A Mental Challenge
Cleveland Browns defensive end Jared Verse revealed on Thursday that he met with the team psychiatrist to work through a recent slump. Verse has played nine games for Cleveland this season without recording a single sack.
He arrived in Cleveland following a major trade that sent two time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams. Verse was named the 2024 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year and earned two Pro Bowl selections during his time with the Rams.
Despite his past success, the move to Cleveland has proven difficult. Statistics from NFL Next Gen Stats show Verse is one of only three players in the league this season to take at least 200 pass rush snaps without recording a sack.
Facing Lower Numbers
Verse explained that his struggles on the field are not related to his physical health. He stated that he trains his body to its limits every day, calling the issue a mental block. He added that he has taken steps to address the problem after speaking with people inside the organization.
The drop in production is noticeable. In his first two NFL seasons, Verse recorded 99 pressures, trailing only Micah Parsons and Garrett. This year, his numbers have dropped significantly.
His pressure rate of 3.4 percent ranks 180th among 199 qualifying players. His edge pass rush win rate of 11.2 percent places him 55th out of 56 qualifying players. Verse admitted that he has not played well this season and feels responsible for how the defensive line performs.
Support From the Coach
Head coach Todd Monken addressed the situation last week and said he was not worried about Verse. Monken explained that it is still early and that Verse works hard every day in practice.
The coach noted that Verse is still adapting to a new defensive system that differs from what he was used to with the Rams. Monken also stated that it is unfair to compare Verse to Garrett, pointing out that Garrett is in an elite category of his own.
Monken expressed confidence that Verse will improve as he gets comfortable with the defense. He added that getting leads in games will force opponents to throw the ball more, which should help Verse start collecting sacks soon.
Read next
- Football predictions today
- Jackpot predictions this week
- NFL and every other league
- NFL official website
Good to know: We are not paid for any link on this page.
Be the first to comment
Tell us who you think wins and why. Keep it friendly. Links are removed on their own.
Note: comments are the writer own opinion, not ours, and never a tip from us.
18+Read this before you bet
- There are no sure bets. Every tip on this page is a chance worked out from data about the next game. A tip at 70 percent still loses about three times in ten. Anyone selling a sure bet or a fixed match is lying.
- Betting is not income. Never bet to pay rent, school fees or a loan, and never borrow to bet, including from mobile loan apps.
- 18 and over only. Betting under 18 is illegal in Kenya.
- Use licensed bookmakers. Only bet with operators licensed by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya. Prices here can change before you bet, so check them first.
- Gambling can be addictive. If it stops being fun, stop. Read our responsible betting page or visit Responsible Gaming Federation of Kenya.
Good to know: We are not a bookmaker and we do not take bets. Full details are in our disclaimer.
