It should come as no surprise that Deebo Samuel has been such a revelation for the Washington Commanders this year. Samuel has emerged as one of the most important members of the squad. He accomplished this with key, defense-slicing teammates Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown missing for half the games. His growing rapport with quarterback Jayden Daniels has translated into impressive on-field performances, making him a focal point in the Commanders’ offense.
In recent weeks, Samuel has showcased his skills by recording 14 catches for 168 yards and two touchdowns over the past two games. On kick returns, he’s averaging 36.8 yards on six attempts as well, and he’s rushed seven times for 46 yards this fall. Samuel has a career-high target rate of 30.2% this year. He’s still leading the Commanders with 30 receptions, 300 receiving yards and three touchdowns. He is currently on pace for 1,176 yards from scrimmage, which would be the second-highest total of his career.
Samuel’s journey to success this season should be a feel-good story considering what he endured, but it’s even more remarkable considering what he lost. After having one of his worst seasons in 2024, he confidently asserted during training camp, “I’ve still got a lot in the tank.” This decision is indicative of his individual motivation and his dedication to the organization.
Samuel’s versatility has earned him the affectionate approval of offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, who has a creatively change-up play-calling. As the chart above shows, Samuel has run more routes out of the slot than outside, letting him take advantage of those special skills in the right matchups. Kingsbury noted that Samuel’s competitive nature enhances the team’s dynamic: “He is as competitive as I’ve been around.”
Samuel’s high-energy presence extends beyond the field. Coach Dan Quinn highlighted that he brings vitality to meetings and practices, stating, “Just the energy that he brings to meetings and to practice.” This infectious enthusiasm has resonated with his teammates, including Daniels, who remarked on Samuel’s down-to-earth personality: “He’s very down to earth, super chill. So, people like being around him.”
The chemistry between Samuel and Daniels was obvious as the two players started to figure out how to play off each other’s strengths. Daniels mentioned their off-field interactions, recalling how Samuel sent him a TikTok video earlier in the week with a playful suggestion: “Yo, we’ve got to hit this if one of us scores.” If you ask their coaches, this camaraderie has been the defining factor for their on-field success.
Reflecting on Samuel’s impact, Quinn stated, “He challenges you in a good way and makes you think so, he’s been really, really fun to coach. He just, man, he loves football. You can feel it.” It’s the passion that Samuel brings to each and every game that establishes a tone that inspires his teammates and instills confidence.
Since arriving to the Commanders, Samuel has quickly fit into the team’s culture. The team traded for him in return for a 2025 fifth-round selection from San Francisco. His performances have echoed his successes from his time in San Francisco, as noted by Daniels: “Everything he did in San Francisco, he’s doing that here.” This seamless transition is a perfect testament to Samuel’s adaptability and versatility to flourish in new surroundings with improved performance output.
Moving forward, the Commanders will need to continue to count on Samuel’s consistent impact as they figure out the rest of this season and beyond. His blend of skill, energy, and leadership will be crucial as they aim for success in a highly competitive league.
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