Known for nothing but positivity, George Kittle is not so subtly upset after the 49ers' most recent loss against the Bills.
A season ago, back when the San Francisco 49ers were regularly trouncing opponents, it'd be common for one of the offense's many superstars to have a "down day," at least statistically.
But, as tight end George Kittle once told us on the Niner Noise Podcast, the production would frequently rotate between him, running back Christian McCaffrey or one of the trio of wide receivers like Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk or Jauan Jennings. In this way, the plethora of talent would each "get theirs" over the course of a full season.
The Niners aren't winning now, though. And Week 13's 35-10 blowout loss to the Buffalo Bills amid a snowstorm highlighted yet another low for Kittle, Samuel and the balance of San Francisco's banged-up and ineffective offense.
Few things went right on that side of the ball. McCaffrey suffered what could be a season-ending knee injury, both Samuel and quarterback Brock Purdy lost costly fumbles, and the passing game was almost entirely nonexistent.
Kittle was essentially a non-factor, too.
In a game where passing would be limited because of the weather, one figured Kittle's unique abilities would be vital. But the versatile tight end was targeted just twice, catching one pass for a mere 7 yards.
Sure, Purdy set a new career-low amid the snow with just 94 yards through the air. Yet it's clear Kittle needed to be more involved with the offense if the shorthanded Niners were to have any chance against quarterback Josh Allen and the surging Bills.
Kittle wasn't particularly pleased about it either.
George Kittle notably frustrated with lack of involvement vs. Bills
The usually enthusiastic and optimistic Kittle was anything but during his postgame press conference after the blowout loss.
“I do not have an explanation […] I felt pretty open multiple times.”
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) December 2, 2024
George Kittle on catching the 49ers first pass attempt of SNF, then getting held to 0 grabs on one target for the rest of the night
🎥: @49ers pic.twitter.com/g1eCNYKFwe
Kittle admitted why he had "no idea" why he wasn't targeted more than twice during the game.
“I do not have an explanation,” Kittle added. “I think I ran six more routes the rest of the day.”
True, for a time, San Francisco's ground game was working even after McCaffrey departed midgame with his injury. And that could have played a factor in the fewer targets going the tight end's way.
However, once the 49ers' deficit became greater, one would figure Kittle would at least get a few more looks and a few more opportunities to pick up chunk yardage to help the Niners get back in the game.
Apparently he didn't. And it's not hard to read between the lines. Kittle is understandably frustrated, as he should be as one of San Francisco's best all-purpose weapons.