2022 NFL playoffs: 49ers biggest studs, duds from Wild Card win
49ers Stud: Wide Receiver Deebo Samuel
No surprise here. After a productive season and his first All-Pro selection, wide receiver Deebo Samuel continued to impress in Dallas.
Against the Cowboys, he turned in a performance that featured 110 total yards and a 26-yard touchdown run. His only score of the game came with 5:50 left in the third quarter giving the Niners a 23-7 lead.
At the time it appeared to have put the game out of reach for the Cowboys, but that’s another story.
That's 'Wide Back' @19problemz for the tuddy 💰
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) January 16, 2022
📺 #SFvsDAL on CBS/Nickelodeon/49ers App pic.twitter.com/XmnzceVHFY
There were no trick plays or touchdown passes this time, but he did do exactly what his team needed. He played Samuel-like football, and his 72 rushing yards were the most by a wide receiver in a playoff game since the Super Bowl era began.
He proved all season long, and now in the playoffs, that having him on the field is a necessity. Samuel not only brings a great ability to the team, but he also brings leadership and a positive presence that is sorely needed on this roster.
Look for his dominance to continue next week in the divisional round against the Green Bay Packers.