Which 49ers defense will show up Sunday?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: San Francisco's defense two weeks ago was strong. Last week, it was horrible. Which defense will show up vs. the Cardinals?  http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Hope-Defense-Can-Fix-Leaks-by-Sunday-448662333.html

Raiders defense needs to improve on third down

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland's third-down defense through three games is one of the worst in the NFL. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Third-Down-Conversions-are-Killing-Raiders-Defense-448668293.html

Cooper's hands coming into question again

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Wideout Amari Cooper is having trouble holding on to the ball, a problem he seemed to conquer after his rookie year. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Cooper-is-Dropping-Into-a-Bad-Habit-448489433.html

49ers face a three-game road test

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 0-3 49ers now must go on the road three straight weeks an four out of the next five. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Upcoming-Travel-Schedule-Will-Test-49ers-448480453.html

Hoyer will try to build on first good game as a 49er

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Can Brian Hoyer keep rolling vs. the Cardinals?http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Hoyer-Bounces-Back-to-Show-49ers-He-Can-be-Effective-QB-447967903.html

Crabtree needs a bounce-back game vs. Broncos

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Raiders wideout Michael Crabtree will try to fight back from injury and insult. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Can-Crabtree-Bounce-Back-in-Time-for-Broncos-447960673.html

For one game, at least, Raiders O-line falters

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Usually dominant Raiders offensive line has an off night in loss to Washington. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Offensive-Line-Has-Rare-Off-Night-447680253.html

Niners defense loses Tank Carrdadine

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Defensive end Tank Carradine may be lost for the season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Defense-Loses-a-Standout-in-Carradine-447692833.html

Raiders protest, then fall flat in D.C.

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: After winning two straight, the Raiders finally play a bad game and lose to Washington. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Fall-Flat-in-Washington-447526283.html

Niners keep losing, yet there are some good signs

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: In losing their third game to open 2017, this time to the Rams, the offense came alive and the team kept battling. It looks like a different team than the 2014-2016 editions. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Are-Showing-Some-Spark-Even-While-Losing-446829443.html

Raiders' O-line leads charge into Washington

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Sunday night's matchup with the Redskins should be an offensive duel. When the Raiders' put up points, it's a tribute to the team's elite blocking unit. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Heading-Across-Country-to-Seek-3-0-Start-446839993.html

Rams defense has a tough assignment: Stop Hyde

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Running back Carlos Hyde is showing he's on a track to a breakout season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Likely-to-Ride-Hyde-vs-the-Rams-446468953.html

In second season, Joseph is evolving into playmaker

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Second-year safety Karl Joseph is making an impact by blitzing, stopping the run and providing pass coverage. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Joseph-is-Making-Big-Strides-in-Second-Season-446451843.html

49ers defense, Rams offense both are improved

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers defense, which seemed to take a big step forward last week, will be challenged by a revamped Rams offense Thursday night that looks nothing like the "middle-school offense" it featured in 2016. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Will-Face-a-Much-Changed-Rams-Offense-446090053.html

Raiders rookie Conley has solid debut

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: No. 1 pick Gareon Conley has a solid first game as an NFL cornerback. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Conleys-Impressive-Debut-a-Good-Sign-for-Raiders-445735893.html

Tomlinson inserted at guard, gets strong reviews

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former Lions guard Laken Tomlinson gave the 49ers a lift in his first start vs. Seahawks. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Change-on-49ers-Offensive-Line-Improves-Performance-445725933.html

49ers let lead (and win) slip away in Seattle

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers held a fourth-quarter lead in Seattle, yet let it slip away in a 12-9 defeat. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Let-Lead-Slip-Away-in-Seattle-445174373.html

Raiders offense is explosive in win over Jets

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: If the Raiders offense is as explosive as it showed in a win over the Jets, they could be en route to a great season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Offense-Shows-its-Potential-in-Victory-Over-Jets-445168063.html

Florida's Hildren Francis found a new course in life by paddling dragon boats, and then outrigger canoes

When Hildren Francis needed something new and exciting in her life after multiple changes, she found dragon boat racing. Her love of that paddle sport eventually led her to another sport, too, that has filled her life fun, companionship and adventure. My story on Francis for ESPNW's Weekend Warrior series: http://www.espn.com/espnw/life-style/article/20708814/how-unusual-paddle-sport-changed-hildren-francis-life-forever

49ers' Hoyer ready for first visit to Seattle

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Brian Hoyer has been around the NFL a while, yet he's never played in Seattle. That changes Sunday. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Brian-Hoyer-Will-Lead-49ers-Into-Unfriendly-Territory-444680043.html

Carr intends to keep targeting Cooper

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Amari Cooper had several drops in Week 1, but that won't keep Derek Carr from the throwing the ball his way. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Carr-Will-Keep-Targeting-Cooper-Against-Jets-Sunday-444672233.html

Can 49ers exploit Seattle's shaky offensive line?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Seahawks are strong in almost every aspect except one, the offensive line. Can the 49ers exploit that?http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Seahawks-Offensive-Line-a-Weakness-for-49ers-to-Attack-444433163.html

Raiders will see a strong Jets' defensive line

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Leonard Wiliams and Muhammad Wilkerson anchor a strong New York Jets line that will face Oakland Sunday. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Jets-Strong-Defensive-Front-Hopes-to-Rebound-vs-Raiders-444448903.html

Joe McConaughy's run through the woods turns into a record completion of the Appalachian Trail

The first time Joe McConaughy ran a race, in the fourth grade, he threw up his morning Trix, but he's come a long way in running since. The 26-year-old former Boston College track and cross country runner just set a speed record on the Appalachian Trail, three years after setting a record on the Pacific Crest Trail. My story on him for Competitor.com: http://running.competitor.com/2017/09/interviews/joe-mcconaughy-appalachian-trail-fkt_168117

49ers' Beadles may play himself out of a job

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Left guard Zane Beadles was a weak link in the 49ers offensive line in the opening-season loss. Now, he will have to fight off a challenge for his job. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Beadles-Poor-Play-at-Guard-Was-a-Weak-Spot-in-Opener-443970983.html

Lynch shows he's still in "Beast Mode"

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: There were doubts whether Marshawn Lynch would be his old football self, but those have been erased.http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Lynch-Shows-Raiders-and-NFL-Hes-Still-in-Beast-Mode-443982593.html

Former triathlete and alpine skier Kevin Mather is taking aim at a new challenge, the Para Archery World Championships

Kevin Mather lost the use of his legs when he was hit by a truck while training for a triathlon. Since then, he's completed the Ironman World Championships in Kona, skied for the national Paralaympic Alpine team and taken up archery. Now he's ready to compete in his first World Championships this month in China. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics/Features/2017/September/11/Kevin-Mather-Is-Ready-To-Take-Aim-At-Para-Archery-World-Championships

Foster says he'll be able to play in Week 2

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie linebacker Reuben Foster dodged a serious injury in opener and says he'll be able to play vs. the Seahawks. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Foster-Says-Hell-be-Able-to-Play-vs-Seahawks-443748513.html

Vanderdoes' debut for Raiders is outstanding

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Defensive tackle Eddie Vanderdoes has strong game in his NFL debut. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Rookie-Defensive-Tackle-Vanderdoes-Shines-in-Debut-443742963.html

Mistake-prone 49ers mauled in opener

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: There wasn't much good to see in 49ers' season-opening loss to Carolina. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Fall-Hard-in-Opener-but-it-Could-Have-Been-Worse-443620833.html

Tavecchio an unlikely hero in opening win

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Kicker Giorgio Tavecchio, re-signed this past week, kicks four field goals in Oakland's opening win over Tennessee. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Surprising-Tavecchio-Helps-Raiders-to-Opening-Victory-443598663.html

49ers have some things to look forward to

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers may not be good this season, but they will have some players who will be exciting to watch. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Rookies-Young-Talent-Give-49ers-a-Foundation-443252313.html

Raiders defense ready for first test

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Will the revamped Raiders defense be better in 2017?http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Say-Defense-is-Ready-to-Prove-Itself-443244613.html

Fitness expert Jessica Matthews was inspired to live an active life by some bad examples she saw at an early age

From an early age, Jessica Matthews saw people in her family that were unfit and unhealthy, and she vowed to live an active, healthy life. At 33, she walks, does yoga, paddleboards, kayaks and tries a little bit of everything. My story on her for the San Diego Union-Tribune's Active San Diego series in the Health section: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/sd-he-active-matthews-20170904-story.html

Tartt or Jerome duel to replace Ward in opener

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: New free safety Jimmie Ward is unlikely to play in season opener, so Jacquiski Tartt and rookie Lorenzo Jerome are battling this week to earn starting role in his absence. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Jimmie-Ward-Likely-to-Miss-Opener-443011883.html

Janikowski agrees to deal, but back remains balky

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Kicker Sebastian Janikowski agrees to restructure his contract, but his back woes make him iffy for opener. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Janikowskis-Status-for-Opener-Still-Uncertain-443020963.html

49ers run defense will get immediate test

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: 49ers fans may get first read of how good this defense truly is based on how the Niners deal with the Panthers' running game Sunday. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Defense-and-Bowman-Have-Something-to-Prove-442767793.html

Raiders linebacking corps looks thin, inexperienced

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Will the Raiders sign a veteran to bulk up the linebacker group? So far, they've stood pat. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Linebacking-Corps-Still-Not-Strengthened-442763673.html

"Flash" Goodwin looks primed for best season

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Wide receiver Marquise Goodwin up till now has made little impact in the NFL. It appears that may change in his first 49ers season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Goodwin-Appears-Poised-For-Breakout-Season-442676233.html

McKenzie's entire draft class makes the grade

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Eight of Reggie McKenzie's nine draft choices will be on the opening-game roster for the the Raiders, and the ninth pick will be on the practice squad. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Should-Get-Big-Boost-From-Draft-Class-442678953.html

Megan Baltzell has transformed from softball All-American to USA Baseball power hitter

Megan Baltzell is a budding firefighter. The former All-America softball player also is an emerging force in the middle of the U.S. women's national baseball team. My story on her for ESPNW.com: http://www.espn.com/espnw/life-style/article/20521726/megan-baltzell-world-class-baseball-player-firefighter-training

After reaching her physical and mental limits and taking a timeout from running, Kasie Enman has returned in a strong way

Kasie Enman has done it all, from being a college All-America runner to running in two Olympic marathon trials, winning a world trail running championship and even a national snowshoe title. But two years ago she hit a wall and had to quit competing for a year, unable to balance her running life with her family and while trying to cope with physical challenges. But now Enman has returned with a bang. My story for Competitor.com: http://running.competitor.com/2017/08/news/distance-runner-kasie-enman-returns_167709

Luani's strong play likely to earn spot on Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Safety Shalom Luani keeps making plays and impressing his coaches with his smarts and instincts. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Luani-Shows-Again-Why-he-Belongs-With-Raiders-442470323.html

Did Joe Williams fumble away his chance?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Running back Joe Williams has shown he's very talented. But will yet another fumble seal his release? Or will 49ers stay with him? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Has-Joe-Williams-Fumbled-Away-His-Opportunity-442467743.html

Raiders lose star-free final exhibition game

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The best thing about Oakland's final exhibition game? It's time for the real season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Seahawks-Win-Star-Free-Matchup-With-Raiders-442435503.html

Bolden does it again ... another TD on a return

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: In final exhibition, Victor Bolden Jr. returns a punt 92 yards for a score, likely cementing his spot on the regular-season roster.http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Bolden-Beathard-Make-Big-Plays-for-49ers-442434613.html