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:
Watch @Kaepernick7 find @TorreySmithWR for the 53-yard TD. #SFvsBUF https://t.co/RdlIrXIzG7
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) October 16, 2016
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.