McVay: 'Unfortunate' Donald wasn't at full strength for playoff loss
The Los Angeles Rams' defense looked out of sorts without anchor Aaron Donald fully healthy for Saturday's divisional playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers.
The NFL's No. 1 defense allowed 484 total yards and 32 points against.
Donald, the league's premier defensive tackle, only played in 39 of 72 defensive snaps as he battled through a torn rib cartilage suffered last week. The 29-year-old saw just 12 snaps in the second half, and the Packers responded by gashing the Rams on the ground.
"I love Aaron Donald, it means a lot to him. It's unfortunate that he wasn't at full strength today," Rams head coach Sean McVay said after the loss.
The three-time Defensive Player of the Year was seen in tears on the sideline as the game came to a close.
Aaron Donald is emotional on the sidelines. pic.twitter.com/lgrMRLtQZ9
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 17, 2021
"He wants to be able to really make a big difference week in and week out, and I think in some instances, he felt like with the way that he feels like he can contribute, that's where I think he was upset," McVay said. "But, I love him and, you know, very thankful to work with players like him."