Tomsula vows that 49ers will address penalties and "sloppiness"

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Head coach Jim Tomsula unhappy with 13 penalties and what he calls "sloppiness" in exhibition game vs. Broncos. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Tomsula-Not-Happy-With-49ers-Sloppiness-323436521.html

With Watson now out, Howard is next man up for Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: A season-ending injury to right tackle Menelik Watson means veteran Austin Howard will have to play a big role for Oakland in 2015. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/With-Watson-Lost-Howard-Will-Step-in-at-Right-Tackle-for-Raiders-323439311.html

Niners' offensive line is shaky in matchup with Broncos

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: A still-evolving 49ers offensive line -- with players moved into new positions -- plays poorly in preseason game in Denver, forcing Colin Kaepernick to throw under constant duress. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Offensive-Line-Kaepernick-Prompt-Questions-in-Loss-at-Denver-323347291.html#comments

Khalil Mack shows Cardinals he's going to be a force in 2015

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Raiders linebacker Khalil Mack was a constant problem for the Arizona Cardinals in a Sunday night exhibition game, coming up with two sacks, a forced fumble and three tackles, an indication he's already primed for Game 1 of the regular season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Mack-Attack-is-Already-Rolling-323388781.html

Sharon Vasquez is an insurance liaison, mother of three ... and hard-hitting safety for the Pittsburgh Passion of the Independent Women's Football League

Sharon Vasquez didn't discover tackle football until her mid 20s. But once she tried out for the Pittsburgh Passion, she's been a perennial league all-star and key player on a team that's won consecutive IWFL championships. My story on Vasquez, who's also a mother and insurance professional for a medical company, for ESPNW's series on women athletes who balance their sport with working lives. http://espn.go.com/espnw/athletes-life/article/13531554/women-football-star-helps-keeps-heart-patients-alive

Marcus Rush making bid to make 49ers as outside linebacker

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Undrafted free agent Marcus Rush has played very well and, with the absence of Ahmad Brooks, has a chance to make 49ers roster. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Ex-Michigan-State-Standout-Rush-Making-an-Impression-323219831.html

It appears it will be Smith, not Moore, at OLB for Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: An injury to Sio Moore and the solid play of Malcolm Smith points to Smith starting at weakside OLB for the Raiders on opening day. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Former-Seahawk-Smith-Appears-Primed-to-Start-at-Linebacker-323224541.html

Edwards coming on strong for Raiders at defensive end

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Mario Edwards' first sack of his pro career, vs. Vikings, gives team a glimpse of his potential. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Edwards-Showing-Raiders-He-Can-Rush-the-Passer-323095901.html

Kendall Hunter finally set to make his push

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Running back Kendall Hunter, held out of much of camp, showed his old quickness and burst in joint practice with Broncos. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Hunter-Flashes-Old-Form-vs-Broncos-323093121.html

At 30, judoka Nina Cutro-Kelly is finally hitting her stride and hoping for big things this year and beyond

Nina Cutro-Kelly is the No. 1 women's heavyweight judo player in the United States. She's been on a roll the past year and a half, and could be on her way to the Olympics in 2016. My story on her for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2015/August/26/Riding-Wave-Of-Momentum-Judoka-Nina-Cutro-Kelly-Ready-To-Take-On-The-World

After losing his arms in an electrical accident, Hector Picard vowed to continue to lead a productive life. He had no idea that would eventually mean doing more than 100 triathlons and becoming an Ironman...

Hector Picard has no arms, yet has done more than 100 triathlons, including four Ironman-distance races. He's adapted from a 1992 accident to thrive as a father, husband and athlete and as an example for others with disabilities. My story on Picard for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/13515598/endurance-sports-double-amputee-hector-picard-inspiring-others-triathlons

Raiders hope Mays, Dowling can add some depth at safety

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland has signed Taylor Mays to add depth at safety, where second-year man Jonathan Dowling also is emerging. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Still-Seeking-Depth-at-Safety-322965931.html

Tartt making an impact already in 49ers' secondary

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie safety Jacquiski Tartt is adding some pop to the 49ers' defense. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Excited-by-Jaquiski-Tartts-Play-and-Potential-322959811.html

With a year to go before Rio Games, picture for new sports rugby and golf is coming more into focus

With a year to go before Opening Ceremonies in Rio de Janeiro, both U.S. rugby sevens teams have qualified for the Olympics and the golf picture is much changed since 2014. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2015/August/24/With-One-Year-To-Go-Golfers-And-Rugby-Players-Ready-For-Olympic-Return

Niners still tinkering with makeup of offensive line

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jim Tomsula admits the offensive line isn't yet settled, and coaches are still trying different combinations of players. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Still-Searching-for-Right-Combination-on-Offensive-Line-322825541.html

Trent Richardson not showing quickness yet in Raiders audition

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Running back Trent Richardson's hopes of being a Raider don't look strong right now. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Richardson-May-Not-be-a-Raider-For-Long-322821071.html

On a good night for 49ers, Hayne still shines brightest

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: In his second exhibition game, Aussie Jarryd Hayne may have been even better than in his first -- and that's saying something. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Its-a-Good-Night-for-49ers-322643792.html#

Carr-to-Cooper is dynamic combination in game with Vikings

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: How good a tandem can Derek Carr and Amari Coooper be? Raiders fans got a hint in second exhibition game. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Get-a-Glimpse-of-What-Carr-to-Cooper-Can-Mean-322611242.html

What will Hayne do for an encore this week?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: After his smashing debut in Week 1 of the exhibition season, 49ers running back Jarryd Hayne gets ready for his second act. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/49ers-Jarryd-Hayne-Gets-Another-Chance-to-Put-on-a-Show-322511422.html

Will Carr show off some deep throws in exhibition games?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Derek Carr had an OK summer debut ... but where were those deep throws? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Derek-Carr-2015-Exhibition-Debut-Lacked-Something-322509792.html

Raiders reportedly in talks to extend Donald Penn's contract

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Donald Penn wasn't the Raiders' first choice to play left tackle, but it appears he'll be their long-term choice. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Penn-Has-Become-a-Rock-for-the-Raiders-322402052.html

49ers' Ward is back, but may play only safety in 2015

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Top 2014 draft pick Jimmie Ward is back from a foot injury and playing safety with the second and third teams. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/49ers-Jimmie-Ward-Secondary-322404302.html

As usual, Brice Butler is hot in summer games

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Receiver Brice Butler had a great first preseason game, picking up where he left off last summer. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Brice-Butler-Summer-Hot-322291992.html

Shayne Skov impressing 49ers with intelligent play

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former Stanford linebacker Shayne Skov doesn't have great speed or movement, but the 49ers coaching staff likes the way he plays. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Shayne-Skov-Making-the-Most-of-Opportunities-in-Second-Camp-322286812.html

Big Mike Purcell playing well at nose tackle for 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Mike Purcell has been lost in the offseason discussion about the 49ers defensive line, but in the exhibition opener he shined. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Purcell-Making-His-Presence-Felt-on-49ers-Defensive-Line-322166252.html

Rookie linebacker Ben Heeney impressing Raiders with speed, instincts

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Ben Heeney made a big impact in his first NFL game for the Raiders. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Heeney-Impressing-Raiders-With-Speed-Instincts-322169922.html

Dan Simonelli returned to the open water and found his passion and his fitness

Dan Simonelli has changed careers, becoming an open-water swim coach, after learning to love swimming in the open ocean after years of semi-inactivity as a marketing professional. My profile of Simonelli for the Active San Diego series in the San Diego Union-Tribune Health section: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/aug/18/swim-coach-open-water/

Hayne will get plenty of chances in first exhibition

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former Aussie rugby star Jarryd Hayne will get his first game action in preseason opener. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Hayne-Sure-to-See-Plenty-of-Action-vs-Texans-321876812.html

Del Rio excited for preseason Game No. 1

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: New head coach Jack Del Rio wants to keep the positive momentum from camp flowing into first exhibition game. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Del-Rio-Eager-for-Raiders-Preseason-Debut-321872582.html

Gabbert looking sharper, more confident this summer

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: 49ers' No. 2 QB Blaine Gabbert is off to a better start in the 2015 training camp. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Gabbert-Feeling-Much-More-Confident-321756962.html

Hayden having some rough spots in training camp

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Cornerback DJ Hayden is fighting for a starting job, but he's had some rough days. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/So-Far-Hayden-Having-an-Up-and-Down-Camp-321754262.html

Bowman looking like his old self in 49ers camp

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman has been all over the field in training camp, looking like his former All-Pro self after a year off. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Bowmans-Play-Gives-49ers-Reason-for-Optimism-321561421.html

Raiders' rookie Mario Edwards is changing perceptions

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: In college, defensive lineman Mario Edwards was considered by some an underachiever. Now with the Raiders, he's working hard. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Edwards-Working-Hard-to-Prove-Critics-Wrong-321566041.html

Who is Gabe Holmes? A possible "steal" for Raiders at tight end

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Undrafted rookie tight end Gabe Holmes has some great qualities, and the Raiders are seeing them in training camp. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Undrafted-Holmes-Earning-Praise-With-Raiders-321406671.html

Moody making good impression in training camp

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Inside linebacker Nick Moody is impressing coaches, teammates this summer. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Moody-is-Opening-Eyes-in-Training-Camp-321401861.html

With Smith released, rookie Harold has big opportunity

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie linebacker Eli Harold suddenly is thrust into a bigger role following the release of Aldon Smith. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Suddenly-49ers-Rookie-Harold-Has-Big-Opportunity-321269671.html

Big men have big role on Raiders defense

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Justin Ellis and Dan Williams may be the heart of the Raiders' defense. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Tackles-Give-Weight-to-Defense-vs-Run-321265771.html

Armstead coming on fast in 49ers camp

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Defensive end Arik Armstead missed most of spring camp but is proving to be a quick study in 49ers training camp. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Armstead-Eager-to-Make-up-For-Lost-Time-320830751.html

Taiwan Jones happy to be back at running back

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Taiwan Jones and his speed could be a special piece of the Oakland offense in 2015. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Jones-Adds-Special-Element-to-Raiders-320826111.html

Former stage manager, now an active mom and health coach, talks about taking "small steps" toward better health

Stacy Spensley, a former stage manager who worked all hours and ate all kinds of junk, feels much better and healthier these days after making big changes in her life. My profile of Spensley for the Active San Diego series of the Union-Tribune Health section. http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/aug/04/stage-manager-healthy-lifestyle/

With a year to go before Opening Ceremonies of Rio de Janeiro Olympics, seven Americans already have qualified for the Olympic team

Modern pentathlete Nathan Scrhimsher was the first U.S. athlete to qualify for the 2016 U.S. Olympic team. He's now been joined by six others to a roster that eventually will swell to more than 500. My story for TeamUSA.org, with a year to go before the Games. http://www.teamusa.org/News/2015/August/05/Meet-The-2016-US-Olympic-Team-So-Far

Pears ready to step in at right tackle for 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Can veteran lineman Erik Pears be effective as a starter for 49ers?http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Hope-Pears-Can-Replace-Davis-at-Right-Tackle-320768901.html

Are Raiders overhyping three young cornerbacks?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Weakness or strength? Three young Raiders cornerbacks are deemed future stars by defensive coordinator Ken Norton, Jr. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Young-Raiders-Corners-Receiving-Plethora-of-Praise-320764201.html

Ellington off to quick start in bid for playing time

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Bruce Ellington missed much of spring workouts, but is now healthy and flying around the training camp fields. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Ellington-Off-to-a-Fast-Start-in-49ers-Camp-320621512.html

McGloin will get chance to battle Ponder for backup job

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Christian Ponder was brought in to back up QB Derek Carr, but in training camp it appears Matt McGloin is getting the chance do duel with Ponder. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/It-Appears-McGloin-Will-Get-a-Shot-at-Backup-QB-Job-320618732.html

49ers' Ahmad Brooks showing new life in training camp

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: A slimmed-down Ahmad Brooks is looking active and athletic. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Brooks-Appears-Poised-for-Big-Season-320487742.html

Michael Dyer's emergence could be bad news for Richardson

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Undrafted rookie running back Michael Dyer has so far looked good in training camp, which may put the heat on more expensive veteran Trent Richardson. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Dyers-Gain-Could-be-Richardsons-Loss-320483222.html