CLEVELAND — The game between the Steelers and the Browns ended dramatically on Thursday night, with a final incompletion amidst the snowy conditions that blanketed the field. However, the tension between the two teams didn’t dissipate with the final whistle.

In a heated moment, Pittsburgh wide receiver George Pickens needed to be held back from confronting Cleveland cornerback Greg Newsome III. This happened after Pickens pulled Newsome by the helmet, dragging him out of the back of the end zone during a last-ditch attempt for a Hail Mary pass in the Steelers’ 24-19 defeat. While running downfield, Pickens seemed to focus little on the ball thrown by Russell Wilson, instead trying to engage with Newsome, which escalated into a physical interaction near the boundary.

Television coverage captured the moment when Pickens was restrained as he attempted to confront Newsome, who didn’t shy away from expressing his feelings about the altercation after the game. “He’s a fake tough guy,” Newsome stated, criticizing Pickens for his aggressive antics. He accused him of not going for the ball and instead trying to engage in a wrestling match with him, explaining the tension that brewed at the end of the game.

This incident is likely to carry over into future matchups, with both teams set to face off again on December 8 in Pittsburgh. Earlier this season, Pickens had already been penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct when he grabbed the face mask of Dallas Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis near the end of a game, demonstrating a pattern of heated interactions.

While Pickens opted not to comment directly on the scuffle with Newsome, he did express his belief that the weather conditions had a significant impact on the game. “Conditions played a huge, huge part in today’s game,” Pickens remarked, finishing the night with four receptions totaling 48 yards. He added that he did not have a high opinion of the Browns’ performance, suggesting that the adverse weather conditions ultimately benefited them.

Newsome responded by suggesting that the Steelers underestimated the Browns. “I don’t think they respected us,” he said, pointing out that many teams overlook the capabilities of the Browns. He emphasized the importance of their victory in prime time, describing it as a significant achievement for the team.