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49ers vs. Bills: The Good, Bad and Ugly from San Francisco’s 45-16 Week 6 Loss

By Peter Panacy

Oct 16, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy (25) runs the ball in for a touchdown during the first half against the San Francisco 49ers at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy (25) runs the ball in for a touchdown during the first half against the San Francisco 49ers at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 16, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) runs after a catch for a touchdown as Buffalo Bills strong safety Aaron Williams (23) pursues during the first half at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) runs after a catch for a touchdown as Buffalo Bills strong safety Aaron Williams (23) pursues during the first half at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /

The Good

In short, not much.

So we can’t overlook quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Was he shaky at times? Sure. And was his play notably better than what was seen from fellow QB Blaine Gabbert? Partially.

On the good side of things, Kaepernick managed to rush for 66 yards on eight carries. And the scramble from the Niners’ own end zone, which was nearly a safety for Buffalo, kept San Francisco’s drive alive and even picked up a first down.

Kaepernick was 13-of-29 for 187 yards and a touchdown against zero interceptions. Kap did make a handful of throws which could have been easy picks for the Bills defense. Yet he wasn’t helped by a number of drops in the second half either.

At least the Niners targeted wide receiver Torrey Smith a total of seven times, connecting on three of them, including this 53-yard touchdown score:

Fellow wideout Quinton Patton got involved too, having four receptions for 52 yards.

And the Niners even managed to win the turnover battle 2-to-1 in favor of San Francisco. Kicker Phil Dawson was also 3-of-3 on field goals, in spite of a tough wind at New Era Field.

Not like it made much of a difference though, even though the 49ers were trailing by only four points heading into halftime.