In a candid social media post, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel addressed the chatter surrounding his performance, denying any struggles and pointing to a lack of opportunities as the root cause.
The San Francisco 49ers’ current season has been challenging, with wide receiver Deebo Samuel experiencing a noticeable dip in his game statistics. Over the past four games, Samuel has not surpassed 25 receiving yards, nor 35 scrimmage yards, leaving fans and commentators questioning his performance. Despite these figures, Samuel remains steadfast in his belief that his performance is hindered by insufficient chances on the field.
In a since-deleted social media post, Samuel expressed his frustration with the situation, stating, ‘Not struggling at all just not getting the ball!!!!!!!’ accompanied by a shrug emoji. This statement came as Samuel is on track for career lows in terms of receptions and targets per game. His current averages stand at 3.3 receptions and 5.33 targets, highlighting a significant reduction in his participation compared to previous seasons.
Examining the 49ers’ statistics further, Samuel ranks second on the team with 72 touches this season, trailing only Jordan Mason. His season totals include 40 catches on 64 targets resulting in 553 yards and a single touchdown. On the ground, Samuel contributed 32 rushing attempts for 92 yards along with another touchdown. In terms of team rankings, he is third in catches and targets, following Jauan Jennings and George Kittle, which could partially explain his reduced visibility on the field.
Some analysts speculate that Samuel’s comments could be perceived as discontent with Jennings becoming Brock Purdy’s preferred target during crucial moments. However, Samuel quickly clarified any potential misinterpretations, stating that his intent was not to criticize his teammates. ‘Just cause I voice my opinions don’t mean I’m hating on any of my teammates!! Be Fr,’ he noted in a follow-up post, even reposting remarks applauding Jennings as a ‘dawg.’
The 49ers recently secured a vital victory against the Chicago Bears, yet Samuel’s contribution was modest, showing two receptions for 22 yards along with 13 rushing yards from five carries. Despite his limited role in the game, Samuel’s skills will be crucial in the upcoming match against division rivals, the Los Angeles Rams. A defeat against the Rams could eliminate the 49ers from playoff contention, according to Next Gen Stats.
It is important to note that Samuel was absent during the Niners’ Week 3 loss to the Rams, underscoring the significance of his presence in the approaching matchup.
While Deebo Samuel’s season statistics may suggest a dip in performance, his assertion of a lack of opportunities highlights a broader issue within the 49ers’ current play strategy. As the team faces pivotal games ahead, Samuel’s role and the distribution of chances will likely be essential topics in their quest for post-season success.
Source: Nfl
