Saints 2020 Year-in-Review: Terron Armstead

One of the league's most dominant offensive linemen had perhaps his finest season for New Orleans in 2020.

In 2013, the New Orleans Saints used a 3rd round draft choice on a little-known offensive lineman out of Arkansas Pine-Bluff named Terron Armstead. After playing in six games as a rookie, Armstead took over starting left tackle duties in 2014. He quickly developed into one of the NFL's most underrated offensive linemen and was vital in protecting the blindside for quarterback Drew Brees.

As respect for Armstead grew around the league, the only criticism against him was his durability. Injuries forced him to miss 21 games over a three-year stretch between 2016 and 2018. New Orleans still recognized Armstead's talent and importance to the team, awarding him with a lucrative contract in 2016.

Armstead finally earned national respect in 2017 and was voted to consecutive Pro Bowls in 2018 and 2019. He entered 2020 as a key piece on the NFL's most dominant offensive line and is the subject of today's Year-in-Review spotlight.

TERRON ARMSTEAD

New Orleans Saints offensive tackle Terron Armstead (72) blocks against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY

Armstead answered detractors about his durability by having the healthiest season of his eight-year career. He didn't even miss a snap until a Week 4 win at Detroit and would have played all 16 games for the first time if not for a positive COVID test that knocked him out of action for two contests.

His performance on the field was more imposing than it’s ever been. Armstead shut down some of the league's best pass rushers, often in one-on-one assignments, usually nullifying them from having any impact in a game. Brees is annually among the least-sacked quarterbacks in the league and was sacked just 13 times in 14 games this season, largely because of Armstead's outstanding pass protection.

New Orleans Saints offensive tackle Terron Armstead (72) blocks against Jacksonville defensive end Calais Campbell (93) Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY 

Armstead is much more than just a standout pass blocker. He helped power a New Orleans running attack that ranked sixth in the league and ranked 1st in rushing touchdowns. He not only sealed the edge for running backs Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray to get outside, but has the athleticism to get to the second level to spring big gains.

Terron Armstead is arguably the best left tackle in the game today, and teams with RT RyanRamczyk to form the NFL's best tandem of offensive tackles. He is equally effective as a run or pass blocker and earned his third consecutive Pro Bowl honor in 2020.

He not only dominates opponents at the point of attack with great strength, but is also nimble enough to get to the outside to open up big gains on screen passes. One underrated aspect of Armstead's game is the fact that he’s an outstanding technician, allowing him to be among the least penalized linemen in the league.

At 29-Yrs old, Armstead is the ‘‘elder statesman’’ of the offensive line but continues to play at an elite level. He is entering the last year of his contract and will count $16.3 million against the salary cap this season, second highest on the team.

Sep 27, 2020; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Saints offensive tackle Terron Armstead (72) against Packers defensive end Za'Darius Smith. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY 

His salary could make him the subject of trade rumors, but it seems more likely that the Saints will try to work out a contract extension. While not as flashy as the skill-position players like Kamara or WR Michael Thomas, Terron Armstead's abilities continue to be just as big of a reason for the success of the New Orleans Saints.