Cam Heyward’s promise that the Steelers would “address” trash talk by Cleveland Browns defensive end Jared Verse came true during their pivotal NFL Week 8 meeting Nov. 1 at Acrisure Stadium.
Left guard Mason McCormick slammed Verse to the ground on an extra point attempt following Rico Dowdle's touchdown that put Pittsburgh up 7-0 in the first quarter.
McCormick was flagged for unnecessary roughness on the play. Verse was not penalized but was seen celebrating as he and his Cleveland teammates ran off the field after the play.
Mason McCormick punishing Jared Verse!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!🤣😂 #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/ctre9keNx4
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) November 1, 2026
The penalty ended up not hurting the Steelers, as Cleveland was forced to punt on the subsequent drive.
"They were talking
crazy,” Verse told reporters in his post-game news conference after the teams’ Week 4 meeting in early October. “I was telling them, ‘Y'all double-teaming and sliding and you're garbage.’ I don't have respect for anybody that plays too dirty and does too much extra [stuff] after the game. I can't wait to see them again. It's going to be a great time when I see them again."
What Heyward said about Jared Verse
That apparently did not sit well with the Steelers, especially considering they dropped a 27-24 decision in overtime during their trip to Cleveland on Oct. 2
Heyward said as much in an appearance on the Rich Eisen Show on Oct. 29 in anticipation of the rematch that will decide control of the AFC North division.
“Double teaming, sliding, chipping, are those not allowed in our game?” Heyward said Tuesday on The Rich Eisen show. “Yeah, I got the bruises to prove it. But we don’t whine about it, baby. It’s part of the game. And so, I’m looking forward to this game. It’s gonna be a fun game. Both teams are in position to do a lot of work in this division, as they say.
“The AFC North is on fire and I’m glad I’m in the kitchen because I like it that way. But those are words that were said and they will be addressed.”
The Steelers and Browns are fighting for first place in the division. The winning team will take the lead at 6-2. Cincinnati enters the week a half game behind both teams at 4-2.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Steelers respond to 'dirty' comments from Browns' Jared Verse with in-game scrap
