Del Rio keeping the faith on his Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Though the Raiders fell again, head coach Jack Del Rio still believes this team can go on a long winning streak.http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Del-Rio-has-Faith-his-Raiders-Can-Make-a-Run-to-Playoffs-454281603.html

Surprising trade for Garoppolo could pay big dividends

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers trade for Jimmy Garoppolo is a bold move that could be double good. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/With-Bold-Move-for-Garoppolo-49ers--454276673.html

Witherspoon looks solid in first 49ers start

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: In his first NFL start, third-round pick Ahkello Witherspoon shows he could be a gem at cornerback. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-May-Have-Found-a-Cornerback-in-Philadelphia-454100543.html

Raiders keep losing the turnover battles

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: It's hard to win when you give up the ball more often than your opponent, week after week. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Stumbling-Raiders-are-Losing-the-Turnover-Battle-454106663.html

49ers' ugly season reaches historic low

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers lose to the Eagles, giving San Francisco an 0-8 start, something no other Niners team has done. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Ugly-Season-Reaches-Historic-Low-454002993.html

Raiders give away the game in Buffalo

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland commits four costly turnovers in losing at Buffalo to the Bills. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Play-Giveaway-in-Loss-at-Buffalo-454000893.html

Brian Dutcher has waited years for his opportunity to lead the San Diego State basketball program. He's ready.

For years, Brian Dutcher patiently worked as Steve Fisher's right-hand man at San Diego State. Now that Fisher has retired, Dutcher, 57, is excited about his chance to lead the Aztecs basketball program. My story for San Diego Magazine: http://www.sandiegomagazine.com/San-Diego-Magazine/November-2017/Brian-Dutcher-Is-No-Longer-SDSUs-Head-Coach-in-Waiting/

Has Raiders' O-line finally worked out its woes?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Offensive line coach Mike Tice is optimistic his unit is finally ready to produce a "great" game. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Offensive-Line-May-be-Ready-to-Roll-453622763.html

49ers' D vs. Philly's O looks like a mismatch

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Eagles' balanced and explosive offense could have a big day vs. S.F. defense. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Eagles-High-Flying-Offense-May-be-Too-Much-for-49ers-453630803.html

Raiders moved Cooper to slot to get him going

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland got Amari Cooper going by moving him into slot and moving him all over the field. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Moved-Cooper-Around-to-Get-Him-More-Involved-453358743.html

Rebuilding 49ers may (but may not) trade Staley

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Left tackle Joe Staley could bring quality in return in a trade, but it makes more sense for San Francisco to keep him. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Are-Rebuilding-but-Staley-Likely-to-Stay-453349383.html

If 49ers lose to Bills, 0-8 start will be a franchise low

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: No 49ers team ever has started a season 0-8. With a loss to Bills Sunday, these 49ers will achieve that dubious distinction. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Will-Try-to-Avoid-an-0-8-Start-452774483.html

It's time for Richard & Washington to shine

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: With Marshawn Lynch out, Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington are going to be busy. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Likely-to-Lean-on-Richard-Washington-vs-Bills-452782483.html

Raiders excited to have NaVorro Bowman

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Ex-49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman had a strong debut with Oakland. The Raiders are happy to have him. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/After-Solid-Raiders-Debut-Bowman-is-Eager-to-Lead-452496463.html

Young corner Robinson is taking his lumps

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Niners like Rashard Robinson and believe in his skills, but right now he's having some rough times. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Rashard-Robinson-is-Learning-on-the-Job-452505373.html

49ers overwhelmed by more talented Cowboys

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers run into a much more talented Dallas team and take a 40-10 beating. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/After-String-of-Close-Losses-49ers-Get-Blown-Out-452341263.html

Floridian Debbie Cavanaugh has made the most of her second chance at water polo

Debbie Cavanaugh was a college swimmer and still swims as a master. But 11 years ago she finally had the chance to play water polo for the first time since high school, and it's become her sports passion. She's the player-coach of the Fighting Flamingos, a perennial national-championship age-group team. My story on Cavanaugh for ESPNW.com's "Women Going Places" series. http://www.espn.com/espnw/life-style/article/21081484/how-debbie-cavanaugh-became-one-best-masters-water-polo-players-country

Raiders get wild win in must-win game vs. Chiefs

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Derek Carr's pass to Michael Crabtree with no time left caps a wild ending to a must-win game vs. Kansas City, halting the Raiders' four-game losing streak. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Rally-to-Win-on-Games-Final-Play-451763143.html

Cooooooop! Raiders' Cooper breaks out of slump

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland wideout Amari Cooper has 11 catches for 210 yards and two TDs in victory over Kansas City. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Amari-Cooper-Shows-Hes-Still-a-Playmaker-451875363.html

49ers eager to see what Beathard can do

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: C.J. Beathard gets his first NFL start vs. Cowboys, the first of a 10-game audition for 2018. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Beathard-Set-to-Begin-Official-Audition-at-Quarterback-451866863.html

Raiders face uphill battle vs. Chiefs

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Chiefs will come into a Thursday night game at Oakland with a shaky defense but a high-powered offense and a QB in Alex Smith who never loses to the Raiders. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Face-Uphill-Battle-vs-Chiefs-Thursday-Night-451452783.html

Now 49ers are losing Armstead and Lynch

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Arik Armstead has a broken hand that may require surgery, and fellow defensive lineman Aaron Lynch is out with an injured calf. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Armstead-Likely-Lost-for-Rest-of-Season-451277643.html

New Raider Bowman says he has "lot of juice" left

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Four-time All-Pro linebacker moves from 49ers to Raiders and says he has plenty of "juice" left at age 29. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/New-Raider-Bowman-Says-He-Has-A-Lot-of-Juice-Left-451270313.html

Did Raiders make a mistake by firing Musgrave?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: New offensive coordinator Todd Downing doesn't have the offense moving as well as it did under Bill Musgrave. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Passing-Offense-is-Falling-Short-451100433.html

Niners now going with a youth movement

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: QB C.J. Beathard, Reuben Foster, Solomon Thomas, Matt Breida, George Kittle, Trent Taylor and Ahkello Witherspoon are leading a 49ers youth movement. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Beathard-Now-Leads-a-49ers-Youth-Movement-451107693.html

Raiders lose fourth in a row, this time to Chargers

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: A missed extra point is the difference in Oakland's 17-16 loss to the Chargers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Come-up-Short-Again-Lose-Fourth-Straight-451015783.html

49ers bench Hoyer, insert Beathard vs. Washington

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie QB C.J. Beathard replaces Brian Hoyer early, the nearly rallies team vs. Washington. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Rookie-Beathard-Shows-Promise-in-49ers-Loss-at-Washington-451003893.html

Can Raiders get back to running the ball?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Chargers have the worst run defense in the NFL, which may allow Oakland to regain its running mojo. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Eager-to-Get-Back-to-Running-Speed-450770453.html

Washington an unlikely spot for 49ers' first win

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: It's good that Kyle Shanahan is taking a long view of the 49ers, and not linking the team's progress to the W-L record with another loss likely at Washington this Sunday. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Washington-Seems-Unlikely-Place-for-49ers-First-Victory-450776563.html

49ers' Foster returns to practice

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie linebacker Reuben Foster returns to practice after missing a month, and could play this Sunday at Washington. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Foster-Looks-Good-in-Return-to-Practice-450604433.html

Raiders QBs have been under siege

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Over the past three games, the Raiders' pass protection has taken a dive. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Pass-Protection-Will-be-Tested-by-Chargers-450610363.html

Rookie Kittle has breakthrough game at tight end

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: George Kittle is living up to 49ers' hopes at tight end. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Rookie-KIttle-is-Becoming-Important-Part-of-49ers-Offense-450254173.html

Will Carr come back this week?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Derek Carr may be back much sooner than expected. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Del-Rio-Believes-Carr-Will-Play-This-Sunday-450261663.html

Del Rio lost his gambling nerve in loss to Ravens

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: In 2016, the Raiders head coach developed a rep as a gambler. In Sunday's third straight loss, he played it too safe. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Del-Rio-Played-it-Safe-in-Raiders-Third-Straight-Loss-450086963.html

Hyde, Bowman miffed at drop in playing time

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Carlos Hyde and NaVorro Bowman's snaps were cut in loss to Colts. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Pair-of-49ers-Veterans-Unhappy-With-Playing-Time-450092663.html

49ers rally to tie, then lose to Colts in OT

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: San Francisco rallied to tie the game but then fell to Indianapolis in overtime. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Rally-Then-Lose-to-Colts-in-Overtime-449996063.html

Shanahan is sticking by Hoyer vs. the Colts

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Head coach Kyle Shanahan isn't yet ready to pull the plug on QB Brian Hoyer. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Shanahan-Will-Stick-with-Hoyer-vs-the-Colts-449769983.html

Raiders need to get back to running the ball

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: With Derek Carr on the shelf for a while, expect the Raiders to focus on their running game vs. Baltimore Sunday. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Without-Carr-Raiders-May-Try-to-Run-Over-the-Ravens-449762173.html

Buckner already one of NFL's best defensive tackles

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Second-year man DeForest Buckner is a rising star. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Buckner-Growing-into-Elite-Defensive-Lineman-449590173.html

Ravens' Watson will test Raiders' TE coverage

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: For years, Oakland has had trouble with opposing tight ends. Now comes one of the best in Baltimore's Benjamin Watson. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Ravens-Tight-End-Watson-Will-Test-Raiders-Defense-449596833.html

With Carr out, Raiders turn to ex-Bill Manuel

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Derek Carr will miss at least two games, so ex-Bills QB EJ Manuel will need to step up to help Raiders regain their momentum. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Putting-Their-Fate-in-Manuels-Hands-449252113.html

49ers' Trent Brown developing into fine tackle

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Through four games, right tackle Trent Brown is third best in the NFL in pass protection. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Trent-Brown-Developing-into-Fine-Pass-Blocker-449245563.html

Chelsea Beaumonte's world was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with breast cancer; a year later she's grateful for all who helped save her life

Chelsea Beaumonte knew of no history of breast cancer in her family, but when she was diagnosed with the disease about a year ago, a genetic test on her showed she carried a gene that makes her susceptible to that cancer and a few others. That test prompted a course of treatment that should allow her to live for decades. My story for the Health section of the San Diego Union-Tribune: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/home-and-garden/sd-he-breast-cancer-survivor-20171002-story.html

Julie Hannan is following the healthy (and unhealthy) examples in her family she saw as a girl

Julie Hannan helps students reach their exercise, health and fitness goals at San Diego State, and has been hooked on being active and healthy since she was a youngster. My story on her for the Active San Diego series in the Health section of the San Diego Union-Tribune. http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/sd-he-active-hannan-20171002-story.html

Forty years later, first winners of the Chicago Marathon are still going strong

Dan Cloeter was a young seminary student and Dorothy Doolittle a track coach headed to her first college job when they won the inaugural marathon in Chicago, then called the Mayor Daley Marathon. Forty years later they're still active and they love talking about that day. My story for MotivRunning.com: https://www.motivrunning.com/running-life/running-history/recalling-inaugural-chicago-marathon/

So far, Hoyer's quarterback play has cost 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Brian Hoyer is playing far below expectations. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Quarterback-Play-Remains-a-49ers-Weak-Spot-449075043.html

Raiders believe Carr may be ready for Sunday's game

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Derek Carr may have suffered back spasms and avoided a more serious injury. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Hopeful-Carr-Can-be-Ready-for-Next-Game-449063883.html

Same story: Another close loss for 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers took a 15-12 lead late in overtime, then fell to the Cardinals. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Same-Story-for-49ers-Close-but-No-Victory-448971653.html

Raiders lose Carr, then lose in Denver

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: After losing QB Derek Carr, the Raiders lost an AFC West showdown with the Broncos. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Lose-Carr-Then-Lose-to-Broncos-448969193.html

Thirty years after he broke into the NFL, Christian Okoye is still having an impact on the league

In 1987, former Nigerian track and field standout Christian Okoye broke into the NFL as a huge and very fast running back. He led the league in rushing once and was the AFC Offensive Player of the Year one season. Twenty five years after retiring, the league is benefitting from his playing days with scores of Nigerian-Americans -- inspired by Okoye -- following him into football. My story for ESPN.com: http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/20864539/why-impact-powerful-running-back-christian-okoye-nigerian-nightmare-felt-30-years-debut