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Rams vs. 49ers: 5 Week 16 matchups to watch for San Francisco

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 21: Josh Reynolds #83 of the Los Angeles Rams makes a catch to the one-yard line against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 21: Josh Reynolds #83 of the Los Angeles Rams makes a catch to the one-yard line against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Aaron Donald, Rams
Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

No. 4: Ben Garland and Mike Person vs. Aaron Donald

This should be a yearly statement: Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald is having an MVP-caliber year.

Donald won’t reach his then-league-leading 20.5 sacks from a season ago, but the fact he already has 11 on the season this year is more than impressive. And Pro Football Focus would agree he’s been one of the best defenders around the league this season:

Meanwhile, San Francisco is still trying to implement its makeshift offensive line, which now has backup center Ben Garland in place of the injured Weston Richburg.

Garland received a 53.6 overall game grade versus Atlanta, according to Pro Football Focus, so that’s an advantage in Donald’s favor right now. Especially if he lines up more often along the strong-side interior and less on the edges.

One might expect right guard Mike Person to provide some additional support with Garland, double-teaming Donald and forcing one of the Rams’ other up-front defenders to generate more within the pass rush.

Still, Donald is good enough to work over two blockers at any given time.