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Jalen Carter addresses pregame beef with Rams rookie Jared Verse

Brian Jones Profile Picby:Brian Jones•01/19/25•

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Jalen Carter
Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (98) against the Green Bay Packers in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Jalen Carter revealed what he said to Los Angeles Rams edge rusher Jared Verse before the Divisional Round playoff game. Mike Garafolo of NFL Network asked Carter what he said to Verse who was waving and talking trash Eagles fans while walking around the field.

“You know that’s motivation to us.” Jalen Carter said. “It’s still cool. I love his game. He’s a baller.”

Earlier in the week, Jared Verse told the Los Angeles Times (per CBS Sports), “I hate Eagles fans,” and said they were “so annoying.” 

Verse comments led to Eagles running back Saquon Barkley having a strong response. “Probably not the smartest thing to say when you’re coming to Philadelphia,” Barkley said on Friday, per ESPN. “I’ve been on the other side [as a member of the New York Giants] and even if I felt some type of way, I probably wouldn’t give them any extra fuel. I’m pretty sure Philly fans have seen that comment. It was already going to be loud and rocking so it’s just only going to add to it.”

Jalen Carter and Jared Verse put on a show in Divisional Round game

Carter, Barkley and the Eagles got the last laugh as they defeated Verse and the Rams 28-22. Carter had a big game on Sunday, registering five tackles, two tackles for loss, two sacks, three quarterback hits, one pass defended and one forced fumble. Barkley rushed for 205 and two touchdowns on 26 carries in the win.

Despite coming up short, Verse proved he’s one of the top young pass rushers in the NFL. The former Florida State star notched four tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks and two quarterback hits.

The Eagles will play in the NFC Championship game for the second time in three seasons, and Carter is a big reason for their success this year. The former Georgia Bulldogs star was named to the Pro Bowl and the All-Pro Second Team this season after posting 42 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, six passes defended and two forced fumbles.

“My first year was OK,” Carter said in May of last year, per Pro Football Talk. “It wasn’t how I wanted it to end. A lot of stuff that I seen on film is stuff I need to fix. It’s OK. We here now, and I’m ready to be better than last year.”