Deebo says his “frustrating” pass cost the 49ers their win against the Rams

Deebo says his ‘frustrating’ dropped pass cost 49ers win over Rams originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SANTA CLARA – The 49ers suffered a tough 12-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on “Thursday Night Football,” but no one on the team was more frustrated than Deebo Samuel.

After the wide receiver expressed his desire to get more possession in numerous social media posts, coach Kyle Shanahan presented a game plan that heavily involved Samuel. But one particular play, a drop that could have been a touchdown or at least put the team in the red zone, passed through Samuel’s hands.

“Really, really frustrating,” Samuel said. “At the end of the day, when you catch the ball, there’s nothing but the end zone. I have to catch this stone.”

The drop led to a field goal by the 49ers, which would be the last points San Francisco would score. Three consecutive field goals by the Rams would lead to a six-point lead and a win.

“Just like I saw the moment, ran down the middle and didn’t see anything but the end zone,” Samuel continued. “At the end of the day I had to load the ball and score.”

Samuel shared that the weather at Levi’s Stadium did not impact the game enough to cause problems with the offense. In anticipation of the rain, the plan was to rely heavily on the running game. The All-Pro had to shoulder the defeat because of his own mistakes.

Before speaking to the media, tight end George Kittle sat with Samuel at his locker and gave his teammate words of encouragement after the loss.

“George is George,” said Samuel. “He said, ‘I’ve seen you play this piece a million times. Don’t let it consume you.’ But I have the feeling that if I can do it, we will win the game.”

The 49ers have an extended 10-day break before traveling to Miami to play the Dolphins in Week 16, but even a win in Florida won’t significantly improve their very slim playoff chances.

Download and follow the 49ers Talk Podcast