The San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams matchup is not just a rivalry, it is a personal rivalry as well for Deebo Samuel. The 49ers wide receiver has made it his mission to perform well in the matchup to spite Rams’ defensive tackle, Aaron Donald.
This personal rivalry started during their first matchup between the two teams in week six. Donald threw shots at Samuel when he feigned as if he did not know who he was. That lit a fuse in Samuel as he sought to get the last laugh – and he did in that first matchup. The 49ers beat the Rams 24-16 in week six as Samuel recorded six receptions for a total of 66 yards. Donald was relatively quiet that game as he finished with just one tackle. This win allowed Samuel to one-up Donald with the win and a solid performance.
Once again, it was Samuel who showed up and performed even better as they beat the Rams 23-20 on Sunday. Samuel recorded new career-highs for him. He finished the game with 11 receptions and 133 yards. It was behind his performance that sparked the 49ers to win the close game. Although, in this matchup, Donald was more lively as he himself had four tackles that game. However, it was not enough for the Rams as they lost the game.
This second victory over the Rams allowed Samuel to get the best of Donald. The wide receiver went on Twitter to post a gif of Donald throwing his helmet in frustration.
Samuel is certainly enjoying beating the Rams and Donald. The wide receiver has four career wins over them with zero losses. Against Los Angeles, he has 24 receptions, 248 yards and two touchdowns.
