Thank you, Deebo Samuel. As the circus that is the 2020 49ers season continues on, Deebo Samuel ensured that it remained relevant for at least one more week.
On Sunday, the 49ers upset their rival LA Rams for the 2nd time this season, completing the season sweep of the Rams and bringing their record to 5-6. It was a messy affair that consisted of 7 turnovers between the two teams and a few dramatic lead changes down the stretch. In the end, the 49ers came out on top.
The 49ers can thank WR Deebo Samuel for this one. He is a legitimate superstar. Scoff all you'd like; while his 2020 stat line may not impress (5 games, 27 receptions, 318 yards and 1 TD), Samuel transforms the 49ers offense in a major way. In the 5 games that Samuel appeared in, the 49ers are 3-2. If Samuel didn't play against the Rams yesterday, I am completely certain that the 49ers would have lost that game. Superstars are players who make something special out of the mediocre and mundane.
On a 3rd and 2 during the game-winning drive, and with the game on the line, Samuel caught a simple pass from QB Nick Mullens just beyond the sticks. If that play ended right there, it would have been huge. Instead, the play continued. Samuel turned the ball up the field for an additional 20 yards. Big players...make big plays...in big games. 49ers QB Nick Mullens failed to impress once again. It's hard to understand why he continues to get the start, but he owes Samuel a nice steak dinner after this one. Samuel caught 11 passes for for 133 yards, and reminded Rams DT Aaron Donald of who he is, once again.
The 49ers have had a rough year, but Samuel's performance against the Rams is a reminder of just how lucky they are to have him. Samuel plays like a player who needs the money. At one point, my daughter turned to me and asked "Why do the Rams keep trying to push Deebo?" I had to explain to her that they weren't trying to push him, but they were terrified to try and tackle his legs. Samuel ripped through 3 Rams defenders and not a single one of them even attempted to go low for the tackle. This is even more impressive because the Rams had everything to lose. They weren't a bad team phoning it in; they were atop the NFC West and were afraid to tackle the 49ers' best offensive playmaker.
After watching a myriad of impotent players line up at receiver, it's an absolute joy to watch the 49ers with Samuel in the lineup. The best part of it all: Samuel finished the game healthy. With rising star WR Brandon Aiyuk hopefully coming off of the reserved COVID-19 list, the 49ers may have their best duo of WRs on the field for the final push for the playoffs. Making the postseason is a complete long-shot, but it's a gift 49ers fans will gladly welcome. Once again, thank you, Deebo, for giving fans the chance, for one more week at least, to dream up wild ways that this team could get into the playoffs.