SF 49ers: Arik Armstead, Javon Kinlaw dominating new-look defensive line
After the SF 49ers gave Arik Armstead a huge contract extension, a lot of people were skeptical about whether Armstead could live up to the expectations
Arik Armstead was tied for fifth for quarterback hits with nine after Week 5. He was also tied with Pittsburgh Steelers EDGE for sixth in the NFL with 18 quarterback pressures entering Week 5.
Armstead may only have 1.5 sacks through Week 5, however, Armstead is still giving opposing offensive linemen fits and putting pressure on the opposing quarterback.
With the evolution of the quick passing game and the resurgence of play action, along with the loss of star EDGE Nick Bosa, it is becoming increasingly difficult to consistently have opportunities to rush the quarterback.
Even when the opposition is in a 3rd-and-long situation, as a pass-rusher, you need to win extremely quickly with the possibility of the opposition running a screen or looking to force the ball out of the quarterback’s hands quickly.
On this 3rd-and-6 play in Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles, Armstead was lined up over the right tackle, otherwise known as a 4i, or 4-technique.
The SF 49ers had nine defensive players lined up on the line of scrimmage with the cornerbacks pressing the Eagles receivers. Only linebacker Kwon Alexander and safety Jaquiski Tartt were not on the line of scrimmage.
The SF 49ers blitzed linebacker Fred Warner, meaning every Eagles lineman was one-on-one against a Niners defender. With Warner outside of Armstead, Philadelphia’s right guard was responsible for Armstead. Armstead waltzed past the Eagles’ backup right guard and forced Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz to somehow escape a sack and throw the ball away.
With Armstead getting pressure up the middle and Warner coming off the edge, this meant Wentz could not escape and run for the first down.
This is how the SF 49ers needed to play and rush the passer when they come up against more mobile quarterbacks.
A more coordinated pass rush with interior pressure will be key with a more athletic player on the edge to stop the quarterback from escaping and running for a first down.
Now from one dominant defensive lineman to the next…