Nov 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) gets pushed out-of-bounds by Los Angeles Rams linebacker Jared Verse (right) during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Alex Gallardo-Imagn Images Alex Gallardo
Sunday's NFC Divisional Round playoff matchup will be the first time that Los Angeles Rams' standout rookie Jared Verse plays at Lincoln Financial Field. But he's already got strong opinions about the nearly 70,000 fans likely to be in attendance.
“I hate Eagles fans,” Verse said to Gary Klein of The Los Angeles Times. “They’re so annoying. I hate Eagles fans.”
The impetus for the question was that Verse is a graduate of Central Columbia High School in Bloomsburg. Those of you who have spent any time in that area know its the part of the state where the lines start to get a little blurred on what's Eagles country, but to those in LA, it's relatively close to Philly. And so, Klein asked Verse if he was an Eagles fans when he played high school football in Central Pennsylvania.
While Verse has yet to play in Philadelphia, Eagles fans took over SoFi Stadium in Week 12. The Eagles eventually won that Sunday Night Football matchup 37-20, with Saquon Barkley setting a new franchise record with 255 rushing yards.
“When I see that green and white I hate it,” Verse added. “I actually get upset. Like I actually genuinely get hot.”
Rams' coach Sean McVay almost certainly doesn't appreciate Verse making these statements publicly, although as an underdog it probably doesn't hurt Verse to find any extra motivation to try to come in to Lincoln Financial Field and help pull off a shocking upset.
The No. 19 overall pick in this past year's NFL Draft, Verse has proven to be a game-wrecker in his rookie season. During the regular season, Verse had 66 combined tackles, 18 quarterback hits, 11 tackles for a loss, 4 1/2 sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He had a fumble recovery during the Rams' 27-9 win over the Minnesota Vikings in the Wild Card Round.
Often, giving the opposing team bulletin-board material like this doesn't prove to be a wise strategy. However, if there's anyone capable of backing it up individually, it's probably Verse.
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