Latavius Murray could emerge as Raiders' best back

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland has Maurice Jones-Drew and Darren McFadden, but 2013 sixth-round pick Latavius Murray may be the team's most complete back, and could emerge in 2014. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Excited-to-See-Murray-in-Action-265225561.html

Niners' fans should appreciate Justin Smith while they can

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Justin Smith will soon turn 35, so his days in the NFL are numbered. But he remains a force. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/At-34-Justin-Smith-is-Still-Golden-for-49ers-264925201.html

Raiders still have plenty to spend

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Though Oakland has gone on a free-agent spending spree, it still has more than $10 million available. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-With-Money-to-Spend-Can-Still-Make-Moves-264910711.html

Davis' holdout may open door for 49ers' Carrier

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Tight end Derek Carrier has been making the most of increased opportunities this spring with the holdout of Vernon Davis. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Carrier-Getting-His-Chance-to-Impress-264740301.html

Niners encouraged by what they see in Gabbert

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Can Blaine Gabbert give the 49ers a capable backup QB in 2014? So far, the 49ers like what they see. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Liking-What-They-See-in-Gabbert-264585051.html

Raiders get a bonus with return of Burris

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The return of linebacker Miles Burris could be a bonus for a more dynamic linebacking corps in Oakland in 2014: http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Return-of-Burris-Gives-Raiders-Deep-Linebacking-Group-264579511.html

Winter Olympic and Paralympic athletes from the Sochi Games excited about nominations for this year's ESPYs

When the ESPYs are awarded next month in Los Angeles, a flock of Olympic and Paralympic standouts from Sochi's Games will be on hand to take part in what some describe as sports' annual Oscars. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2014/June/25/Tweet-all-about-it-Team-USA-all-over-ESPYS-nominations

Injury to Niners' No. 1 pick has put him far behind

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Can Jimmie Ward catch up in training camp enough to make an impact in Game 1? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-No-1-Pick-Will-be-Playing-Catch-up-264412661.html

WR Butler could step up in second year with Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Brice Butler didn't have many catches his first season, but he has a skill set that could make him a future standout pass catcher for Oakland. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/In-Second-Year-Butler-Could-Emerge-for-Raiders-264406241.html

Expect 49ers' "different" offense to be mostly the same

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers say their offense in 2014 will be different. What does that mean? It probably doesn't mean abandoning the run and throwing every down. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Different-Offense-May-be-Mostly-the-Same-264250801.html

McGloin has slipped to No. 3 in Raiders' QB order

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: What does it mean for Matt McGloin that rookie Derek Carr has moved up to No. 2 on Raiders' quarterback depth chart? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Rookie-QB-Carr-Already-has-Surpassed-McGloin-264247441.html

After setting a world record in the 4x100-meter relay in 2013, U.S. 'Dream Team' of sprinting rivals wants to go even lower

When Jarryd Wallace, Jerome Singleton, Richard Browne and Blake Leeper have been united as the American 4x100-meter relay team, the fab foursome has done some amazing things, including set a Paralympic world record. Now they want to keep lowering that record. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics/Features/2014/June/20/US-4x100-A-Dream-Team-of-Rivals

Paralympics standout Raymond Martin working hard to hold off whoever emerges as the next Raymond Martin

Raymond Martin was a breakout star at the London Paralympics of 2012, winning four gold medals in wheelchair racing as an 18-year-old. Now working toward the 2016 Games, Martin knows he'll have to be better because new, stronger and faster Paralympians continue to enter competition. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics/Features/2014/June/16/Raymond-Martin-weary-of-next-Raymond-Martin

Olympic gold-medal halfpipe skier David Wise has flipped over fatherhood

Gold-medal freestyle skier David Wise says becoming a father two years ago put his entire life into much better perspective. He's not only found great joy in being a dad, but he's now a better skier since learning that there are more important things than how he performs in the halfpipe. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2014/June/15/Fatherhood-Success-Go-Hand-In-Hand-For-David-Wise

49ers' investment in Martin could pay big dividends

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Trading a seventh-round pick for Jonathan Martin may prove, in the long run, to be a true win-win move. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Martin-Could-Give-49ers-a-Big-Payoff-263030211.html

Mack impressing his veteran Raiders teammates

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Linebacker Khalil Mack is getting excited reviews from Raiders teammates who have been around the block a few times. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Mack-is-Impressing-His-Raiders-Teammates-263029171.html

Niners' Gore, now 31, still packs a punch

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Running back Frank Gore, 31, says boxing has helped him defy the rigors of age in the NFL. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Gore-Working-Hard-to-Defy-His-Age-262888891.html

Raiders tap "Ninja Assassin" to help on defensive line

Daily Raiders blog on NBC Bay Area website: Antonio Smith, aka the "Ninja Assassin," is switching from defensive end to defensive tackle this season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Hoping-Smith-Can-be-a-Force-at-Defensive-Tackle-262882001.html

Cook hoping to resurrect career with 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: With the Vikings in 2013, Chris Cook gave up more TD passes than any other cornerback in the NFL. Now, he's hoping to bounce back with the 49ers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Hoping-Cook-is-a-Good-Fit-in-Secondary-262715331.html

Raiders pencil in Penn at left tackle

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former Buc Donald Penn believes he can protect Matt Schaub's blind side in 2014, even though he gave up 13.5 sacks in 2013. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Believe-Penn-Can-Protect-Schaubs-Blind-Side-262710091.html

Record-setting Paralympic sprinter Jarryd Wallace taking 'baby steps' toward 2016 Games in Brazil

Jarryd Wallace set a world record in the 200 meters at the World Championships last year, and also was on the 4x100-meter relay team that also set a world-best mark. This year, he's concentrating on his fundamentals, techniques, nutrition and training to make the subtle improvements he believes he needs to be even better for the 2015 Worlds and the 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2014/June/10/After-Fast-Start-Jarryd-Wallace-Takes-Baby-Steps-Toward-More-Improvement

Okoye could be a hit on special teams

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The prospect of 6-foot-6, 300-pounder Lawrence Okoye charging down the field on kickoff coverage is intriguing to the 49ers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Okoye-Willing-to-Play-Special-Teams-262542851.html

Raiders' Watson in position to start at right tackle

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Second-year pro Menelik Watson appears ready to win the job at right offensive tackle. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Watson-Appears-Ready-to-Win-Starting-Job-262537551.html

Already, some believe Carr will supplant Schaub

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland believes in Matt Schaub, but some have a hard time being convinced that the slumping veteran can hold off the rookie from Fresno State at quarterback. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Carr-Schaub-Have-Their-Believers-and-Doubters-262383331.html

Niners' roster ranked second best in the NFL

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: San Francisco's talent may be even better than the Seahawks, but for now Seattle gets the No. 1 ranking by Pro Football Focus for roster strength. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Roster-Ranked-Second-Best-in-NFL-262387631.html

49ers' Staley among NFL's best players at any position

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Left tackle Joe Staley, who has athletic ability that few offensive linemen possess, recently was named among the NFL's top 100 players. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Its-No-Surprise-Staley-is-Among-NFLs-Best-Players-262119641.html

Big Gabe Jackson eager to win guard spot

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Gabe Jackson is a big, big man with big hopes to be force for the Oakland Raiders. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Jackson-Now-Signed-Will-Try-to-Win-Left-Guard-Job-262118141.html

To be considered elite, Kaepernick must beat Seahawks

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Now with a six-year extension in hand, Colin Kaepernick says he wants to be among the NFL's elite QBs. Beating the Seahawks would go a long way toward accomplishing that goal. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Playing-Better-vs-Seahawks-is-a-Key-for-Kaepernick-to-Join-NFL-Elite-QBs-261988471.html

Is tight end Jermichael Finley on Raiders' radar?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Some reports indicate the Raiders may have interest in free-agent tight end Jermichael Finley. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Former-Packers-Tight-End-Finley-May-Have-Interest-in-Raiders-261982841.html

Costanzo returns to 49ers with a special flair

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Blake Costanzo, one of the 49ers' best special teams players from 2011, has re-signed with San Francisco. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Costanzo-Returns-to-49ers-With-His-Special-Flair-261834811.html

Raiders' Streater poised for his biggest season

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Third-year wide receiver "Hot Rod" Streater appears on the verge of a 1,000-yard season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Streater-Headed-for-Big-Things-in-2014-261830251.html

For Criner, it's now or never with Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Receiver Juron Criner looks like an NFL player, but so far hasn't played like one. It's now or never for the third-year player. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Criner-Knows-its-Time-to-Produce-261670431.html

Many have great expectations for Kaepernick in 2014

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Colin Kaepernick has amazing talents. Nobody doubts that. But can he become a more consistent playmaker in 2014? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/More-is-Expected-of-Colin-Kaepernick-This-Season-261674651.html

Escaping the escape-proof Rock is one of the many challenges of San Francisco's Alcatraz triathlon

The Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon, now in its 34th year, has been one of the world's best and most popular triathlons, in large part because of the allure of the 1.5-mile bone-chilling swim from Alcatraz through the swift currents of San Francisco Bay. My story for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/11002656/endurance-sports-escape-alcatraz-triathlon-offers-unique-challenges

49ers' TE Vance McDonald is more confident in Year 2

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Second-year tight end Vance McDonald is getting some snaps and time with the first time in the absence of Vernon Davis in OTAs. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/McDonald-Hoping-to-Contribute-More-For-49ers-261523811.html

49ers work on red zone improvement

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Niners want to improve in red zone in 2014: http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Focusing-on-Improving-in-the-Red-Zone-261245891.html

After Cedar Fire scare in 2003, Scripps Ranch man was determined to make home safer

Jerry Mitchell knew he and his wife dodged a bullet in 2003 when the Cedar Fire was turned back near their home in Scripps Ranch. Since then, he has turned his property and home into a fortress against wildfire. My story for U-T Homes section: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/may/30/property-revamped-repel-wildfires/

The best tips for fire-defensible SoCal homes

With fire season here, experts offer their best tips for San Diegans interested in creating defensible space around their homes and materials and methods to make their homes fire-resistant. My story for U-T San Diego Homes section: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/may/30/defensible-space-property-wildfire-safety/