The Cleveland Browns picked up their first win of 2012 when they defeated the Cincinnati Bengals, 34-24, on Sunday afternoon. The Browns entered the fourth quarter down 14-13, but a 21-point outburst over the final 15 minutes carried the team to victory. Cleveland led by as many as 17 points, but the final minutes were not without some worry, as SB Nation's Dawgs By Nature explained afterward:
Since this is Cleveland, Browns fans still sweated out the rest of the game a bit. With over five minutes to go in the game, Dalton heaved a pass down the left sideline for Green. Green had a few steps on Haden and scored a 57-yard touchdown, making it a 34-24 game.
The Bengals would get the ball back and march down inside Cleveland's 10-yard line; with more than two minutes to play, they had an opportunity to put the outcome in doubt. But their scoring chance ended when Browns defensive end Emmanuel Stephens forced a fumble that was recovered by defensive tackle Billy Winn. Cincinnati no longer had enough time to rally.
Cleveland rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden finished the day 17-of-29 for 231 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Montario Hardesty led the team on the ground with 56 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries.
