Deebo Samuel just added some more fuel to the fire ahead of the NFC title bout rematch this December between his San Francisco 49ers and the Philadelphia Eagles.
No love is lost between San Francisco 49ers superstar Deebo Samuel and the Philadelphia Eagles.
San Francisco had been on fire heading into last year's NFC Championship game. The 49ers had one of the best defenses in all of football and a versatile offense to help them keep pace with anyone. Unfortunately, rookie sensation quarterback Brock Purdy injured his elbow in the conference title bout, rendering the 49ers' offense totally useless. This changed the entire game.
Samuel is still clearly upset by this game's outcome, citing the 49ers would have beaten the Eagles in Philadelphia had Purdy not gotten hurt. They might have, but close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. We are just going to have to wait until December to find out.
When doing a recent hit on CBS Sports Radio, Samuel was asked by Zach Gelb about the game in question. Here is what Samuel said before his public relations person cut the interview short.
The Eagles host the 49ers on Sunday, Dec. 3. This game could decide home-field advantage.
Deebo Samuel ends interview after being asked about NFC Championship Game
Obviously, this game is still a sensitive subject for Samuel. I mean, why would it not be? It was the most recent game he played in, one that could have sent the 49ers to the Super Bowl had they beaten the Birds at the Linc. For now, San Francisco must do what all 32 NFL franchises must do this season: Scale the mountain. Last year's climb was last year's, so they must get back to work.
While the NFC is still beneath the AFC, top to bottom, there will be some other team that will rise to the top with the likes of the Eagles and 49ers in their conference. It could be a team like the Detroit Lions. Maybe the Seattle Seahawks have it in them? The Dallas Cowboys should be really good. And don't get me started on what could manifest out of the craptastic NFC South this year…
Ultimately, Samuel and the rest of the 49ers need to put one of their worst losses in their professional careers in the rearview mirror. This team has been masterfully constructed by general manager John Lynch, a well-coached one at that with Kyle Shanahan fully in his stride. Truth be told, you only get so many opportunities to play for a Super Bowl trip. The 49ers blew it last year.
Look for Samuel to use last season's heartbreaking loss as motivation to reach the Super Bowl.