The 2025 NFL season is shaping up to be a defining year for the Jacksonville Jaguars’ defensive lineman Arik Armstead. Known for his powerful presence on the field and as the former winner of the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, Armstead’s upcoming season promises a return to the form that made him a crucial player for the Jaguars’ defensive ambitions.
Armstead signed with the Jaguars last offseason, generating buzz as the potential answer to the Jaguars’ search for an effective interior pass-rusher. While flashes of his potential greatness were on display last season, much of his time was oddly spent at defensive end rather than his natural position of defensive tackle. This season, however, brings a new regime with head coach Liam Coen and defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile, who appear poised to unleash Armstead's full potential by repositioning him where he thrives best—inside.
In a recent interview on the O-Zone Podcast, Armstead articulated why this strategic shift could be transformative for both him and the Jaguars' defense. “I think that’s where I’m best," Armstead remarked about playing as a defensive tackle.
He noted that while he has seen success at both end and tackle positions throughout his career, his real impact comes from attacking the quarterback through the interior line. Armstead emphasized, “I’ll have more opportunities to affect the game on first, second, and third down...
I'll have more opportunities to have a big impact on the game."
Last season, Armstead found himself practicing and playing alongside the likes of Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen with the defensive ends, acting more as an edge player than his intended role inside. This alignment led him to start just one game, highlighting an underutilization of his talents.
Coen is looking to change all that by emphasizing a return to player strengths—a philosophy he mentioned immediately upon taking the head coach position. “We need to stop the run, but we also need to harness our players' superpowers and play to those," Coen stated.
Acknowledging Armstead's strength at the three-technique, Coen plans to exploit his disruptive capabilities which he witnessed during his tenure with LA. The idea is clear: when players are allowed to excel in their comfort zones, their contributions can be game-changing.
The Jaguars are looking to turn this philosophy into results, as they aim to mold their defense into a formidable unit. With Armstead anchoring the interior line, Jaguars fans could witness a more dynamic and impactful defense this season. So, as the 2025 games unfold, keep an eye on how this strategic move pans out on the field—Armstead might very well redefine what it means to be a game-changer.
