Jared Verse 'Upset' by Teammates' Lack of Reaction to Mason McCormick Penalty

Jared Verse spoke to Cleveland Browns teammates about their failure to defend him after Steelers guard Mason McCormick swept his legs on a point-after try.

Cleveland Browns defensive end Jared Verse addressed his teammates regarding a lack of support during Sunday's road loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The incident occurred during a point-after try when Steelers guard Mason McCormick was penalized for sweeping the legs of a leaping Verse and slamming him to the turf. According to ESPN, Verse expressed that the absence of a reaction from those around him was deeply upsetting.

Verse noted a contrast in reactions during a subsequent field goal attempt involving teammate Derek Barnett. The 26-year-old defensive end stated he "lost it" when a similar play happened to Barnett because he views his teammates as brothers. Verse acknowledged he has since made his issues known to the locker room but admitted he failed to inform his teammates beforehand about the verbal nature of his play style and his pre-game comments regarding "making Pittsburgh ours."

Browns coach Todd Monken addressed the situation on Monday, stating his message to the team was to "speak with your play." Verse, who described himself as a verbal player who likes to attack, conceded that he needs to be better and that the entire unit must improve. The confrontation follows Verse’s Week 8 remarks where he publicly challenged the Steelers and their fan base prior to the divisional matchup.