The long anticipated return of Aaron Donald finally arrived on Monday night, and Donald didn’t skip a beat.
The three-time Defensive Player of the Year made his debut on Monday Night Football after two years of retirement. After his first game back, Donald already has the highest pass rush win rate (27.8%) among defensive interior lineman this season, according to Pro Football Focus.
Donald’s final stat line from the Rams’ 28-6 win over the Giants featured 32 total snaps, 18 pass rush snaps, seven double teams faced, three total tackles, one tackle for loss and one quarterback pressure, per Next Gen Stats.
His tackle for loss was crucial for the Rams. He broke through the line and wrestled Giants running back Cam Skattebo to the ground for a loss, forcing three points instead of seven before the end of the half.
Immediately after the game, Donald admitted his body was already feeling the effects of the physical matchup.
“I’m a little sore out there, a little sore. Get my body back right and get back to work,” Donald said.
It appears Donald is still seen a threat throughout the league as the Giants double-teamed the defensive tackle several times throughout the matchup. After a rough season opener, the Rams are back on track after taking down the Giants Monday.
While Myles Garrett recovers from knee surgery, Donald will be tasked with generating the pressure and disrupting the backfield for at least the next three weeks.
