49ers roster: 5 players who aren’t getting enough praise in 2021

No. 1: 49ers Defensive Tackle Arik Armstead

Yes, there are going to be those who think veteran defensive tackle Arik Armstead is a player the 49ers shouldn’t have extended entering 2020, rather now-Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner should have been the priority.

Perhaps. There’s merit to that argument.

But it doesn’t completely erase the notion Armstead is having a quality season even if the standard statistics aren’t backing it up.

Related Story: Arik Armstead is a case study why stats don’t tell the whole story

True, the stat geeks out there will point out how Armstead has just 18 tackles, two of which were for a loss, two quarterback hits and one sack this season, a far cry from his career-best 10 sacks recorded back in 2019 when Buckner and Nick Bosa were in full force.

Yet it’s important to point out the kind of impact Armstead will have in other areas.

Case in point, Pro Football Focus gives Armstead a pass-rushing win rate of 22.6, which is second only to Bosa’s 29.8 mark. While Bosa is getting the sacks, Armstead is still creating havoc within the pocket.

Even though the traditional stats may not reflect it.