LOS ANGELES – Jared Verse secured a Pro Bowl selection on Thursday, an achievement the rookie outside linebacker for the Los Angeles Rams hopes will not distract him from pursuing an extended playoff journey.
In addition to this accolade, Verse also made a playful wager with fellow rookie Braden Fiske that the player who registers the fewest sacks would have to shave his beard. Initially, Verse led in quarterback takedowns, but as the regular season nears its conclusion, he now finds himself trailing the defensive tackle as they head into their final game against the Seattle Seahawks next Sunday. This shift in standings began after Fiske achieved two sacks during a tight 26-20 overtime match against Seattle on November 3.
“At first, when everyone is leading, it feels like a joke, but now the stakes are real,” Verse remarked about the friendly bet he extended to the entire defensive line. “But that’s not happening. I recall there was no official handshake, so I’m not worried.”
Despite hitting a plateau with 4.5 sacks over the last seven games, this doesn’t necessarily reflect Verse’s ability as a pass rusher this season. In fact, he currently ties for second in the NFL with 53 hurries and ranks fourth with 74 pressures.
Chris Shula, the Rams’ defensive coordinator, commented on Verse’s impact, stating, “His ability to affect the game is tremendous. Earning a Pro Bowl selection despite having only 4.5 sacks demonstrates his capabilities. His peers and coaches respect him greatly, and we know the value he brings to our team. It’s gratifying to see that his contributions are recognized league-wide.”
Verse’s pressure statistics stand out, particularly when compared to some of the most notable rookie talents in the league. He has achieved more pressures than Will Anderson (67), Nick Bosa (60), Micah Parsons (58), and Joey Bosa (44) managed during their Defensive Rookie of the Year campaigns.
Having earned Pro Bowl honors and becoming the only representative for the NFC West champion Rams (currently 10-6), Verse is likely to receive additional accolades soon. While he appreciates the recognition, it’s not his driving force.
“I’ve always believed that if you put in the work, the accolades will follow,” Verse explained. “I’ve never been fixated on awards or nominations; it’s all about the effort, and whatever happens will happen.”
Together, Verse, Fiske, second-year defensive tackle Kobie Turner, and second-year outside linebacker Byron Young are instrumental in navigating the team through the transition following Aaron Donald’s retirement. Both Fiske and Turner have recorded eight sacks this season, while Young has tallied seven.
In their first meeting this season in Week 9, all four players succeeded in bringing down Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith, combining for an impressive five of the Rams’ seven sacks – their highest in the season. After struggling with just one sack over an extended three-game period in late November and early December, the defense has bounced back strongly, securing eight over their last three matches. Fiske contributed two sacks in a recent 13-9 victory over Arizona, while Young and Turner each added one.
“I think you’d hope it would play out like this a little bit,” Shula said. “Witnessing these players come together as a unit throughout the season has been enjoyable. Back in OTAs, we believed we had a chance at creating pressure upfront, even though we faced some challenges along the way. But I’m genuinely pleased with the growth we’ve seen in that group.”
Verse and Fiske are central to a youthful resurgence in Rams football, with a league-leading 16 rookies making up a roster averaging 25.6 years old—the second youngest in the NFL.
“Reflecting on our journey from OTAs to training camp and the joint practices, I can see how far not just I’ve progressed but how much our entire rookie class has evolved,” Verse stated. “Witnessing the development of players like linebacker Omar Speights has been incredibly fulfilling.”
