Seahawks rival watch: Rams DT Aaron Donald to return in 2023
It seems like we’re going to have to put off the seemingly constant Rams retirement rumors for one more season. In a bit of unfortunate news for the Seattle Seahawks, one of their biggest foes will be playing another season. Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald recently confirmed he will not be retiring, and will return for the 2023 season.
Aaron Donald is one of the best defensive linemen of all time, and the Seahawks have been forced to compete against him as division rivals. He has routinely been a nightmare for Seattle to contend with. In 16 career games against the Seahawks, Donald has 38 total tackles, 15 sacks and has forced two fumbles. He is also responsible for breaking Russell Wilson’s finger, causing him to miss three games in 2021.
The Seahawks lucked out this year, and managed to avoid Donald twice in both matchups against the Rams. Seattle narrowly won both games, sweeping the Rams for the first time since 2013, but there is little doubt those games could have gone the other way had Donald played.
Unfortunately, Aaron Donald won’t be the only Ram returning. Head coach Sean McVay, who’s future (along with Donald’s) has seemingly been in question ever since the Super Bowl, determined he will be back as well.
The Rams will also get back quarterback Matthew Stafford and Super Bowl MVP receiver Cooper Kupp, both of whom were lost to injury last season.
Last year, Los Angeles became the worst defending Super Bowl champions of all time with their miserable 5-12 record. But don’t expect a similar failing in 2023. They will likely return to being a considerable hurdle for the Seahawks to clear in their efforts to return to the playoffs and contend for a division title.
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