LA Rams Aaron Donald’s 3 gears: Dominate, wrecking ball, and take over

The LA Rams have been blessed with one of the most impactful players that the game has ever known. Of course, we are talking about All-Pro defensive lineman Aaron Donald. Layering on what seems to be an endless stream of honors, awards, distinctions, and accolades has become somewhat the norm whenever we venture to feature this modern-day epic NFL player.

But perhaps something we overlook is how this one player can elevate even his lofty game when it matters most.  As will all NFL players, Aaron Donald is not some 4.5+ sacks per game type of player. He is a double, triple, and even quadruple-teamed defensive lineman who cannot possibly stay upright through 17 regular-season games plus four playoff games when facing such handicapped odds.

Over the course of the season, he paces himself just as any long-distance runner or competitive marathon athlete will do. But when the occasion calls for it? He can kick it into one of three different overdrive gears: Wrecking ball, Dominate, or Taking over the game.

Wrecking Ball

When Aaron Donald faced the Dallas Cowboys in the debut of the 2020 NFL season, and the first game played by the LA Rams at SoFi Stadium, he wanted to make a statement. In the days leading up to the game, plenty of Dallas Cowboys had a lot to say about how they were going to win, handily.

Well, the performance of Aaron Donald was a clear example of how he can literally demolish an NFL offensive line like a wrecking ball. When that happens, the game is over before it even begins.

Dominate

When the LA Rams faced their NFC West rivals, the Arizona Cardinals, in Week 14, the team was significantly short-handed. The Rams were without a number of key starters, and the reality is that if the Rams lost their second meeting with the Cardinals, they would all but be out of the race to win the NFC West. Even the team’s playoff chances would be dealt a serious blow.

The Rams needed some player to step up. Aaron Donald answered the call.

Donald literally dominated the entire Arizona Cardinals offense for the entire game.

Taking over the game

Of course, there is a third gear that we hadn’t seen in full force. But after the 2021 NFL season, Aaron Donald exhibited signs of literally and perhaps single-handedly taking over the game. He did in in the NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers from the moment he delivered a very raw and emotional speech.

After that fracas, Aaron Donald was virtually unstoppable. Ultimately, the Rams had to stop the resilient Bengals offense to win the game. Joe Burrow got the ball. Aaron Donald got to Joe Burrow. End of story.

Reports claimed that LA Rams head coach Sean McVay stated that Aaron Donald was going to end the game just before the play that ended the Bengals season.

Aaron Donald is an elite NFL talent. But he is best when the game, and the season, is on the line. Yes, Aaron Donald is so many things for the LA Rams. But now, you can add three more ‘Titles’ to his legacy.