There wasn’t a better offensive performance in the NFC last week than what 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel did in Chicago. For his efforts he was named the NFC Offensive Players of the Week for Week 8.
Samuel churned out 171 yards on six catches, including an 83-yard jaunt on a third-and-20 screen pass to set up the 49ers’ first touchdown in the third quarter. Head coach Kyle Shanahan tried to draw up a play to get Samuel in the end zone on a hand off, but the timing of the play was broken and Samuel helped pave the way for a Jimmy Garoppolo rushing score instead.
The third-year wide receiver also hauled in a 50-yard bomb from Garoppolo late in the first half to set up a field goal that cut into Chicago’s lead and helped spark a second-half comeback for San Francisco.
NFC Players of the Week! (Week 8)@19problemz | @MicahhParsons11 | @ZGonzalez_5 pic.twitter.com/jg0TGjKBBk
— NFL (@NFL) November 3, 2021
This is just another feather in Samuel’s cap to start his outstanding 2021 season. He’s up to 819 yards and four touchdown catches — both of which are career highs. He’s also second in the NFL in receiving yards through eight weeks despite the 49ers’ bye week robbing him of a game.
The 49ers had a couple of worthy candidates Sunday, including quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo who completed 17-of-28 throws for 322 yards and scored a pair of rushing touchdowns. Rookie running back Elijah Mitchell also had an outstanding day with 137 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries.
Given Samuel’s target share and production to start the season, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Samuel took home another NFC Offensive Player of the Week award before the season is over.