CLEVELAND, OH – SEPTEMBER 22: Los Angeles Rams linebacker Clay Matthews (52) congratulates Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) after Donnald sacked Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) during the fourth quarter of the the National Football League game between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns on September 22, 2019, at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
If the Seahawks are going to defeat the Rams, they need to control the line of scrimmage. That means they must contain Aaron Donald.
It’s no secret that Aaron Donald is one of the most dominant linemen in the NFL. Anyone who forgot that fact only needs to turn on Thursday Night football for a stark reminder. Donald has dominated Seattle’s offensive lineman in the early going.
On consecutive plays in the first quarter Donald absolutely embarrassed the Seahawks tasked with keeping him away from Russell Wilson. DJ Fluker was powerless to stop the former University of Pittsburgh star. Donald made one quick move at the line of scrimmage and left Fluker searching for someone to block. See the video below for proof of the otherworldly move from Donald.
The good news for the Seahawks is that Los Angeles’ offense has only managed to turn Seattle’s inability to block Donald into six points on the night. That total might be enough if Pete Carroll and his coaching staff can’t find a way to get their offensive line a chance to protect Wilson or open a hole for their ground game. In order for either of those things to happen, Donald must be accounted for. The Seahawks offensive line cannot afford to let him embarrass them as a unit all night long.
Keep a close eye on how Seattle handles Donald on the next drive. Expect to see him get a lot of attention from running backs who are left inside to help protect Wilson. He should also be chipped by a tight end every time he lines up on the outside.
Stopping Donald isn’t an easy task, but the Seahawks have to at least give him a little trouble at the line of scrimmage. If they can’t slow him down, it’s going to be a long night for the Seattle offense.