Jared Verse spent three years of high school in Pennsylvania.
So the Rams rookie knows everything about the Philadelphia Eagles, his team’s opponent Sunday in an NFC divisional round playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field.
Was Verse an Eagles fan?
“I hate Eagles fans,” Verse told the Times on Thursday. “They’re so boring.” I hate Eagles fans.
Verse repeated the phrase several times. And the favorite for Defensive Rookie of the Year did it with the same passion evident in his pass rushes.
“When I see this green and white, I hate it. Actually, I’m upset. Like I was really hot.
Rams linebacker Jared Verse on how he hates the Philadelphia Eagles
Verse noted that when rams After playing against the Eagles in November at SoFi Stadium, Eagles fans shouted obscenities at him that he could hear despite wearing headphones.
“I didn’t even do anything to them,” he said. “It was the first time I played. Oh, I hate Eagles fans.
Apparently the Eagles colors are going off as well.
“When I see that green and white, I hate it,” he said. “I’m actually upset. Like I was really hot.
Verse, however, added that he would be disciplined Sunday, stay on assignment and contribute to a Rams defense that needs to control the running back. Saquon Barkley if coach Sean McVay’s team wants to avenge its 37-20 loss to the Eagles and advance to the NFC championship game.
Learn more: Rams will have a ‘sense of urgency’ to slow down Saquon Barkley and Eagles
In November, Barkley had 302 total yards against the Rams, including 255 on the ground, and scored on runs of 72 and 70 yards. The Rams were unable to make tackles and also missed Barkley on several occasions.
Verse acknowledged his role in the debacle. Many times, he said, opportunities to limit Barkley to a short gain went wrong and resulted in long runs because he was trying to do too much.
“I just didn’t take advantage of it,” he said. “I left my feet.”
In the seven games since, Verse said he has improved in that regard. In last Monday’s 27-9 win over the Minnesota Vikings, the 6-foot-4, 260-pound Verse showed just how agile he is.
The former high school sprinter recovered a fumble from quarterback Sam Darnold and ran 57 yards for a touchdown. NFL Next Gen Stats Clocked Verse at 19.88 mph
“I’ve been trying to show Coach McVay that I can play wide receiver or running back – whatever he wants me to do,” Verse said.
Verse, the 19th player chosen in last year’s draft, said every time he recovered a fumble in college, an opposing player tackled him before he could run.
Against the Vikings, Verse had a clear path to the end zone.
“I was like, if I reach five meters then no one will catch me, so I left,” he said. “So once I got my five, it was like it was over. So I was just trying to see how fast I could go.
Verse is one of the best players on a young Rams defensive front that is excelling in the post-Aaron Donald era. Against the Vikings, the Rams tied an NFL playoff record with nine sacks.
Verse had 4½ sacks and was among the league leaders in quarterback pressures. On Sunday, he again faces an Eagles line that includes two-time All-Pro right tackle Lane Johnson and left tackle Jordan Mailata.
Learn more: The Rams’ unsung heroes were the difference again against the Vikings, with the Eagles the next target
In the first game, Verse created a viral moment when he crushed the 6-8, 366-pound Mailata.
“I remember when I had a flat back,” Mailata told reporters in Philadelphia this week. “It was a good rush on his part.
“The guy plays with high motor skills. I think he plays well, he plays hard. He has good movements. …To be honest, I have a few on him too. Good, good.
Verse continues to rush and stays exceptionally fast at the snap, Johnson said.
“He plays hard, he’s really shined in the running game too,” Johnson told reporters in Philadelphia. “He’s just one of those players who is obviously very talented. The more experience he gains, the better he will become. »
Verse, the only Ram selected for the Pro Bowl Games, is expected to be among the finalists for playoff awards in New Orleans during Super Bowl week.
Learn more: NFL Divisional Playoff Picks: Rams among road teams looking for surprises, except favored Ravens
But he aims to play the big match.
“I never focused on the results of anything,” he said when asked about the awards ceremony. “If I do what I’m supposed to do, everything else will come with it.
“This year, I could be talking about winning this prestigious award – and I’m happy to be part of that conversation.
“Next year we’re trying to be part of a broader conversation. But that comes with work.
Progress toward that goal continues Sunday when Verse plays the Eagles — and in front of their fans — at their home stadium.
“I’m going to go crazy,” he said, adding that he would play his part. “It’s going to be something.”
Etc.
The Rams designated inside linebacker Troy Reeder and defensive lineman Larrell Murchison to return to practice from injured reserve. … Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (thigh) and defensive lineman Bobby Brown III (shoulder) did not practice and tight end Tyler Higbee (chest) was limited. McVay said he expected everyone to play Sunday.
This story was originally published in Los Angeles Times.
