New Orleans Saints’ head coach Sean Payton is considered to be something of an offensive guru, but his offense will be put to a real test on Saturday when they face the Los Angeles Rams in NFC Championship Game. Rams’ have several “game changers” on the defense, but their defensive tackle Aaron Donald might be the biggest issue for the Saints; something Payton is well aware of.
“It’s hard to say you’re going to keep him in check,” – Payton said of Donald on Wednesday. “He’s played as well at that three-technique position that we’ve seen in years.”
The 55-year-old New Orleans’ coach is so high on Aaron Donald that he even considers him to be the best player in football on the defensive side of the ball.
“I mean, arguably and I don’t know even if it’s an argument, he’s the best defensive player today in football,” – he added. “His numbers, his production, it shows up in the run game, it shows up in the passing game, and it’s a challenge.”
Saints left tackle Terron Armstead later echoed Sean Payton’s words.
“It’s hard to argue with what’s he’s been able to do these past few years,” – said Armstead. “You can just watch the tape. Some guys get a name and you go back and watch the tape, and they have had success in certain situations. But him, week after week, play after play, the tape don’t lie. The film don’t lie. He’s a guy that can let his film speak for itself.”
Aaron Donald was terrific in the 2018 regular season, managing to have 59 combined tackles and league-high 20.5 sacks.
