Matt LaFleur had an up-close look at the brilliance of Aaron Donald in 2017 when he was the Rams’ offensive coordinator. But LaFleur’s stint in Los Angeles lasted just one year, and he hasn’t gone up against Donald since.
But that will change this week when the Rams visit the Packers at Lambeau Field.
LaFleur is tasked with coming up with a game plan to neutralize the six-time All-Pro defensive tackle. And now being on the other side of the equation, LaFleur can appreciate the dominance of Donald more.
During a press conference Tuesday, LaFleur said “he’s a freak,” and called him a generational talent.
Matt LaFleur on Rams DL Aaron Donald, who he knows well from time in LA during 2017: "He's a once-in-a-lifetime-type player. Being with him, I don't think you fully appreciate him until you start game planning against him."
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) January 12, 2021
“He is a freak… as good as they get… Once in a lifetime type player,” Matt LaFleur on Aaron Donald. Said he didn’t appreciate truly how good he is until he’s had to try to game plan against him.
— Omar Ruiz (@OmarDRuiz) January 12, 2021
Donald is battling an injury right now, tearing rib cartilage in Saturday’s win over the Seahawks. Still, he’s expected to play against the Packers.
Even a limited Donald is better than just about every other defensive tackle out there, so it’s not as if the Packers are going to take him lightly. LaFleur knows firsthand what he can do to an offense with his power, quickness and pass-rush ability.
[vertical-gallery id=643966]