Bo Nix isn’t overthinking the Aaron Donald problem. He knows the Rams star can wreck a game, and the Broncos quarterback says Denver’s answer is straightforward: keep Donald from controlling the night.
That task gets its first real test Sunday night, when the Broncos see Donald in a regular-season game for the first time in more than four years. Donald is back after a two-year retirement and already made his 2026 debut in the Rams’ 28-6 win over the New York Giants on Monday night.
Nix called Donald one of the all-time greats at his spot and made it clear the Broncos aren’t preparing for a diminished version of him.
"He's literally one of the best at his position all-time," Nix said Wednesday, according to Chris Tomasson of The Denver Gazette. "You don't play those many Sundays."
Donald retired after the 2023 season before announcing his return to the Rams in August. He missed Los Angeles’ opener, then logged 32 defensive snaps against New York. He finished with three tackles and a tackle for loss in his first NFL game since January 2024.
From Nix’s view, the layoff might not even be a negative.
"If anything, he could be better, because he got some good rest," Nix said.
The Broncos quarterback expects Donald’s workload to rise as he gets back into full game shape, but Denver can’t afford to wait around for that to happen.
"Honestly, don't expect anything different," Nix said. "We just gotta limit the time he's dominant."
Denver’s offense isn’t treating Donald like the only problem, either. Broncos offensive coordinator Davis Webb also labeled him a "game-changer" while talking through the matchup.
The challenge is real. The Rams already flashed that pass-rush bite against the Giants, posting a 66.7% pass-rush win rate Monday night, their highest in a game since Week 11 of the 2022 season.
Denver comes in at 1-1, and the Broncos have already had to navigate a tricky start. They’ve also won nine straight against NFC teams since Nix took over as the starting quarterback in 2024.
Still, Nix sounds more energized than rattled by the prospect of lining up against Donald.
"It's exciting to play the greats. It always is," Nix said. "I know he's a really good football player, and he's gonna provide a challenge that we haven't necessarily faced before."
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