Jared Verse's start with the Cleveland Browns couldn't have gone any worse after their 34-10 blowout loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday afternoon.

Verse began the third season of his NFL career, his first with the Browns. He enjoyed two Pro Bowl years with the Los Angeles Rams since making his pro debut in 2024, but the team decided to trade him to Cleveland in exchange for Myles Garrett.

This presented the start of a new chapter for Verse, looking to play a pivotal role in the defense as a starter. However, that objective will prove to be challenging that he would have hoped for.

Jacksonville outmatched Cleveland throughout the season opener, scoring multiple touchdowns in the game. What made this worse was how ineffective Cleveland was at pressuring the quarterback, per reporter Daniel Oyefusi.

“From ESPN Research: Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence was under duress on just 4 of 24 dropbacks (17%) today. Cleveland’s defense had the fourth-highest pressure rate in the NFL in 2025 at 36%. Jared Verse, acquired in the Myles Garrett trade, did not have a QB pressure on Sunday,” Oyefusi wrote.

How Jared Verse, Browns played against Jaguars

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It would be unfair to think that Jared Verse can replicate the feats Myles Garrett accomplished with the Browns. However, he will need to perform better on the defensive side of the ball to help the team win games against opponents like the Jaguars.

Jacksonville was aggressive on the attack all day, scoring in double-digits throughout each of the first three quarters. Once Cleveland finally got on the board after going scoreless in the first half, it was too late for them to take back momentum.

Deshaun Watson was unable to fend off criticism, struggling in the opener. He completed 16 out of 22 passes for 205 yards and one touchdown and one interception. Denzel Boston led receivers with two catches for 59 yards and a touchdown.

The Browns will look to bounce back in their next matchup, remaining on the road. They take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2 as kickoff commences on Sept. 20 at 1 p.m. ET.