McKenzie's work reflected in potential of defensive line

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Reggie McKenzie has completely remade the Raiders' defensive line since 2014, and it now ranks among the NFL's best ... potentially. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/McKenzies-Work-Reflected-in-Strength-of-Raiders-Defensive-Line-385043461.html

It's close to do-or-die time for 49ers' Quinton Patton

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Receiver Quinton Patton will have stiff competition for playing time this coming season, but believes Chip Kelly's offense will give him more opportunities. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/For-49ers-Patton-Its-Time-to-Take-a-Big-Step-Forward-385047911.html

Kendall Gaskins: Camp fodder or possible contributor?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers have brought back running back Kendall Gaskins, but don't expect Gaskins to play a big role carrying the football. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Gaskins-Back-With-49ers-is-Eager-for-Another-Opportunity-384874501.html

Did Raiders overpay on Crabtree deal?

Daily Oakland Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area: Did Reggie McKenzie pay too much to lock up Michael Crabtree for four years? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Will-Raiders-Regret-Crabtrees-Long-Term-Deal-384869561.html

Exercise is good, but when does it go past the line into over exercise? It's a fuzzy line for many marathoners, triathletes and people with eating disorders

We've been told for decades that exercise is good, yet how much is too much? When does exercise start to be too much exercise? My story on exercise addiction for the Union-Tribune Health section: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/jun/27/exercising-to-excess/

Rookie first-round pick Garnett is up to speed

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former Stanford standout Joshua Garnett couldn't practice with the 49ers for much of the spring, but he's in sync with the playbook and his coaches and teammates nevertheless. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Rookie-Garnett-is-Ready-to-Contribute-384701631.html

Del Rio has specific, high-level goals for 2016

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: NFL analyst Bucky Brooks says Jack Del Rio's stated goals of 10 or more wins and hosting a playoff game in 2016 are realistic. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Del-Rios-Goals-for-2016-Appear-Reachable-384696091.html

Hyde says 49ers are all in with Chip Kelly

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Carlos Hyde, for one, says 49ers have completely bought into Chip Kelly and his system. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Hyde-Excited-by-Possibilities-in-Kellys-Offense-384539831.html

Can Ellington be double trouble in 2016?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Bruce Ellington already is looking like the 49ers' slot receiver in 2016. Will he also be the team's No. 1 return man? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Ellington-Could-be-Double-Threat-in-2016-384280011.html

Hayden has one more chance to prove himself

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Cornerback DJ Hayden has been a bust so far, but Jack Del Rio believes he still can find himself in 2016. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Hayden-Still-Has-One-More-Chance-384275551.html

America's oldest trail race, the Dipsea, has unusual rules, a rugged course, an interesting history and some very young (and old) winners

The Dipsea race started with a bet in 1904. Today it ranks as America's oldest trail race and the second-oldest race of any kind in the U.S. (behind only the Boston Marathon). It's a rough-and-tumble race where runners carry bruises, cuts and injuries to the finish line ... and then come back for more the next year. My story on the race for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/16452707/the-dipsea-race-northern-california-your-typical-running-race

Armstead, Buckner are happy to be reunited with 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former Oregon standouts Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner will be part of a rotating defensive front in 2016 for the 49ers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Armstead-Buckner-Ready-to-Make-an-Impact-384126271.html

With all picks signed, Raiders excited about rookie class

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: With all seven draft picks signed, the Raiders are eager to see what their rookies can do in camp. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Eager-to-See-Contributions-from-Draft-Class-384117661.html

Raiders' "triplets" power the defense

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: ESPN ranks Oakland's defensive triplets -- Khalil Mack, Dan Williams and Sean Smith -- as the 14th best combo in the NFL. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Trio-of-Mack-Williams-and-Smith-Sets-Tone-of-Defense-383966961.html

Bowman eager to show he'll be even better in 2016

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Last year was a building year for NaVorro Bowman after knee surgery. In 2016 he expects to be far better. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Bowman-Eager-to-Show-Hes-Among-Best-in-NFL-in-2016-383961701.html

Raiders' Joseph on target to be 100 percent for training camp

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: No. 1 Raiders pick Karl Joseph has been biding his time, learning and rehabbing. When training camp opens, he'll be good to go. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Joseph-Has-Been-Learning-Waiting-to-Heal-383797801.html

Swimmer Tucker Dupree headed toward a third Paralympics

Vision-impaired swimmer Tucker Dupree is excited to be going to North Carolina, his home state, for the Paralympic Swimming Trials, where he'll try to qualify for the Rio de Janeiro Games. After winning a silver and two bronze medals in London, Dupree is ready to bring home gold. My story for TeamUSA.org, the US Olympic and Paralympic website. http://www.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics/Features/2016/June/21/Home-Pool-Beckons-As-Tucker-Dupree-Aims-For-Third-Paralympic-Games

New 49ers receivers coach believes Smith is a great fit

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Torrey Smith's forte is the deep ball, but new 49ers receivers coach believes Smith will prosper in Chip Kelly's spread offense. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/New-Receivers-Coach-Believes-Smith-Will-Thrive-in-49ers-Offense-383802581.html

Kelly says 49ers veterans leading the way in fitness

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Chip Kelly has had no trouble getting buy in from 49ers veterans about being in better-than-ever shape. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/As-49ers-Turn-Toward-Training-Camp-Kelly-Happy-With-Fitness-383638311.html

Final Raiders WR spot could go to either McCaffrey or Hansley

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Max McCaffrey and Joe Hansley, a pair of undrafted free agents, have been impressive in Raiders camp and could duel for the final available slot. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/McCaffrey-Hansley-Could-Duel-for-Final-Receiver-Spot-in-Training-Camp-383644211.html

Seattle's Hana Kawai is among the best in the world at Ultimate Frisbee, but for her, it's more than just a game

Hana Kawai is a top player for Seattle Riot, a team she helped win a world Ultimate Frisbee championship. The game is her passion. But she also uses the sport to help reach kids in the Seattle area and improve their lives. My story on her for ESPNW's Weekend Warriors series: http://espn.go.com/espnw/life-style/article/16265906/weekend-warriors-hana-kawai-good-karma-world-ultimate-frisbee

Amerson was down, then up; will he continue to go up, or regress?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Cornerback David Amerson says he knows what it takes now to stay at the top of his game. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Will-Raiders-Amerson-Keep-Improving-Or-Will-He-Regress-383418741.html

Niners have eyes on former Ravens OT Eugene Monroe

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Ravens starting tackle Eugene Monroe was released this week, and the 49ers apparently are interested in talking with him. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-May-Not-be-Done-Upgrading-Offensive-Line-383422051.html

Raiders' AC-DC connection looks better than ever

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Amari Cooper-Derek Carr chemistry appears better than ever in this week's minicamp. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/The-Raiders-AC-DC-Connection-Looks-Even-Better-in-Year-Two-383274431.html

49ers' QB Driskel is playing special teams, too, in a bid to get on field

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie QB Jeff Driskel is playing special teams -- and making an impact -- in a bid to get on the field his first season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Versatile-Driskel-Making-a-Bid-for-49ers-Active-Roster-383278101.html

Mario Edwards is ready to rock and roll for Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: What once was feared to be a very serious neck injury has healed, giving defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. a feeling of excitement in mini camp. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Edwards-is-Fit-Healthy-and-Eager-to-Improve-on-Rookie-Season-383128901.html

Gabbert calls former CFL receiver Rogers a "matchup nightmare"

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Receiver Eric Rogers doesn't have a history of success in the NFL, but QB Blaine Gabbert believes he'll be a special player in 2016. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Gabbert-Former-Canadian-Wide-Receiver-Eric-Rogers-is-a-Matchup-Nightmare-383133511.html

Former nerd, now in the San Diego restaurant business, became standout at ultimate frisbee

Alisha Stoun didn't play sports as a kid, but once she discovered ultimate Frisbee, it's been her passion. Now Stoun, who played ultimate in college, is deeply involved in the sport in San Diego. Her story for the Union-Tribune's Active San Diego series: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/jun/06/ultimately-frisbee-became-her-game/

BMX rider Nic Long has found an outlet for his creative side

Nic Long is headed to his second straight Olympics. The BMX rider has started Idol Hand gloves, a company that makes gloves for riders, with artwork inspired by tattoo artists. My story on Long and Idol Hand for DiscoverSD magazine. http://www.discoversd.com/news/2016/jun/07/bmx-olympics-long-glove/

Sources say Gabbert is far ahead of Kaepernick

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Colin Kaepernick says he's ready and eager to compete for the starting QB job, but sources inside the 49ers say Blaine Gabbert is far ahead of him at this point. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Kaepernick-Has-Uphill-Battle-to-Unseat-Gabbert-382950301.html

Raiders' defensive front among best in NFL

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: In a poll of experts on NFL.com about the best defensive fronts in the NFL, the Denver Broncos off course rank No. 1. But right there among the other top units is the Raiders. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Now-Viewed-as-Having-an-Elite-Defensive-Front-382956931.html

National Park Service ranger Amanda Gossard runs for her parents

Amanda Gossard, a National Park Service ranger, runs to benefit her mother and honor her father, both victims of cancer. My story for DiscoverSD, the magazine of the San Diego Union-Tribune. http://www.discoversd.com/news/2016/jun/08/team-in-training-amanda-gossard/

49ers offensive coordinator to focus on run game

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Everyone knows Chip Kelly will call the 49ers offensive plays in 2016. So what will O.C. Curtis Modkins do? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Offensive-Coordinator-Modkins-Hopes-to-Boost-Running-Attack-381779671.html

Carr excited to be in same system a second straight year

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: QB Derek Carr says it's been great to be working in the same playbook and with offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave for a second consecutive season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Carr-and-Musgrave-are-on-the-Same-Page-381775331.html

Melissa Barker fell in love with grueling sport of cyclocross, and now the high school science teacher in Colorado is a national champion

Melissa Barker grew up doing almost every sport possible, but in college discovered that cycling was her true calling. Now the science teacher in Colorado has become a national champion in cyclocross, a grueling sport that combines mountain biking with cross-country, obstacle-course type running. My story on Barker for ESPNW.com's Weekend Warrior series: http://espn.go.com/espnw/life-style/article/15906779/weekend-warriors-science-teacher-became-national-cyclocross-champion

Does Marcus Martin have a future with 49ers?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Center-guard Marcus Martin may have difficulty making the 49ers roster this summer. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Martins-Roster-Spot-on-49ers-Could-be-in-Jeopardy-381652551.html

Raiders moving Gabe Jackson from left to right guard

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Gabe Jackson has excelled at left guard in Oakland but says he's fine with moving to the right side in 2016. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Gabe-Jackson-is-All-Right-With-Move-381647641.html

Ellington getting fresh opportunity as slot receiver

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Wideout Bruce Ellington, largely ignored in the 49ers offense, is the team's top slot receiver in OTAs and is having a great offseason. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Ellington-Appears-to-be-Thriving-in-Kellys-Offense-381517091.html

Musgrave excited about Raiders running game

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave says addition of running backs, offensive line help will boost run attack in 2016. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Musgrave-Excited-About-Improving-Raiders-Running-Attack-381521771.html