PITTSBURGH (AP) The chaotic ending will live on in infamy. The carnage that came before it, however, could have just as significant an impact on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ season.

The ugly confrontation between Cleveland defensive end Myles Garrett and Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph on the final play of the Browns’ 21-7 victory last Thursday- an altercation that culminated with Garrett drilling Rudolph in the head with Rudolph’s own helmet, a swing that resulted in Garrett being suspended indefinitely by the NFL - provided a chilling flashpoint that reverberated far beyond the 120 miles that separate the longtime AFC North rivals.

Rudolph insisted in the aftermath that he’s fine. Maybe, but the Steelers (5-5) most certainly are not.