TO calls out 49ers star Deebo with a tongue-in-cheek comment that originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
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Terrell Owens didn’t mince words when he dissected Deebo Samuel’s 2024 NFL season with the 49ers.
In a campaign that the veteran wide receiver himself considered the “most frustrating” of his six-year career, both Samuel and the 49ers’ on-field performances have not lived up to expectations.
And so do the expectations of the Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver, who discussed Samuel’s performance this season with 95.7 The Game’s “The Morning Roast” on Thursday.
“Deebo isn’t really up to Deebo standards,” Owens told Bonta Hill and Joe Shasky. “Deebo, it seems like he’s more focused on his pregame attire than the actual game. So again, if we can shift that focus, maybe that can energize and create a little more production from an offensive standpoint. Just kind of ironic comment with that.”
Although Owens clarified that his comment about Samuel’s attire was tongue-in-cheek, he clearly doesn’t believe the 49ers wide receiver’s performance has lived up to expectations.
In nine games this season, Samuel has 33 receptions for 490 yards and one touchdown through the air, while rushing 27 times for just 79 yards (2.9 yards per attempt) and one touchdown on the ground.
The self-described “wideback” hasn’t been nearly as effective as a dual-threat weapon this season as he has been in years past, and even with star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk sidelined for the remainder of the season, Samuel, this season and in some cases games, was San Francisco’s third option in the passing game behind receiver Jauan Jennings and tight end George Kittle.
In the 49ers’ Week 10 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Samuel had the fourth-most receiving yards behind Jennings, receiver Ricky Pearsall and running back Christian McCaffrey.
Samuel has seven games left to turn around his 2024 season, and the struggling 49ers would certainly benefit from a return to form.
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