Samuel probably could punt if asked to do so
Welcome to the first playoffedition mailbag of this 49ers’ season. Let’s up the tempo and get to your questions via my Instagram and Twitter saloons ahead of Sunday’s wild-card game at the Dallas Cowboys:
CAN DEEBO PUNT? (@PIXEL_ME_ ROLLIN)
What can’t Deebo Samuel do? It’s like Nike’s old “Bo Knows” ads with Bo Jackson (circa 1989-90). Deebo knows receiving: He led the NFL with 18.2 yards per catch (1,405 yards, six touchdowns). Deebo knows running: His eight rushing touchdowns were the most ever by an NFL “wide receiver.” Deebo knows passing: He threw his first touchdown pass Sunday. I know we should leave the emergency punting to Robbie Gould, who admirably filled in for punter Mitch Wishnowsky (concussion).
THE 49ERS’ RUN OFFENSE VS. THE COWBOYS’ DEFENSE, WHO WINS THAT BATTLE? (@TRUEJRSINCE85)
Well, just when it looked like the 49ers were too predictable against the Rams, they set themselves up for 31 carries and 135 yards. Samuel’s blend of brutality and breakaway speed sets the tone, all due respect to rookie Elijah Mitchell. “You see a lot of guys play physical in this league, but guys have to go to a certain place to get to that level. Deebo doesn’t. It’s natural,” coach Kyle Shanahan said. “He can be asleep right before kickoff and he’ll come out and not hesitate on the first play.” WHAT IS JIMMY’S VALUE TO THE NINERS FOR 2022 & DOES ANOTHER TEAM OFFER A TRADE DEAL THAT MEETS THAT VALUE, OR ARE WE MORE LIKELY TO HOLD ON TO HIM? (@SPORTY_MINER)
This is the 49ers’ ultimate offseason question. A Day 2 draft pick (second or third round) is looking like a bargain for a buyer.
If he warrants a first-round pick, then he honestly shouldn’t go anywhere, because that means the 49ers would have a sixth Lombardi Trophy in hand.
WHAT DOES JIMMY NEED TO DO IN THE PLAYOFFS TO STAY NEXT YEAR? (@CHASEKING123)
We’ve all learned the past year: Garoppolo is not done yet. He was on the outs last offseason in place of Matthew Stafford or Aaron Rodgers. He was finished once the Niners traded up to No. 3 in the draft and took Trey Lance. His job was surely lost once he exited with a Week 4 calf bruise. He looked cooked with a sprained thumb that kept him out Week 17. Then he overcomes a sloppy first half Sunday and produces one of the most clutch comebacks in franchise history to reach the playoffs. It’s next year. He’s still here. For now.
WAS THE WHOLE “MIX/MATCH JIMMY & TREY” SIGNALS LAST WEEK INTENDED TO MESS WITH THE RAMS’ PREPARATION? OR, LIKELIER, A GENUINE UNCERTAINTY ABOUT JG’S AVAILABILITY? (@SUNSET_DISTRICT)
It was all a ploy, to make the Rams also prepare for Lance, who never took a snap, a week after winning in Garoppolo’s place in the home finale. (Sidebar: The only way the 49ers could host a playoff game at Levi’s Stadium is if the No. 7 seed Philadelphia Eagles advance with them to the NFC Championship Game.)
IF THE NINERS BEAT DALLAS, DO YOU THINK WE STAND A CHANCE AT BEATING EITHER THE BUCS OR THE PACKERS? (@WYLDCANNAMATT)
The second-half Niners (vs. Rams) definitely can go the distance. Not that first-half version. Honestly, this team and coaching staff are so tested that a string of upsets is quite possible. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have booked a room last month in Green Bay, for either the divisional or conference rounds. IF WE WIN, DO WE PLAY THE PACKERS, OR THE WINNER OF THE BUCSEAGLES GAME? (@GRADY.SHAFFER13)
The Packers, as the No. 1 seed, get a bye this weekend and then host the lowest remaining seed, which would be the No. 6 49ers if they win and if the No. 7 Eagles lose.
HAS DRE GREENLAW PLAYED WELL ENOUGH TO HOLD HIS STARTING SPOT WHEN AZEEZ AL-SHAAIR COMES BACK? (@QUATCHH_)
Give it up for Greenlaw for fighting back from a groin tear on that Week 1 pick-six. He only played 50 snaps in two games this season before Sunday’s 63snap, 12-tackle workload that also included a quarterback hit on a blitz. Azeez (knee) is in the “maybe” stage about returning to practice, so just hope for more of the best from Greenlaw.
HEY, CAM, GLAD YOU’RE FEELING BETTER, BUT HOW IS TRENT WILLIAMS’ ELBOW? (@NEILWILSONVOICE)
Thank you, but I don’t know what to expect from Williams, other than Shanahan saying his Pro Bowl left tackle tried super hard to suit up but couldn’t Sunday. If he’s able to practice Thursday — their only full-speed session all week — that would make me and the 49ers feel a lot better.