Rams star Jared Verse wants to see the Eagles at

Nothing but respect.

That’s what Rams edge rusher Jared Verse professed Thursday when requested about returning to play the Philadelphia Eagles before their followers at Lincoln Financial Field.

Verse, the Rams’ top decide in the 2024 NFL draft, despatched shock waves through the NFL last January when he said before an NFC divisional-round sport that he hated Eagles followers and indicated that the crew’s inexperienced and white uniforms triggered him.

On sport day, Verse inspired and welcomed the colourful verbiage that got here his means, and he recorded two of the Rams’ seven sacks in a 28-22 defeat.

Verse’s phrases might need incited the Eagles devoted, but based on fan response a week later before their crew performed the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship, Verse earned big respect.

“My feelings are roughly the same,” Verse said, chuckling. “But like it is with everybody, I respect people that not only respect me but that stand on business. They stood on business with the situation. They came with their energy.

“After the game I tipped my hat off to them, they tipped it back. … I have respect for those fans, I have respect for the players, I have respect for all of them, but I stand on everything I’ve ever said.”

For opposing offensive coordinators, Verse is no longer a downside to attempt to remedy on the fly. They have had an whole offseason to draw up schemes to neutralize the 6-foot-4, 260-pound Verse, the 2024 NFL defensive rookie of the yr.

From a glamour statistics perspective, it seems to be working. But that doesn’t inform the entire story.

In victories over the Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans, Verse made a mixed 5 tackles and delivered three quarterback hits for a protection that has surrendered only one landing.

Meantime, fellow edge rusher Byron Young has three sacks and a compelled fumble. Rookie Josaiah Stewart acquired his first sack against the Titans.

Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula famous that Verse stays an influence participant.

“You talk about a lot of the attention that he gets,” Shula said. “Some of the success of Byron Young and Josaiah Stewart [has happened] because a lot of that attention is paid to Verse.

“He’ll be the first to tell you he can be more consistent, he can play with better effort and be snap in and snap out. But we think Verse is exactly where we want him to be and expect him to play well.”

Verse said it was irritating “not being able to say, ‘Oh, I’m making this play, I’m making that play,’” particularly when watching other top gamers who demand comparable consideration convert alternatives.

“But then you gotta realize, not only am I helping the team, I’m helping my whole defense. I’m helping these guys make the plays,” he said.

Verse, however, said he needed to capitalize on his alternatives.

“I’m getting my one-on-ones,” he said, “I’m getting a pure ‘me-him, who’s-the-better-man play, and I’m not taking advantage of those.

“So this whole week, that’s been my main focus.”

Verse and the Rams will once again attempt to neutralize an Eagles offense that options operating back Saquon Barkley, quarterback Jalen Hurts and maybe the top line in the NFL, which options tackles Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata.

Rams linebacker Jared Verse walks on the area before a win over the Houston Texans at SoFi Stadium on Sept. 7.

(Kyusung Gong / Associated Press)

Last season, in a November victory over the Rams, Barkley amassed 302 whole yards, including 255 speeding. He scored on runs of 72 and 70 yards.

In the divisional spherical, Barkley rushed for 205 yards and scored on runs of 62 and 78 yards.

“All you have to do is eliminate the explosives,” Verse said. “We take away the explosives, both of those games are very winnable.”

So Verse is raring to play the Eagles again. And to show that like other great gamers, he can overcome additional consideration and make performs.

“The greats get that attention,” he said, “The greats break through it. … I just have to pass this next phase, this next wall, this next mountain.

“That’s the only thing I’m focused on. Once I pass that, we’re cooking with oil again.”