Cleveland Browns quarterback Cody Kessler (6) throws a pass during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns won 20-17. Ken Blaze
Washington: The Cleveland Browns will not become the second NFL team to endure an 0-16 campaign after edging San Diego 20-17 on Saturday in their penultimate game of the season.
Browns defensive end Jamie Meder blocked a 32-yard field goal try by San Diego's Josh Lambo with 3:45 remaining that would have pulled the Chargers level and Lambo was wide to the right on a 45-yard field goal attempt on the game's final play to preserve Cleveland's long-awaited victory.
The only team in NFL history to finish 0-16 was the 2008 Detroit Lions.
The Browns, 1-14 after their first victory since December 13 of last year, lost quarterback Robert Griffin III in the fourth quarter when he suffered a concussion.
Philip Rivers flipped 1-yard touchdown passes to Antonio Gates and Tyrell Williams but the Chargers fell to 5-10.
Cleveland's Isiah Crowell scored on an 8-yard touchdown run in the first quarter and again on a 4-yard touchdown run in the second quarter that gave the Browns the lead for good.
Cody Parkey added fields goals of 49 and 27 yards to boost Cleveland's lead to 20-10 and the Browns defenders held tough at the finish.
