Steelers’ Jaquan Brisker calls out Browns’ Jared Verse for trash talk

Steelers' Jaquan Brisker calls out Browns' Jared Verse for trash talk.

Key points

• 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 session Nov.
• Left guard Mason McCormick slammed Verse to the ground on an extra point attempt after Rico Dowdle's touchdown that put Pittsburgh up 7-0 in the first quarter.
• 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.
• Verse is in his first season with the Browns after coming over from the Rams with draft picks in exchange for All-Pro pass rusher Myles Garrett.
• Steelers coach Mike McCarthy explains the ankle injury that forced him to spend halftime in the medical tent during Pittsburgh's win over Tampa Bay.

Steelers' Jaquan Brisker calls out Browns' Jared Verse for trash talk. Adam Bittner USA TODAY. Mike McCarthy has hilarious reaction to spending halftime in medical tent.

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 session Nov. 1 at Acrisure Stadium.

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.

As Cleveland was forced to punt on the subsequent drive, the penalty concluded up not hurting the Steelers. As the Steelers went on to secure a 27-6 win to move into sole possession of first place in the AFC North, the Browns had no answers the rest of the day.

"They were talking crazy, " Verse remarked to journalists after facing the Steelers back in Week 4. "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 after the game. I can't wait to see them again. It's going to be a great time when I see them again."

Required reading: Steelers' Rico Dowdle looking to progress up on-ramp after injury. What Heyward remarked concerning 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 remarked 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 remarked Tuesday on The Rich Eisen show. Yeah, I obtained the bruises to prove it. But we don't whine regarding it, baby. It's part of the game. And so, I'm looking forward to this game. It's gonna be a fun game. As they say, both teams are in position to do a lot of work in this division.

"The AFC North is on fire and I'm glad I'm in the kitchen since I like it that way. But those are words that were remarked and they will be addressed."

For context, the Steelers pounded the ball at the Browns for most of the afternoon. Running back Rico Dowdle and Jaylen Warren combined for 200 yards on the ground.

In practice, the Steelers offensive line mostly neutralized Verse. He registered just one tackle and one quarterback hit on the afternoon, so Heyward seemed content not to respond further to the trash talk.

"Not motivated by that, " he remarked. "We were motivated since we wanted to secure this damn win before we obtained to the bye. So there were bigger fish to fry." Some teammates were happy to provide a little more passion afterward.

Safety Jaquan Brisker is in his first season with his hometown team and took exception to what Verse remarked, especially considering his mostly invisible performance.

"He should have kept his mouth shut, " Brisker remarked. "All that talking, and to come out with zero tackles. I mean, that's bad. You didn't stand behind your words, and you didn't stand on business. So he's gotta look himself in the mirror and obtain better."

McCormick informed the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that he didn't know Verse was the player he upended on the play that he was penalized for.

"I just felt someone jump, " he remarked. "We're told to get jumper's hands down, and that's really it."

For his part, Verse didn't walk anything back after his team – and his defense in particular – was humbled on the field.

For context, the Browns were outgained by a 361-319 margin and managed just one sack of Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers after taking him down five times back in Week 4.

"I stand by everything I said, " Verse remarked to journalists. "As a man, you have to naturally do that. I think we could have definitely done more to present ourselves as the team that we are. I don't know who the hell that team was that walked out there and presented themselves. We didn't do enough throughout the board from the first quarter to the last quarter."

Verse is in his first season with the Browns after coming over from the Rams with draft picks in exchange for All-Pro pass rusher Myles Garrett. He has yet to register a sack in seven games in 2026. Share your feedback to support improve our site!

Taken together, the developments around steelers Jaquan Brisker calls out Browns Jared Verse for trash talk point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.