Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald has become one of the NFL’s most dominant players over the last few seasons. After posting an NFL leading 20.5 sacks last year in addition to becoming the NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Donald is showing his prowess again in 2019.
With his fourth sack on the season coming against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7, Donald’s career total moved up to 63.5, which puts him in sole possession of third place on the Rams’ all-time sack list.
Donald talking about how special that is to him and said that he looks forward to the legacy he will leave in Los Angeles, via Stu Jackson of TheRams.com:
“It’s a great accomplishment,” Donald said. “Anytime you do things like that and try to leave your mark on this organization, leave a little legacy, you’re going to feel good about it.”
As he did last year, Donald appears to be picking up speed with each passing game. Although there is no doubt that opposing offensive lines have more focus on Donald than ever, he has still been able to find success in getting to opposing quarterbacks.
Donald has plenty of work ahead of himself to reach No. 1 on the Rams all-time sack list. He is 24 sacks behind current leader Leonard Little and nine behind Kevin Greene for second, but barring anything crazy, he should eventually surpass both.
Although part of leaving a legacy means getting to that No. 1 spot, Donald stated that he is still focused on making plays to help the team right now:
“Just keep playing, keep trying to continue to make plays and trying to find ways to continue to be productive,” Donald said.
Donald’s productiveness has made waves through the rest of the defense, especially against the Falcons. The Rams defense recorded five sacks in the game, not allowing Matt Ryan to record a single touchdown.
Donald felt that when the season started he had not been playing up to his standard. It certainly seems that things have changed for the better as he and the rest of the defense continue to improve with each passing week.
