Crazy stat shows how dominant Aaron Donald has been
Sep 19, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive end Aaron Donald (99) on the sideline in the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Aaron Donald has been one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL for the better part of the last decade, but the Los Angeles Rams star has finally given someone else an opportunity to earn one prestigious honor.
Heading into the 2022 season, Donald had finished as Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded pass rusher seven straight years. PFF lead analyst Sam Monson revealed on Thursday that Donald will not be given the honor again this season, as expected.
This is the first season since PFF has given the award out that someone other than Aaron Donald is going to win Best Pass Rusher.
7 straight seasons.
— Sam Monson (@PFF_Sam) January 5, 2023
Many people speculate that the award will go to San Francisco 49ers star Nick Bosa, who has 17.5 sacks this season.
Donald has five sacks this year, though he has played in just 11 games. It is his first season without surpassing double-digit sacks since 2016. Donald’s sack totals the past five seasons were as follows: 12.5, 13.5, 12.5, 20.5, 11.
The 31-year-old Donald remains a force, but the Rams as a whole have had a disappointing season. We are guessing Donald won’t be discouraged by missing out on PFF’s award for the first time in seven years. Though, he did come quite close to calling it a career a year ago. That will be a storyline to watch again in the coming weeks.