Chargers vs. Browns 2012: Ground game aids Cleveland in victory

The Cleveland Browns defeated the San Diego Chargers 7-6 on Sunday, giving them their second victory of the season. The Browns' defense was able to limit Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers and the rest of the San Diego offense, and the game's decisive score came courtesy of Cleveland's ground game.

SB Nation's Dawgs By Nature noted the affects of the weather on the game, but felt that it was Cleveland's rushing game that made the real difference:

The weather conditions definitely played a factor in the low-scoring affair; Philip Rivers was held to 154 yards passing, while Brandon Weeden was held to 129 yards passing. Receivers dropped passes for both teams, but the difference ended up being the ground game.

Cleveland running back Trent Richardson scored the only touchdown of the day on a 26-yard run in the first quarter, which ended up being all the offense the Browns would need. He finished the game with 122 yards on 24 carries.

The Chargers kicked a field goal in both the second and third quarters, but they were not able to find the end zone. Cleveland's defense limited San Diego to just 265 total yards of offense on the day.

The Browns host the Baltimore Ravens next Sunday.