Arik Armstead is closing in on his career high for sacks in a season after just two games.
The San Francisco 49ers and former Oregon Ducks’ defensive lineman posted a sack in his second consecutive game during the 49ers’ 41-17 win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.
Armstead sacked Bengals’ quarterback Andy Dalton for an 8-yard loss on the first play of the game. Watch
Armstead finished the game with three combined tackles, including the sack.
Armstead posted his second consecutive strong performance. He had five combined tackles, a sack and three quarterback pressures during the 49ers’ 31-17 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Week 1.
Armstead, the 49ers first-round pick (No. 17) of the 2015 NFL draft, could be on his way to a career year in 2019. He has two sacks, which is just one shy of his career high of three that he had in 2018. His eight combined tackles in the first two games marks his best start of his career.
Armstead is taking advantage of the the 49ers’ strong defensive line. Along with fellow former Duck DeForest Buckner, the 49ers have Nick Bosa, the No. 2 pick of the 2019 NFL draft, Solomon Thomas, the No. 3 pick of the 2017 NFL draft and veteran Dee Ford, who posted 13 sacks with Kansas City in 2018.
Armstead’s fast start is critical. He’s in a contract season and a career year in 2019 could earn him a lucrative, long-term contract with the 49ers, or somewhere else.
-- Geoffrey C. Arnold | @geoffreyCarnold
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