San Francisco 49ers players were visibly dejected while speaking to reporters after Sunday's demoralizing 38-10 defeat to the Green Bay Packers. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel declined to talk with the media after a frustrating one-catch performance.
"It's probably one of the worst ones (losses) I've been a part of," admitted linebacker Fred Warner. "It is embarrassing. You gotta take it on the chin, take it like a man, and move on."
Despite the mounting challenges, one player maintained his signature optimism, even as the 49ers' record dropped to 5-6, further decreasing their playoff chances.
When asked if this season's struggles had tested his positivity, tight end George Kittle responded emphatically, "No. Why would it? I mean, we're not where we want to be by any means."
Kittle acknowledged the myriad of mistakes that contributed to the 28-point loss, citing penalties, turnovers, an inability to establish the run, and a lopsided time of possession. Yet, he remained resolute.
"My optimism is not broken by any means," Kittle continued. "We still have a lot of very talented players. We will get some guys back. And I still have full trust in the coaching staff to put our guys in position to make plays, and I got no worry about that.
"But definitely an uphill grind, and gonna see what we're made of, which I'm looking forward to."
Head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the team in the visitors' locker room following the disappointing loss. Kittle shared a summary of Shanahan's postgame message to his players.
"Without going word for word—that's not Niner football," Kittle said. "We didn't play the way we want to play, whether it's missed tackles on defense, penalties. Basically, what I already said to you guys. I do a good job of taking what Kyle says and just saying it right back to you guys."
The road doesn't get any easier for the struggling 49ers, who now face a challenging trip to Orchard Park to take on the Buffalo Bills. Sitting at 5-6, their playoff hopes are slipping. A loss next week, dropping them to 5-7, would be disastrous for their postseason aspirations.