San Francisco 49ers

49ers vs. Bills: Week 6 Grades and Analysis for San Francisco

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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A new quarterback just meant more of the same for a San Francisco 49ers team that continues to struggle on both sides of the ball. The Niners lost their fifth consecutive game on Sunday, losing to the Bills 45-16.

Oct 16, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) throws a pass to 49ers wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

The San Francisco 49ers are bad. That’s putting it mildly.

The Niners continued their struggles on Sunday with a 45-16 slaughter at the hands of the Buffalo Bills. While the defense gave up over 300 yards rushing, the offense barely moved the ball. It does not seem to matter who the Niners put in at quarterback, the weapons simply aren’t there.

Until the 49ers make some major changes, this team will continue to struggle.

At least it looks like the 49ers will get a top NFL Draft pick?

Oct 16, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Leger Douzable (91) tries to make a tackle on San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during the second half at New Era Field. Buffalo beat San Francisco 45-16. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive Grades

Quarterback: C-

The 49ers quarterback consistently under- and over-threw his receivers, while his legs seemed to be the most effective way for the offense to move the ball.

Sound familiar?

Colin Kaepernick‘s return to the starting lineup did little to change the 49ers outlook offensively. His statistics — 13/29 for 187 yards and one touchdown — mirror Blaine Gabbert‘s fairly closely.

The only major difference seems to be their preferred targets: Kaepernick likes Quinton Patton and Torrey Smith, while Gabbert prefers Jeremy Kerley.

Running Back: C

Carlos Hyde ran into a wall of defenders nearly every time he had the ball. His 3.7 yards per carry average (14 carries for 52 yards) was by no means good, but about all that could be expected with the offensive line’s struggles.

Wide Receiver: C+

Torrey Smith and Quinton Patton finally got in the mix, with Smith making a great adjustment on an under-thrown ball from Kap for a 53 yard touchdown. Jeremy Kerley did not get as many targets, though this is likely due to different chemistry between quarterbacks and receivers.

Tight End: C-

Vance McDonald made one nice grab in the second half, but other than that the tight ends were virtually silent.

Offensive Line: D

The 49ers offensive line started out giving Kap great protection. This protection fell apart as the game progressed, however. Furthermore, the O-Line never seemed to open up lanes for Carlos Hyde to run through.

The Niners’ offensive line is much better than a year ago, but it still needs improvement.

Oct 16, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy (25) runs with the ball and is pursued by San Francisco 49ers strong safety Antoine Bethea (41) and linebacker Tank Carradine (95) during the second half at New Era Field. Buffalo beat San Francisco 45-16. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Grades

Defensive Line: C-

The Oregon duo of Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner teamed up for a great strip and fumble recovery in the first quarter. The defensive line was able to get some pressure on Tyrod Taylor throughout the game as well.

That being said, you can’t give up 312 yards rushing and expect a good grade.

Linebacker: D

The 49ers defense gave up 312 yards rushing. Simply put, that is unacceptable. The 49ers linebackers also struggled in coverage, as usual, and were unable to record a sack. (The 49ers three sacks came from Buckner and Armstead.)

The linebacking crew will continue to miss NaVorro Bowman.

Defensive Back: C-

The 49ers secondary was by far their best defensive unit. Unfortunately, that is not saying much.

Taylor was held to 179 yards passing and the 49ers were able to make some good plays on the ball at times. Unfortunately, the secondary continued to give up too many plays in key situations.

Oct 16, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; San Francisco 49ers kicker Phil Dawson (4) kicks a 48 yard field goal during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Special Teams & Coaching Grades

Special Teams: B-

Bradley Pinion did not have his best day and the 49ers struggled in the return game. Fortunately, Phil Dawson was as trustworthy as ever, knocking home three field goals at a windy New Era Field.

Coaching: C-

Jim O’Neil finally came out with another aggressive game plan on defense — and it almost worked for a bit. After forcing a shutout in Week 1 the 49ers defense has continually regressed. O’Neil’s job security may eventually come into question.

On the other side of the ball, it doesn’t seem to matter who Chip Kelly tabs at QB. The offense is just bad.

Oct 16, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) walks off the field after a game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Buffalo beat San Francisco 45-16. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Cumulative 49ers Grade for Week 6: D

The San Francisco 49ers played yet another awful game on Sunday against the Bills. Now in the midst of a five-game losing streak, the 49ers holes are simply becoming more exposed.

A lot will need to change if the 49ers want to turn things around. Unfortunately, a good portion of that is personnel. Trent Baalke‘s job is looking less and less safe by the week.