Rams’ Jared Verse mentally set for Philly: ‘I hate | College News

Jared Verse spent three years of high faculty in Pennsylvania.

So the Rams rookie edge rusher is aware of all in regards to the Philadelphia Eagles, his crew’s opponent Sunday in an NFC divisional-round playoff recreation at Lincoln Financial Field.

Was Verse an Eagles fan?

“I hate Eagles fans,” Verse instructed The Times on Thursday. “They’re so annoying. I hate Eagles fans.”

Verse repeated the phrase a number of occasions. And the front-runner for defensive rookie of the yr did so with the identical ardour evident in his cross speeding.

Verse famous that when the Rams performed the Eagles in November at SoFi Stadium, Eagles followers gave him an earful of obscenities that he might make out regardless of sporting headphones.

“I didn’t even do nothing to ‘em,” he said. “It was my first time playing. Oh, I hate Eagles fans.”

Apparently the Eagles’ colours are also triggering.

“When I see that green and white I hate it,” he mentioned. “I actually get upset. Like I actually genuinely get hot.”

Verse, nevertheless, added he could be disciplined Sunday, keep on his assignments and contribute to a Rams protection that should control operating back Saquon Barkley if coach Sean McVay’s crew is to avenge its 37-20 defeat to the Eagles and advance to the NFC championship recreation.

In November, Barkley amassed 302 whole yards in opposition to the Rams, together with 255 speeding, and scored on runs of 72 and 70 yards. The Rams had been out of place to make tackles and likewise missed Barkley a number of occasions.

Verse acknowledged his position within the debacle. Several occasions, he mentioned, alternatives to restrict Barkley to a short gain went awry and resulted in long runs as a result of he tried to do an excessive amount of.

“I just didn’t take advantage of them,” he mentioned. “I left my feet.”

In the seven video games since, Verse mentioned he has improved in that regard. In final Monday’s 27-9 wild-card victory over the Minnesota Vikings, the 6-foot-4, 260-pound Verse confirmed how fleet he was on his ft.

The former high faculty sprinter scooped a fumble by quarterback Sam Darnold and dashed 57 yards for a landing. NFL’s 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 needs me to do,” Verse mentioned.

Verse, the nineteenth participant chosen in final yr’s draft, mentioned each time he recovered a fumble in school, an opposing participant tackled him earlier than he might run.

Against the Vikings, Verse had a clear path to the tip zone.

“I was like, if I got five yards, then nobody is catching me, I’m like gone,” he mentioned. “So once I got my five in, like it’s over with. So I was just trying to see how fast I could get.”

Verse is one of the highest gamers for a younger Rams defensive entrance that’s excelling within the post-Aaron Donald period. Against the Vikings, the Rams tied an NFL postseason document with 9 sacks.

Verse has 4½ sacks and was among the many league leaders in quarterback pressures. On Sunday, he as soon as again goes up in opposition to an Eagles line that options two-time All-Pro proper sort out Lane Johnson and left sort out Jordan Mailata.

In the primary recreation, Verse created a viral second when he ran over the 6-8, 366-pound Mailata.

“I remember when I got flat-backed,” Mailata instructed Philadelphia reporters this week. “It was a good rush by him.

“The guy plays with a high motor. I think he plays well, he plays hard. He’s got some great moves. … To be fair, I got a couple on him too. Good on good.”

Verse continues to bull rush and stays exceptionally fast on the snap, Johnson mentioned.

“He plays hard, really has come along in the run game too,” Johnson instructed Philadelphia reporters. “He’s just one of those players that’s obviously really talented. The more experience he gets, the better he’s going to become.”

Verse, the one Ram chosen to the Pro Bowl Games, is predicted to be among the many postseason award finalists in New Orleans during Super Bowl week.

But he goals to be taking part in within the large recreation.

“I’ve never been focused on the results of anything,” he mentioned when requested about awards speak. “If I do what I’m supposed to do, everything else will come with it.

“This year, I might be in the conversation of winning that prestigious award — and I’m happy to be in that conversation.

“Next year, it’s trying to be in a bigger conversation. But that comes with work.”

Progress towards that purpose continues Sunday when Verse performs in opposition to the Eagles — and in entrance of their followers — of their home stadium.

“I’m going to go crazy,” he mentioned, including that he would play within his position. “It’s going to be something.”

Etc.

The Rams designated inside linebacker Troy Reeder and defensive lineman Larrell Murchison to return to observe from injured reserve. … Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (thigh) and defensive lineman Bobby Brown III (shoulder) didn’t observe and tight finish Tyler Higbee (chest) was restricted. McVay mentioned he anticipated that every one would play Sunday.