For the second time this season, the Los Angeles Rams could not get over the hump to defeat Kyle Shanahan and the San Francisco 49ers, falling 23-20 at home in Week 12.
Half of the Rams losses this season have come at the hands of the 49ers, and while Aaron Donald was back to his usual dominant self, it was wide receiver Deebo Samuel who was the star of the game.
Samuel – who was a major factor in the team’s Week 6 win over the Rams as well – was even more dominant on Sunday. Hauling in 11 catches for 133 yards, the Rams secondary simply had no answer for his size and tackle-breaking ability. No other 49ers receiver had more than three catches.
After the game, Samuel took to social media to call out Donald for his comments prior to the Week 6 game:
— Deebo (@19problemz) November 30, 2020
What Samuel is specifically responding to is a press conference that took place prior to the Rams’ Week 6 loss against the 49ers. When asked how the Rams were game-planning for Samuel defensively, Donald acted as if he had never heard of the talented receiver.
Despite the fact that Donald was completely dominant on Sunday – and that four offensive turnovers by the Rams are likely what caused the loss – Samuel likely feels great about his performance, and his post on social media.
Fortunately for the Rams, they will not have to face the 49ers again this season unless they meet in the playoffs. This is very unlikely as the 49ers’ 5-6 record looks unlikely to make the postseason, even as their team begins to get healthy.
Sean McVay criticizes Jared Goff for turnovers
What makes the Rams’ three-point loss sting even more is the fact that they were only separated by a field goal despite four turnovers from the offense, and three from Jared Goff.
Goff was not up to standard on Sunday, completing 19 of 31 passes for 198 yards while throwing two interceptions and fumbling once, leading to some criticism from his head coach. Goff is tied for second among quarterbacks in turnovers this season with Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins.
