While the Los Angeles Rams celebrate their victory over the Chicago Bears in the NFC Divisional Playoffs, outside linebacker Jared Verse could get an unfortunate notice from the NFL regarding quarterback Caleb Williams.
Verse was one of the standouts for the Rams, affecting the run and the pass, as he has done since entering the league.
He may, however, draw unwanted attention.
Jared Verse Facing Punishment Over Caleb Williams After Rams Beat Bears
GettyJared Verse #8 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on before the game against the Chicago Bears in the NFC Divisional Playoffs.
Verse and the Rams gave up yards but not a lot of points to Williams and the NFL’s ninth-best scoring offense in the regular season for the Bears. The second-year QB threw for 257 yards, but completed 54.7% of his passes with 3 interceptions to 2 touchdowns.
Verse officially recorded 3 total tackles, 2 for loss, and 2 hits on Williams in the contest.
During the fourth quarter on a seemingly critical drive, though, officials flagged Verse for roughing the passer, gifting the Bears 15 yards and a fresh set of downs.
The Rams got off the field, forcing the Bears into turnovers on downs and ultimately emerged as the victors. However, there is a good chance that the NFL doubles back for Verse before LA takes on the Seattle Seahawks on Championship Sunday.
Per the NFL’s Accountability: Fines & Appeals page, roughing the passer can incur fines of up to $17,389 on first offenses and as much as $23,186 on secondary infractions.
Verse has received two fines before in his career.
He drew an $11,593 fine for taunting in Week 17 against the Atlanta Falcons. His first fine came as a rookie. The NFL docked Verse $15,287 for unsportsmanlike conduct in Week 16 against the New York Jets.
The Bears adjusted their injured offensive line to account for Verse. They moved starting left guard Joe Thuney to left tackle, replacing injured Ozzy Trapilo, and the Rams star lauded him.
Verse had more to say regarding Williams after the Rams’ win.
Jared Verse Gets Honest About Caleb Williams
GettyCaleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears on the field for a game against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional Playoffs.
Verse spoke candidly about the Rams’ rush plan for the elusive Williams. Williams finished without taking any sacks. He was hurried into bad decisions and/or throws on several occasions during the game. Despite the relatively quiet game, Verse was pleased with the day overall.
He also praised Williams, specifically over the game-tying fourth-down play in regulation.
“I think we could have stopped it earlier if I got that sack on Caleb. I bounced my feet; I forgot, he’s a very mobile quarterback. So, obviously, I got to take some blame. But we were able to close out,” Verse told reporters after saying the Rams’ mistakes are what led to the Bears’ big plays on Sunday.
“After missing the sack on him earlier, I started bouncing my feet, making sure he couldn’t roll out. Once he bounced his feet, was ready to throw, I just went all in. Was able to get the QB hit on him. I’m thinking, ‘Oh, yeah. He’s hit. It’s going to be a bad throw.’ It was not a bad throw. So, no, he’s a great quarterback. He was a first-round, or first overall pick, for a reason. Heisman winner for a reason. He’s going to make plays like that.”
Verse summed up the day for the Rams after his praise for the Bears’ QB and his draft classmate, saying, “We just got to go to the next one.”
Rams Player Facing Discipline From NFL Over Bears’ Caleb Williams