Brawl mars Browns victory

CLEVELAND — The Browns (4-6) had sealed a season-saving 21-7 victory against the Steelers (5-5) on Thursday, but a brutal brawl with eight seconds remaining wiped out any talk of AFC North implications.

Browns defensive end Myles Garrett ripped off the helmet of Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph and hit him in the head with it as part of a wild brawl.

Garrett likely faces a lengthy suspension for his actions, and Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey likely will be disciplined for kicking Garrett in the head.

“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.”

Players from both sidelines spilled on the field during the melee, which began after Garrett wrestled Rudolph to the ground well after he completed a short pass on a meaningless play. Garrett, Pouncey and Browns defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi were ejected.

Rudolph got his hand on Garrett’s helmet first as the players grappled on the ground, but Garrett escalated the brawl after he got back on his feet. He yanked the helmet off Rudolph and swung wildly, hitting the quarterback on the top of the head.

Rudolph threw his arms in the air in disbelief after the impact, and was then knocked to the ground by Ogunjobi. Meanwhile, Pouncey retaliated by punching and kicking Garrett.

“I thought it was pretty cowardly and bush league,” Rudolph said. “I’m not going to back down from any bully. I felt like I had a bone to pick with him. I appreciate the line always having my back, but I was angry.”

Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield called Garrett’s actions “inexcusable” and Fox commentator Troy Aikman said they were “barbaric.”

Mayfield said the incident overshadowed a win that the Browns should be celebrating. “It feels like we lost,” he said. “Myles is very upset about it. He’s got to maintain his composure,” Browns coach Freddie Kitchens said.