Niner Noise
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K’Waun Williams and 4 other 49ers defenders to watch vs. Seahawks

By Peter Panacy

SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 17: Wide receiver Tanner McEvoy #19 of the Seattle Seahawks can't bring in a pass against cornerback K'Waun Williams #24 and safety Jaquiski Tartt #29 of the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter during the game at CenturyLink Field on September 17, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr /Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 17: Wide receiver Tanner McEvoy #19 of the Seattle Seahawks can't bring in a pass against cornerback K'Waun Williams #24 and safety Jaquiski Tartt #29 of the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter during the game at CenturyLink Field on September 17, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr /Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 17: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks runs downfield against defensive lineman Arik Armstead of the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of the game at CenturyLink Field on September 17, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. The Seattle Seahawks beat the San Francisco 49ers 12-9. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 17: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks runs downfield against defensive lineman Arik Armstead of the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of the game at CenturyLink Field on September 17, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. The Seattle Seahawks beat the San Francisco 49ers 12-9. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Defensive Tackle Arik Armstead

The 49ers have been vulnerable against the run this season, allowing an average of 4.7 yards per rush attempt in 2019. And life won’t get any easier after the team lost linebacker Kwon Alexander to a season-ending pectoral tear in Arizona.

Alexander’s absence is something to watch, yes. But a quality run defense ultimately starts up front with the defensive line.

A chief player to watch in this regard is defensive tackle Arik Armstead, who is again quietly emerging as one of San Francisco’s best defenders, both against the run and the pass.

Focusing on the run game, considering Seattle’s tendency to run the ball, Armstead will look to clog a lot of the interior run attempts by Seahawks running back Chris Carson, who is averaging 4.4 yards per attempt this season.

According to Pro Football Focus, Armstead is the No. 1 ranked run defender among qualifying edge rushers, posting an elite-level 91.0 grade in this category.

Look for Armstead to be a major reason behind any San Francisco success stopping the run.