Before, Los Angeles Rams edge rusher Jared Verse did not hesitate in telling everyone how much he hates Philadelphia Eagles fans. Verse has undoubtedly made a 180-degree turn.
While speaking with Whistle Sports, Verse answered a question regarding who is the best opposing fan base in the NFL. He named the Eagles.
"Probably the Eagles," Verse told Whistle Sports via NFL.com. "I've got to give them that. I like when you kind of like get into it, you're aggressive, you're loud and all that stuff. They stand by that with no doubt."
Verse is right, but why the change in tone?
Verse has not been shy in talking about the Eagles throughout the past year. He went from saying he hated Eagles fans to discussing, a month ago, how the NFC Divisional Round game still haunts him.
Philadelphia torched the Rams' defense on the ground twice last year with Saquon Barkley rushing for over 200 yards in both games. During both the Eagles' wins, Barkley ran for 255 yards in the first matchup and then Philadelphia ran for 285 yards and three touchdowns in the playoff game. Even the Eagles' defense had a field day on Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford with five sacks and two turnovers in the playoff win.
It does seem odd that all of a sudden Verse is now giving his props to Eagles fans. More than likely, his feelings haven't changed, but no one can deny how passionate Eagles fans are.
Philadelphia fans understand their sports probably better than any other fan base. Eagles fans have no trouble sharing their true feelings and booing their team when things are going off the rails. They expect excellence and will make it known loud and clear.
No fan base has shown as much passion and love for a team than the Eagles' fans have. Verse may not be getting as much love in a city that has two NFL teams and multiple other professionals teams.
Philadelphia has one professional football team and the Eagles control the mood of the city. Verse and the Rams will get another chance to meet the passionate Eagles games in Week 3 at Lincoln Financial Field.