SportsDirect Inc. staff
Nov 25, 2012
Browns 20, Steelers 14: Trent Richardson had 15-yard touchdown run in the third quarter as host Cleveland forced eight turnovers to post just its second win in 18 meetings versus Pittsburgh.
The Browns (3-8) secured their third win at home by forcing five fumbles overall and three interceptions by veteran Charlie Batch, who was making his first start in nearly a year. Batch was playing in place of Ben Roethlisberger, who missed his second game with a sprained right shoulder and dislocated rib.
Pittsburgh's crowded backfield carousel of Rashard Mendenhall, Isaac Redman, Jonathan Dwyer and Chris Rainey lost a fumble apiece. Mendenhall was benched after he lost the handle on the ball for a second time, although the Steelers (6-5) recovered.
A Batch interception set up Jordan Cameron's first career touchdown reception. Rookie Brandon Weeden threw the pass before later exiting the contest after hitting his head on teammate Joe Thomas' knee.
Rainey had a 1-yard touchdown and linebacker Lawrence Timmons opened the scoring with a 53-yard interception return for a TD. The Steelers have dropped two in a row following a four-game winning streak.
GAME NOTEBOOK: After being signed on Tuesday, Plaxico Burress was targeted twice but did not have a catch. The veteran wideout was rushed into the lineup after injuries to Antonio Brown (ankle) and Jerricho Cotchery (ribs). ... Cleveland cornerback Joe Haden had an interception in his return to the field after missing last week with an oblique injury. ... Cleveland safety Usama Young exited the contest with a head injury after making a hit on tight end Heath Miller.