Bears vs. Rams: 3 crucial matchups to watch for Chicago
By Ryan Heckman
No. 2: Aaron Donald vs. James Daniels (Round 2)
Last year when the Bears put a physical beatdown on the Rams in primetime, one major matchup ended up being a huge factor. It was rookie James Daniels who took center stage against the league’s best defensive player, Aaron Donald.
Against the Bears, Donald finished with just two tackles and zero sacks.
This was a group effort when it was all said and done, but Daniels was the primary suspect in holding Donald in check.
What James Daniels did tonight against Aaron Donald is simply amazing.
— Matt Eurich (@MattEurich) December 10, 2018
Donald was basically a non-factor...against a 21-year-old rookie left guard.
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This year, the Rams have been somewhat of a disappointment. But, their defense is better than people give them credit for. Aaron Donald has 6.0 sacks on the year and their pass defense ranks in the middle of the league — we’ll get to the run defense later.
Daniels will have his work cut out for him once again Sunday night, and I’m quite positive Donald remembers last year’s matchup vividly.
I have a feeling this one might go a little bit differently — unless we are pleasantly surprised.
Last week against Detroit, Daniels switched back to guard with Cody Whitehair taking over at center. It seems like this has been a constant whirlwind for Whitehair over his career, but hopefully this change is permanent and the Bears’ line can gel a bit more. It’s been a rough first half for the line, but getting Daniels back to guard could be the change the Bears needed.