Yes, Aaron Donald is Still Aaron Donald

With 4:06 left in the first half, and the Giants with second-and-10 at their own 48-yard line, Donald took left guard Jon Runyan to the middle of the field with one arm, and tackled running back Devin Singletary for a two-yard gain with the other.

This was Mozart as it should be played.

Donald’s tackle for loss came with 1:21 left in the first half, and this was important. The Giants had third-and-2 at the Rams’ three-yard line, and the Rams were up 14-3 at this point. A touchdown would have made things look very different as both teams went into their respective locker rooms.

Donald told his defense, “Not to worry, guys.”

When left tackle Andrew Thomas pinched inside to help open things up in the middle, that left tight end Isaiah Likely one-on-one with Donald. Obviously, no contest, and running back Najee Harris never stood a chance. A three-yard loss, and a Giants field goal, were the outcomes there.

Would it have helped if Mauigoa had blocked Donald instead of Likely?

Likely, yes.

Were there signs of rust on Donald’s part? Occasionally. Donald had a couple of plays where he was late to the ball carrier in ways he wouldn’t have been before, but that could just be acclimating to NFL game speed — which no amount of working out will get you ready to deal with. The only way to get better on the field is with reps. And on those seven double-teams, Donald was handled more than he handled others.

But hey — this is Aaron Freaking Donald. Give him a week, and he’ll probably iron out all the rough stuff.

“His overall energy,” McVay said regarding what Donald brought to the field. “One of the things is, he elicits attention. He brings everybody up around him, and I didn’t think it was by coincidence that was the energy that we played with… I thought the defensive coaches did a great job with their game plan, but ultimately just elevating situations he’s in, and people that he’s around. That’s what the greats do, and that’s what he does.

“There was a bounce. If you didn’t get chills when he was introduced, then you’re not freaking alive. That was awesome. It’s one of those deals that you get an opportunity to just say, ‘Watch what the hell I do, follow my freaking lead.’ That’s what this guy does. I love him.”

As for the man himself, Donald seemed to wonder what all the fuss was about. Who among us can’t take a two-year layoff from football and come back with all the juice you had before?

“Today, the defense played how we were supposed to play,” he said. “Always got room for improvement, right? So it was a good start, good win. Enjoyed the day, and we’re going back to work tomorrow.”

The Rams next have the Denver Broncos on Sunday Night Football, so fair warning to all in the Mile High City: Aaron Donald is officially back. And he’s still him.