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Dawson's redemption leads to Browns' win
Officials rule in Cleveland kicker's favor on field goal as time runs out, then he seals game in overtime.
Monday, November 19, 2007
BALTIMORE — The Baltimore Ravens ran off the field, celebrating a comeback victory. While their fans gleefully headed toward the exits, many of the Cleveland Browns shrugged on their way toward the tunnel. No one could have imagined Cleveland would end up winning 33-30 in overtime Sunday.
Phil Dawson's potential game-tying 51-yard field goal hit the upright, then seemingly tapped the crossbar before bouncing back onto the field.
Extras
As the stadium emptied at the end of regulation and the Ravens pumped their fists in the air, several of the Browns insisted that Dawson's kick hit the curved center support behind the crossbar. Many of the players gathered in the end zone, pointing at the spot where the football struck before bouncing back.
It turns out they were right. The officials discussed the situation for around five minutes before ruling the kick went beyond the crossbar and through the uprights. NFL rules dictate that the play is not reviewable by replay.
Referring to the initial call, referee Pete Morelli said, "It was a ruling by one of the officials. The other official informed me that the ball hit the back of the extension of the goal post. ... We determined that was what it struck. Therefore, it made the field goal good."
After the teams returned to the field, the Browns took the kickoff in overtime and drove 43 yards in nine plays before Dawson kicked a 33-yard field goal with 9:10 left to give Cleveland (6-4) a rare season sweep of the Ravens (4-6).
