Rams vs. 49ers: 5 Week 16 matchups to watch for San Francisco
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: Arik Armstead vs. Bobby Evans and David Edwards
As much as the 49ers have to worry about Aaron Donald and a solid crop of Rams pass-rushers, Los Angeles needs to be even more wary about the Niners defensive line, which remains potent despite suffering a number of key injuries over the course of the year.
While EDGE Nick Bosa and his pending matchup against Rams veteran left tackle Andrew Whitworth is one worth watching and has a little background chatter, the other side of the line should be an area San Francisco looks to exploit.
This means utilizing defensive lineman Arik Armstead, who was snubbed as a Pro Bowl starter but is at least on the list of alternates. Armstead was the first 49ers defender to reach double-digit sacks this season, and the crop of strong-side blockers along L.A.’s offensive line — namely right guard David Edwards and right tackle Rob Havenstein, who is questionable with a knee injury — could easily have their hands full with Armstead on Saturday.
Especially if he’s playing with a proverbial “chip on his shoulder” after the Pro Bowl snub, which it appears he is.
Interestingly enough, the Rams offensive line is currently ranked No. 2 overall in pass protection, according to Football Outsiders. In run blocking, however, it’s a much more manageable 15th.
That’ll play a difference, which Niner Noise will explain in a moment.