Just as Bill Belichick was “on to Cincinnati,” Aaron Donald is on to San Francisco.
Coming off a phenomenal performance against the Washington Football Team, Donald is turning his attention to the Rams’ next opponent, the 49ers. He’s not going to bask in the glory of recording four sacks and a forced fumble against Washington last week.
It tied a career-high for his most sacks in a single game, and although he’s happy about his performance, he’s focused on beating the 49ers.
“That’s last week. So, we are focused on playing the 49ers and trying to have some success that week. So, that’s the main focus,” he told reporters Thursday.
When asked if he feels a sense of satisfaction with a performance like that one, and he couldn’t lie: it felt good.
“Hell yeah. You’re happy about it,” he said. “That’s what you work for, to be productive like that and help your team win games That’s what it’s about. So, for me to say, I wasn’t happy, I wasn’t excited about it, I’d be lying to you.”
Part of the reason for Donald’s dominant game was because Washington left him in one-on-one situations, which is rare for the two-time Defensive Player of the Year. And when he did get those opportunities, he made sure not to miss them.
“Just playing and trying to take advantage of the opportunities and try to help my team win games,” he said. “So, that’s what it comes down to. When I get opportunities to get those one-on-one blocks, I have to take advantage of it and I have to continue to do that, continue to get myself better and continue to try to be productive.”
Donald said he doesn’t pay attention to offensive linemen possibly getting frustrated with having to block him, he’s “more focused on what I have to do and my guys.”
He’ll have another golden opportunity to rack up multiple sacks on Sunday night with San Francisco’s offensive line struggling, particularly on the interior. Already leading the league with 7.5 sacks, Donald could approach 10 after just six weeks, which would be a torrid pace.
