Deebo Samuel breaks silence on crucial dropped pass vs. Rams
The San Francisco 49ers' playoff hopes took a big hit after losing a low-scoring Thursday Night Football game against the Los Angeles Rams. One play would define their now slim chance of postseason contention.
Deebo Samuel, a wide receiver who is struggling this season, was at the center of a pivotal moment. His performance had already been under intense scrutiny after a controversial social media post earlier in the week.
During the third quarter with roughly 8:30 remaining, Samuel had a huge opportunity on a 3rd-and-10 at the Rams' 29-yard line. Quarterback Brock Purdy delivered a perfectly placed pass to a wide-open Samuel.
"I feel like, [if] I made that play, I think we win the game," said Samuel, directly confronting his critical error in the postgame interview.
The missed catch was more than just a simple drop. Had Samuel secured the ball, he had a clear path to the end zone. Instead, the 49ers settled for a Jake Moody field goal, maintaining only a slim 6-3 lead.
Deebo Samuel's drop crushed 49ers' playoff dreams
Samuel's season-long struggles came into focus. Through 12 games, he's managed just 40 catches for 553 yards and one touchdown. His 3.3 catches per game and 46.1 receiving yards are career-low numbers.
Earlier in the week, Samuel tweeted "Not struggling at all, just not getting the ball" - a statement he quickly deleted after facing criticism for leading the team in drops. The Rams game only amplified his challenges.
Three-time Super Bowl champion Mark Schlereth didn't hold back. "Stop [expletive] and catch the football," he bluntly wrote on social media Thursday. His criticism reflected the mounting frustration with Samuel's performance.
49ers teammate George Kittle offered a more constructive approach Friday.
"There's things that you just have to take on the chin... take ownership over what you had said before... leave it in the past and move on," Kittle told reporters.
The loss dropped San Francisco to a 6-8, effectively ending its playoff hopes. Samuel's final stat line told a brutal story: three catches for 16 yards and two carries for three yards.
With the 49ers traveling to Miami in Week 16, Samuel faces a critical moment. His ability to bounce back and address his struggles will be paramount in reshaping his reputation and future with the team.