LA Rams News: Will Aaron Donald face more right tackles in 2020?

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The Rams, like many defenses, want to create mismatches. Offenses do that all the time by trying to match up receivers against slower-moving linebackers in pass coverage.  So turnabout is only fair play, as defenses try to match-up their best pass-rushers against inferior blockers.

Defenses use the surprise of blitzes or sending players typically responsible for covering receivers to rush the quarterback. That type of blitz relies almost entirely on surprise, as even a running back can block a linebacker or defensive back long enough to get a pass away.

But the NFL adapts, and the latest trend is to send the best pass rusher against the right offensive tackle. In most offenses, the right offensive tackle is simply not as proficient as the left offensive tackle at pass blocking.  Right-handed quarterbacks face to the right in passing downs and are expected to evade defenders charging from that angle. So offensive coaches typically place their best blockers at left tackle, the blind-side, to protect the quarterback from pass rushers coming from a hidden angle.

Does this new NFL trend offer an opportunity for the LA Rams? It makes sense that the Rams hoping to remain a 50 quarterback sack team should consider all the options to doing so. Even if the Rams do not elevate Donald’s pass rush back to 20.5, any increase helps to replace lost pressure upon the opposing quarterback.

New defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s success with the LA Rams may very likely depend on how well he makes use of All-Pro defensive lineman Aaron Donald.  Expect the unexpected. Donald is one of the best NFL defenders of his time. But you’ll never get him to admit to it.