Deebo Samuel A Short-Area Weapon For San Francisco
4 years agoSan Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel is averaging just 2.3 air yards per target this year. In comparison, tight end George Kittle averages over six air yards per target, while rookie wideout Brandon Aiyuk is averaging over 11 air yards per target as the team's preferred downfield weapon. Samuel makes his money by catching short passes and doing damage after the catch. Entering last week, the second-year wideout averaged 9.1 yards after the catch per reception in his first season and a half, which is tops among receivers since 2019. He's done that to the tune of 215 yards after the catch in four games this year. Samuel is expected to miss the next two games, however, due to a hamstring injury. Aiyuk and Kittle should be even busier in Samuel's absence, with Dante Pettis potentially serving as the underneath pass-catcher on short routes.
Source: NFL.com - Nick Shook
Source: NFL.com - Nick Shook