5 things 49ers fans can be thankful for so far in 2021
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: 49ers are getting All-Pro play from Deebo Samuel
He won’t get it, because non-quarterbacks never do. But it wouldn’t be a complete shocker to see wide receiver Deebo Samuel‘s name thrown around in the discussion for 2021 league MVP. If anything, Samuel should at least be considered a frontrunner for the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year award, which is a bit more frequently skewed towards non-quarterbacks.
At any rate, that shouldn’t matter. It’s a nice accolade, but it’s not the reason why 49ers fans are thankful for Samuel’s efforts.
No, the reason why fans are thankful for Samuel is because of just how big a dent he’s made in the offense.
Related Story: Deebo Samuel has been 49ers MVP over 2021
Despite the fact Samuel had just one catch for 15 yards in the Niners’ Week 11 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, it didn’t change the fact he was still able to contribute massively in other ways, actually rushing 79 yards and a touchdown in the 30-10 victory. To date, Samuel has 994 receiving yards anyway, second most in the NFL entering Week 12 and en route towards becoming the first Niners wideout to reach 1,000 receiving yards since Anquan Boldin way back in 2014.
Oh, and as far as all-purpose yards, Samuel’s 1,131 rank third among all NFL offensive players, trailing only Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (1,136) and Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (1,444).
Samuel has been San Francisco’s best weapon this season, and the team would have easily lost another two games without him.