Jared Verse Seeks Help from Team Psychiatrist to End Cleveland Sack Slump

Mental block holding Verse back

Cleveland Browns defensive end Jared Verse has taken a new step to try to get his season on track. Speaking on Thursday, the pass rusher revealed he recently met with the team psychiatrist to get past a frustrating sack slump.

Verse joined Cleveland after being named the 2024 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year and making two Pro Bowl appearances with the Los Angeles Rams. Through his first nine games with the Browns, he has not recorded a single sack.

Verse stated his problems are mental rather than physical. He explained that he trains his body every day to push himself to his physical limits, so he did not think his body was the problem. He felt he had a mental block, which led him to meet with people to figure out what was happening.

Big stats drop after blockbuster trade

The Browns acquired Verse in a major trade that sent two time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett to Los Angeles. Verse has struggled to match his past production since the move.

According to league statistics, Verse is one of three NFL players with at least 200 pass rush snaps this season who have not recorded a sack. His pressure numbers and win rates have dropped from his career averages.

During his first two seasons, Verse registered 99 pressures, trailing only Micah Parsons and Garrett. This year, his 3.4% pressure rate ranks 180th out of 199 qualifying players. His edge pass rush win rate of 11.2% ranks 55th out of 56 qualifying players. Verse admitted he has not played well at all this season and noted that he looks at what he can do better because he believes the defensive line goes as he goes.

Coach Todd Monken keeps the faith

Browns head coach Todd Monken said last week that he is not concerned about his defensive end. Monken pointed out that Verse loves to work and practice, but simply needs time to adjust to Cleveland's defensive style, which differs from what he did with the Rams.

Monken added that it is unfair to compare Verse to Garrett, calling Garrett an elite player in a category of his own. The coach noted that the team just needs Verse to be the best version of himself. Monken expects the sacks to pile up once the team gets ahead in games and forces opponents to throw the ball.

What it means for the next game

Houston Texans at Cleveland Browns (NFL, Sun, 15 Nov): Cleveland Browns win 34%, Houston Texans win 66%; projected score Cleveland Browns 18, Houston Texans 22. Our safest pick: Under 47.5 points.