Does TO have a point about 49ers WR Deebo Samuel?
The 49ers’ frustration is palpable. Fans are rightfully frustrated, and the players in the building are just as frustrated. The team is 5-5 and has a critical matchup against the Packers on Sunday at Lambeau Field. Offensively and defensively, the overall numbers aren’t awful, but the fourth quarter has been a horror show for both units.
Fans and analysts have weighed in on what is wrong with a team expected to contend for a Super Bowl in 2024. Brian Baldinger, Greg Cosell, and others have been critical of the team and players after Sunday’s loss to the Seahawks.
Nobody is more outspoken than the 49ers’ legendary receiver Terrell Owens. On Thursday morning, Owens joined 95.7 The Game and spoke to Bonta Hill and Joe Shasky about the team’s state. Owens then began to speak about Kyle Shanahan and whether he believes players are experiencing “fatigue” or a Super Bowl hangover under Shanahan.
“No, I don’t think so. What people have to remember is every year is different,” Owens said. “There’s not going to be a year like the year before. Obviously, with the type of players they have, there are high expectations to get back to that point, but no two years are alike.”
Owens pointed to the 49ers’ injuries as a big reason the team is struggling and spoke about the lack of chemistry with Brandon Aiyuk and his contract holdout with the offense.
Owens was asked about Brock Purdy and if he is too quick to bail from the pocket. He responded, “As a quarterback, you’re only going to go and do things you’re comfortable with. If the line and the protection is breaking down, if receivers aren’t getting open, again, he’s used to a certain caliber of receivers that he’s been playing with throughout the course of the year, getting open, and if those guys aren’t getting open, for whatever reason then he either has to get out of the pocket and make plays with his feet.” Owens believes Purdy isn’t “running just to run.”
The most scathing criticism from Owens was directed at Deebo Samuel. “Deebo is not really playing up to Deebo’s standards. It seems like Deebo is more focused on his pre-game attire than the game. If we can shift that focus, maybe that can energize and create more production from an offensive standpoint.” Owens did point out the statement was more tongue-in-cheek than anything.
As usual, Owens is as entertaining as anyone to listen to dissect the 49ers.