5 overreactions to LA Rams uncanny victory on TNF over rival 49ers

(2) - OLB Jared Verse is fading fast

It's never easy playing as a rookie outside linebacker in the NFL. Many fans view outside linebackers as pass rushers only. But in the NFL, that is only one of a multitude of responsibilities that an outside linebacker has in the defense. But it is the one role that many fans single out to asses that player's value.

I love the fact that Jared Verse is not all about him. He is a strong and proud defender who is amazingly generous in sacrificing himself to a double-team or to set an edge to allow a teammate to make plays. Yet, when that happens, fans perceive that as regression, or lack of performance on Verse's part:

Verse is consistently playing from 70 to 80 percent of the defensive snaps. But his reputation and respect throughout the NFL is growing. Now he faces double-teams, offenses running away from him, and a host of other offensive initiatives that has limited his production. But he continues to put pressure on quarterbacks, and impact games.

In the meantime, he can take pride in the fact that his teammate, NT Kobie Turner, sacked 49er QB Brock Purdy twice in Week 15. In the end, it's not whether or not Jared Verse gets the sack. It's more important that Verse's presence aids the defense in getting after the quarterback.

And yes, he does.