How Rams 'Realistic' Training Approach is Helping Aaron Donald

The Los Angeles Rams are trying something different with Aaron Donald during training camp, and it seems to be working

Los Angeles Rams Aaron Donald is already one of the most accomplished defensive linemen in the history of the NFL, and he is widely considered one of, if not the best defensive player in today's game. 

However, after a disappointing season in 2022 - at least by his standards - the Rams are doing things a little differently during training camp to help Donald improve even more.

And it starts with simulating 'realistic' scenarios for him every day at practice, including double and triple-teaming him on nearly every team rep.

“Sean (McVay) gave me a lot of double and triple-teams," Donald said. "It’s realistic right now so me just trying to find ways to defeat that and obviously working with other guys with different games and things like that to trying to play off it. So right now, it is about two, three guys on me, so it’s what I expect on the season so I’m getting it now."

At first, the Rams' new strategy frustrated Donald, as it is not something your typical star player sees on a day-to-day basis.

However, he also understands the idea, noting that it will ultimately make him a better player if he is able to work on those kinds of challenges on a daily basis. 

“The coaches told me they were going to slide every single play so I was kind of mad because you want to be able to work different things,” Donald said. "Trying to find things that I need to do better and what I could do to try to defeat a hard slide protection and things like that. So it isn’t going to do nothing but make me better.”

It is hard to believe that a player of his caliber could get any better than Donald already is.

But at the end of the day, he holds himself to the highest standards, and after playing in just 11 games in 2022 - a career-low - Donald is anxious to prove himself.

“I’ve got a lot to prove,” Donald said. “I didn’t have the season I wanted, obviously coming off of an injury and things like that. I feel like to get to where you need to be, it’s like starting over from scratch again. It’s a brand new year. Last year was last year, but there’s a little fire lit into me.”

And suffice it to say, the idea of Donald having any sort of motivation to improve is a scary prospect for the rest of the NFL. 

You can follow Matt Galatzan on Twitter @MattGalatzan

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