Almost everyone quickly christened the Los Angeles Rams the winners of Super Bowl LXI before a ball was even kicked this season. The return of Aaron Donald to pair with Myles Garrett and the retooled defense was touted as the reason they will be favorites.
Sure, when a three-time Defensive Player of the Year returns in peak condition after just two seasons out, there will be more excitement than apprehension. However, the San Francisco 49ers exposed a different concern.
At first, it felt as if head coach Sean McVay ‘s decision to arrive late in Australia to play in their season opener was the sole reason. However, fans noticed that Garrett was in and out of the lineup even though he has proved to be more than a capable every-down pass rusher.
Then, it dawned upon the football universe that the new single-season sack record holder was struggling with an injury and would need up to six weeks to return after getting surgery. That, in itself, is enough to ring some alarm bells.
If he doesn’t come back sooner rather than later, their season’s going to be over, whether both of them are going to be healthy enough to line up or not.
Chris Canty said on First Take The former Super Bowl winn...