Deebo Samuel Believes One Drop Cost the 49ers the Game We Win If I Make That Play

Deebo Samuel’s Costly Drop: ‘I Make That Play, We Win the Game’

Deebo Samuel, the standout wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers, made headlines this week not just for his on-field performance but for his bold words following the team’s heartbreaking loss to the Los Angeles Rams. In a game that saw his team struggle, Samuel admitted he was frustrated with his performance and usage, revealing a key drop that could have changed the outcome. “If I make that play, we win the game,” Samuel said, reflecting on the pivotal moment that essentially sealed the Niners’ fate.

Leading up to the Thursday night showdown, Samuel had been vocal about his frustrations on social media, expressing dissatisfaction over his limited involvement in the offense. The 49ers, acknowledging his concerns, made an effort to get him more touches during the game, targeting him seven times and giving him two rushing attempts. However, despite these efforts, Samuel’s impact was minimal, as he finished with only three catches for 16 yards and just three rushing yards, marking his fifth consecutive game with fewer than 35 total yards.

The most agonizing moment of the night came midway through the third quarter. With the 49ers facing a crucial third-and-4 at the Rams’ 35-yard line, Brock Purdy threw a well-placed pass to Samuel, who had a clear path to the end zone. Unfortunately, Samuel, who had already beaten his defender with a sharp slant route, dropped the ball. “Real, very frustrating,” Samuel admitted after the game. “At the end of the day, catch that ball, there’s nothing there but the end zone. I got to catch that rock.”

This missed opportunity resulted in a field goal instead of a touchdown, a swing that proved to be the difference in a game that the Niners ultimately lost 12-6, effectively dashing their slim playoff hopes. According to Next Gen Stats, the 49ers’ playoff chances now stand at less than 1 percent, a brutal reality for a team once considered a contender.

Samuel’s drop was not just a missed opportunity; it was a symbol of the 49ers’ tumultuous season. From injuries to missed chances, this season has been plagued by inconsistency and heartbreak. Despite having immense talent across the roster, they simply couldn’t seem to overcome their own mistakes. Samuel’s emotional reaction to the drop is a reflection of the frustration that has been building all year.

After the game, tight end George Kittle was seen comforting Samuel in the locker room, offering some perspective. “George is George,” Samuel said. “He said, ‘I’ve seen you make that play a million times. Don’t let it eat you up.’ But I feel like [if] I make that play, we win the game.”

For Samuel, this game was a turning point, a missed opportunity that will surely haunt him for the rest of the season. It was a reminder that in the NFL, one play can determine the outcome of an entire season. As the 49ers now face the reality of a disappointing year, Samuel’s admission of responsibility and his drive to redeem himself will undoubtedly motivate him for the future.

Will this be a defining moment for Samuel’s career? Only time will tell. For now, all the 49ers can do is reflect on what went wrong in a season that promised so much.