Hutchinson: The 49ers’ loss shouldn’t surprise anyone

“Because the 49ers run a hots offense – instead of trying to protect against all eligible rushers, the quarterback throws “hots” to a receiver when pressure is on – teams increase the pressure – often with overload blitz, to target one side of it the offensive line and those flawed protections – on the 49ers more than any other team. On third-and-medium or third-and-long, Brock Purdy had to get the ball out quickly, which often resulted in plays targeting option routes short of the hitters.

Especially after McCaffrey was out, teams threw out the Chiefs’ Super Bowl schedule. They played aggressive man coverage against a team that lacked man-beater receivers, most notably Samuel. Purdy lacked chemistry with Aiyuk, who dropped the ball absurdly often and got injured turning a corner. Jauan Jennings was a revelation but doesn’t pose much of a vertical threat. Kittle was Kittle, the best tight end in football (though he missed a few more block calls than you’d expect).

Purdy, a quarterback whose best attributes were his pocket presence, anticipation and ability to read the field, found himself struggling more and more because nothing was open. If something was open, the protection was broken or was never there. Or, if those two things were right, then he didn’t see it or didn’t trust it, because those two things made him unable to trust what he saw.”

Hutchinson: 3 takeaways after 49ers were demolished by Bills

“There were a few theoretical chances for the 49ers to get back into the game. As they drove the length of the field to cut the score to 28-10, they put the ball in the hands of Kyle Juszczyk, who fumbled at the one-yard line.

Brock Purdy fumbled a ball with no soul around him and turned it over. Deebo Samuel turned the ball over on a kick return.

These are just a few of the outrageous, almost hilarious mishaps. And no one should be surprised. Even though this team was under pressure with reinforcements on offense, their defense worked. The offensive failed and turned around several times.

Folks, this is not a serious football team. It wasn’t a serious football team all year. Now they will try to top the table and win five in a row to get into the playoffs without any easy outs. If they somehow manage to do that, it will be because they look fundamentally different than the team we’ve seen all season. Does anyone think he is capable of this? Nobody should do it.”

Maiocco’s Observations: The 49ers’ playoff hopes fade with loss to Bills

“Without Warner on the field, the Bills scored on Cook’s long touchdown run. Linebacker Jalen Graham, called up from the practice squad, ran into safety Ji’Ayir Brown near the line of scrimmage, giving Cook a big opportunity. Cook then outran linebacker Dee Winters and safety Malik Mustapha to the end zone.

Buffalo took over the next possession at the 3-yard line. And without Warner on the field, Josh Allen found tight end Dawson Knox for a game-winning 39-yard pass.”

Branch: Struggling, struggling 49ers fall to 5-7 as Bills enjoy snowy 35-10 loss in Buffalo (Paywall)

“The 49ers managed 153 yards rushing and averaged 5.7 yards per carry, but they still couldn’t score more than 10 points. Jake Moody missed first-half field goal attempts from 45 and 55 yards and fullback Kyle Juszczyk lost a fumble at Buffalo’s 1-yard line with the 49ers trailing 21-3 early in the third quarter, Bills cornerback Christian Benford recovered and scored 43 yards.”