Cooper has one more shot to add to rookie legacy

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Super rookie wide receiver Amari Cooper, who missed much of the last game vs. San Diego because of a painful foot, hopes to play in season finale vs. Chiefs. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Cooper-Can-Add-to-Terrific-Rookie-Season-vs-Chiefs-363928321.html

Gabbert looking forward to positive finish and 2016

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Quarterback Blaine Gabbert hopes to finish strong in season finale vs. Rams and then carry the momentum into 2016. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Gabbert-Goes-Into-Final-Game-With-a-Positive-Outlook-363925461.html

Niners' fundamental flaws are showing

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Poor tackling? Check. Stupid penalties, over and over? Check. Going into their final game, the 49ers are a flawed team. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Showing-Some-Fundamental-Flaws-363726291.html

Raiders lose Reece for four games due to NFL suspension

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: With Marcel Reece suspended for four games, including Sunday's season finale, Jamize Olawale will play a bigger role at fullback. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/-Raiders-Olawale-Will-Step-Into-Reeces-Role-Against-Chiefs-363729251.html

Hayne gets second chance with 49ers after relegation to practice squad

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: After being relegated to the practice squad for several weeks, running back Jarryd Hayne got the surprise start vs. the Lions and performed well. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Hayne-Shows-49ers-He-Can-be-a-Part-of-Their-Future-363640091.html

Mack can set Raiders sack record in finale vs. Chiefs

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: NFL sack leader Khalil Mack can tie or break the team single-season sack record in 2015 finale vs. Chiefs. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Mack-Has-Chance-to-Tie-or-Break-Raiders-Sack-Record-363638681.html

49ers have fast start, then fade in loss to host Lions

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers took an early 14-10 lead in Detroit, but then faded in the second half to lose to the Lions. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Have-Fast-Start-But-End-With-Familiar-Finish-363593071.html

Raiders make plays when they count in OT victory over Chargers

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Two key plays in the fourth quarter and a long drive in overtime give Raiders a victory over San Diego. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Defeat-Chargers-in-Overtime-363512521.html

Red-hot Lions present tall hurdle for 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Niners figure to be in for a tough test against the surging Lions. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Will-Face-The-Surging-Detroit-Lions-363470791.html

49ers on track to be historically bad on offense

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 2015 49ers could turn out to be the worst offense in franchise history. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Offense-Could-be-Historically-Bad-363468241.html

Can Raiders sweep the Chargers in 2015?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders have a chance to sweep the season series from the Chargers for the first time since 2010.http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Have-a-Chance-to-Sweep-the-Chargers-363372201.html

Bowman earns Pro Bowl spot in comeback season

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: NaVorro Bowman's comeback season is complete with selection to Pro Bowl. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Bowmans-Comeback-Season-Earn-Pro-Bowl-Honor-363368911.html

Eli Harold giving 49ers a snapshot of his potential

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie linebacker Eli Harold is making the most of his late-season opportunities now for the 49ers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Like-Harolds-Progress-at-Outside-Linebacker-363256771.html

The Raiders are losing more than a safety with Woodson's retirement

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Charles Woodson announced he'll retire at the end of this season. Oakland is losing an elite safety, leader and NFL icon. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Woodsons-Retirement-Will-Create-Huge-Void-on-Raiders-363254301.html

Skateboard pro Michael Owen is taking steps toward a healthier lifestyle so he can keep shredding into his 40s, 50s and beyond

Michael Owen moved to San Diego from Illinois a few years ago so he could be outside year round. It was a conscious effort to put more happiness into his life. The young pro skateboarder also changed his diet and added some exercises to his training regimen so he can be a peak performer for a long, long time. My story on Owen for the Active San Diego series in the Union-Tribune Health section: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/dec/21/skateboarder-mike-owen-diet-exercise/

Is McDonald a bust? He's taken another step back

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Vance McDonald just can't seem to hold on to the football often enough. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/McDonald-Letting-Opportunity-Slip-Away-363132551.html

Despite elimination from playoff picture, Raiders' future is bright

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders came a long way in 2015 ... just not long enough, yet. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Even-After-Packers-Loss-Raiders-Future-Looks-Bright-363136141.html

49ers fall into early hole, can't climb out vs. Cincinnati

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: After falling behind early, 21-0, San Francisco falls to Bengals to drop to 4-10. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Look-Less-Than-Super-in-Yet-Another-Loss-363087291.html

Early mistakes spell doom for Raiders vs. Packers

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Two Derek Carr interceptions early in the game prove too costly for Raiders in loss to Green Bay. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Early-Mistakes-Doom-Raiders-in-Loss-to-Packers-363088261.html

Even Dalton-less Bengals look formidable for 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Can the 49ers rebound against a tough Bengals team?http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Even-Without-Dalton-Bengals-May-be-Too-Much-for-49ers-362931891.html

Raiders must beat Packers to keep hopes alive

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland needs to go 3-0 to finish with a winning record and a chance at the postseason, but its first of the three tests may be its toughest: Green Bay. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Ready-to-Tangle-With-Explosive-Talented-Packers-362936261.html

Mack's attack in Denver was noticed by Packers

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Did the Packers see what Khalil Mack did to the Broncos last week? Oh, yeah. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Packers-Definitely-Noticed-What-Mack-Did-vs-Denver-362797841.html

Remarks from Browns coach don't help Tomsula's cause

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: When Browns coach Mike Pettine said he didn't see much energy from the 49ers in their matchup last Sunday, it likely didn't help Jim Tomsula's cause to remain in 2016. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/49ers-Tomsula-Future-Not-Looking-Bright-362801971.html

Del Rio continues to make all the right moves

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jack Del Rio knew exactly what to say at halftime of the Broncos game, with his side trailing 12-0. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Del-Rio-is-Making-All-the-Right-Moves-in-First-Season-With-Raiders-362418241.html

Cleveland performance exposes (again) 49ers' weakest link

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The offensive line was certainly offensive against the Browns, giving up nine sacks. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Offensive-Line-Woes-in-Cleveland-Point-to-49ers-Weakest-Links-362405461.html

Raiders punter Marquette King was dominating in victory over Broncos

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: It's not often that a punter is a team's best weapon, but in the 15-12 Oakland victory over the Broncos, Marquette King may have been just that. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Punter-Was-King-For-a-Day-in-Denver-361818471.html

Browns exploited 49ers' weak run defense

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Browns' NFL-worst rushing attack dominates the 49ers, going for 230 yards. What happened? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Browns-Exposed-49ers-Deficient-Run-Defense-361812551.html

Raiders' Mack Attack is too much for Broncos

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Linebacker Khalil Mack's five sacks power Raiders to a 15-12 upset of the Broncos in Denver. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Mack-and-Carr-Deliver-a-Victory-Over-Broncos-361740201.html

49ers fall flat in Cleveland to previously hapless Browns

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Browns had just two wins, yet they dominated the 49ers in Cleveland, winning 24-10. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Suffer-a-Brown-Out-in-Cleveland-361727081.html

Raiders hope Carr can rebound vs. Broncos

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Can Derek Carr recover from a three-interception game in a matchup with AFC West-leading Broncos? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Need-Carr-to-Rebound-Sunday-vs-Broncos-361669321.html

49ers wary of Johnny Manziel's elusiveness

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jim Tomsula warns his defense about Browns QB Johnny Manziel's ability to make freelance plays. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Want-to-Contain-Manziels-Freelance-Talents-361668021.html

Mack is coming on in a rush for Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Khalil Mack has four sacks in his past two games and has become a dynamic pass rusher. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Mack-is-Coming-On-In-a-Rush-361559881.html

Boldin becoming Gabbert's favorite target

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: In the past two games, since Anquan Boldin has been healthy, he and Blaine Gabbert have connected often. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Boldin-Becoming-Gabberts-Go-To-Guy-361559071.html

Carlin Isles helping U.S. speed to the top of rugby sevens

Carlin Isles, a former sprinter and college football standout, is called "The Fastest Man in Rugby." He's now helping the Olympic-bound U.S. rugby sevens team climb the ladder of the international game. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2015/December/10/Could-The-Fastest-Man-In-Rugby-Lead-Team-USA-To-A-Medal-In-Rio

Niners' Blaine Gabbert showing he's an underrated runner

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Quarterback Blaine Gabbert is very athletic, and his 49ers coaches and teammates have known it for two years. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Getting-Surprising-Results-from-The-Blaine-Runner-361248281.html

Woodson, at 39, will wait till offseason to decide if he'll play in 2016

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Safety Charles Woodson has had a terrific season at age 39. It may not be his last, but he'll wait to make any announcement. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Productive-Woodson-Will-Wait-to-Consider-Playing-in-2016-361242381.html

Andrea Felder has built her life around a healthy diet, exercise and tennis

Former flight attendant Andrea Felder always ate a healthy diet growing up in Jamaica and for decades has loved exercise. But she didn't pick up a tennis racquet until just a few years ago. Once she did, she was smitten by the game. My story of her for the Active San Diego series in the Union-Tribune Health section: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/dec/08/tennis-fills-life-with-fun-fitness/

After walking away from running, former Oregon standout Luke Puskedra regains his passion and now may be headed for the Olympics

A little more than a year ago, Luke Puskedra was disillusioned with running after a disappointing marathon debut in New York. He walked away from the sport and considered retirement. Now, he owns the best U.S. team in the marathon in 2015 and is among the favorites in the upcoming Olympic marathon trials. What happened? My story for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/14319615/endurance-sports-olympic-trials-next-step-luke-puskedra-running-journey

Ward somersaults into action in victory over Bears

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jimmie Ward has had a rough start in his NFL career, but as he showed against the Bears, his time may be at hand. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Jimmie-Ward-is-Starting-to-Make-an-Impact-360805881.html

Earlier optimism of Raiders and their fans is starting to melt

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Five weeks ago, the Raiders appeared bound for the playoffs. With four games left, however, their chances are slim. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/It-Appears-Raiders-Playoff-Drought-Will-Continue-360801421.html

Carr's interceptions kill Raiders' chances to beat Chiefs

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: For most of this season, Derek Carr has been accurate and efficient. But on Sunday in a loss to the Chiefs, his interceptions were the main reason the Raiders lost. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Carrs-Mistakes-Critical-in-Loss-to-Chiefs-360735541.html

Gabbert's two big plays and Bears missed FG give 49ers a win

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Blaine Gabbert used his legs and strong arm to carry the 49ers to a win over the Bears in overtime. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Gabberts-Big-Plays-Bears-Missed-Field-Goal-Try-Give-49ers-a-Victory-360727001.html

Former UConn All-American thought her field hockey career was over, but then she discovered a New York team filled with former college and national stars and now gets to play again

Rebecca Beatty was a busy mom, wife and professional woman who thought her field hockey days were long over. So she was excited when she discovered the Rye club of New York had a high-level adult field hockey team. Now she competes on Sundays, just as her husband, Will Beatty, does as the left tackle for the New York Giants. My story for ESPNW: http://espn.go.com/espnw/athletes-life/article/14289762/rebecca-beatty-love-field-hockey-balances-husband-beatty-nfl-dreams

Weak Bears' run defense may be an opportunity for 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Chicago ranks as one of the NFL's poorest run-defending teams, so the 49ers -- even without Carlos Hyde -- may be able to have a big day on the ground. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-May-be-Able-to-Run-the-Ball-on-Bears-360577721.html

Will Murray have another big day against Chiefs?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Latavius Murray's biggest game was against K.C. last year. Can he do it again Sunday? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Murray-May-be-Due-for-a-Big-Game-Against-Chiefs-360574151.html

Tomsula's 49ers have zero wins on the road in 2015

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: One thing Jim Harbaugh's 49ers teams could do was win on the road. Jim Tomsula's team, however, is much like the ones before Harbaugh arrived. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Carry-Winless-Road-Record-into-Chicago-360447071.html

Reggie McKenzie's top 3 picks in 2014 equate to 3 high first-rounders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: If a re-draft were held of the 2014 NFL rookie class, one analyst says Derek Carr, Khalil Mack and Gabe Jackson would all be gone in the top 15 picks. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Draft-Prowess-of-McKenzie-Looking-Better-and-Better-360440631.html

Young rugby phenom Richelle Stephens is making an impact on Olympics-bound U.S. rugby sevens team

Richelle Stephens plays fly half, a position akin to point guard on the U.S. rugby sevens national team. It's quite a responsibility for a player who, at 19, is far younger than most of her teammates. But so far, Stephens has been an elite performer. My story for TeamUSA.org, the U.S. Olympic website. http://www.teamusa.org/News/2015/November/30/Star-On-The-Rise-Richelle-Stephens-Aims-To-Be-Part-Of-Rugby-Sevens-Olympic-Debut-In-Rio

Purcell made most of his surprising start vs. Cardinals

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Little-used defensive lineman Mike Purcell had a starring role in his first career NFL start vs. Arizona. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Purcell-Filling-a-Valuable-Role-When-Needed-359585531.html#comments

Amerson signing a brilliant move, so far, for Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Cornerback David Amerson's release from the Redskins in September has turned into a boon for the Raiders. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Amerson-Making-the-Most-of-His-Opportunity-With-Raiders-359565461.html