Photo: CBS
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been developing a more physical identity along the offensive line, and Mason McCormick provided another example of that during Sunday’s 27-6 victory over the Cleveland Browns.
Following Rico Dowdle‘s nine-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, Steelers guard Mason McCormick delivered a body slam to Browns defensive lineman Jared Verse during Chris Boswell‘s extra-point attempt. McCormick was flagged for unnecessary roughness, drawing a 15-yard penalty that was enforced on the ensuing kickoff. Boswell’s kick was good, giving Pittsburgh an early 7-0 lead.
While the officials didn’t appreciate McCormick’s actions, his teammates apparently had a different opinion about the play.
#Browns DE Jared Verse has been talking plenty of trash about the #Steelers….
Well, Steelers G Mason McCormick just did this to him. 😳😳pic.twitter.com/OP1iknS4JP
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 1, 2026
Steelers offensive tackle Troy Fautanu explained that McCormick’s response to a jumping defender wasn’t anything unusual. In fact, according to Fautanu, via ESPN’s Brooke Bryor, it’s something the guard does regularly.
“It’s funny because [Mason McCormick] does it every game. He does it to somebody like whoever’s jumping, it’s their fault for jumping in the first place. … It is what it is. I’m sure going forward, Mason’s going to continue to do it. I mean, what else are you going to do? Let a guy jump on your back like what are you supposed to do?”
Former NFL offensive lineman Jason Pinkston also defended McCormick on social media, disagreeing with the suggestion that McCormick’s actions were dirty.
Pinkston went as far as calling the technique “Offensive Line 101,” explaining that offensive linemen are taught to dump defenders who leave their feet rather than allow them to jump over or onto them.
Browns fans… I love y’all, but what Mason McCormick did to Jared Verse was NOT dirty at all! As an offensive lineman, you’re taught from day one that if a defensive player leaves his feet and jumps, YOU DUMP HIM! That’s Offensive Line 101.
— Jason Pinkston (@JasonPinkstonOL) November 2, 2026
Whatever anyone thinks about the penalty, the Steelers offensive line had a productive afternoon against Cleveland. Pittsburgh rushed for 200 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 6.1 yards per carry while allowing only one sack of Aaron Rodgers.
As for Verse, he finished the game with one assisted tackle, one quarterback hit and no sacks.
The Browns defense struggled to contain Pittsburgh’s rushing attack, particularly Jaylen Warren, who finished with 143 yards on 17 carries.
McCormick’s penalty may have cost Pittsburgh 15 yards of field position, but it also provided another glimpse of the physical mentality the Steelers have been bringing to the line of scrimmage during their four-game winning streak.
