CHICAGO -- Just as it seemed like the San Francisco 49ers would attempt Sunday's first kick, they made the most important play of the game and gained a much-needed offensive spark.
The 49ers requested a quick screen of Deebo Samuel, a receiver from the left side, on third-and-19 from their 16. Samuel ran 84 yards in an apparent touchdown after making a quick turn inside. He received excellent downfield blocks by receiver Brandon Aiyuk, and center Alex Mack.
On further examination, Samuel was ruled out at the 1; however, quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo scored a few plays later from 2 yards out to cut Chicago's lead down to 16-15.
Samuel's catch and run was the Niners longest play of the season. He reached a maximum speed of 20.1 miles an hour, according to Next Gen Stats.
Samuel had 156 receiving yards when the game ended. This was Jerry Rice's record for most Niners receiving yards in the first seven games of a season.
