The Los Angeles Rams could not find much team success in Week 10 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. They failed to find their footing on offense, resulting in a 17-12 loss on the road.
Although the offense struggled, the defense looked great, limiting the Steelers run game all day and sacking quarterback Mason Rudolph three times. As one might expect, Aaron Donald had his fingerprints all over the Rams defensive success.
The game was a special one for Donald, finally making his professional debut in his hometown of Pittsburgh. The star defensive tackle last played on Heinz Field during his collegiate years at the University of Pittsburgh.
For Donald, his homecoming was really about sharing the moment with his hometown friends and family, via Gary Klein and Mike Digiovanna of the L.A. Times:
“To be back at the home field where I played four years in college,” Donald said, “to be back home with my family watching and friends, it was definitely a good feeling.”
Of course, winning the matchup likely would have made his return even sweeter. That being said, Donald did have a great game, finishing with five solo tackles, three quarterback hits and 0.5 sacks, which led to a safety for Los Angeles.
Although Donald isn’t posting the statistics he did a year ago, the reigning two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year is still playing at a top-tier level. He has recorded 20 solo tackles, 12 quarterback hits, two forced fumbles and 5.5 sacks in nine games, facing double and triple teams on just about every play.
Donald has been a strong supporter of the Pittsburgh community during his time in the pros. Earlier this year he made a large donation to the University’s football program, getting a facility named after him.
He has stated that he would really like to build a lasting legacy in the city of Pittsburgh as well as at the University. Having another great game, even as an opposing player, certainly is only helping his on-field legacy.
Donald also had some help on the defensive end thanks to the return of Clay Matthews, who had missed the last five games with a broken jaw,. He came back strong, adding 1.5 sacks against the Steelers as the Rams defense finally seems to be finding its form.
