Aaron Donald looms large as Commanders prepare for Rams

Logan Thomas says it’s easy to find Aaron Donald on a football field — just listen for the noise.

Donald first sacked Thomas, then Virginia Tech’s quarterback, in a 2012 Pitt victory. The next year, Thomas got some payback with a win in Blacksburg.

Sunday, they’ll renew what has become an ongoing rivalry. As a tight end now, Thomas will be responsible for helping to keep Donald away from Commanders quarterback Sam Howell.

“He’s not hard to miss — that mouth runs a decent amount,” Thomas said with a laugh. “I think the last time we played him he was a little more mild. He’s older like I am, so it probably comes with age.”

Last time around, Thomas was too busy getting sacks to have much to say. The Rams defensive tackle logged four sacks in a 2020 victory over Washington.

“Four sacks, period, is crazy, but as an interior guy it’s even crazier,” said Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin, who was a part of that game. “It’s a testament to his work ethic, the kind of player he is, and obviously you’ve got to account for where he is. I know we’re gonna have a good plan for that, I know our linemen are going to be up for that challenge.”

Washington’s offensive line has struggled to rise to those occasions this season, and Howell is currently on pace to tie David Carr’s record for most times sacked in a season (76).

Still, Thomas said, even as the Commanders are slumping, and the Rams chase a playoff appearance, there won’t be any letdown against Los Angeles. Getting the opportunity to face Donald as an offensive line only increases that.

“You don’t play a Hall of Famer every single week, and that’s what he’ll be,” Thomas said. “First ballot, no question. Best defensive player in our generation, most likely.”

Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy also understands the importance of the final weeks of the season. He’s received interviews for head coaching positions before, and is likely to again once this season ends.

During his Thursday press conference, Bieniemy insisted he’s “focused on the now” instead of whatever might come next.

As for his time in Washington, he thinks the adversity will ultimately be helpful as he seeks to foster resilience in players.

“Sometimes without bad luck, some of us wouldn’t have any good luck at all,” Bieniemy said. “Because it forces you to look within. And once you look within, now you can help yourself to grow. You can’t be afraid of being vulnerable and asking for honest opinions.”

An ESPN report during the bye week detailed that some players were unhappy with Bieniemy’s practice structure, which is much more intense than the team has had in past seasons.

Bieniemy himself is known to work early mornings and late nights, and he said he’s hopeful players have learned what it takes to compete at the highest levels in the NFL.

“The only way that’s going to get done, collectively, we have to be accountable to one another and continue this process,” Bieniemy said. “Because when it’s all said and done with, if we have the personal pride in who we are as men, collectively, there’s a lot of things we can do together.”

For Washington’s defensive unit, the upcoming final four games represent an opportunity for Washington to climb out of a statistical cellar. The Commanders rank 32nd in the league in yards and points allowed.

The unit hasn’t created a turnover in more than a month. It has an opportunity to get right against the Rams and Jets, teams known for their defenses this year who have struggled at times offensively.

For McLaurin, the game is another opportunity to show the progress that has been elusive this year.

“No matter what the record is, you still go out there and try to win each and every game, because if you’re not trying to do that, it’s probably not for you,” McLaurin said.