One of the more underutilized tools on the Los Angeles Rams’ defense is Jared Verse’s ability to blitz up the middle. A powerful force, Verse’s patented bull rush move has continuously caused havoc on the line of scrimmage. However, as he is a natural edge defender, Verse doesn’t often get the opportunity to rush from the inside.
Verse has yet to develop a pass-rush arsenal that would elevate his game. As a result, Verse has been unable to improve his rate of pressures to sacks to a level of his liking.
The Rams learned a massive lesson in 2025. Their pass rush is a lot better than expected, and yet it’s still not as effective as it needs to be. Not many saw Byron Young having the breakout season he did, and Josaiah Stewart is much better than expected.
In the same breath, Braden Fiske was unable to replicate his rookie production, and the team did fall short in big occasions last season. It’s not a talent issue. Part of the problem is maturity, but that is something time and experience will fix. The major flaw is utilization.
The Rams didn’t have the same pressure coming from inside as they have had in years past. Verse changes that element by naturally changing the math. If the Rams are able to force the opposition to pass, they’ll be able to use Verse’s power to pair with Kobie Turner and Fiske on the inside. One of them will naturally get double-teamed. That means two of those three have one-on-one matchups, being able to drive their lineman into the quarterback’s chest.
As speed threats, Stewart and Young could work the outside to corral a quarterback attempting to navigate a closing pocket. They also have the ability to drop into coverage if needed.
Verse’s power is unmatched, and interior offensive linemen typically do not have the tools to deal with a player who has the speed, size, and strength that Verse possesses. If the Rams can get Verse to crash the inside, that could be the change that turns Verse from a Pro Bowler into an All-Pro.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams must find ways to utilize underrated part of Jared Verse’s game
Reporting by Brock Vierra, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
