Cleveland Browns defensive end Jared Verse has zero sacks, zero forced fumbles and zero fumble recoveries through the team’s games so far this season, and he says the problem isn’t physical.
Verse, 26, told reporters on Thursday that he believes a mental block is behind his lack of production, and that he has been meeting with Browns team psychiatrist Mayur Pandya to work through it.
“I think it was definitely a mental block,” Verse said. “I train my body every day to push myself to the limits of what I’m physically capable of doing. So I don’t think it was any issue with my body, but I think I’ve taken the steps to figure out what it was.”
Verse said he hasn’t changed his workouts, technique or film study. Instead, he’s focused on addressing his frame of mind.
“Obviously, like, I’m upset with the way I’ve been playing,” Verse said. “I don’t think it’s anything physical. There’s nothing wrong with my body. It’s not like that. I think it was a mental aspect of the game.”
He declined to detail exactly what he and Pandya have discussed, but said he feels he’s close to breaking through.
“I think I’ve attacked it very well these last couple weeks, but I think this past week is a big key thing that I’ve done is I’m very excited for this next week,” Verse said. “I took a lot of time for self-growth. I met with Dr. Pandya a little bit, and I figured out what my issue was.”
Verse also pushed back on the idea that seeking help was unusual, while drawing a line on what he considers acceptable.
“You can’t go out there and start doing some crazy things like going to, like, I’m training with a monk or something like that,” he said.
He acknowledged the frustration surrounding his play this season, including from the fan base.
“I think the Browns fans are upset about it, I’m upset about it, I think we all have a reason to be upset,” Verse said. “I just haven’t done enough, and I think I’ll take any time to figure out what the issue was. I’ve attacked it. I think I’m ready for this week.”
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