Gabbert making much better use of 49ers' tight end corps

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: In three games with Blaine Gabbert at QB, the 49ers passing attack has better incorporated the tight ends into the offensive scheme. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/49ers-Gabbert-Making-Better-Use-of-Tight-Ends-358853611.html

Raiders offensive line was key in Oakland's comeback win

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Titans were one of the NFL's best pass-rushing teams going into Sunday's game with the Raiders, yet got to Derek Carr just one time. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Offensive-Line-Unsung-Hero-Victory-Over-Titans-358835371.html

Controversial penalty aids Cardinals to win over 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Quinton Dial appeared to have a sack on Arizona QB Carson Palmer, but was called for unnecessary roughness, instead, helping the Cardinals to a close victory over the 49ers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Late-Questionable-Call-Helps-Cardinals-Drive-to-Win-Over-49ers-358329291.html

Raiders' late drive produces victory in Tennessee

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Derek Carr leads a long drive for a touchdown to beat the Titans on their own turf. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Carrs-Late-TD-Pass-to-Roberts-Breaks-Raiders-Losing-Streak-358198511.html

Can 49ers turn tables on Arizona Sunday? Probably not

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Is there any reason to believe Blaine Gabbert and the 49ers can beat an Arizona team that whipped them 47-7 earlier this season? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Will-Give-Cardinals-a-Different-Look-on-Sunday-355920451.html

Oakland line must protect Carr vs. Titans' terrific pass rush

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Tennessee's defense has 12 sacks in its past three games and ranks No. 4 in the NFL in sacks and now will fact a Raiders O-line likely without leader Rodney Hudson. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Will-Need-to-Protect-Carr-vs-Titans-Fierce-Pass-Rush-355882121.html

The "other" Cromartie wants 49ers to remember his name

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Cornerback Marcus Cromartie admits he plays with a chip on his shoulder. That may not be a bad thing. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Cromartie-Wants-to-Make-Most-of-His-Opportunity-353731001.html

Raiders have faith Cooper will fix drops problem

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Amari Cooper is among the NFL's most productive WRs as a rookie, but he also has 10 drops, second most in the league. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Have-Faith-That-Cooper-Will-Work-Through-Mini-Slump-353714221.html

Couple that rows together stays fit together; Scott and Cathy Kemper, in their 70s, are as active as ever

Scott Kemper, 78, and his wife Cathy, 70, are national-caliber rowers who lead an active, healthy lifestyle in San Diego. Both are committed to having fun, and to them that means being fit. My story for the Union-Tribune's Active San Diego series in the Health section. http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/nov/23/active-san-diego-kempers/#comments-module

Dorsey's injury will give Armstead more playing time

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Top rookie pick Arik Armstead will get a chance to play and develop following the season-ending injury to Glenn Dorsey. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/With-Dorsey-Out-Armstead-to-Get-Bigger-Role-353170391.html

Del Rio loves Raiders' rookie linebacker Ben Heeney

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie linebacker Ben Heeney, now that he's getting playing time, is showing plenty of fire and talent. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Heeney-Showing-Raiders-He-Can-Contribute-353176681.html

Sixteen years in, SeaBass is still a fine catch for Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: With a 56-yard field goal in loss to Lions, Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski moves to within one of tying the NFL career mark for most field goals of 50 or more yards. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Janikowski-Keeps-Kicking-His-Way-Into-Record-Book-353029411.html

49ers' losses could gain one of top draft picks

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: If the 49ers keep losing, they could wind up with a top-five draft pick. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Lost-Season-Could-Produce-Exceptional-Draft-Position-353035831.html

Seahawks dominate 49ers again at CenturyLink Field

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie Thomas Rawls rushes for more than 200 yards in victory over the 49ers in Seattle. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/New-49ers-Quarterback-Same-Result-in-Seattle-352964051.html

Raiders stumble and fall to lowly Lions

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders offense, so explosive in recent weeks, disappears in loss to the Lions. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Run-Out-of-Gas-in-the-Motor-City-Fall-to-Lions-352954811.html

Can Gabbert, and 49ers break through against Seahawks?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Seahawks have dominated the 49ers in recent meetings, so do the Blaine Gabbert-led 49ers have a chance this Sunday? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Gabbert-Leads-49ers-Into-House-of-Pain-352218741.html

Raiders' Carr, elite receivers may be too much for Lions thin secondary

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Lions have lost two of their top three cornerbacks in recent years, which means the Detroit secondary may be in for a tough time vs. Raiders Sunday. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Depleted-Lions-May-Have-Trouble-Stopping-Carr-and-Co-352232711.html

Sled hockey is booming, as 2015 USA Hockey Sled Classic shows

In 2010 there were just four teams in the USA Hockey Sled Classic national tournament. This week there are 20. It's an indication, say sled hockey national-team players, of how fast the sport is growing and how many great new players have dived into the Paralympic sport. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics/Features/2015/November/19/Exposure-Success-Has-Bred-More-Exposure-And-Success-At-USA-Hockey-Sled-Classic

Is Torrey Smith to blame for lack of production?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Receiver Torrey Smith was billed as an impact player when he was signed by the 49ers, but his contributions have been minimal. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/So-far-Torrey-Smith-Hasnt-Made-Big-Impact-on-49ers-351795011.html

Carr driving Raiders forward into new era

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: QB Derek Carr is being ranked as the top young QB in the league by many NFL analysts: http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Are-Riding-Carr-Into-a-New-Era-351779811.html

49ers hoping trio of injured stars can play vs Seattle

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Running back Carlos Hyde, receiver Anquan Boldin and cornerback Tramaine Brock are still iffy for Seattle matchup, despite extra rest in bye week. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Still-Limping-After-Bye-Week-351021871.html

Edwards has best game yet in loss to Vikings

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Defensive lineman Mario Edwards Jr. had his best game vs. Vikings and has been coming on strong for many weeks now. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Edwards-Growing-Into-a-Defensive-Force-351015251.html

Can return of Kilgore provide a boost for 49ers' offensive line?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Center Daniel Kilgore can start practicing now for the 49ers, which may lead to his activation soon -- something the 49ers need. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Return-of-Kilgore-Could-Provide-a-Nice-Boost-for-Offense-350617911.html

Run defense for Oakland has been shredded in two straight games

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland's run defense, which looked solid in past weeks, has fallen apart over the past two games. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Run-Defense-Has-Been-Torn-Apart-350610451.html

Vikings too much for Raiders, who lose second straight

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Adrian Peterson runs for 203 yards to help Minnesota to a victory over Oakland. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Suffer-a-Second-Straight-Loss-350175951.html

Successful business pro Danielle Miano also is a rough and tumble rugby player with national-team and Olympic aspirations

Danielle Miano is a little bit like Superman: by day, she's a mild-mannered woman in a business suit. On the weekends, she's a hardcore, mud-caked, bruised and bloodied national-team rugby player. My story on Miano for ESPNW's Weekend Warriors series on dedicated women athletes: http://espn.go.com/espnw/athletes-life/article/14114414/rugby-player-danielle-miano-olympic-dreams

U.S. women's soccer team, bobsled duo and water polo team are finalists for annual Olympic Team of the Year Award

The U.S. women's national soccer team, coming off a World Cup victory, is probably the favorite to win Team of the Year award, but bobsled team and water polo team are worthy finalists, too. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Hoping-Kenneth-Acker-Can-Play-vs-Seahawks-347563871.html

49ers hoping for Acker's return vs. Seahawks

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Cornerback Kenneth Acker has been one of the team's rare bright spots in 2015, and San Francisco hopes he can play vs. Seattle on Nov. 22. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Hoping-Kenneth-Acker-Can-Play-vs-Seahawks-347563871.html

Raiders defense hoping to rebound vs. Vikings

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Can Oakland's shredded defense be fixed in time to stop Vikings Sunday? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Defense-Needs-to-Get-Back-to-Basics-to-Stop-Vikings-347601501.html

Celek thriving in a larger role for 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Tight end Garrett Celek has become Niners' best option at the position now that Vernon Davis is gone. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/49ers-Garrett-Celek-Eager-to-Embrace-Larger-Role-346329422.html

High school runner Justin Gallegos, who has cerebral palsy, finishes last in almost every race yet is considered a winner by his teammates and opponents

Justin Gallegos wanted to be part of a team in high school and wanted to be athletic. When he went out for cross country, he often fell, over and over again. Yet bloody and bruised he kept coming back for more. Now a senior at Hart High near Los Angeles, Gallegos often finishes last in his cross country and long-distance track races, yet it's not uncommon for fans, teammates and opponents to line the finish line and cheer him in. One classmate calls Gallegos the kindest person he knows. His coach says Gallegos is a far better teacher than he is, when it comes to teaching perseverance and grit. My story on Gallegos for ESPN.com's Endurance sports section: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/14104285/endurance-sports-justin-gallegos-overcoming-cerebral-palsy-inspire-fellow-high-school-runners

Raiders eager for return of Carrie, Allen to secondary

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Oakland secondary, last in the NFL in pass defense, will get TJ Carrie and Nate Allen back this Sunday vs. the Vikings. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Secondary-Getting-Reinforcements-for-Vikings-345910292.html

Lynch growing into one of NFL's best young defensive players

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: In his second season, outside linebacker Aaron Lynch already has six sacks, equaling his output for his rookie season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Lynch-is-Among-NFLs-Best-Second-Year-Players-345874742.html

When Brandi Mitchell returned to the soccer pitch, her happiness and fitness levels went sky high

Brandi Mitchell was a high school soccer standout, but after graduation, it never seemed to fit into her life. Then, as a working mom, a friend told her about an adult soccer league for women. When she got back onto the field, she immediately felt back where she belonged. My story on Mitchell for the Active San Diego series in the Health section of the Union-Tribune: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/nov/09/active-san-diego-brandi-mitchell/

Much-traveled Draughn picks up slack for Hyde, Bush

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: With Carlos Hyde and Reggie Bush out, running back Shaun Draughn -- who's played for five NFL teams -- has a career day for 49ers in victory over Falcons. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Draughn-344753242.html

Del Rio says he made coaching error in loss to Steelers

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jack Del Rio looks back on a three-point loss to Steelers and says he made a mistake not trying to go for a score at the end of the first half. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Even-in-10th-Season-as-Head-Coach-Del-Rio-Says-He-Can-Learn-From-Mistakes-344696182.html

Turnovers sealed fate of Raiders vs. Steelers

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: In two previous victories, the Raiders had zero turnovers. Three turnovers vs. the Steelers were the difference between winning and losing. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/When-Raiders-Lose-the-Ball-They-Often-Lose-the-Ballgame-343698572.html

Bowman starting to look like his All-Pro self again

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Linebacker NaVorro Bowman was all over the field vs. the Falcons, stuffing the run and pressuring the passer. Is he all the way back? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Bowman-Starting-to-Look-Like-His-Pre-Injury-Self-343731062.html

Gabbert leads 49ers to surprising win over Falcons

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: In his first start for San Francisco, QB Blaine Gabbert plays relatively well in an upset of the Falcons. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Surprise-Gabbert-Leads-49ers-to-Upset-of-Falcons-343234302.html

Raiders' comeback falls just short in Pittsburgh

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders rallied in the fourth quarter to tie the Steelers 35-35, but then Pittsburgh marched for a winning field goal. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Roar-Back-But-Then-Lose-to-Steelers-343175112.html

Surging Raiders matched up against solid Steelers

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: With two straight wins, the Raiders roll into Pittsburgh Sunday, but the Steelers don't look like a victim. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Are-Rolling-but-Steelers-May-Not-Budge-341791912.html

Gabbert gets chance to reboot his career, starting Sunday

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: 49ers QB Blaine Gabbert will start Sunday vs. Falcons after enduring a rough start to his career. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Gabbert-Gets-His-Second-Chance-Beginning-Sunday-vs-Falcons-341744772.html

Triathlon programs are on the rise in college since NCAA blessing the sport with an "emerging sport" tag in 2014

Triathlon teams have been in existence for a while now in college, but all have been club teams and the sport doesn't have official status with the NCAA. All that is changing now. Within a decade, triathlon could be an important varsity sport at campuses across the U.S. My story for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/14054244/endurance-sports-how-women-triathlon-breaking-colleges

49ers will have to duck Falcons' 1-2 punch

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Atlanta comes into San Francisco with the leading rusher and the leading receiver in the NFL. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Face-Falcons-Potent-One-Two-Punch-340877642.html

Mack, Edwards, Williams & Co. are powering Raiders' run D

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders run defense is now No. 2 in the NFL thanks to a ferocious group up front. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Run-Defense-Has-Become-One-of-NFLs-Best-340902302.html

Is Blaine Gabbert any better than Kaepernick?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Colin Kaepernick has been benched and Blaine Gabbert will take over at QB this Sunday vs. the Falcons. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/49ers-Blaine-Gabbert-Hardly-Seems-Like-an-Upgrade-339839562.html

Gabe Jackson morphing into an elite NFL guard

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Once again against the Jets, Raiders left guard Gabe Jackson was dominating. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Gabe-Jackson-Becoming-a-Force-339824322.html

U.S. cross country champion and track standout Laura Thweatt ready for a new adventure with marathon debut in New York City

Laura Thweatt listed a lot of goals for 2015, but running a marathon wasn't one of them. But when she suffered an injury, her coach, Lee Troop, suggested she try something completely different. My story for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/13991585/endurance-sports-american-laura-thweatt-excited-make-marathon-debut-newyork

Raiders appear to be growing into a playoff team under Del Rio

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders, mired in more than a decade of mediocrity, suddenly have the look of a team destined for the postseason. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Appear-to-be-Growing-Into-a-Playoff-Team-339402172.html

Tomsula says he'll fix the 49ers ... but how?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Head coach Jim Tomsula, after watching his team get pounded by the Rams, says he'll work to fix things -- but there are no secret weapons on the roster. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Tomsula-Says-Hell-Fix-Problems-but-Cupboard-is-Bare-339375672.html