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The San Francisco 49ers started the game against the Seattle Seahawks in the best possible way. After creating a turnover in the first drive, the 49ers scored on three different possessions, creating a big advantage right at the start of the game.
The key play for Kyle Shanahan's team involved a pass from Brock Purdy to Deebo Samuel that ended in a long touchdown. Samuel made the catch, avoided Julian Love's tackle and was off to the races. Seahawks defender Boye Mafe tried to get to him but didn't have enough speed, and Samuel reached the end zone.
For a team like the 49ers, who have been struggling badly with their yards after catch after dominating the league in this aspect over the past few years, it was like a breath of fresh air. San Francisco fans went wild at the reception and the touchdown:
On the next play after the touchdown, Seattle's woes continued after a kickoff fumble, which gave the ball to San Francisco in excellent field position. They took advantage of the opportunity and scored a field goal to take the score to 13-0.
Why are 49ers fans concerned with Deebo Samuel's production?
Samuel's importance in 2024 grew because Brandon Aiyuk held out from practices and Kittle was also injured. Fans also went through Samuel's contract saga in 2022, where he made it clear that he wanted to be traded from the team.
At the end of the day, he signed a three-year, $72 million extension that kept him with Kyle Shanahan, the guy who knows the most about using his talents. Aiyuk overtook him as WR1 for the 49ers, though.
While he feels a bit expensive now, money is available for the franchise because Brock Purdy remains in his rookie contract, meaning there's a lot of cap space available for other positions, such as wide receiver.
In a season where their defense isn't up to regular standards, more is needed of the offense. Samuel is an expensive player and his numbers aren't up to what a player with his money should be putting on the field.
