49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel has had a tough stretch in the second half this season, as he hasn’t produced more than 22 receiving yards in any of his last four games.
With San Francisco playing a crucial game for playoff positioning against the Rams, Samuel’s play was under the spotlight on “Thursday Night Football.” But Samuel’s fortunes did not improve.
Earlier in the week, Samuel insisted on social media that he just needed more opportunities.
Deebo Samuel would like to get the ball more pic.twitter.com/kLr74Kymu5
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) December 9, 2024
Unfortunately, Samuel’s struggles continued against Los Angeles. His game was highlighted by a tough drop in the second half. That led to fans in San Francisco booing the wide receiver for not being able to come through.
Here’s a look at how Samuel performed against the Rams on Thursday night.
MORE NFL:
Deebo Samuel drop
Samuel had two drops Thursday night, including a crucial one in the second half. With the game tied at 3-3, and the 49ers facing a 3rd-and-10 in Rams territory, Samuel dropped a sure first down that could’ve been a big chunk play.
The Deebo Samuel noise is going to get a lot louder after this third down drop… pic.twitter.com/PhXVptCivh
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulli) December 13, 2024
San Francisco had to settle for a field goal, which would also be the team’s last points of the night.
Additionally, earlier in the game, Samuel ran into his own teammate, as running back Isaac Guerendo couldn’t avoid him on a carry.
Deebo Samuel with the tackle on Isaac Guerendo! pic.twitter.com/AT6p7Ie8mC
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulli) December 13, 2024
Overall, Samuel couldn’t break out of his funk.
Deebo Samuel stats vs. Rams
- Catches: 3
- Receiving Yards: 16
- Drops: 2
- Rushes: 2
- Rushing Yards: 3
Samuel struggled again vs. the Rams, totaling just five touches for 19 yards on the night. In his last five games, Samuel hasn’t produced more than 22 receiving yards and 13 rushing yards in a contest, totaling just 103 yards combined in that span.
Deebo Samuel career stats
| Year | Games | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Receiving Touchdowns | Attempts | Rushing Yards | Rushing Touchdowns |
| 2019 | 15 | 57 | 802 | 3 | 14 | 159 | 3 |
| 2020 | 7 | 33 | 391 | 1 | 8 | 26 | 0 |
| 2021 | 16 | 77 | 1,405 | 6 | 59 | 365 | 8 |
| 2022 | 13 | 56 | 632 | 2 | 42 | 232 | 3 |
| 2023 | 15 | 60 | 892 | 7 | 37 | 225 | 5 |
| 2024 | 13 | 43 | 569 | 1 | 34 | 95 | 1 |
Samuel’s overall numbers this year aren’t that far off from his typical career production, but his pace has slowed in the second half of the year.
