Arrr! Even without Deebo Samuel, me hearties, the 49ers be plunderin' the Lions in the grand NFC Championship Game!
2024-01-25
Avast ye scurvy scallywags! Arr, the San Francisco 49ers may be without the mighty Deebo Samuel on the morrow, facin' the Detroit Lions. Yet fear not, for the wise Cynthia Frelund from the NFL Network doth reckon it won't be too much of a blow to our brave crew.
The San Francisco 49ers are uncertain about the availability of Deebo Samuel for the NFC Championship Game against the Detroit Lions. The team has struggled when Samuel is not on the field, but NFL Network's Cynthia Frelund believes that the 49ers' offense is designed in a way that quarterback Brock Purdy doesn't have to carry the entire load. Head coach Kyle Shanahan and his offensive scheme deserve credit for this. Frelund praises Shanahan's ability to scheme his players open and create space for Purdy to be efficient.It is true that the 49ers have had their least productive offensive games without Samuel this season. However, Frelund, a Detroit fan, acknowledges that the Lions' defense is vulnerable and expects Shanahan to exploit their weaknesses. The Lions have given up the most 16-plus-yard receptions in the regular season, and Frelund believes that Shanahan will have a game plan to capitalize on this. She also mentions George Kittle as another weapon that the Lions will struggle to contain.
Frelund explains that Samuel's value goes beyond his own performance, as his off-ball metrics and ability to draw safeties in create opportunities for other players like Brandon Aiyuk. She describes Samuel as a tricky trickster who understands the assignment and helps make his teammates look good.
Regardless of Samuel's availability, Frelund predicts a tough test for the Lions against the 49ers' offense, which has been explosive all season. The 49ers' defense has also been strong, making it difficult for the Lions to make big plays on the road.
In conclusion, the 49ers are unsure if Deebo Samuel will play in the NFC Championship Game, but Cynthia Frelund believes that the team's offense is built to withstand his absence. She praises Kyle Shanahan's scheming abilities and expects the Lions' defense to struggle against the 49ers' playmakers. Despite the challenge, Frelund knows her Lions will face a formidable test against the 49ers' offense and defense.