Los Angeles Rams defensive end Aaron Donald (99) at practice at the Rams Practice Facility.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Los Angeles Rams have completed their Exodia set. For weeks, there have been circulating rumors that Aaron Donald was going to come back from retirement. Just a few days ago, these rumors were confirmed, as Donald officially rejoined LA for the 2026 season. Already the most feared defense in the league after trading for Myles Garrett, the Rams have cemented their status as THE team to beat.
Of course, the biggest thing that fans are fixating on is the pass-rush of the Rams. Donald is arguably the greatest player to play on the defensive line, and Garrett isn't too far behind. Their ability to rush the passer and disrupt the quarterback individually is unrivaled. Together? They might be nigh-unstoppable.
However, former NFL defensive tackle Gerald McCoy wants fans to look at the bigger picture. The former star DT notes that Donald's value as a player isn't just in his ability to get to the quarterback… it's his ability to get to ANYONE in the backfield. McCoy points out that Donald is just as elite at stopping the run as he is in rushing the quarterback. His ability to shed double teams in the run game and attack the back is just as valuable as his sacks and pressure.
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“He is a complete defensive tackle,” McCoy said of Donald. “There's some people who are pass rushers. There's some people who can play the run.And there are some people who have mastered the ability to do both of them at a high clip. Yes, he can rush the passer from anywhere, from the nose, from the three technique, from the end. He's mastered pass rush, but he's also mastered playing the run… He mastered a technique of playing double teams that a lot of people do not use, but it works for him. You can't reach him. You can't bump scoop him. You can't double team him in the run ‘cuz he's not moving because he's a master technician.”
The Rams are now the clear favorites to win the championship for a lot of reasons. They fixed their biggest weakness on defense by acquiring the Chiefs' two top corners. They upgraded their defensive line by trading a top-10 pass rusher for the best pass rusher in the league. Now, they will welcome back the greatest player in their franchise's history. The only thing stopping the Rams from winning it all… are themselves.