Todd Gurley & Aaron Donald Named Players of the Month

Ed "Pi Double i" Henderson

WorldWide Rams

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​The 2017 NFL Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year of the Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley and defensive tackle Aaron Donald both were named NFC Offensive and Defensive Players of the Month of October.

Both players, who signed massive extensions this off-season, both have been giving the Rams their monies worth. Gurley signed a four-year $60M deal and as Donald signed a six-year $135M extension with $87M guaranteed.

On the offensive side of the ball, Gurley has torn the league up this season in rushing the ball, receiving, and scoring touchdowns. Gurley leads the NFL with 800 rushing yards, and with 15 total touchdowns  (11 rushing and four receiving).  

Gurley has tied a record with scoring touchdowns in 11 straight games, and also have his career best with 208 yards rushing against the Denver Broncos. Gurley also was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week in that same game against the Broncos. 

Gurley arguably is having MVP type season this season as he was snubbed by New England Patriots Tom Brady last year. During the month of October, Gurley has 462 rushing yards (5.13 average), seven rushing touchdowns, 16 receptions for 157 yards and three touchdowns.

As for Donald, after a slow start, Donald has been playing at an incredible level creating amazing stats. In his last five games, he's recorded a league-leading 10 sacks, after not having one in the first three games. Donald recording his personal best against the San Francisco 49ers in an NFC 
West battle as he sacked C.J. Beathard four times that week. 

As an interior defensive lineman, it's impressive to have double digits in sacks, and only to accomplish that at the midpoint of the season. Donald is taken on double-team blockers 73% of the game. He's still has been unstoppable as he continues to give offenses problem. During the month of October, Donald has recorded 17 tackles (11 for loss), eight sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. 

The Rams are currently 8-0 this season as they put that record on the line against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday at the Mercedes Superdome. It will be fascinating to watch what game plan the Saints will have for both Gurley and Donald. Drew Brees is a quarterback that has played below his standard par against the Rams but is dangerous. 

The Saints defense have had some problems stopping the run and on the offensive side with pass blocking. Both players will seek to play well and continue their fantastic run toward MVP type of a game. However, the Saints will try to disrupt those runs at home with a hostile Saints crowd.

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