Checking the stats after three games, it would seem that the Cleveland Browns are getting very little from Jared Verse. But a closer look would reveal that the defensive end is doing exactly what he is setting out to do, and the team is better for it.
Verse still does not have a sack as the replacement for Myles Garrett following the blockbuster offseason trade with the Los Angeles Rams. But his selfless play is allowing others to do that work.
The Browns recorded three sacks of Bryce Young in their 21-18 win against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, and afterward, former offensive lineman LeCharles Bentley highlighted one of them by Mason Graham, with Verse doing a job that no one is crediting.
“His impact won’t show up on the stat sheet this play, but Verse did EXACTLY what he needed to do this game, press the edge. Both OT’s gave the defense a big advantage. Mason Graham did an outstanding job closing escape lanes. They played unselfish football on defense,” Bentley posted.
His impact won’t show up on the stat sheet this play, but Verse did EXACTLY what he needed to do this game, press the edge. Both OT’s gave the defense a big advantage. Mason Graham did an outstanding job closing escape lanes. They played unselfish football on defense. pic.twitter.com/LmvAjRMR6c
— LeCharles Bentley (@64AMDG) September 28, 2026
On the second-quarter play, Verse pushed offensive tackle Rasheed Walker back into Young, forcing the QB to step right into the path of Graham, who was able to get away from three blockers to get the sack. It was the first of two in the game for Graham, who now has four on the season after getting just one-half sack playing all 17 games as a rookie.
Last season, it was thought that the Browns’ defensive linemen may have been deferring to Garrett as he pursued the NFL single-season record for sacks, which he did break by registering 23.0. But based on recent comments from Verse, he is more than happy creating an environment where all of his teammates can succeed.
That is especially admirable considering the 25-year-old is eligible to sign a contract extension after this season. With eight combined tackles, two tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, and zero sacks so far, if that pace continues, it will be interesting to see how his numbers might affect those potential negotiations.
But for now, with the Browns and the rest of their AFC North rivals all 2-1, those thoughts can be put aside, and Verse can try again for his first sack facing the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday Night Football to open Week 4.
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