For most of the 49ers this season, it’s been one step forward and two steps back. In the case of Deebo Samuel, however, it’s been nothing but giant leaps in the right direction. On today’s Oh, Hey There Podcast, Javier Vega wondered if any 49er has been as valuable to the team as Tyshun Raequan Samuel.
“Let me list the ways he’s dominating right now in the league. Deebo Samuel leads the NFL in total yards, yards per reception, yards after catch, yards per route run, and missed tackles forced. In my personal opinion, he’s the MVP of this offense, or the team in general. Deebo has 270 yards of YAC and 490 total yards receiving. We’re in Week 5 and he’s about to crack 500 yards receiving in five weeks.”
The argument for Samuel is compelling. However, what’s most exciting about it is the evident change in how Deebo is used this season. Clearly, Kyle Shanahan has made a concerted effort to get him the ball further down the field. Last year, Samuel’s average depth of target was 2.2. yards. This year, it’s 7 yards. Last year, 57% of his catches went for first downs. This year, that number sits at 64%.
Not to mention his 79 and 76-yard touchdown catches this year from two different quarterbacks.
That kind of production, despite the inconsistent play at quarterback, the inexplicable disappearance of Brandon Aiyuk, and the slow start of George Kittle, makes the accomplishments even more impressive.
Time will tell if Deebo can keep this up all year long – especially if he has to adjust to a new quarterback on the fly – but right now, #19 is playing at a level he’s never reached before. What do you think – who is the team MVP through four games? Vote in our poll and leave a comment below!
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