After dominating their 2017 NFL season opener against the Indianapolis Colts, the Los Angeles Rams fell to the Washington Redskins, 27-20. Jared Goff threw an interception during the Rams’ final drive of the game, effectively giving the Redskins the win.
However, Los Angeles struggled all afternoon defending Washington’s ground attack. The Redskins’ backfield of Robert Kelley, Chris Thompson, and Semaje Perine all took turns taking advantage of the Rams’ defensive line and reeling off several big plays down the field.
Aaron Donald made his debut and understandably looked rusty when he was on the field. After the game, Donald voiced his displeasure with his performance according to Lindsey Thiry of Los Angeles Times:
I don’t like how I played today,” Donald said.
The defensive tackle mentioned he needs to capitalize on his one-on-one battles in order to be more successful on the field:
I need to win those, that’s what they put me out there for,” Donald said. “Just got to knock off the cobwebs and go out there and play a lot better.”
The three-time Pro Bowler struggled to find his timing and rhythm on the field, often looking a step slow as Washington continually pounded the ball on their drives. Despite the rust, Donald did play a healthy amount which means he may be closer to a full workload than originally expected.
The loss was unfortunate, but the Rams proved they can move the ball for extended drives and hang around in games that look out of reach early. Los Angeles gets a quick opportunity to right the ship when they head off to San Francisco to face off against the 49ers in Week 3.
