Winning the only way they know how, the Cleveland Browns have made the playoffs for the first time since their rebirth in 1999.

Rookie RB William Green gained a career high 178 yds. on 27 carries, had a TD run of 21 yds. , and then had a game winning 64 yd. sprint to pay dirt to secure the win, and a playoff appearance against the dreaded Pittsburgh Steelers next weekend.

The Browns had to wait a bit after their win to truly know their fate, as they needed a win by either the Miami Dolphins in New England or a win by the NY Jets at the Meadowlands against the Green Bay Packers to insure that they would, in deed, make it in the playoffs. After many of the capacity crowd watched on the stadium jumbotrons as the Patriots defeated the Dolphins in OT, there was a slight amount of gloom for the Browns faithful. However, the Jets clobbered the Packers, and, as a result, the Browns live to play another day.

Coach Butch Davis was all smiles after the game, saying of the fans, "The legendary Cleveland Browns fans were here today. The place was rocking and it was truly a playoff atmosphere. The fans inspired this team that just refuses to lose". WR Kevin Johnson added, "The crowd was in playoff form, they really were fantastic and were our 12th man on the field. They were loud and alive when we were on offense or defense. They really helped us out today".

Speaking then of William Green, Davis said," We knew Wiliam was drafted for games like today, we got to see the explosion of speed we knew he had when we drafted him. He had big plays...I'm just thrilled for him". When asked about his winning TD run, Green gave credit to the offensive line, noting, "It was a good finish. The offensive line blew open a hole and I just took the ball and ran. I think one guy touched me, but the offensive line did most of the job".

There was however, one sad note in the otherwise jubilant Browns locker room; Tim Couch left the game just one play into the second quarter with a cracked fibula. Kelly Holcomb replaced Couch and did a serviceable job, getting key grabs from Kevin Johnson for a TD to put the Browns ahead to stay at 17-16, although Holcomb did throw 2 interceptions and only completed 7 of 14 passes for 86 yds.

Couch was asked about his injury and the fact that the Browns are in the playoffs and he won't be able to help them from behind center. "I knew something was wrong...we went into the locker room and the X-rays confirmed it....its frustrating. I am happy for my teammates and so proud of us to have a chance in the playoffs. This is what I've worked so hard for my whole life, but I'll be the biggest cheerleader this team has." Couch finished the season with a career-high 273 passes complete on 443 attempts for 2,842 yds. and 18 touchdowns.

The stingy Browns defense gave up lots of yds. between the 20's but in the "Red Zone" they again demonstrated their NFL leading ability to prevent teams from scoring with a final minute, 4 play goal-line stand from inside the one yard line. Four times the Browns tenacious defense stuffed Falcon runners to preserve the win, much to the sheer delight of the stadium faithful. It was truly a stand for the ages, and a fitting end to a wild and wacky regular season. But, now join with me Browns fans...its on to the playoffs where anything can, and usually does, happen.

I need to reserve a room at the Clinic this week....The Ohio State Buckeyes play for the National Championship on Friday, and the Browns playoff game either the next day or on Sunday...what more could any football fan want?