Deebo Samuel is the most unique weapon in the NFL.
Utilized by 49ers head coach and play caller Kyle Shanahan, Samuel is deployed as a modern day scatback, hurting opposing defenses in both the running and passing game. Against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Samuel separated himself in historic fashion.
In the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium, Samuel took an end-around handoff from one-yard away and plunged through the left side of the offensive line into the end zone. The touchdown was Samuel’s 19th career rushing score.
That touchdown broke a tie with Bobby Mitchell for most rushing touchdowns by a wide receiver since 1960. Mitchell switched positions throughout his 11-year Hall of Fame career. Samuel seemingly switches positions every possession.
Earlier in the game versus the Seahawks, Samuel burnt Seattle’s secondary for a 54-yard touchdown reception. Along with his rush, Samuel logged his third career game with a rushing and receiving touchdown. It’s his second-straight week, lighting up the Philadelphia Eagles for dual scores in Week 13.
Samuel already entered conversations as elite in 2021, named an All-Pro at wide receiver for his 16 total touchdowns and impact on a 49ers team that made the NFC Championship. After a down year impacted by injury, he returned to that level in 2023.
While Samuel will likely not make the All-Pro team because of his surrounding cast, he’s made a case as the most impactful position player on a loaded 49ers offense. When Samuel was sidelined with a shoulder injury during weeks six through nine, the 49ers averaged just 17 points per game. With Samuel healthy, the offense has poured in 33.4 points per game. They’ve failed to score 30 just once.
With Shanahan allowing Samuel to flourish in multiple roles, the 49ers attack has looked nearly unstoppable. Opponents must pick their poison with Samuel. More often than not, he’s hurt them with both.
In only a few years, Samuel has reached historical heights.
Sunday was just the record-breaker.