Deebo Samuel, the talented wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers, recently expressed his frustration on social media regarding his lack of production this season. In a since-deleted post, he pointed fingers at quarterback Brock Purdy and the team’s play callers for his underwhelming performance, claiming that his struggles were not a reflection of his abilities but rather due to the ball not being thrown his way. Samuel’s emphatic statement, “Not struggling at all just not getting the ball!!!!!!!,” highlights his discontent with the amount of passes he has seen this season. Although Samuel aimed to clarify his stance, the response to his complaint included a community note which pointed out that he has led the team in drops, indicating that, despite his protests, he has faced challenges on the field.
Samuel’s frustrations come in the context of a disappointing season not only for him but for the entire 49ers team. His current statistics reflect struggles; he is averaging a career-low 2.9 yards per rushing attempt and has recorded 40 receptions for 533 yards without a touchdown since before the Trump election. These numbers suggest that Samuel has not been the impactful player he once was, raising concerns about his contribution to the team’s offensive efforts. With the 49ers vying for playoff contention, Samuel’s inability to produce at a high level may impact their chances of success this season.
Despite Samuel’s vocal displays of frustration, both head coach Kyle Shanahan and quarterback Brock Purdy have expressed support for the receiver. Shanahan acknowledged Samuel’s desire to contribute more and indicated that the coaching staff would work to involve him more in the game plan. This suggests that the coaching staff is not solely blaming Samuel for his low production but rather is open to adjusting their strategy to get him more involved. Purdy, too, has spoken highly of Samuel, describing him as a close friend and integral part of the team. He expressed his eagerness to give Samuel the ball as much as possible, reinforcing that the situation is not a matter of performance but rather a byproduct of the complex nature of game planning and defensive schemes.
In his remarks, Purdy highlighted that this kind of dip in production can happen throughout the season, not only for Samuel but for other players as well. This perspective helps contextualize Samuel’s struggles within the broader challenges faced by receivers in the San Francisco offense. Purdy referred to examples from previous seasons, noting that players like Ricky Pearsall and Brandon Aiyuk encountered similar situations where their targets dipped due to tactical decisions. This allows for a more nuanced understanding of Samuel’s situation and suggests that while he may feel frustrated, there are external factors contributing to his current performances.
The dialogue surrounding Samuel is reflective of the close-knit relationship the players have within the 49ers organization. The supportive remarks from Purdy and Shanahan demonstrate a cohesive team dynamic where players are encouraged to communicate their frustrations while also working collaboratively to resolve issues. Samuel’s desire to contribute to the team’s success aligns with the overall goals of the franchise. The understanding amongst teammates that seasons ebb and flow with player production highlights the camaraderie the team fosters to motivate each other.
As the 49ers prepare for their upcoming game against the Rams, the hope remains that Samuel will have an opportunity to turn around his season and contribute positively to the team’s performance. With the backing of his teammates and coaching staff, there is a sense of optimism that Samuel can find his rhythm once again. Given the fluctuating nature of NFL seasons, many will be watching closely to see how the 49ers adapt their strategies to maximize Samuel’s strengths, hoping to spark a turnaround not just for him, but for the team as a whole.