Despite mounting frustration, 49ers GM John Lynch understands Deebo Samuel’s need for the franchise
49ers' GM John Lynch stepped in the veteran Deebo Samuel's defense amid the ongoing criticism over his comment on lack of opportunities.
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John Lynch and Deebo Samuel (Via Sky Sports/Imago)
It’s no secret that the San Francisco 49ers are struggling this season and while injuries have heavily influenced it, their receiving group has struggled hugely since the start of the season. Yet Deebo Samuel is not ready to address his subpar performance despite recording barely two catches for 22 yards and five carries for 13 yards.
Star Brandon Aiyuk is already benched due to his torn ACL injury and rookie Ricky Pearsall is having quite an underwhelming debut season– leaving the burden to carry the offense on the veteran Samuel and Jauan Jennings‘s shoulders. As the latter leads Samuel in yards, catches, and even touchdowns this season, there have been a lot of chatters and whispers about Samuel in the league, especially after their win over the Chicago Bears.
The All-Pro receiver responded to the ongoing criticism by sharing a social media post (now deleted), claiming that he is not struggling, instead, he is not getting the ball enough. This instigated the criticism even further, compelling the 49ers’ General Manager John Lynch to step in the veteran’s defense.
“I think people are becoming more familiar with it,” said Lynch, suggesting the Niners’ unique use of Samuel has rather become common, via 49ersWebzone.com.
Deebo’s a really good football player. He’s created such a high standard for himself that, I think, frustration mounts. But he’s made so many plays for us. I think we’ve got to give this guy some grace and bring him along because we need him the rest of the way. We’re going to need him Thursday night.
John Lynch said
He expressed confidence in Samuel, believing he would be a big part of the Cowboys in the future despite the average performance. They are next heading for the Week 15 game against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday.
Deebo Samuel’s underwhelming performance raises questions
After key offensive weapons including running back Christian McCaffrey, Jordan Mason, and Aiyuk sustained serious injuries, many expected the veteran star Samuel to have more involvement in the team. However, his involvement has been the exact opposite of it.
In the last 12 games, Samuel is third in targets, receptions, and receiving yards. Meanwhile, the team has relied on Jennings, making him their primary weapon of the wide receivers group.
In the last four games– two of which have resulted in San Francisco’s feat, Samuel has barely recorded 11 catches for 85 yards. In fact, his five carries on 13 yards, in the game against the Bears, was the highest carry count of this season by him in the last 12 games.
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Pratyusha Srivastava
(2078 Articles Published)