Prior to the Philadelphia Eagles taking on the L.A. Rams in the NFC Divisional Round, some of the involved players found themselves doing what always happens prior to a significant matchup: trash talking.
It was mostly being done on the Rams' end, to be specific. Standout rookie defensive lineman Jared Verse didn't exactly mince words this past week when talking about his feelings toward the Eagles organization.
To narrow it down, Verse opened up on his thoughts when it came to Eagles fans. Just two days before the Divisional Round, Verse had some unpleasant things to say.
“I hate Eagles fans. They’re so annoying. I hate Eagles fans. When I see that green and white, I hate it. I actually get upset. I actually genuinely get hot.”
Eagles players were asked about Verse's comments, of course, and you better believe those words made an imprint. Running back Saquon Barkley chimed in based on experience with Philly fans.
"Probably not the smartest thing to say when you are coming to Philadelphia. I have been on the other side and even if I felt some type of way, probably would not give them any extra fuel. Pretty sure Philly fans seeing that comment ... It was already going to be loud and rocking," the running back said.
Well, when the final seconds wound off the clock and the Eagles ended up advancing to the NFC Championship Game, Verse's comments would end up being a massive topic of discussion. Barkley was right. The fans were rowdy. The fans got what they came for: a win.
Jalen Carter took the high road when given the attempt to dunk on Jared Verse
Star defensive tackle Jalen Carter was asked about Verse's trash talk after the win and decided to take the high road.
"You know what, that's motivation to us ... it's cool. I love his game. He's a baller," Carter said.
#Eagles DT Jalen Carter on pregame chatter with Jared Verse, said he told him, “You know that’s motivation to us.” Added, “It’s still cool. I love his game. He’s a baller.”
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 19, 2025
DT Moro Ojomo to the left of the frame then laughed and said, “You’re too nice.” https://t.co/yyVjf4Wcb9 pic.twitter.com/DjJNLsXCj4
More Eagles news:
Funny enough, it was his defensive line partner in crime, Moro Ojomo, who wanted to give more of a jab at Verse.
Ojomo is right. Carter was being way too nice.
Although, Carter wasn't necessarily "nice" on that final defensive series of the game when he single-handedly wrecked the Rams' hopes of a comeback.
The very last two defensive plays came to a screeching halt thanks to Carter's pressure on quarterback Matthew Stafford, leading to a sack followed by the game-sealing incomplete pass intended for Rams wideout Puka Nacua.
With an opportunity to stand on his performance and talk a little smack in response to Verse and the Rams, Carter simply allowed his play to do the talking instead.