How Deebo Sam injury, 49ers IGYB slogan fueled thunderous comeback
How 49ers rallied behind Deebo with ‘IGYB’ motto to crush ‘Hawks Original version: NBC Sports Bayarea
SANTA CLARA — Deebo Samuel Nearly snapped
Instead, the wide receiver told Kyle Shanahan, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan, to let him get over-emotional.
The 49ers’ first-round playoff game still was very much in question when Seattle defensive back Johnathan Abram tackled Samuel, got to his feet and then twisted Samuel’s ankle.
This play may have changed the game’s momentum, as the 49ers rallied during the second half. a 41-23 victory Over the Seahawks on Saturday at Levi’s Stadium.
“I’d say that got everybody going,” 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey said.
Abram’s play was in plain sight for everyone to see, except the officiating crew did not believe the play warranted a penalty.
“I stayed down a little because I almost lost my temper,” Samuel said. “And you can see the definition of our team is IGYB: I got your back.”
Shanahan and many of Samuel’s teammates quickly grew irate with a play that looked to be dirty.
“I was worried that he was hurt,” Shanahan said. “I lost my mind a little bit on that. I was concerned, though. I didn’t like how that looked. It looked awful to me.
“I think that pissed a lot of people off. I believe it upset our team. I could feel our team react to that.”
The 49ers channeled anger into points.
The 49ers were leading 23-17 at play time. They finished the drive with Brock Purdy’s 1-yard touchdown run. After Charles Omenihu’s strip sack and Nick Bosa’s recovery, the 49ers drove for another touchdown.
It was then that Samuel, who had a catch by Purdy, provided the dagger. He turned it into a touchdown of 74 yards with a huge assist from Brandon Aiyuk’s block along the left sideline.
Samuel was able to avoid an injury from Abram and inflicted some pain as the 49ers defeated the Seahawks This is the third season of this event.
“It hurt, for sure,” Samuel said, “but in my mind, I was about to lose it. Just seeing how Kyle came off the sideline definitely sparked our team.”
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Samuel caught six passes and gained 133 yards with a touchdown. Samuel also added 32 yards of rushing on three runs as the 49ers advanced to the divisional round in the NFC playoffs.