An inept offense was the problem. Our defense was on the field the entire first half...
Then, Atlanta finally had a long drive coming out of half time. Our defense didn't play poorly...our offense and special teams did. And McVay, well, let's say he didn't call his best game.
Aaron Donald disrupts...and he is the pillar you build around. Losing him would be like losing a franchise QB to me. He is a game changer...he forces teams to focus on him...he gets the double teams...and still beats them.
Atlanta game stats...
5 tackles - 4 solo
0.5 sacks
1.5 tackles for loss
1 QB hits
? Hurries
From the DT possession, that normally is an outstanding game. Considering he was facing double teams, it makes it more impressive. For Donald it was pedestrian. What does that tell you?
I'll rest my case/view by just reiterating what Wade Philips thinks of Donald.
He will be the highest paid defensive player in the NFL and likely one of the highest outside of QB. That will occur with the Rams or another team.