Fansided
Fansided

Los Angeles Rams: 5 Reasons They’re On Hard Knocks

By Erik Lambert

Dec 17, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams head coach Jeff Fisher in the game between the St. Louis Rams and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams head coach Jeff Fisher in the game between the St. Louis Rams and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
Sep 13, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) celebrates after sacking Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (not pictured) during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. The Rams defeated the Seahawks 34-31 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) celebrates after sacking Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (not pictured) during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. The Rams defeated the Seahawks 34-31 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

Aaron Donald

Speaking of superstars, the Rams know they have at least one of those on defense.  While J.J. Watt remains the gold standard of the modern era by which all other pass rushers are measured, he may soon have company at the top.  That is how good defensive tackle Aaron Donald was last season and how much better he is getting with each game of experience he adds under his belt.  The trends certainly seem to aim in his favor.

At just 24-years old he comes off a season with 11 sacks, giving him 20 total for his brief two-year career.  Hard Knocks could provide the first in-depth look at how Donald goes about his process of becoming the most dominant interior pass rusher in football, much how people saw Watt do it a year ago.  Just in case other football players looking for the formula need a reminder.

Next: The Coach

Home/NFL Hot Takes