Buffalo Bills: What We Learned in Win Over Cleveland Browns

The Buffalo Bills got their third win of the season against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, and although it was ugly, there's just something about leaving Ralph Wilson Stadium after a win. 

I don't care who the Bills play, what their record is or if the game means anything. 

It's all about turning the corner and creating a winning culture in Buffalo, so we must take wins whenever we can get them.

Even in a 13-6 victory that won't be an instant classic, we learned all about the Bills.

First off, for anyone who is angered by another win that will most likely remove the Bills from  the Andrew Luck sweepstakes, you've got it all wrong. 

At this point, why are we worried about how high the Bills will choose in the draft? Have they proven to us in the past that the first round pick will pan out? No. 

It's about winning football games at this point, people—not losing out to get in those top three spots. 

Buffalo already has enough money tied up in guys like Aaron Maybin, so giving tens of millions to a guy we aren't even sure about is not what fans should be calling for right now. 

Chan Gailey Can Call a Great Football Game 

Last week,  I outlined the new game-plan I figured Chan Gailey might institute in the final month of the season. It called for more dedication to the run, while still allowing Ryan Fitzpatrick to stretch the defense on occasion.

For once, I was right, as Gailey stuck to the run against the Browns and Fitzpatrick only threw when it was absolutely necessary. 

What I love about what Gailey is doing is the fact that he runs the same play over and over from the same look (usually a run) and then later, in the game's critical stages, he flashes the same set and same motioning, but it's a play-action pass.

Fools the defense every time (see Stevie Johnson's drop).

The defense Isn't Ready To Give Up Just Yet

Sure, they're undermanned and have guys out of position, but I have to hand it to the guys up front like Kyle Williams and Marcus Stroud once again. After the Browns' first drive they limited Peyton Hillis.

The secondary was supposed to have a good day against Jake Delhomme, and they did just that (he's terrible, so that helped too). With a few additions in free agency and a good, deep draft, the Bills defense is not that far away from being a good unit. 

Donte Whitner had another great effort plugging the run. We need to stop comparing him to Troy Polamalu and Ed Reed.

He's neither of those guys, but he'll fill a run lane no matter how big the running back is, and he is a leader on defense.

I'd still consider him a bust because he was selected No. 8 overall, but he is a player that needs to be on this defense for the long-term. 

The Lee Evans Injury Won't Matter Much

Evans has been a consummate pro during his time in Buffalo, but with the young, hungry and talented group of receivers behind him, I don't see much drop off in production. 

David Nelson is what the Bills were looking for in James Hardy, and Donald Jones has filled in for Roscoe Parrish very well.

This was the first game in a while that Buffalo didn't go for the long-ball, but their offense was efficient and has many chain-movers.

They are much better on third down than I thought they would be. 

Arthur Moats Is Here To Stay

The sixth-round draft pick is full go on every play, and there's something to be said about his strip on Jake Delhomme. 

This wasn't against Johnathon Scott or some backup—it was Joe Thomas, a Pro-Bowler.

He's what the Bills were looking for in Aaron Maybin.

The difference is he's got counter moves and can play the run as well. Still, his best feature is his knack for getting to the quarterback. His future is very bright. 

C.J. Spiller Is More Patient

Spiller received a career-high eight carries against the Browns and was relatively successful considering he didn't receive many holes.

Instead of three or four stutter-steps, Spiller was one cut and go. His speed snatches your breath away.

The Bills have worked Spiller into the offense extremely slowly, but I'd be stunned if he didn't break out next season.

He's learned a lot, and a whole year of learning from work-horse Fred Jackson will help the rookie runner immensely.

We Need To Get Used to Ryan Fitzpatrick.

My colleague Robert Quinn discussed the seven reasons why Ryan Fitzpatrick could be the long-term answer in Buffalo, and he's hit the nail right on the head. 

Fitzpatrick has heart, makes good decisions for the most part, and although he's only won three games this season, I see a real will to win.

Also, Gailey is enamored by this guy's ability to make something out of nothing and his fearless attitude when he's behind center. 

Sure, he makes the occasional "where was he throwing that to" pass, but what quarterback doesn't?

Call me crazy, but with some patchwork done on the offensive line and a few additions on the defense, the Bills could make the playoffs with Fitzpatrick as their quarterback.