The Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers are rivals . . . and last night’s game on “Thursday Night Football” was filled with intensity, illegal hits, and it ended with an INSANE BRAWL.

In the closing seconds, Browns defensive end Myles Garrett tackled Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph.  They started fighting on the ground, and grabbing each other’s helmets.

Garrett actually yanked Rudolph’s helmet off, and then used it as a weapon . . . swinging it at Rudolph and BASHING HIM IN THE HEAD.

Several Steelers players including center Maurkice Pouncey tackled Garrett, throwing punches and kicking him in the head.

The Browns came in with their own aggression, and Browns defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi shoved Rudolph to the ground, AFTER he was hit with his own helmet.  It was a cheap shot.

Garrett, Pouncey, and Ogunjobi were ejected.  Garrett and Pouncey will surely be suspended . . . but it’s unclear how long.  There’s some talk that Garrett could be out for the rest of the SEASON.

Cleveland quarterback Baker Mayfield called Garrett’s helmet hit “inexcusable.”  And Browns coach Freddie Kitchens said that he was embarrassed and that Garrett is embarrassed.  Garrett himself called it “foolish [and] out of character.”

It’s worth mentioning that Rudolph instigated the helmet grabbing by trying to pull Garrett’s off FIRST.  Not that that excuses Garrett’s actions.

Earlier in the game, Browns safety Damarious Randall was ejected after a brutal helmet-to-helmet hit on Steelers receiver Diontae Johnson, which left him bleeding from the ear.

For what it’s worth, the Browns won the game 21-7, although no one was talking about the win after the game.

(Here’s footage of the brawl.  Here’s Rudolph trying to grab Garrett’s helmet first.  And here’s a clip of Garrett talking afterward, with some reactions from around the league.)

(ESPN)