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Ravens can clinch playoff berth with win over Browns

Dec 17, 2006 - 3:12 PM Cleveland (4-9) at Baltimore (10-3) Sunday 1:00 pm ESTBALTIMORE (Ticker) - Baltimore Ravens coach Brian Billickentered this season with mounting questions about his jobsecurity.Entering Sunday's game against the AFC North rival ClevelandBrowns, Billick could guide the Ravens back to the playoffs forthe first time in four seasons.Since going 10-6 and winning the division in 2003, the Ravenshad gone 9-7 and 6-10 the last two seasons to miss the playoffs,adding to speculation that a coaching change could be in store.But owner Steve Bisciotti gave Billick, who guided the Ravens totheir lone Super Bowl title in 2000, a vote of confidence afterlast season.Billick has rewarded Bisciotti's faith and has the Ravens on topof the division, two games ahead of Cincinnati with three toplay.The Ravens would clinch at least a wild-card berth with a win inthis contest. They would claim the division with a win,coupled with a Cincinnati loss at Indianapolis on Monday night.Just like in 2000, the Ravens have been led by a ferociousdefense that leads the NFL in both scoring (13.1 ppg) and fewestyards allowed (268.1 ppg).Pro Bowl free safety Ed Reed registered a pair of interceptionsand the Ravens forced three turnovers in last Sunday's 20-10victory at Kansas City. Steve McNair also threw a career-long87-yard touchdown pass to Mark Clayton.It has been another difficult campaign for the Browns, whoalready have clinched their fourth straight losing season. Theyalso are just 10-19 in two seasons under coach Romeo Crennel.The Browns have been off since last Thursday's 27-7 loss atPittsburgh in which they surrendered 303 rushing yards and 528total yards.Derek Anderson made his first career start in place of CharlieFrye (wrist) against the Steelers and completed 21-of-37 passesfor 276 yards and a touchdown with an interception. Frye isquestionable for this contest.Cleveland is 2-11 in December the last three seasons.In the first meeting between the teams on September 24, MattStover drilled a 52-yard field goal with 20 seconds remaining asthe Ravens rallied for a 15-14 victory.A costly mistake by the Browns gave the Ravens the chance to ekeout the win. Frye tried to connect with Braylon Edwards butwas intercepted in the end zone by cornerback Chris McAlisterwith 3:21 to play.The turnover put the ball into the hands of McNair and he guidedhis team to the Browns 33. McNair wound up completing 23-of-41passes for 264 yards. His favorite target was Derrick Mason,who had seven receptions for 132 yards.