Can the Rams beat the Eagles? | First Things First
The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Minnesota Vikings 27-9 and will face the Philadelphia Eagles in the divisional round. Nick Wright, Chris Broussard and Kevin Wildes ask if the Rams can beat the Eagles.
Los Angeles Rams rookie Jared Verse is making his feelings about Philadelphia Eagles fans very clear.
Speaking to the Los Angeles Times ahead of Sunday’s NFC divisional game, Verse spoke candidly about his feelings toward the Philadelphia fan base.
“I hate Eagles fans,” said Verse, who attended high school for three years in Pennsylvania.
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Los Angeles Rams linebacker Jared Verse (8) warms up before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at SOFI Stadium. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)
“They’re so annoying. I hate Eagles fans,” he continued.
Even seeing the Eagles’ team colors will elicit a reaction from the Rams’ star rookie.
“When I see that green and white, I hate it. I actually get angry. I actually get really hot.”
The Rams hope Verse will channel his anger toward Eagles fans when he’s on the field, as the team travels to Philadelphia to try to upset the Eagles.
The two teams faced off in Week 12 in Los Angeles, where the Eagles and running back Saquon Barkley dominated.
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Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) is pushed out of bounds by Los Angeles Rams linebacker Jared Verse (right) during the first half at SOFI Stadium. (Alex Gallardo-Imagn Images)
The Eagles won that game 37-20 and Barkley went on a rampage, racking up 302 yards from scrimmage, including 255 yards rushing with two touchdowns.
Verse said that even though the game was in Los Angeles, he heard Eagles fans heckling, despite wearing headphones.
“I didn’t even do anything to them. It was my first time playing. Oh, I hate Eagles fans,” Verse said.
Eagles fans could return the favor to Verse if he plays as well as he did in the Rams’ 27-9 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Monday.
Los Angeles Rams linebacker Jared Verse (8) recovers a fumble against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half in an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
Verse recovered a fumble from Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold and took it to the house for a 57-yard touchdown.
Verse’s regular season play puts him on the short list to potentially win Defensive Rookie of the Year, as Verse had 4.5 sacks with 66 total tackles and was named to the Pro Bowl.
The Rams face the Eagles on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET, where the rookie is sure to hear the noise from Eagles fans.
