When it comes to individual matchups in the NFL, most fans pay attention to wide receivers and cornerbacks – like Jalen Ramsey against DeAndre Hopkins. But for those who enjoy offensive and defensive line play, Sunday was a treat.
Six-time All-Pro Aaron Donald went toe-to-toe with two-time All-Pro Quenton Nelson in the Rams-Colts game, pitting two of the best at their respective positions against each other. Donald was held without a sack, but he did have three quarterback hits and one tackle for a loss. After the game, Nelson paid Donald some major praise, calling it “an honor” to play against him.
Quenton Nelson on Aaron Donald: “It was an honor to play against the best player in the NFL. I knew on every play I had to be at my best to even win a rep.”
That is high, high praise. And I’m not sure I disagree.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) September 19, 2021
Donald got a lot of chances to rush against Eric Fisher at left tackle, as well as against the right guard Mark Glowinski, but he also got opportunities to face Nelson. It’s hard to say who won this battle, but both players were at the top of their game – as is often the case with them.
Donald is just happy to have gotten the win, too, the Rams’ fourth straight 2-0 start under Sean McVay.