One of the things that makes the Rams so hard to prepare for is the versatility of the defense. Brandon Staley rarely deploys the same game plan from week to week, using players in a variety of ways. One week, Aaron Donald will rush primarily from the interior. The next, he’ll be outside matching up with offensive tackles often.
The same goes for Jalen Ramsey, who can either shadow No. 1 receivers or play the “star” position, with everything in-between. That’s helped the Rams ascend to the No. 1 defense in terms of yards allowed, playing exceptionally well on that side of the ball.
Although Donald admitted earlier this season that there were aspects of Staley’s scheme that he wasn’t “too big a fan of,” he’s grown to love the defense thanks to its versatility.
Rams DT Aaron Donald emphasizes the versatility of DC Brandon Staley’s schemes: “Every week it’s something different. Teams aren’t able to pinpoint what we’re going to do. I’m enjoying it.”
— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) December 17, 2020
The Rams won’t be tested much on Sunday against the lowly New York Jets, who rank last in yards and points this season. Sam Darnold has only five touchdown passes and nine interceptions, struggling mightily throughout the year.
Darnold will get a taste of the Rams defense on Sunday at SoFi Stadium, but prior to this matchup, he said it’ll be fun to face Donald on the field. That’s not something many quarterbacks ever say when it comes to the two-time Defensive Player of the Year.
Sam Darnold: “Aaron Donald is a good player … it will be fun playing against him” #Jets
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) December 17, 2020
If the Rams knock off the Jets on Sunday, they’ll lock up a playoff berth for the third time in four seasons under McVay.
