Offensive linemen probably get a little bit less sleep than usual when they see Aaron Donald and the Rams next on their schedule. No one wants to block the all-world pass rusher because doing so is borderline impossible.
Just ask All-Pro center Jason Kelce.
On a recent episode of his “New Heights” podcast, Kelce was asked what it’s like to block Donald. He’s grateful that being a center, he doesn’t have to match up with AD one-on-one very often. But he knows what a nightmare No. 99 is to contain.
He gave a perfect description of facing Donald, saying it’s “like trying to wrestle a Liger coated in baby oil.”
Like trying to wrestle a Liger coated in baby oil https://t.co/bCtpvdPb2x
— Jason Kelce (@JasonKelce) March 15, 2023
“Aaron, luckily I do not have to block him one-on-one that often,” Kelce said. “He’s usually outside rushing a guard. But same thing, the level of quickness – I always think, for a defensive lineman, the best defensive linemen out there, are guys that have speed and power. If you only have speed, there’s things you can do to guard against that. If you’re a finesse player, you can go with a little bit wider hands with your punch and you can bait them into certain areas to push him where he needs to go. I think AD has all of it. He’s relentless, he’s like a bulldog down there that just is mad and angry.
“You’re like, ‘Man, we’re just playing football. Why are you mad at me? I’m just trying do my job.”
Kelce was asked if Donald talks much on the field, and he shared a little snippet of something Donald might say during a game.
“’Kelc, stop comin’ over. What are you helpin’ the guard for?’ Kelce said. “I’m like, ‘You think I’m gonna leave you one-on-one? You’re the best player in the NFL. I’m going to slide to you every time. Like, we’re not just gonna let you ruin the game, Aaron.’”
