LA Rams: Will Aaron Donald reach the 100 sack club this year?

35 NFL Players have recorded 100 or more quarterback sacks over the course of their NFL careers. It’s a very prestigious group, one that boasts some of the most accomplished players of NFL history.  Of that 35, three have played for the Rams organization. Who do you ask? Well, they are: OLB Kevin Green (13 years), DE Leslie O’Neil (14 years), and DE Kevin Carter (14 years).

Of course, there is a reason for mentioning this now. You see, LA Rams All-Pro defensive lineman Aaron Donald is within reach of earning his spot in the 100 sack club in 2021. Last year, he recorded 13.5, which would bring him to the very doorstep of 100 quarterback sacks. But there is one advantage this year that he has never enjoyed before.

A 17th game.

While that may not seem like much, it could make a huge difference as to whether Donald gets his 100th quarterback sack this year.

He will need to put up 14.5 sacks this season. Can he do that?

Los Angeles Rams

He has only done so once when he recorded a massive 20.5 quarterback sack total in 2018. In that year, he paired up with Ndamukong Suh and Michael Brockers to hit his career-best.

Since that outrageous season, Donald has been averaging about 10 sacks per season. But that appears to be trending upwards. He put up 12.5 sacks in 2019 and then added one more to post 13.5 quarterback sacks last year. Based on his latest workouts, he appears to be even more determined this year. Stronger, faster, and an extra game? Looks like he could pop the champagne after this season.

This will be Aaron Donald’s eighth season in the NFL. The current record holder is Bruce Smith, who played an incredibly long NFL career of 18 years. If Aaron Donald can lengthen his career to that extent, will he best Bruce Smith’s 200 sack total? Well, let’s ponder that one another day. One milestone at a time and Donald will be hard-pressed to get 14.5 sacks this year to earn the distinction.

But don’t make the mistake of underestimating him.  He appears to be more determined than ever.