Before the Los Angeles Rams’ playoff clash with the Philadelphia Eagles earlier this year, rookie linebacker Jared Verse didn’t hold back.
“I hate Eagles fans,” Verse said bluntly. “They’re so annoying. I hate Eagles fans.”
But after an intense Divisional Round battle in Philadelphia — one that lived up to its billing — Verse has softened his stance, if only slightly. Speaking recently with Whistle Sports, the reigning AP Defensive Rookie of the Year gave the Philly faithful unexpected credit.
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“Probably the Eagles,” Verse answered when asked to name the NFL’s best opposing fan base. “I’ve got to give them that. I like when you kind of get into it — you’re aggressive, you’re loud — and they stand by that with no doubt.”
It’s a notable shift for the former Florida State standout, who previously antagonized the fan base ahead of that snowy January playoff matchup. Philadelphia fans — notorious for their unrelenting passion — met his words with the fury he seemed to expect. Verse, however, held his own with two sacks and three tackles for loss in a narrow 28-22 Rams defeat.
Philly’s Tough Crowd
Verse admitted that playing in Philadelphia was unlike anything he experienced during his rookie season.
“Playing the Eagles is like playing your rival in college,” he said. “You never know what they’re going to say, and they’re going to try to say disrespectful stuff. Don’t get me wrong — they’re not going to cross a line, but they’ll definitely say something where you’re like, ‘Who you talking to?’”
Verse, who grew up in Pennsylvania, will get another dose of that in Week 3 when the Rams return to Lincoln Financial Field. While some fans might appreciate his recent compliments, chances are they’ll be just as rowdy — a challenge the fiery linebacker seems to welcome.
Training camp is just around the corner, and Verse has already promised a leap in production in Year 2. If his return trip to Philadelphia is anything like the last, expect fireworks — and plenty of noise from the stands.
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