49ers vs. Bears: Biggest studs, duds from Week 8 win
By Romelo Bracy
49ers Stud: Wide Receiver Deebo Samuel
Deebo Samuel continued his historic pace against the Bears finishing with six receptions and 171 yards receiving. That receiving mark gives Samuel his third game this season with over 150 receiving yards, which is the most in the NFL.
Samuel shredded the Chicago defense with his yards after the catch and big-play ability. His biggest play in the game came in the third quarter when he took a screen play 83 yards that was called out of bounds at the 1-yard line.
Samuel’s 819 receiving yards and counting are the most in 49ers history in the first seven games of a season, breaking Hall of Famer Jerry Rice’s record of 781 set in 1986.
No player has gained more yards after catch over expected (YACOE) than #49ers receiver Deebo Samuel this season (+182).
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) November 1, 2021
🔹 Yards After Catch: 421 (2nd in NFL)
🔹 YAC Over Expected: +182 (1st in NFL)
📸: The rest of the #NFL top 5 entering MNF... pic.twitter.com/I2h0GCLDmp
Samuel now trails only Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp in receiving yard leaders through eight weeks, and that is with Kupp having an extra game due to the 49ers already having their bye week.
Many labeled Samuel as injury-prone and expected Aiyuk to leap him this season. It appears Samuel has taken that personally and has elevated his game to a level the most die-hard Niners fans didn’t see coming.