The Los Angeles Rams continued their momentum into Week 4, capturing an impressive 17-13 road victory against the Arizona Cardinals. Head coach Jeff Fisher’s defense held strong, as Aaron Donald and the defense held the Cardinals to just a touchdown and two field goals.
After his dominating performance during Week 4, Donald was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week. This marks the third time he has captured the award in his three-year career.
The defense, which knocked around quarterback Carson Palmer all night, didn’t allow a touchdown in the second half. Aside from Michael Floyd’s touchdown to end the first half, the Rams executed and collected another divisional victory.
During the contest, the defense collected three interceptions, two forced fumbles and three sacks.
Donald, who himself collected 1.5 sacks, two passes defended and a forced fumble, has steadily improved with each week. The 25-year-old has anchored this defense, which has held strong heading into Week 5.
The Rams are now 3-1, leading the NFC West after an embarrassing start to the season. The third-year player has continually drawn double teams this season, as opposing offensive lines understand the presence he brings each and every week.
The Rams enter a Week 5 matchup at the Coliseum against the Buffalo Bills, in a battle between coach Fisher and the sons of his late mentor.
The Week 5 matchup against the Bills should provide extra motivation for Donald. Opposing head coach Rex Ryan once stated that Donald was inferior to Sheldon Richardson, to the point where he couldn’t hold his jock strap.
Ryan has never been one to hold back his antics. The head coach also prank called Julian Edelman before their Week 4 matchup against the New England Patriots.
With a fired up Donald, the defense should be hitting on all cylinders entering the Week 5 matchup. Through four weeks, Donald has collected 11 tackles, 1.5 sacks and three assisted tackles.
