Is the 49ers’ Super Bowl Window Officially Closed?
San Francisco 49ers star Deebo Samuel struggled mightily in the team’s 12-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, dropping several crucial passes and failing to make a significant impact on the game. His struggles have become a major concern for the team, and Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice recently called out Samuel for his mistakes.
Samuel, who is third on the team in targets, had only three catches for 16 yards on seven targets in the game against the Rams. Despite his struggles, he complained about not receiving the ball enough, but Rice didn’t mince words when discussing the situation.
“If you drop the football, you’re going to be accountable for that,” Rice said. “You’re going to have to be accountable for your actions, and if you’re going to make excuses, it’s going to be harder for you to get the job done.”
Rice also emphasized the importance of showing improvement on the practice field, stating that if you show it during practice, the coaches will make the call during the game and give you opportunities to be productive.
The 49ers’ struggles extend beyond Samuel, as the entire team is having a down year. At 6-8, they are no longer a serious contender for the Super Bowl. Rice’s harsh words for Samuel have raised questions about whether the 49ers’ Super Bowl window has officially closed.
Samuel has 43 catches for 569 yards and a touchdown in 13 games, which is among the lowest numbers of his career. The team’s loss to the Rams was the latest in a string of disappointing performances, and it’s unclear whether they have the talent or the resolve to turn things around and make a serious run for the Super Bowl.
