Blocking Aaron Donald single-handedly is as difficult a task as any in the NFL. He’s the best pass rusher in the league, with a rare combination of quickness, power and hand usage that makes him almost impossible to slow down.
The Seahawks have learned that over the years, facing him twice a season since he came into the NFL in 2014. And they haven’t had much success in their 15 games against Donald, allowing 14 sacks and 40 QB hits to the three-time Defensive Player of the Year.
As always, they tried to block him with two linemen often on Thursday night in the Rams’ 26-17 win, which made for an amazing photo. Take a look at this strategy deployed by Seattle, with both blockers wrapping up Donald as he tried to split the double-team.
Unsurprisingly, the Seahawks weren’t called for holding on this play. Donald gets held on most plays but it’s so rare for him to actually get the call because of how often officials would have to throw flags on players trying to block him.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame should hang this photo next to his bust in Canton when he makes it on the first ballot.