The Los Angeles Rams made a splash this offseason by bringing in one of the NFL’s best defensive coordinators in Wade Phillips. Not only does his league resume span over four decades, but Phillips has worked with surefire Hall of Famers like DeMarcus Ware, J.J. Watt, and Von Miller.
He now gets to coach another generational talent in three-time Pro Bowler Aaron Donald. Phillips discussed his thoughts on what makes Donald so great like the aforementioned players in an interview with Cole Wright and Brian Baldinger on the NFL Network:
“He’s a great player. You don’t even have to be a coach to watch the tape and say ‘Hey, this guy’s better than everybody else,'” Phillips said. “I’m awfully lucky to be with a guy like Aaron because he’s really committed to playing well just like those other guys. They have great talent, probably better talent than most people. But they’re committed to doing it well and that’s the difference. And that’s why Aaron is going to be really good.”
Donald took the NFL by storm since entering the league in 2014 and has already established himself as arguably its best defensive player. Unfortunately, Phillips will have to wait a bit longer to see the two-time First-team All-Pro at practice with his ongoing holdout.
With that said, there is little concern that Phillips’ 3-4 scheme will have any major effect on Donald’s performance once he returns. For now, the savvy coach must make due with the Rams thinning defensive line.
