Los Angeles Rams rookie Jared Verse made some intriguing comments midweek with Saquon Barkley responding prior to the game and even during it as the two teams meet in the divisional round

Verse, who went to Central Columbia in Bloomsburg, Penn., did not mince words about Eagles fans or the team’s colors, putting them on blast before this weekend’s matchup. Saquon Barkley responded to Verse’s comments and said it wasn’t “the smartest thing to say,” but Sean McVay seems to be backing his young edge rusher.

Jared Verse played in rivalry games in high school and walked into hostile environments in college. But he said this — Sunday’s NFC divisional playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field — was different.