The volume already was turned up about as high as it can go prior to Sunday's game between the 49ers and Los Angeles Rams. If the 49ers win, they secure their spot in the NFC playoffs. On the other side, if the Rams win, they're NFC West champions.
On Thursday, while trying to avoid bulletin-board material, the volume was cranked even higher before these rivals meet in Southern California.
It's no secret that Deebo Samuel, the 49ers' star offensive weapon, and Rams star defensive tackle Aaron Donald have had their fair share of smack talk in the past. It all began with Donald claiming that he didn't know who Samuel was, all while the 49ers have won five straight against the Rams.
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Samuel admitted Thursday that he has never had a conversation with Donald, and it doesn't sound like he'll be looking for one Sunday at SoFi Stadium.
"No, I'm not pressed for a conversation," Samuel said Thursday to reporters.
Why's that? The reasoning is pretty simple to Samuel.
"I don't know the guy," Samuel said. "Obviously, he don't know who I am, which he should. I don't know, I just don't walk up to people and be like, 'Hey, how you doing? I'm Deebo.' I'm not that type of guy or whatever.
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"He's an opponent, so I don't know why I would want to have a conversation with the guy. I just don't. Not something I do."
What he does do is dominate the Rams. Earlier this season, Samuel totaled 133 yards -- 97 receiving and 36 rushing -- and scored one touchdown as a receiver and one as a ball-carrier vs. the Rams.
In his three-year NFL career, Samuel is a perfect 5-0 against Donald and the Rams. In those five games, he has 29 receptions for 345 yards and two touchdown receptions, along with 10 carries for 59 yards and two more scores.
The receiver/running back plays with an extremely physical style, and tight end George Kittle believes there's nothing better than an extra-motivated Deebo on Sundays.
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"I love Deebo and his entire mindset every single week," Kittle said. "I think Deebo is different when he plays the Rams. There is a little bit of a disrespect there. I think Deebo is a hell of a football player and people should know who he is and what his name is.
"I don't know if he tries a little extra in these games against the Rams or anything like that, but you can definitely feel his intensity. I think Deebo's done a great job being consistent with that energy week in and week out this entire season, but I know that he's going to bring it and do everything in his entire ability to win this game and I'm looking forward to seeing a spicy Deebo."
Yes, spice indeed has been added to this four-quarter meal and the temperature should only rise between these two squads come Sunday.
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