What should be a joyous celebration for the Cleveland Browns instead felt like a wake. The 21-7 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night was completely overshadowed by the disgusting brawl involving Myles Garrett hitting Steelers QB Mason Rudolph over the head with his own helmet in the final seconds of the end of the fourth quarter.
The action was a stunning display of senseless violence. A visibly shaken Odell Beckham Jr. watched the full incident for the first time while on the set of the NFL Network postgame show. The Browns wideout later addressed the media.
“It’s not what direction we’re headed in as an organization,” Beckham said, still unsure of how to fully process the ugly scene. “It just was not where we’ve been going. And it does feel like we lost the game.”
That sentiment was echoed by Baker Mayfield in his conversations with reporters after the game as well. And it’s understandable.
Nobody will remember the Browns win. This will be the Myles Garrett violence game. Neither Beckham nor Mayfield defended the action, nor should they. What should be a great night instead feels empty and sickening.
