'Make Him Pay!' Aaron Donald Reveals Plan L.A. Rams vs. Colts QB Richardson

Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald spoke on Thursday about being what it takes to stop freak athletes like Indianapolis Colts' quarterback Anthony Richardson.

Los Angeles Rams superstar defensive tackle may not be playing at his peak, but as fans saw on Monday against the Cincinnati Bengals, he is still more than capable of wreaking havoc and ruining a quarterback’s day.

On Sunday, Donald will be tasked with leading the Rams’ young defense into a battle they’ve yet to fight this season: a game against a legitimate mobile quarterback.

The Week 3 contest, a 19-16 loss in Cincinnati, was the total opposite end of the spectrum. Quarterback Joe Burrow was nursing an injured calf, so much so that the Bengals did not run once from under center, which asks more of a quarterback than simply handing the ball off from shotgun. He was rendered immobile and the Los Angeles pass rush teed off for 10 quarterback hurries, despite Cincinnati’s quick-passing game plan.

They won’t be able to do that against the Indianapolis Colts and rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson. The fourth-overall pick in April’s draft, Richardson is 6-4, 244 pounds and probably the best athlete on the field at any given time.

On Thursday, Donald spoke about the challenge Richardson poses.

“He’s a big guy who can do a lot with his feet,” Donald said. “So just trying to keep him balled up, obviously not letting him outside the pocket is going to be huge for us this week.”

Aaron Donald sacks Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith. Courtesy of Lindsey Wasson/AP Photo

In two games to start his career, Richardson has run 13 times for 75 yards and three touchdowns. In head coach Shane Steichen’s beautifully designed offense, Richardson is used as a rusher in a multitude of ways, both to open up the field and to punish defenses in short-yardage situations.

However, he’s only played about five quarters. He exited the Colts’ Week 2 win with a concussion sustained on a rushing touchdown.

For Donald and the Rams, making Richardson think twice may be enough to keep him in the pocket with a little more regularity.

“When you do get them quarterback runs, make him pay for doing it,” Donald said. “Get the hits on him and make his day long.”

Indianapolis may be a little more cautious with Richardson as he recovers from his head injury. Until he learns to protect himself, his aggressive nature may be the biggest threat to the Colts’ long-term future. That, and guys like Donald looking to punish him on every dropback.

Expect Los Angeles to come out physical on Sunday as they look to go into Indianapolis and escape with a .500 record on the year. Richardson’s talent alone is enough to make Sunday’s contest difficult.