Jerry Rice: 49ers' Deebo Samuel 'reminded me of someone' in win over Rams

49ers legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice understandably liked what he saw from the 26-year-old:

"First of all, the defensive back (Kendrick), he took a very bad angle because he tried to undercut that pass," Rice said of the play during a Tuesday morning appearance on San Francisco sports radio station 95.7 The Game, per David Bonilla of 49ers WebZone. "For Deebo to make that catch the way he did, then to have the vision to take it to the end zone, it brought back a lot of memories because I'm saying to myself he made some cuts that reminded me of someone else back in the day.

"To have that vision, and really get into pay dirt where you drop six on them, I think it was a fantastic play. But it had a lot to do with his vision on the football field and his teammates helping him to get to the end zone."

It was reported in June that one reason Samuel allegedly wanted the 49ers to trade him at that time was that he no longer wished to be utilized "as a running back" out of the backfield. Samuel ultimately came to terms on a lucrative extension with the club in late July, and he logged just two carries in Monday's victory. 

"I'm not a big fan of him being back in that backfield because it's almost like the second he's back in the backfield, the opponent knows that Deebo is going to get the ball," Rice added about Samuel. "So it's going to be up to (head coach) Kyle Shanahan to be a little bit more creative, maybe spread him out just a little bit more. (Wide receiver) Brandon Aiyuk, he made some plays, and they've got some weapons. They've got some guys that can make some plays." 

Across four games this season, Samuel has recorded 18 catches for 246 yards and a touchdown to go along with 113 yards and a score on 19 carries. 

The 49ers will next play at the 1-3 Carolina Panthers this coming Sunday.