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.
Written By:
Rohan Chakravarthi
Writer/Reporter for 49ers Webzone
All articles by Rohan Chakravarthi
Rohan Chakravarthi
Writer/Reporter for 49ers Webzone
All articles by Rohan Chakravarthi