Harbaugh admits 49ers are wasting James' talents

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Head coach Jim Harbaugh says Niners need to figure out a way to get LaMichael James "into the mix." http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Harbaugh-Says-Its-Time-to-Get-James-In-The-Mix-230056571.html

Raiders have been half good, (second) half bad

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website. The Raiders are 3-4, but that record could be much better if the team's offense didn't go into a cocoon in the second half of the past four games. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Need-to-Shake-Off-Second-Half-Blues-230051341.html

Who's old? Niners' Gore certainly playing like a young man

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Frank Gore is proving once again that he's no ordinary running back. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Gore-is-Running-Through-Age-Barrier-229870391.html

Returning injured players should give 49ers a boost

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Wide receiver Mario Manningham should return to the starting lineup for the 49ers' next game, and he could be joined by several other returning players in the second half of the season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/49ers-Eagerly-Awaiting-Reinforcements-229710661.html

Jennings is jack of all trades for Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Running back Rashad Jennings, in his first year in Oakland, is contributing in a variety of ways. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Jennings-Has-Played-Special-Role-229704401.html

Numbers aren't gaudy, but Kaepernick's results have been

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: In the pass-happy NFL, Colin Kaepernick's passing stats look pedestrian. But based on a five-game winning streak and ESPN.com's QBR formula, the 49ers' quarterback is among the most efficient in the NFL. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Kaepernicks-Stats-Arent-Amazing-but-His-Results-Are-229548121.html

Raiders' defense continues to improve

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Before the season, the Raiders defense set a goal to hold every opponent to 17 points or less. In three wins, that's exactly what the defense has done. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Defense-Continues-to-Improve-229542731.html

Lopsided in London: 49ers are too much for Jaguars

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: San Francisco wins its fifth straight game with a 42-10 decision over the winless Jaguars. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Have-Jolly-Good-Time-Rout-Jaguars-229462281.html

Pryor's record-setting run fuels Raiders' victory

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Terrelle Pryor's 93-yard TD run, the longest by a QB in NFL history, launches Raiders to 21-18 victory over the Steelers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Run-Past-Steelers-on-Pryors-Feat-229473231.html

Having a nice backyard doesn't have to be impossible if you own a big dog or two; you just have to outwit the four-legged terrorists

Dogs can be hell on backyards, digging up plants, sleeping on them, eating them or (of course) peeing all over them. But with some thought and planning, San Diego homeowners have come up with ways to have both a pack of dogs and a beautiful yard. My story for U-T San Diego's Home & Garden section: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/oct/25/dog-proof-garden/

Jags look like no match for 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The winless Jaguars are the worst team in the NFL against the run, and the Niners are on a roll, thanks to a strong running game ... so Sunday's matchup looks lopsided going in. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-May-Put-Jaguars-in-a-London-Fog-229259141.html

Steelers' D will be huge test for Raiders' Pryor

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Terrelle Pryor has never faced a Dick LeBeau-coached Steelers defense, and that could spell trouble for the young quarterback. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Pryors-Next-Test-is-Pittsburghs-Defense-229252881.html

After striking silver twice at the London Paralympics, handcyclist Moncia Bascio found gold in 2013 to earn honor as U.S. Paralympic Sportswoman of the Year

There was no-post Paralympic letdown for Monica Bascio in 2013, as the veteran handcyclist won every race she was in this year, including two World Championship races, and was selected as Paralympic Sportswoman of the Year. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics/Features/2013/October/24/Paralympic-SportsWoman-of-the-Year-Monica-Bascio

Lee continues to give 49ers a leg up

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Pro Bowl Andy Lee has been consistently excellent again, an overlooked component of 49ers' overall strength. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Punter-Lee-is-an-Overlooked-Star-229103401.html

Somehow, Raiders are holding the line

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Offensive line coach Tony Sparano has been challenged this season as never before by numerous injuries, he says. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Somehow-Raiders-Are-Holding-the-Line-229098201.html

Zombies, splashes of color and mounds of mud are some of the stars in new wave of themed running events that have brought many novices into the world of sweat

At the Color Run, participants are turned into works of art. In the Run For Your Lives, men and women conquer obstacles and run from zombies. In the Warrior Dash and Muddy Buddy series, contestants come out caked in mud. All are different, yet all are among the new wave in fitness events that are drawing hundreds of thousands of non-runners to participate in events that are as much social as they are physical. My story on the trend for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/9866551/endurance-sports-non-traditional-running-series-taking-united-states

Gore says 49ers offense is as explosive as ever

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers may not look quite like the team that went to the Super Bowl last season, but running back Frank Gore says it's as explosive as ever. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Offense-is-Running-Smooth-228780301.html

Raiders coaches know running game must improve

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The stats show the Raiders as being the No. 9 rushing team in the NFL, but the stats in this case are deceiving. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Hoping-to-Improve-Running-Game-228775331.html

San Francisco is again winning battle of turnovers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Over the past four games, all wins, the 49ers have taken the ball away 12 times and scored eight TDs and kicked four field goals off those takeaways -- a key factor in the team's turnaround. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/49ers-Thievery-is-Paying-Dividends-Again-228634391.html

Raiders now enter easy portion of schedule

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Over the next five games, the Raiders will play non-winning teams. It's possible Oakland could pull out some surprise wins. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Face-Stretch-of-Winnable-Games-228628071.html

Niners put a pounding on Titans for fourth straight win

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Three long, grinding touchdown drives set the tempo for San Francisco's 31-17 victory over Tennessee in Nashville, their fourth straight victory. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Offense-Grinds-Down-the-Titans-228553331.html

After two years of training, a once-bossy little puppy named Atti is ready to start her career as a service dog

It takes a lot of training to prepare a dog to become a service companion for a man or woman confined to a wheelchair and in need of help. But after two years of work, Atti, a golden retriever-Labrador mix -- who can fetch the phone, open doors and pick up and retrieve objects -- is now ready to be paired with a lifelong human companion. And Charli King, Atti's trainer, says her former bossy puppy is good to go. My story for U-T San Diego's pets page: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/oct/18/service-dog-training/

Can injured 49ers' D-Line contain Titans' running game?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: This week, all three 49ers starting defensive linemen missed practice, and NT Glenn Dorsey is doubtful to play vs. the Titans on Sunday. Will the Niners be able to stop Titans' speedy Chris Johnson? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Beat-up-49ers-Defensive-Line-Will-be-Challenged-228345101.html

Raiders defense in 2013 has improved significantly

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: In 2012, the Raiders' defense was one of the worst in league, allowing the fifth-most points in the NFL. This year, Oakland is better in all areas, thanks to coordinator Jason Tarver and an influx of veterans. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Defense-Has-Made-Huge-Strides-228339051.html

He keeps going and going; Jon Sutherland's daily running streak -- which began May 26, 1969 -- is now at 44 years and counting, the longest active streak in the U.S.

Jon Sutherland took up running to strengthen his legs for baseball. But when he went out for cross country at L.A. Valley College, he discovered he liked running better than pitching. After learning a teammate had run every day for almost a year, Sutherland decided to start his own streak. That was in May of 1969, and one year has turned into 44-plus. Now Sutherland, 63, has the longest active running streak in the U.S. and will set a record next May if he can continue to get in his daily run. How long will he go? He says he sees "no stop signs." My story on Sutherland for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/9834548/endurance-sports-44-years-jon-sutherland-running-streak-going-strong

49ers' Lemonier is rushing to fill a need

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie linebacker Corey Lemonier, pressed into service to share the right-outside linebacker position vacated by Aldon Smith, is showing 49ers a great ability to rush the passer. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/49ers-Lemonier-is-Coming-On-in-a-Rush-228188621.html

Raiders' Taiwan Jones turning into a special player

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former running back Taiwan Jones, converted to cornerback this season, is having his greatest impact on special teams, where he's become one of the NFL's best gunners. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Taiwan-Jones-is-Gunning-for-Greatness-228181291.html

Can Pryor be the franchise QB Raiders have sought?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: If Terrelle Pryor continues to play and improve as he has already in 2013, he could be the quarterback the franchise has been looking for -- meaning Oakland can use the draft for other needs. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Pryors-Emergence-Gives-Raiders-a-Building-Block-228018211.html

Could LaMichael James spice up 49ers' return game?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Punt returner Kyle Williams has 16 fair catches and only eight returns through six games. Could LaMichael James give the 49ers a boost in that job? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/LaMichael-James-May-be-a-Key-to-Unlocking-49ers-Punt-Returns-227830911.html

Marquette King is proving Raiders made right choice

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Marquette King, who won a duel with Chris Kluwe for Raiders punting job, is becoming one of NFL's best at his job. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/King-is-Showing-Raiders-Hes-Right-Man-for-the-Job-227823991.html

Injury to Dorsey casts doubt on 49ers' D-Line status

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Glenn Dorsey, who'd been playing great at nose tackle, had to leave the Cardinals game with a hamstring injury. If he can't come back, the team's depth at the position will be severely tested. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Injury-to-Dorsey-Could-be-Crucial-Loss-for-49ers-227673611.html

Raiders' battered offensive line needs time to heal

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Thankfully for the Raiders, it's the bye week -- a time for offensive linemen to heal. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Battered-O-Line-Hoping-to-Heal-227668361.html

Kaepernick-Davis 'rapport' sparks 49ers' win over Cards

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Niners struck twice from long distance on TD passes to tight end Vernon Davis to win third straight game, this one over the Cardinals. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Kaepernick-to-Davis-Connection-Fuels-49ers-227605781.html#

When O-Line cracks, Raiders fall apart in K.C.

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: An already depleted offensive line suffers more injuries and Terrelle Pryor is sacked 10 times in loss to Chiefs. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Wilt-in-Kansas-City-227595381.html

U.S. archers overcome stiff wind and stellar field to win first team title at World Championships since 1983

Brady Ellison, Joe Fanchin and Jake Kaminski battled winds of as much as 40 mph in Turkey at the outdoor archery World Championships to win the first U.S. team title since 1983. The final match came down to the last arrow as the U.S. beat the Netherlands, which had defeated the U.S. in two previous head-to-head matchups. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2013/October/11/US-Archers-Hit-Target-World-Crown

Win over Cards could catapult 49ers toward win streak

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: If 49ers can beat the Cardinals Sunday, the next portion of their schedule could lay the groundwork for a string of victories. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-May-Be-Poised-for-a-Winning-Streak-227394281.html

Raiders' only hope vs. Chiefs? Their running game

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Terrelle Pryor and Darren McFadden give Oakland a 1-2 running punch that could be aimed at 5-0 Chiefs' lone weakness. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Best-Hope-vs-Chiefs-Run-the-Football-227387541.html

49ers' Brock has taken long, winding road to new role

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Tramaine Brock was an afterthought in the 49ers' plans this year, but over the past two games he's won the nickel cornerback job from the injured Nnamdi Asomugha. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Brock-Has-Earned-His-Role-227239651.html

Gurode & Co. are filling holes in Raiders' O-Line

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former Pro Bowl center Andre Gurode is stepping into the center position for the injured Stefen Wisniewski, just the latest in the line's game of musical chairs in 2013. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Backups-Stepping-Up-on-Raiders-Offensive-Line-227234301.html

Lindsey Valenzuela has risen to the top of CrossFit with a work ethic inspired by the SEAL mentality

Former college volleyball star Lindsey Valenzuela loves to lift weights. It's a passion to get stronger. But her rise to the upper echelon of the sport of CrossFit -- in which she is now No. 2 in the world -- came because she focused on her weaknesses and after sharpening her mental toughness with a crash course in SEAL-style training. My story on Valenzuela for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/9796654/endurance-sports-diverse-background-helps-improving-crossfit-star-lindsey-valenzuela

Rookie safety Reid is making big strides

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie Eric Reid, who had eight tackles in victory over Texans Sunday, is rapidly becoming an NFL playmaker. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/So-Far-Reid-Has-Been-a-Hit-for-49ers-226912251.html

Pryor's rise is one of NFL's best stories of 2013

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Terrelle Pryor's growth as a QB for Raiders has been a happy surprise for the team. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Pryors-Improvement-is-One-of-NFLs-Best-Stories-226906501.html

When it comes to jumping for joy, Vhoebe the Belgian Malinois does it better than any dog in the world

A few years ago, Lise Ann Strum got a call asking if she'd adopt a problem pup who had too much energy and naughty ways for her host family. That dog, Vhoebe, still has excess energy, but she's now a happy member of the Strum family -- and a world champion and world-record holder in the sport of dog jumping. Now, says Strum, she feels as if she's the one who was rescued. My story for the pets page of U-T San Diego. http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/oct/04/dock-jump-champion-dog/

Niners, back on track, have regained their confidence

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: After floundering early this season, the 49ers have reeled off two straight wins with an old formula: defense and a physical ground game. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick says it was what the 49ers needed to do. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Have-Gone-Back-to-the-Future-226760431.html

Raiders' defense was key factor in win over Chargers

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Oakland defense is playing much better than its individual parts, as Sunday night's victory over the Chargers showed. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Defense-is-Coming-Together-226754181.html

Raiders come alive in late-night date with Chargers

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Terrelle Pryor is terrific and Oakland's defense creates some key turnovers in the Raiders' 27-17 victory over San Diego. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Late-Start-is-Prime-Time-for-Raiders-226703061.html

Niners' defense gets grabby in win over Texans

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Niners defense picks off Matt Schaub three times and San Francisco pounds the ball on the ground all game long in 34-3 victory over Houston. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Intercept-Texans-226693961.html

Rivers may go after Raiders' rookie Hayden

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie cornerback D.J. Hayden has had a rough NFL debut, so he may be targeted early and often by Chargers QB Philip Rivers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Rivers-May-Go-After-Raiders-Rookie-226387521.html#comments

Texans' defense will be challenge for 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: J.J. Watt and the Texans will be a challenge for the 49ers to overcome. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Texans-Defense-a-Big-Challenge-for-49ers-226388651.html

Boldin says strong run game is key to passing success

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Anquan Boldin, often double teamed this season, saw a beautiful thing Thursday when Frank Gore began running for big chunks of yardage vs. the Rams: single coverage. If the 49ers can keep pounding, says Boldin, the passing game can thrive. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Boldin-Running-Game-Can-Open-49ers-Passing-Attack-226312381.html