindell missed a 47-yard attempt with 38 seconds left.
It was a morale-boosting win for the Browns (4-6), who appeared on the verge of unraveling after running back Jamal Lewis accused his teammates of quitting during a 34-30 loss to the Broncos on Nov. 6.
“We got tired of what happened the previous two weeks, getting a lead and losing it in the fourth quarter,” receiver Braylon Edwards said. “As a team, we rallied. We came together when we were supposed to.”
Buffalo has lost four straight, looking nothing like the team that got off to a 4-0 start. Trent Edwards endured another sloppy performance, tossing three interceptions in Buffalo’s first four possessions.
Edwards’ 1-yard sneak gave the Bills a 27-26 lead with 2:35 left, but Cleveland responded with a six-play, 28-yard drive that stalled on the Bills’ 39 when Edwards couldn’t hold on to Brady Quinn’s pass at the sideline.
Without hesitation, Browns coach Romeo Crennel sent out Dawson, who calmly got off an easy kick that started toward the right goalpost before curling in to split the uprights.
“As soon as we threw the incomplete pass on third down, I was ready to go,” Dawson said. “I gave Romeo a nod, and he had the confidence to send me out there.”
