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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