nbcsports
Jared Verse generated considerable buzz before the Browns' Week 9 matchup with the Steelers, but the defensive end was largely quiet on the field in Pittsburgh. Verse recorded just one tackle in the 27-6 loss, continuing a slow start to his tenure in Cleveland.
After posting 8.5 sacks and 34 quarterback hits across 20 games for the Rams in 2025, Verse has yet to register a sack and has only six quarterback hits since joining the Browns via the Myles Garrett trade.
During a Monday press conference, head coach Todd Monken was asked about the absence of splash plays from Verse and whether expectations for an immediate impact were unrealistic. Monken urged patience while expressing confidence that bigger things are ahead for the young defender.
"Well, I think it's too early to say anything," Monken said, according to the team's transcript. "I mean, I love the way Jared works every day since he's come here, just like all of our guys, he loves to work. He likes being on the field and practicing. And I think it's a matter of adapting to our style, which is, you know, there are some things that aren't as similar to what he was used to doing with the Rams and the attack style. And I think it's just a matter of time before, you know, he really gets comfortable in what we're doing defensively."
Monken also pushed back against comparisons between Verse and Garrett, the former Browns star who was dealt in the offseason. "And it's unfair to compare him to Myles Garrett. I think that's always been unfair. Myles is in an elite category of his own. That's okay. I mean, that's who he is. But we just need Jared to be the best version of Jared, and I think we're going to continue to see growth there."
Key Analysis
The Browns hold a 5-3 record despite limited production from Verse, but their playoff aspirations would be bolstered if he begins making headlines with his play rather than his locker-room comments. Monken outlined a clear path for Verse's breakthrough: "And again, what will help us? Be ahead in games, force the other team to throw it, and I think you'll start to see his sacks start to pile up." For now, the focus remains on Verse growing more comfortable in Cleveland's defensive system and delivering the kind of impact that made him a sought-after acquisition.
Originally reported by nbcsports.