Even Jared Verse is thinking twice before barking at a 49ers great

The Los Angeles Rams will play host to the San Francisco 49ers in a Week 5 showdown on Thursday Night Football. While this is the first time these two rivals face one another in 2025, the NFC West powerhouses are quite familiar with one another, which extends to the players as well. One of the key matchups in the game will be how LA outside linebacker Jared Verse fares against Niners left tackle Trent Williams.

It's one of the critical matchups in the game, as it pits strength against strength. Verse has been incredibly effective at pressuring opposing quarterbacks, despite only registering 2.0 sacks in four games. Williams is not so easily manhandled as other offensive tackles, and his reputation as a physical blocker is not something Los Angeles' edge rusher wants to provoke before the kickoff:

The 24-year-old is the natural successor to former All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald, a fact that was cemented as the two worked out together in the offseason. Preseason predictions for the former Seminoles pass rusher to be in the NFL Defensive Player of the Year conversation anticipated this type of challenge. Despite his respect for the venerable offensive tackle, Verse is expected to play well.

TNF is the perfect primetime stage for Jared Verse

All eyes will be on how the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year plays against a future Hall of Famer. This is the pass-rusher's first opportunity to showcase his talents on primetime.

It'll take a lot to master a player like Williams. Thankfully, defensive coordinator Chris Shula is a mastermind of moving his potent pass-rusher all over the defensive front, which tests the vulnerability of every offensive lineman.

Meanwhile, the defense will be sending veteran Byron Young, Nick Hampton, and rookie Josaiah Stewart after the quarterback as well. So the evening will not be exclusively on Verse's shoulders. Still, any player designated as Aaron Donald's successor, formally or informally, has to show up when the pressure is on. And with the NFC West Division title on the line, fans are correct to set expectations for the Round 1 selection high.

NFL careers are made with incredible performances on the biggest stages under the brightest lights. Week 5 will be no different. Look for Jared Verse to do his talking, but to do so with his performance on the football field. Buckle up, because the game is going to be a thriller. As always, thanks for reading.

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