While Aaron Donald’s goal on Sunday is to get after Sam Darnold, he did have some kind words to say about the Jets’ quarterback in the week leading up to the game.
Donald acknowledged that Darnold and the 0-13 Jets are not playing their best football right now. However, Donald thinks Darnold has some characteristics that stand out on tape.
“Obviously, they’re not playing how they want to play, but I think he’s a good quarterback,” Donald said. “He’s really mobile. He can move, make things happen with his feet and get out of trouble. It looks like he’s strong. I’ve seen a couple times when it looked like he was about to get sacked, but he was able to break out and make something happen.”
When Darnold was asked about Donald on Thursday, he was just as complimentary of the Rams All-Pro defensive tackle.
“Yeah, Aaron Donald is a good player,” Darnold said with a laugh, per SNY. “He definitely pops out on tape, especially, it seems, whenever a play needs to be made, he’s there making it. It’ll be fun playing against him.”
Darnold’s idea of “fun” might be a little off. The quarterback is going to have his work cut out for him. Donald has put together another fantastic season, racking up 12.5 sacks and 24 QB hits. Those numbers tie his totals from last season when he was a first-team All-Pro for the fifth consecutive year. Donald is also a two-time Defensive Player of the Year and six-time Pro Bowler.
It will be on the Jets’ front five to protect Darnold from Donald at all costs. Look for double-teams against the Ram. Even then, that might not be enough to stop Donald in the trenches.
