San Francisco 49ers: George Kittle, standouts from Week 7 vs. Rams

Arik Armstead

Arik Armstead has been regularly criticised for his performances since being drafted in the first round by the Niners in 2015, but he has stayed healthy and performed to a high standard in 2018, particularly against the run.

On Sunday he had a more tangible impact on the pass defense, logging three quarterback hits and one of the two sacks of Jared Goff as he shot the gap between the guard and tackle and looped back around to bring down the Rams quarterback.

Also registering five tackles, including one for a loss, Armstead’s display will likely be lost in the wreckage of a nightmare day for the team. However, it was performance that should help Armstead’s case when the 49ers — who picked up his fifth-year option — debate whether to pay him $9 million in 2019 or cut him for the cost of no dead money (contract details from Over The Cap).

Jaquiski Tartt

Before the offensive miscues became too much for the defense to overcome, Robert Saleh’s unit performed well in the early going, and strong safety Jaquiski Tartt played a significant role.

Demonstrating the closing speed that helped him earn a two-year contract extension with a strong 2017, Tartt made multiple plays down near the line of scrimmage and finished the game with seven tackles, including one for a loss.

Tartt should remain a mainstay on the 49er defense for at least the next two seasons. The question going forward will be who partners him at free safety with Adrian Colbert, who hurt his ankle against the Rams, struggling to back up his impressive rookie year.