Fitzpatrick's 3 TD passes lifts Bills over Browns

Fitzpatrick's 3 TD passes lifts Bills over Browns

Buffalo Bills running back C.J. Spiller (28) is taken to the locker room after injuring his shoulder in the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)

By TOM WITHERS (AP Sports Writer) | The Associated Press

CLEVELAND (AP) -- When C.J. Spiller got hurt, the Buffalo Bills lost the NFL's leading rusher, most of their momentum and another major offensive threat.

Ryan Fitzpatrick wouldn't let them lose the game.

Fitzpatrick threw three touchdown passes and the better-than-advertised Bills overcame the loss of Spiller to a shoulder injury and beat the Cleveland Browns 24-14 on Sunday to snap an eight-game road losing streak.

Fitzpatrick, doing just enough to keep Buffalo's offense moving, finished 22 of 35 for 208 yards as the Bills (2-1) turned to their passing game after Spiller, who has been filling in for Fred Jackson, went down in the first quarter with an injury that will likely sideline him a few weeks.

The Bills won outside Buffalo for the first time since the 2011 opener at Kansas City.

''We got the monkey off our back,'' Fitzpatrick said. ''We always felt confident. This is a new year, a new team, but it was a good team win on the road. These are the most satisfying wins.''

As the final seconds ticked off, some of Buffalo's players celebrated with hundreds of Bills fans who made the short drive over from Western New York.

Before he went out, Spiller, who came in leading the league with 292 yards rushing, scored on a 32-yard screen pass from Fitzpatrick, who also threw a 9-yard TD to T.J. Graham in the first quarter and hooked up with Stevie Johnson from 9 in the fourth to close the scoring.

Bills coach Chan Gailey does not expect Spiller to be back for next week's home game against New England - and possibly longer.

''I don't believe it's long, long-term,'' Gailey said. ''If he missed a week that's long for me. He's going to be out for sure this week and then we'll see.''

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Tight battle in preseason finale goes to Lions

Tight battle in preseason finale goes to Lions

What looked like an early blowout for the Lions up 28-7 in the first half turned into a barnburner with Buffalo erasing the 21-point deficit to take the lead early in the fourth quarter on a 100-yard kick return for a touchdown, but the Lions put the last points on the board in a 38-32 victory for Detroit leaving the Bills winless in the preseason.

“Well we gave up two touchdowns there early in the ball game and fought back,” said head coach Chan Gailey. “I was impressed with a lot of things that happened. The defense stiffened a couple of times, not quite enough, but a couple of times. The biggest problem were the penalties on defense and giving up some big plays on third down. And then offensively Tyler (Thigpen) had his hand hit twice for interceptions. We can’t have that kind of penetration in there on those situations.”

The big positive to start the game was Buffalo’s starting offense got the drive they were looking for to close out the preseason. Ryan Fitzpatrick was a perfect 5-5 passing for 39 yards through the air including a four-yard fade pass to Stevie Johnson in the back left corner of the end zone and C.J. Spiller rushed six times for 29 yards.

“We wanted to start fast and put some points on the board,” said Fitzpatrick. “It was good to get into the end zone and spread the ball around a little bit and let everyone touch it.”

Available@ BuffaloBills.com

Bills celebrate back to football with exclusive Kickoff Event

Bills celebrate back to football with exclusive Kickoff Event

@HannahBills
Hannah Buehler
Journalist

On Friday night August 31^st, the Buffalo Bills are hosting the first ever Kickoff at the Ralph Event, an exclusive on-field experience with the Bills.

Presented by New Era, Kickoff at the Ralph Event will begin with an on-field cocktail hour, followed by award presentations and dinner.

The Kickoff at the Ralph is hosted by Chris Berman, ESPN analyst.

During the event, silent and live auctions will take place, as guests will have a chance to bid on items that include game worn jerseys, autographed footballs and more. There will be one item from each of the 32 NFL teams up for grabs as proceeds benefit the Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation.

Guests will also have the opportunity to take pictures on the red carpet, receive tours of the gameday locker room and more.

The John Murphy Show will broadcast live from the event from 7-9. Fans can listen in to all of the happenings from the event live on the Bills Mobile app and on WGR Sports Radio 550. This exclusive event is not open to the public. Stay tuned to buffalobills.com for a special video and photo recap.