Aaron Donald doesn’t need much to be motivated each week for the Los Angeles Rams, but he has bulletin board material to use during the 2023 season. The majority of the public believes the Rams are in store for another disappointing campaign this season and Donald is using that as motivation.
“I don’t mind it, because it’s like ain’t no pressure at all,” Donald said. “Obviously, the past couple years you been praised so high, now everybody is against you kind of thing. You hear it, but me personally, kind of trying to feed off it a little bit because we all need something to try to push us a little bit. So it is different, but I’m for the challenge. It’s a different type of challenge this year, so for me I’m looking forward to it.”
It was a forgettable season for the Rams in 2022, finishing with a 5-12 record, which was by far the worst record in the Sean McVay era. The All-Pro interior defender was among the long list of players on the Rams that suffered a season-ending injury last season.
While starting in a career-low 11 games a season ago, Donald tallied career-worst marks in sacks (5), tackles for loss (10), and quarterback hits (11). The four-time Defensive Player of the Year is now 32 years old and will be surrounded by a handful of inexperienced players on defense.
So besides bouncing back from an injury, Donald is harnessing the public’s perception of the Rams and turning it into a form of motivation heading into the 2023 campaign.
[lawrence-auto-related count=3]