Los Angeles Rams defensive end Jared Verse is setting the bar high for 2026, and he's not mincing words about what could hold his team back. The Rams dropped six games last season, including a playoff loss to the Seattle Seahawks, but Verse believes the real culprit wasn't the opposition—it was their own mistakes.

From blocked kicks to uncharacteristic turnovers and shaky special teams play, Los Angeles has a habit of beating themselves. That trend showed up in losses to the Eagles, 49ers, Panthers, and Seahawks, where the Rams often had chances but couldn't get out of their own way.

Verse recently sat down with DJ Siddiqi of R.org and made it clear: the only thing standing between the Rams and greatness is themselves. "We keep beating ourselves. When you stop beating yourself up, you win, it's easy to win," Verse said. "We have all the pieces we need. We got great DBs, we got great linebackers, our defensive line is the best. We got amazing outside linebackers... quarterback is the reigning MVP, amazing running back, o-line, wide receivers, kick returners, kickers, punters, snappers. I don't care. We got the best of the best."

That confidence isn't just talk—it's backed by a roster loaded with talent. With Matthew Stafford under center and a defense that can dominate when firing on all cylinders, the Rams have the tools to make a deep run. But as Verse points out, talent only gets you so far. "The only thing that can stop us is ourselves," he emphasized, noting how he challenged his teammates to step up during early offseason workouts.

The road ahead won't be easy. The Rams face a gauntlet that includes two matchups each with the Seahawks and 49ers, plus showdowns with the Bills, Chiefs, Eagles, and Broncos. Still, if Los Angeles can clean up the self-inflicted wounds and play sound football, they have the firepower to beat anyone. For Rams fans, the message is simple: this team's biggest enemy might just be in the mirror.