Rams’ Donald: ‘The only thing I lack is being a champion.’

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Los Angeles Rams defensive end Aaron Donald, left, exercises with a nose tackle on Greg Gaines at an NFL football practice Friday, Jan. 28, 2022, in Thousand Oaks, Calif., Before their NFC championship game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Mark J. Terrill AP LOS ANGELES

Aaron Donald is solid in conversations about the top pass rushers in NFL history. The Los Angeles Rams ’superstar defensive tackle knows he’s on another list he wants to remove on his own – talented players who haven’t won a championship.

As the Rams prepare to host the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC championship game on Sunday, Donald’s teammates and coaches are united in their decision to remove him from that list.

“This building wants to win for Aaron Donald to create more mystery in his legacy and what he has accomplished,” said defense coordinator Raheem Morris. “I remember when I first got here and watched the divisional playoff game loss last year in Green Bay. I looked into his eyes and I felt pain and pain. My feet are easily in their place because of what it means to win a championship.

As with fighting offensive linemen, Donald couldn’t help but discuss the lack of a title this week when he said “I feel like I’ve done a lot in a short time in this league. The only thing I’m missing now is being world champion . ”

When it comes to losses, last year’s playoff game and the Super Bowl defeat against the New England Patriots in 2019 provided additional motivation for Donald in this year’s playoff run. He was trying to do not just do it about him.

“It is for the organization. It’s for guys like Whit (offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth) and (QB Matthew) Stafford who have been playing this game longer than me and haven’t experienced that yet, ”Donald said. “We have a lot of veteran men who are trying to get that ultimate goal. I know I give everything and I try to do everything I can to do my part to help accomplish that goal. Knowing that those men are on board with me is very important. “

Morris said Donald has been more vocal in meetings and practice this week, repeating the stakes of Sunday’s game with teammates. Cornerback Jalen Ramsey noticed that Donald repeated the keys to the game and took more willingness to lead the word.

Donald recognized Von Miller for helping him become more of a vocal leader.

“I have always considered myself a leader, but more of a lead by example guy. One thing that Von challenges me more is just his talking to me, being more vocal, talking to the guys, letting them hear my voice,” the statement said. by Donald.

Donald and the Rams will face their biggest challenge of the season in an effort to end six straight losses to the 49ers. Coincidentally, the Rams ’last win against San Francisco was in 2018, the last time they advanced to the Super Bowl.

49ers and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has done a great job of holding off Donald lately. In the last four games, they have held him in a sack, including none of the two games this season.

“I think they’re sticking to a game plan. They’ve found ways to win, and that’s the most important thing. We just have to do our job,” Donald said. “It’s a different kind of football here that’s happening this week. .It’s a game away from the Super Bowl against an opponent we’re both used to.We know what to expect.We only have four quarters of the game.We have to make a way to finish.

“Obviously, they beat us in ways. I wouldn’t sit here and talk about it, but they did. This week, my mindset is there’s no way we’re going to lose this game. We have to play for quarters. We have to find a way to finish, and I know we will. ”

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