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As usual,
Deebo Samuel played a significant role in San Francisco's offense during their hard-fought 13-10 win against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night, during a game where special teams dictated the flow surprisingly.
Following the game, Samuel said that he understood the difficulties coming into this game with the weather situation, and how crucial special teams was to San Francisco's victory.
"Man, it's just so crazy," Samuel exclaimed. "We knew we needed a play, and we talked about special teams man. Very important this week in this week, you know, you can't really kick the ball, so we went out here and got a blocked punt and we scored and tied the game. Man, it's just crazy right now."
Despite the first half struggles, in which San Francisco had -15 yards of total offense on their first four drives, and an interception on their next, Samuel and Co. were resilient, and came out fighting in the second half from the kickoff en route to a field goal drive.
"This means a lot for this team, man. To be down seven, we couldn't move the ball in the first half. Going into the second half, making adjustments, [and] just [coming] out here and play our heart out."
However, the hard-fought game didn't come with nicks, as Deebo Samuel was seen limping on multiple occasions, including after his must-needed 1st down pickup on 3rd & 6 with just over a minute remaining in the fourth quarter. During his postgame interview though, Samuel brushed off any indication of a long-term injury.
"My ankle got twisted up and I got scared for a second, but I'll be alright."
Samuel's first down run on 3rd & 6 eventually set up a Robbie Gould game-winning 45-yard field goal, which he drilled to send the 49ers to the NFC Championship game.
"Robbie don't miss," said Samuel. "Good as Gould baby, that's what I call him, but [it] was just a great team win and flying around on all cylinders."
This 49ers team is predicated on physicality, which was constantly showcased through their numerous attempts on the ground Saturday, and Deebo leads the charge with his pure strength, which he exerts every single game.
"[Physicality] is just the mindset of this team. We knew it was going to be a dogfight. With the weather, we knew we weren't going to be able to throw the ball like we wanted to. It's just a physical mindset and everybody on this team has, and we go out here and we play hard."
Despite being a third-year player, Samuel has had a ton of responsibility on his shoulders in his first All-Pro season, but his built trust with head coach Kyle Shanahan has eased that feeling.
"I feel like it's a trust thing. Me and Kyle have a great, great relationship. I trust him just as well as he trusts me. Making that third down call on 3rd & 6, putting the ball in my hands in a running play, just [knowing] everything I'm capable of."
With the win, San Francisco has now won six of its last seven games and have completely turned their season around after starting 2-4, which bodes well for them as they'll face another opponent on the road in the NFC Championship game next weekend, be it their divisional rival Los Angeles Rams or the
Tom Brady-led Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Deebo isn't worried about the competition, knowing how hot the 49ers have been, and considers the 49ers as that feared team in the playoffs.
"We hot. I said it when we beat the Rams: nobody wanted to see us in the playoffs."
Regardless of where they play, San Francisco will face much better weather conditions, as the temperatures during San Francisco's Saturday game reached close to 0, with snow trickling in as the second half started.
Related News
Brandon Aiyuk isn't the only San Francisco 49ers player being mentioned in trade chatter around the NFL. According to Michael Silver of the San Francisco Chronicle, several teams are also reaching out to inquire about the availability of wide receiver Deebo Samuel.
"In the course of trade conversations about Brandon Aiyuk, numerous teams are inquiring about fellow 49ers WR Deebo Samuel's availability," Silver reports. "The 49ers would likely have to be blown away by the offer to make that move. Fluid situation, though."
In the course of trade conversations about Brandon Aiyuk, numerous teams are inquiring about fellow
Amidst swirling trade rumors surrounding Brandon Aiyuk, the speculation surrounding Deebo Samuel's future with the San Francisco 49ers seems to have quieted down.
According to Michael Silver of the San Francisco Chronicle, the 49ers have assured Samuel that he will not be involved in any pre- or post-draft transactions, ensuring his place on the roster for the time being.
"Samuel, who signed a three-year, $71.55 million extension before the 2022 season, has been assured by his bosses that he will not be dealt during or after the draft," Silver reported, citing a source familiar with the discussions.
Earlier in the
With the 2024 NFL Draft less than a week away, it's common for the rumor mill to start churning, especially with players who are actively seeking a new contract. It was just two short years ago that WR Deebo Samuel requested a trade from the San Francisco 49ers prior to draft day, only for cooler heads to prevail and eventually agree to a new deal.
Now, it's WR Brandon Aiyuk's turn to try and get paid and rumors surfaced over the weekend that he too would request to be dealt. While that report was quickly shot down by his agent, there's still a lot of discussion about Aiyuk's future and if other teams will come calling on draft night.
Legendary columnist Mike Silver joined
NFL Communications has officially announced the "NFL legends and active players" who will announce selections during Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft. Representing the San Francisco 49ers will be former defensive tackle Anthony "Spice" Adams, who spent four seasons with the team and nine in the NFL.
San Francisco selected Adams out of Penn State in the second round (No. 57 overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft.
The NFL's full announcement is below.
In the NFL's continuous effort to connect the game's greats with the next generation of stars, NFL Legends and active players will add to the excitement of the 2024 NFL Draft by announcing various selections and participating in festivities in Detroit.
Pro Football Hall of Famers Isaac
