Steelers vs. Browns: Myles Garrett loses control in ugly brawl

Everything was going so well for the Pittsburgh Steelers until the wheels came off with the country watching on Thursday night in Cleveland.

No matter which way you look at it, the Steelers lost ugly last night. Their four-game winning streak that spanned since before the bye week came to a screeching halt as the Browns defeated them 21-7. Mason Rudolph, the anointed one, was not good, going 23-44 for 221 yards, a touchdown, and 4 interceptions.

At the skill positions, Jaylen Samuels led rushing with 5 carries for 26 yards, and James Washington led receiving with 3 catches for 49 yards.

Juju Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson, and James Conner all went down with injuries – both wide receivers suffering concussions during the contest. It was that kind of night for Pittsburgh.

But the thing everyone will be talking about all weekend is Cleveland’s Myles Garrett going Fred Flintsone on Mason Rudolph with Rudolph’s own helmet.

Baker Mayfield made it clear that this can’t be tolerated, no matter the circumstances:

"“Rivalry or not we can’t do that. We’re endangering the other team. It’s inexcusable,” Mayfield said. “The reality is he’s going to get suspended.”More from Still CurtainMel Kiper Jr. makes predictable pick for Steelers in first NFL mock draftSteelers news: Brian Flores odds to land HC job, no projected compensatory picks, and moreWhy Jordan Addison to the Steelers is a good idea4 reasons Steelers would have been embarrassed in the NFL playoffsThe easiest cut the Pittsburgh Steelers will make in 2023"

Garrett, for his part, seems to be of two minds regarding his conduct. From ESPN:

"“I lost my cool and I regret it,” Garrett said. “It’s going to come back to hurt our team. The guys who jumped into the scrum, I appreciate my team having my back, but it never should have gotten to that point.“It’s on me.”"

Garrett again, from the CBS article above:

"“A win’s a win. I don’t think it’s overshadowed by what happens in 8 seconds,”"

Maybe he can spare one of those minds for Rudolph, as a little DIY science submitted to Barstool Sports illustrated the damage a swung helmet can do:

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported yesterday that Myles Garrett is facing a season-long suspension that will carry into the post-season (if the Browns make it that far).

This doesn’t come as a surprise, as his assault against Mason Rudolph with a blunt object is cause for expulsion from the NFL for the remainder of the season. Some fans were even calling for Garrett to be arrested for his actions following the game. It’s unclear at this time whether or not Garrett plans to appeal.

The Steelers and Browns meet again in Pittsburgh in a little over two week’s time, and the nation will be watching again.

A final thought: Now that the Bengals are a complete train wreck and we’ve finally gotten a Browns game with some real juice after years of a dormant rivalry, is it time to rearrange the pecking order for AFC North rivals Steelers fans dislike the most? At least for now, Cleveland takes the cake.