San Francisco 49ers players were visibly depressed as they spoke to reporters following Sunday’s demoralizing 38-10 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel refused to speak with the media after a frustrating, one-off performance.

“It’s probably one of the worst (defeats) I’ve been a part of,” admitted the linebacker Fred Warner. “It’s embarrassing. You have to take it on the chin, take it like a man and move on.”

Despite the growing challenges, one player maintained his characteristic optimism, even as the 49ers’ record fell to 5-6, further hurting their playoff chances.

When asked if this season’s struggles have tested his positivity, the tight end George Kittle » replied categorically: “No. Why would he do it? I mean, we are by no means where we want to be.

Kittle acknowledged the myriad 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 determined.

“My optimism is in no way shattered,” Kittle continued. “We still have a lot of very talented players. We’re going to get some guys back. And I still have full confidence in the coaching staff to put our guys in position to play, and I have no concerns about that.

“But it’s certainly a difficult task, and I’m going to 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.

“Not speaking verbatim, this is not Niner football,” Kittle said. “We didn’t play the way we wanted to, whether it was missed tackles on defense or penalties. Basically, that’s what I told you before. I’m doing a good job taking what Kyle says and just telling you guys.”

The road doesn’t get any easier for the struggling 49ers, who now face a tough trip to Orchard Park to face the Buffalo Bills. At 5-6, their playoff hopes are dwindling. A loss next week, dropping them to 5-7, would be disastrous for their playoff aspirations.

Related news