Rams Vs. Bengals: Aaron Donald ‘Tough Guy’ Prediction for Joe Burrow
Usually when someone calls you a "tough guy," they are doing so sarcastically. But Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald was genuine in praising the toughness of Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow ahead of the Monday Night Football matchup between the two teams.
Burrow is currently questionable with a right calf injury, but for his part, Donald believes that the star quarterback will be under center on the primetime stage Monday.
“I expect him to play," Donald said. "I know he is a tough guy.
“So my mindset is he’s going to be out there healthy and playing how he needs to play. So our job is to go through this game plan, obviously practice it, get used to it, feel comfortable with it, understand what we need to do, and then execute it come Monday.”
Given that they signed Burrow to a five-year/$275 million contract extension that guarantees him $219 million before the season began, the No. 1 priority for the Bengals needs to be the long-term health of their quarterback. The possibility of him further aggravating his calf injury -- or suffering an injury to another part of his lower body as he overcompensates -- would be the argument for resting Burrow in Week 3.
Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams believes Joe Burrow will play for the Cincinnati Bengals Monday. (USA Today)
At the same time, the Bengals are already 0-2. Whether it would be Jake Browning or the recently-signed A.J. McCarron under center in Burrow's absence, Cincinnati would be in danger of falling to 0-3 if they are without the face of their franchise on Monday.
Perhaps a year ago, the Bengals would have been able to beat the Rams without Burrow. But quarterback Matthew Stafford looks rejuvenated, rookie receiver Puka Nacua has been one of the season's early breakout stars and, of course, Donald is looming defensively.
It makes sense for the Rams to prepare for Burrow, and adjust if the Bengals are without him. But based off of how both teams have looked the first two weeks of the season, the Rams seemingly have a chance to go on the road and move to 2-1, whether Burrow plays or not.
