Aaron Donald and the Rams’ first-team defense typically face Jared Goff and the starters on offense during practice. But this week, things have been different. Instead of No. 16 under center, it’s been No. 9 taking snaps from Austin Blythe.
John Wolford is gearing up to make his first career start in the NFL, hoping to give the Rams a much-needed victory to clinch a playoff berth. The deck is stacked against the young quarterback, being without Cooper Kupp, Darrell Henderson and possibly Cam Akers against the Cardinals this weekend.
But despite that, Donald has no doubt that Wolford will play well after seeing the way he prepares and practices as if he’s always been the starter.
“I’ve been a fan of his, honestly. Just his preparation, just watching him work, the routines he goes through every single day – you would think he was the starting quarterback already, honestly,” Donald said Thursday. “He’s got his routines to do every day before the game, warming up during practice. Again, I believe in hard work pays off. I saw him work, you know, I seen during the bye week, when I was walking to my car about to leave, he was walking out with a helmet and shoulder pads, holding football spinning on his hand saying, ‘All right, AD, see you later.’ He’s getting his opportunity to step up and play a huge role to help us win his game. I’m confident. Like I said, the abilities he had that I’ve seen through camp through practice. The way he prepares, the way he gets himself ready. There’s no doubt in my mind that this guy is going to go out there and play at a high level and do what he needs to do to help this team win.”
That’s quite the endorsement from a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, and is a reason for hope as Rams fans anxiously await their team’s playoff fate. Donald has sacked the best quarterbacks in the league and knows a good one when he sees one, and it seems Wolford has caught his eye.
Hopefully that translates to success on the field Sunday because the Rams are in danger of missing the playoffs for a second straight season – which will be the case if they lose and the Bears win.
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