{
  "id": 4888343,
  "title": "Stephen A Smith Warns Rams Fans to Temper Their Aaron Donald Expectations",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/stephen-a-smith-warns-rams-fans-to-temper-their-aaron-donald",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-01T16:01:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/stephen-a-smith-warns-rams-fans-to-temper-their-aaron-donald-expectations-12391746"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Los Angeles Rams have bolstered their roster with the signing of three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald on a one-year deal. This news has fueled the excitement surrounding the Rams' prospects for the upcoming season, as they join forces with reigning NFL MVP Matthew Stafford and Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett. The combination of talent has made the Rams one of the top favorites to claim a Super Bowl title.\n\nDonald, now 35, had a brief retirement after the 2023 season, taking a break for two years. However, when he returns to the game, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith believes his performance will still be exceptional. Smith asserts that Donald's \"B game\" is better than 99% of the league's \"A game.\" He emphasizes that Donald does not need to be at his peak to make a significant impact; he just needs to be good, and he already is. In his last NFL season in 2023, Donald recorded eight sacks, 16 tackles for loss, and 23 QB hits, securing his eighth First Team All-Pro selection.\n\nThe Rams will kick off their 2026 season with a Week 1 game against the San Francisco 49ers on September 10.",
  "summary": "The Los Angeles Rams added to their already-elite roster this past weekend, signing all-time great NFL pass rusher Aaron Donald.",
  "key_points": [
    "Aaron Donald signs one-year deal with Rams, 35 years old",
    "ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith praises Donald's B game",
    "Rams start 2026 season against 49ers on September 10"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}