Niner Noise
FanSided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
Oct 16, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) is hit by San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Nick Bellore (50) as he throws a pass during the first quarter at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) is hit by San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Nick Bellore (50) as he throws a pass during the first quarter at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /

The Bad

Almost all of the second half. Yes, the Niners were behind only 17-14 after two quarters of play. But San Francisco has only scored one touchdown in the third quarter this season. But it was the fourth quarter in which Buffalo ran away with the game.

Literally.

We’ll get to the 49ers’ run defense, or lack thereof, shortly. But there are more problematic issues to address first.

Oct 16, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills free safety Corey Graham (20) tries to make a tackle on San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) during the first half at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills free safety Corey Graham (20) tries to make a tackle on San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) during the first half at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

Running back Carlos Hyde couldn’t get much going over the course of four quarters. Despite a long of 15 yards, Hyde only averaged 3.7 yards per carry on 14 attempts. He’s far better running between the tackles, but the 49ers offensive line still has too many issues run blocking on the season.

It’s hard to expect San Francisco to be effective at moving the ball on the ground until the O-line improves up front.

And third downs? Well, this continues to be a problem for the 49ers on both sides of the ball.

The Niners managed to convert just three on 13 attempts. And they were 0-of-2 on fourth-down tries. All the while, San Francisco gave up eight first downs on 13 third-down conversion attempts from Buffalo.

Including a 22-yard run by Bills tailback LeSean McCoy on a 3rd-and-20 play.

Making things worse, the Niners suffered an injury to up-and-coming cornerback Rashard Robinson, who will now have to go through the NFL’s concussion protocol.