Ravens stand in way of Raiders' quest for a 3-1 start

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders haven't started a season 3-1 since 2002. To do it, they'll have to beat the unbeaten Ravens in Baltimore. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Face-A-Big-Challenge-in-Baltimore-395439821.html

49ers hope to turn things around on home turf

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers return home to play the Cowboys Sunday, and they've been much better at Levi's Stadium in 2015-16. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Hope-to-Rebound-at-Home-vs-Cowboys-395435731.html

Constance Duvert believes Americans would love to play team handball ... if they only knew about it

When Constance Duvert came from France for college 10 years ago, she couldn't understand why nobody here knew about team handball. Now Duvert, who lives in the U.S. plays it, coaches it and spreads the word about it, every day. My story on Duvert for ESPNW's Weekend Warriors series: http://www.espn.com/espnw/life-style/article/17614162/weekend-warriors-team-handball-player-constance-duvert-knows-americans-love-sport

49ers' depleted and leaky secondary looks for answers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: With Jimmie Ward out, 49ers look for answers against Cowboys offense this coming Sunday. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Banged-Up-and-Torched-49ers-Secondary-Prepares-for-Cowboys-395274541.html

Amerson continues to improve for Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: David Amerson is showing everybody that he can be a top-flight cornerback. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Amerson-Showing-Last-Year-Wasnt-a-Flue-395268931.html

Kelly says Kaepernick not physically ready to be starter

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Chip Kelly will stick with Blaine Gabbert at QB for now, saying Colin Kaepernick isn't 100 percent healthy yet. Kaepernick disagrees. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Kelly-in-No-Hurry-to-Make-a-Move-to-Kaepernick-394965101.html

Raiders decide to release longtime fullback Marcel Reece

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: On the day his four-game suspension ended, the Raiders cut ties with fullback Marcel Reece. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Make-Tough-Choice-to-Release-Marcel-Reece-394959431.html

Joseph makes positive impact on Raiders' defense

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: In his first start, rookie safety Karl Joseph shows he's the glue that may help the defense mend its holes. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Joseph-Makes-Sudden-Impact-for-Raiders-394817781.html

Third-down failure on offense is killing 49ers' defense

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The failure of Blaine Gabbert & Co. to convert third downs into first down is leaving the 49ers defense vulnerable. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Offense-Putting-Too-Much-Pressure-on-Defense-394813331.html

Same old story: 49ers are squashed in Seattle

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: San Francisco loses 37-18 in Seattle ... and the score doesn't reflect Seahawks' domination. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Steamrolled-by-Seahawks-in-Seattle-394748041.html

Raiders rebound in Tennessee to improve to 2-1

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Oakland defense holds at the end to give Raiders a 17-10 victory over the Titans. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Defense-Improves-and-Holds-for-17-10-Victory-Over-Titans-394740091.html

49ers go into Seattle hoping for first win since 2011

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: If the 49ers want to break their losing string in Seattle, the offense will need to be effective against the NFL's No. 1 defense, a tall order. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Face-Huge-Hurdle-of-Beating-Seahawks-in-Their-Nest-394580821.html

Raiders' slumping defense will try to mend vs. Titans

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland defense has made some adjustments and worked hard this week to improve. Will it pay off vs. Tennessee? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Can-Raiders-Defense-Finally-Stop-Somebody-394577101.html

49ers' McDonald is making big strides with Gabbert as QB

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: One 49ers player who has thrived with QB Blaine Gabbert is tight end Vance McDonald. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-McDonald-Working-to-be-More-Consistent-394437491.html

Titans see Raiders' Carr as a terrific NFL quarterback

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: As the Titans get ready to face Oakland Sunday, head coach Mike Mularkey says Raiders QB Derek Carr is a "game wrecker." http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Titans-Coach-Sees-Derek-Carr-as-a-Game-Wrecker-394433221.html

Twenty-five years later, it's apparent the "War by the Shore" in 1991 did much to change the feel of the Ryder Cup matches

In its early decades, the Ryder Cup was a gentlemanly match between the U.S. and golfers from Great Britain and Ireland. But as it evolved with the expansion to Europe, live start-to-finish television coverage, a more heated rivalry and more boisterous fans and a dash of nationalism, the Ryder Cup changed. Nowhere was that more apparent than at Kiawah Island in 1991 at the "War by the Shore." My story for ESPN.com: http://www.espn.com/golf/rydercup16/story/_/id/17590136/how-war-shore-changed-ryder-cup-better-worse-25-years-ago

Kelly says 49ers' offense still isn't in sync

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The hiccups in both the running and passing games are negatively impacting each other, says Chip Kelly. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Kelly-Says-49ers-Offense-is-Still-Out-of-Sync-394137051.html

Raiders expected to start top rookie Karl Joseph at safety

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: No. 1 pick Karl Joseph may be an antidote to some of Oakland's defensive problems. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Del-Rio-Expected-to-Make-Changes-on-Defense-394126861.html

Through two games, Raiders' pass defense is leaky

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland invested heavily in its secondary this offseason, yet the pass defense doesn't look good ... yet. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Pass-Defense-Has-Been-a-Weak-Link-393996991.html

Has Gabbert shown enough for 49ers to be optimistic?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: QB Blaine Gabbert has been up and down in his first two games of 2016. Some media folks are skeptical about his potential for long-term success. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Through-Two-Games-Gabbert-Has-Been-Up-and-Down-393999531.html

Raiders can't stop Falcons when it counts

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland puts up 28 points against Atlanta but gives up 35 to fall to 1-1 this season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Come-Up-Just-Short-Against-Falcons-393908511.html

Niners' late rally isn't enough to beat Panthers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Niners defense can't stop Panthers in 46-27 decision over 49ers in Game 2 of the 2016 season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Late-Rally-is-Answered-by-Panthers-393899291.html

Raiders will have to stop Falcons' potent pass attack

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: If Oakland wants to start the season 2-0, it likely will have to contain Atlanta QB Matt Ryan. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Hope-to-Begin-Season-2-0-for-First-Time-Since-2002-393699661.html

Niners' route to victory vs. Panthers is on the ground

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Hyde may be able to run against Panthers defense Sunday. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Face-Big-Hurdle-in-Cam-Newton-and-the-Panthers-393695001.html

Niners have a winning pair in Armstead & Buckner

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Defensive ends Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner may be a force in 2016. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-May-Have-Winning-Pair-With-Armstead-and-Buckner-393558581.html

In first game, Osemele makes sudden impact

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Offensive linemen Kelechi Osemele pulverized Saints defenders in his first game as a Raider. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Osemele-Already-Showing-Raiders-Hes-an-Impact-Player-393557441.html

Alana Nichols' Paralympic blog from Rio, Part 3

Paralympic veteran Alana Nichols reports on her experiences from the Rio Games, with my help. Part III: http://www.teamusa.org/Rio-2016-Paralympic-Games/Blogs/friends-from-all-over-the-world

Nicole McFadyen, a woman with a green thumb, is in charge of making Orioles' Camden Yards beautiful to behold and wonderful for ballplayers

Nicole McFadyen went into agriculture studies because she was fascinated by plants and wanted to work outside. She never dreamed she'd one day become the head groundskeeper for the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards. My story on McFadyen for ESPNW's Cool Jobs series: http://www.espn.com/espnw/voices/article/17519414/nicole-mcfadyen-cool-sports-job-baltimore-orioles-head-groundskeeper

Alana Nichols' Paralympics blog from Rio Games, Part 2

Paralympic veteran Alana Nichols reports on her experiences from the Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro. Her blog, with my help: http://www.teamusa.org/Rio-2016-Paralympic-Games/Blogs/I-couldnt-feel-more-at-home

Kelly proud of 49ers' defensive effort vs. Los Angeles

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Head coach Chip Kelly praises defense after season-opening victory over Rams. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Kelly-Proud-of-49ers-Defensive-Performance-Against-Rams-393268911.html

Despite rough opener, Smith gets support from Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Cornerback Sean Smith, who was benched for poor performance in the season opener, will still start in Game 2 for Raiders. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Sean-Smith-Will-Try-to-Rebound-vs-Falcons-393264511.html

At 20, Andrew Miller has become the youngest ever to win the nation's oldest 100-mile race and he could be the next big thing in ultra running

Andrew Miller didn't run cross country or track in high school. He always preferred to run on his own on the trails in the woods and mountains. After winning the Western States 100, more people have taken notice of his talents. My story on Miller for Competitor.com: http://running.competitor.com/2016/09/trail-running/gen-next-andrew-miller-leads-ultrarunnings-youth-movement_155321

49ers dominate Rams, 28-0, to open the Chip Kelly era

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Carlos Hyde and Blaine Gabbert have big games and the defense shuts down Todd Gurley in San Francisco's 28-0 win over the Rams to begin Chip Kelly's tenure as head coach. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/49ers-Open-Regular-Season-With-28-0-Victory-Over-Rams-393205761.html

Pete Kostelnick's analytical mind and 200-mile weeks have carried him to another Badwater title and a shot at the cross-USA running record

Until a few years ago, there was nothing in Pete Kostelnick's running resume that indicated he might be a future ultra running star. But back-to-back victories in the 135-mile Badwater ultra marathon in Death Valley have changed all that. Now Kostelnick is attempting to break the decades-long record for running across the U.S., of 46 days. My story for Competitor.com: http://running.competitor.com/2016/09/news/peter-kostelnick-eyes-ultimate-american-running-record_155404

Alana Nichols' Paralympic blog from Rio Games, Part 1

Paralympic athlete Alana Nichols talks about her Paralympic experience in Rio. Her blog on TeamUSA.org, with my help: http://www.teamusa.org/Rio-2016-Paralympic-Games/Blogs/Once-in-a-lifetime-experience-every-time

Yes, the Raiders won. But what will they do about offensive line?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 1-0 Raiders will have to recover from key injuries to offensive line vs. Saints. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/NFL-Still-Buzzing-About-Raiders-Gutsy-Call-in-Victory-393115771.html

Raiders win opener with late rally and huge gamble

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders beat the Saints 35-34 on a fourth-quarter rally and Jack Del Rio's call to go for two points on the conversion of the last Oakland TD. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Pull-Out-Improbable-Victory-Over-Saints-393043671.html

Several years ago, Minnesota's Ginny Nyhus found tug-of-war to be the perfect sport for her

Ginny Nyhus was looking to get back into serious workouts when she accidentally discovered tug-of-war several years ago. It's now become her passion. My story on Nyhus for ESPNW.com's Weekend Warriors series. http://www.espn.com/espnw/life-style/article/17396677/weekend-warriors-special-education-teacher-ginny-nyhus-world-class-weird-sport-tug-war

Raiders begin 2016 quest vs. high-powered Saints

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Many predict big things for the Raiders this season. Their quest for the playoffs will begin vs. the Saints. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Pressure-is-on-Defense-in-Raiders-Opener-vs-Saints-392886391.html

49ers' multiple questions will get some answers vs. Rams

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers go into their opener with the Rams with so many unanswered questions about how they'll perform in 2016. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Go-Into-Opener-vs-Rams-With-Multiple-Questions-392882451.html

Miller's loss won't have big impact on 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: When the 49ers released Bruce Miller this week in response to his alleged involvement in an assault, the team cut ties with a player who once played a large role, but was going to be a bit player in 2016. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Miller-Once-a-Big-Part-of-49ers-Offense-Likely-Wouldnt-Have-Contributed-Much-392754231.html

Raiders' re-made secondary will be tested by Brees

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: It'll be a trial by fire for Oakland's new-look pass defense in the regular-season opener vs. Drew Brees and the Saints. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-New-Look-Secondary-Will-be-Tested-by-Saints-392742161.html

Experienced ultra runner George Chmiel hopes to run coast-to-coast to benefit veterans, a quest he says will be like "running 120 marathons in two months"

George Chmiel has run across the wilds of the Australian Outback, the Sahara, Antarctica and the Gobi Desert. But his latest challenge, to run from San Diego to New York in 60 days, will be the greatest test of his body and will power. My story for ESPN.com: http://www.espn.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/17419939/ultramarathon-man-george-chmiel-endure-running-san-diego-new-york-60-days

By helping others, Jennings put more activity in her life

Jessica Jennings was always an athlete growing up in Wisconsin, and played basketball in college. But she didn't like to run. That changed when she became a mentor for Girls on the Run, a non-profit that helps girls across the nation. Today, hiking and running form the core of Jennings' fitness regimen. My story on Jennings for the Union-Tribune's Active San Diego series in the Health section. http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/sep/12/former-athlete-stays-fit-active-lifestyle/

Gabbert ready for the next chapter of his comeback story

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Chip Kelly is putting his faith in quarterback Blaine Gabbert, who's rebounded from a horrible start to his NFL career in Jacksonville. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Chip-Kelly-Putting-HIs-Faith-in-Blaine-Gabbert-392590161.html

Raiders appear poised to unveil potent pass rush

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders have shown they will be able to put more pressure on opposing QBs this coming season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Have-Shown-a-Potent-Pass-Rush-392346141.html

Ex-Auburn standout Chris Davis earns 49ers nickel role

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Cornerback Chris Davis has gone from undrafted and cut by the Chargers to a role as the 49ers' top slot defender. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Cornerback-Davis-Has-Made-Most-of-His-Opportunity-392446601.html

Rookies will play large role for Raiders in 2016

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Every draft pick of 2016 and four undrafted free agents make the Oakland roster for the coming season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Rookies-Will-Play-Large-Role-for-Raiders-in-2016-392438991.html

Rod Streater returns to Bay Area with 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Wide receiver Rod Streater has been added by the 49ers in a trade with the Chiefs. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Hoping-Streater-Can-be-His-Old-Self-Again-392343661.html

The sports-loving voice of the Bowie Baysox found her calling behind the PA microphone while in college

Adrienne Roberson is the public address announcer for the Bowie Baysox, an affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. My profile of her for ESPNW's Cool Jobs series: http://www.espn.com/espnw/voices/article/17439795/cool-jobs-sports-adrienne-roberson-bowie-baysox-pa-announcer