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Texans snap slide with win over sputtering Browns

Nov 23, 2008 - 11:03 PM By Jeff Brewer PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

CLEVELAND (Ticker) -- It was hardly an artistic success, but the Houston Texans rediscovered what winning is like on the road.

Sage Rosenfels tossed an early touchdown pass and the defense made it hold up as the Texans posted 16-6 victory over the mistake-prone Cleveland Browns on Sunday.

Again starting in place of an injured Matt Schaub, Rosenfels overcame two second-half interceptions, doing just enough to give the Texans their first road win since November 4, 2007, at Oakland.

Houston (4-7) snapped an eight-game road losing and a three-game slide overall while likely ending the Browns' playoff hopes.

"It's (wining on the road) a feeling we haven't had in a while," Rosenfels said. "We're going to keep fighting for (coach Gary Kubiak)."

Cleveland (4-7) was done in by five turnovers - three in Houston territory - and made another quarterback change.

Kris Brown kicked three field goals for the Texans and the opportunistic Houston defense pounced on every Cleveland miscue.

"Whenever you are on the road and see that crowd filtering out, that's the way you want it to be," said Houston defensive end Anthony Weaver, who had one of the picks.

Kubiak was thrilled with the play of his defense.

"We stayed aggressive defensively and went after the Browns," he said. "Our defense was spectacular."

Rosenfels completed 24-of-32 passes for 275 yards. Andre Johnson was on the receiving end of 10 for 116 yards and topped 1,000 receiving yards for the season.

Steve Slaton gave Houston just enough of a ground game with 73 yards on 21 carries.

The loss left the Browns just 1-5 at home this season.

"We hadn't played a cold game in a long time, and to come in here and get a win is huge," Houston defensive end Mario Williams said.

Williams tackled Cleveland's Jamal Lewis and threw him to the turf like a rag doll early in the third quarter and it seemed to inspire the unit.

"It was one of those adrenaline-rush things," Williams said.

The saga that is Cleveland's 2008 season continued when starter Brady Quinn, playing with a broken right index finger, threw his second interception late in the third quarter and was replaced by Derek Anderson.

Quinn was making his third start since displacing Anderson, but left after completing 8-of-18 throws for 94 yards.

Anderson hit on just 5-of-14 for 51 yards and one interception. Lewis fumbled, ending a streak of 392 touches without a fumble.

"Brady has not lost his job," Cleveland coach Romeo Crennel. "He is still the quarterback and we are going to go through the week and prepare him and he is going to play."

Braylon Edwards, the NFL leader in dropped passes, had a miserable fourth quarter and had a potential touchdown pass go through his hands. Edwards, a Pro Bowler last season, now has 16 drops against 40 receptions.

"It could have been a touchdown, it should have been a touchdown," Anderson said.

Had Edwards made the grab, the Browns would have pulled within 16-13 with eight minutes remaining.

A season which began with high expectations following a 10-6 campaign has turned into a nightmare for the Browns.

"It's frustrating because we feel like we have a lot of ability," Browns offensive tackle Joe Thomas said.

Houston took charge on the opening possession. The Texans marched 79 yards on 14 plays, capped by Rosenfels' 17-yard TD pass to Kevin Walter. The drive consumed more than eight minutes.

The Texans settled for a 13-6 halftime before Brown kicked a 36-yard field goal with 8:48 remaining in the third quarter, accounting for the only points in the second half.

Houston running back Ahman Green suffered a left knee injury and is expected to miss next Monday's home game against Jacksonville.