Baltimore Ravens Have 'Good Comp' to Los Angeles Rams DT Aaron Donald

The Baltimore Ravens are going up against defensive tackle Aaron Donald and the Los Angeles Rams this weekend and are grateful they have a comparable player on their own defense to prepare against.

The Baltimore Ravens (9-3) know every week is tough in the NFL, so welcoming the Los Angeles Rams (6-6) this weekend is no small challenge, especially with defensive tackle Aaron Donald coming in to try and disrupt offensive coordinator Todd Monken's operations.

Fortunately for the Ravens, they have a comparable player on their own roster to help get them ready, defensive tackle Justin Madubuike.

“I think that’s a good ‘comp’ from an internal player," Monken said when asked about Madubuike helping Baltimore get ready for this weekend. "We’ve played a good number of edge guys from Myles Garrett to Khalil Mack to T.J. Watt. It seems like we’ve played against a good number of edge guys [who are] top end [and] elite, and now we have [another] chance. 

"They move [Aaron Donald] around. [On] third downs, you’ll see Aaron on the edge. Again, he’s a heck of a player. They have a number of good players around him, that’s for sure. It’s a real challenge, but going up against Justin [Madubuike] is certainly a good ‘comp.”

Los Angeles Rams defensive end Aaron Donald (99) rushes Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley (not pictured) as guard Ben Cleveland (66) attempts to block at M&T Bank Stadium / Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery they say, so Donald should feel pretty good knowing opposing teams look for ways to prepare for him that go outside of the usual practice and game plan strategies.

The Ravens have faced Donald three times in his career, the last being a 20-19 loss just last season.

In those three games, the Rams' defensive star has collected 1.5 sacks and seven tackles and Baltimore is 2-1.

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“What a tremendous player," Monken said about Donald. "It’s a challenge just like every week in this league for a player of [Aaron Donald’s] caliber and the guys around him that have really picked up their play. It’s a real challenge. They do a great job schematically. They’re well-coached. They play hard. They play well connected together, which is important. It’ll be a real challenge [on] Sunday.”

A Ravens win this weekend could give the team possession of the No. 1 seed in the AFC Playoffs race if the Miami Dolphins (9-3) get upset by the Tennessee Titans (4-8).