SF 49ers vs. Bills: 5 biggest disappointments from Week 13 loss

Disappointment No. 3: Deebo Samuel not getting enough touches

Yes, wide receiver Deebo Samuel ended up having six receptions for 73 yards over the course of the game, which is statistically a great way to back up his career game against the LA Rams a week ago in that win.

But here’s the disappointment: Samuel touched the ball only once during the first half, and it was a 3-yard run that should have been a tackle for a loss if it weren’t for the receiver’s own physicality.

San Francisco had to understand it wasn’t going to hold Buffalo’s offense in check, so getting its best offensive playmakers in positions to succeed had to be a prime objective for Kyle Shanahan to get arguably his best offensive playmaker, Samuel, in a position where he could impact the outcome of the game earlier.

It didn’t happen, though.

True, Samuel was often being shadowed by Bills cornerback Tre’Davious White, who had himself a game, too, with four tackles and a late interception. Yet there was a general lack of creativity getting Samuel the ball early. No end-arounds or jet sweeps, which have been deadly for opponents trying to contain Samuel over the last two years.

Hopefully, the SF 49ers learn the lesson and lean on Samuel to make plays from here on out.