Aaron Donald loves making history throughout his career. History came this week when he became the fastest Defensive Tackle to record 100 career sacks. In a game the Rams won, Donald wrecked the afternoon for Kyler Murray and the Cardinals. As Rams fans looked on just as we did in February, we were in awe of this monster. Donald finished the day with a sack, six tackles, and two tackles for loss. We always have to think to ourselves “there’s no way a man his size can be that quick”. History is in the making every time Donald’s cleats touch the turf.
How Aaron Donald made history:
Drafted 13th overall in the 2014 NFL Draft, Donald was a standout at the University of Pittsburgh. Aaron’s dominance origin goes back to his rookie year when he made the pro bowl. Capping his first season off with a Defensive Rookie of The Year award. In year one; Donald compiled nine sacks with 13 QB hits.
Over the last eight seasons, Donald has racked up the milestones. Regarded by many as one of the greatest defensive players of all time, he certainly has a résumé worth looking at. Donald has recorded double digit sacks in each of the last five seasons. He has set the record for most sacks by a defensive tackle in a single season (20.5). Recorded 12 or more sacks in each of the last four seasons. He has also led the league in tackles for loss two of the last four seasons. Donald became the third player ever to win the Defensive Player of the Year award three times (Lawrence Taylor and JJ Watt). Of course we can also tack on the eight pro bowls and seven All-Pro selections. The seven All-Pro’s are the most consecutive to start a players career.
This is just the tip of the iceberg for Donald. He is the longest tenured LA Ram player and as of last season, he is the all time sack leader in Rams history. As most Rams fans know, Donald doesn’t care about all of that. The “Incredible Hulk” that is Donald is a Super Bowl Champion as well.
During Sunday’s game in Arizona he reminded us he was THE superstar. After tripping a scrambling Kyler Murray for sack number 100, Donald set yet another record. The fastest Defensive Tackle to the century mark and doing so in 130 games played.
Career dominance:
Donald has become the most feared pass rusher in the league over the years. He’s a man that gets stronger as the year goes on and his career splits show just that. Throughout his career, Donald has recorded 34.0 sacks in the month of December which is the most of any month by a wide margin.
Donald has terrorized the NFC West, recording 43.5 of his 100 sacks against division opponents. The Cardinals have endured the most sacks at 16.0; Seattle Seahawks have seen the second most at 15.0 and the San Francisco 49ers have been apart of 12.5. The craziest stat of Donald’s career is that he’s sacked Russell Wilson 15 times. No other player has sacked Russ more in his career.
To go along with the sacks, Donald has forced 23 fumbles while recovering seven. He is able to get in the backfield as well, as he’s recorded 153 tackles for loss. Quarterbacks see him in their dreams because all he does is hit them. In fact he’s done it 229 times to be exact. Donald has faced double teams upwards of 63% of pass rush snaps over the last five seasons. During that same timeframe, Donald has a pass rush win rate of 24+% (both are tops in the league).
To put up the numbers he does while receiving that much attention from the offensive line is beyond mind blowing. Not to mention the man shows out when it comes time for the playoffs. During the playoffs he’s recorded six sacks in 10 games, hitting the QB 17 times.
Aaron Donald in my estimation will go down as the greatest Ram of all time and if he’s not already, the greatest Defensive lineman of all time.
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