On September 16, 2022, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel took to Twitter to express his frustration over his perceived lack of touches in the team’s offense. In a series of tweets, Samuel questioned why he was not receiving more opportunities, despite his impressive performance last season. This has sparked a debate about the complexities of managing a diverse offense and the importance of player utilization.
In response to Samuel’s tweets, head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the issue during a press conference. He acknowledged Samuel’s concerns but emphasized the need to prioritize what is best for the team as a whole. Shanahan stated that he believes Samuel is a valuable player but that he needs to be used in a way that maximizes his effectiveness.
Shanahan also pointed out that Samuel was involved in various aspects of the offense, including running the ball, receiving passes, and blocking. He highlighted that Samuel had touched the ball eight times in the 49ers’ week two game, which was tied for the most touches on the team.
The issue of Deebo Samuel’s touches has sparked different perspectives. Some believe that Samuel, who had 1,770 yards from scrimmage and 14 touchdowns in 2021, deserves a higher volume of touches. They argue that his unique skill set makes him a valuable asset who should be utilized more frequently.
Others maintain that Shanahan is making the right decision by distributing touches more evenly. They point out that the 49ers have a balanced offense with several other talented players, including wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings, and running back Jeff Wilson Jr. They believe that using Samuel in various roles allows the team to keep defenses guessing and makes them more unpredictable.
According to Pro Football Focus, Samuel has been targeted 15 times through the first two games of the 2022 season, which ranks fourth on the team behind Aiyuk, tight end George Kittle, and Wilson Jr. He has also carried the ball 10 times, which is second behind Wilson Jr.’s 18 carries.
These numbers suggest that Samuel is still involved in the offense but that his touches are being spread out more evenly. It is possible that Shanahan is trying to manage Samuel’s workload and keep him fresh for the long haul. It is also possible that Shanahan is trying to exploit matchups and utilize different players based on specific game plans.
The issue of Deebo Samuel’s touches is a complex one. There are valid arguments to be made on both sides. Ultimately, it is up to Shanahan to decide how to best utilize Samuel within the context of the team’s offense.
Shanahan is a respected offensive mind who has a track record of success. He has shown that he is capable of adapting his offense to the strengths of his players while also considering the overall team dynamics. It is reasonable to trust that he will find a way to use Samuel in a way that maximizes his potential while also balancing the needs of the team as a whole.
