Defense has been a rare positive for Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The surge in the Raiders' defensive play over the past five games under John Pagano is a sign of hope for 2018. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Late-Season-Rise-of-Raiders-Defense-Provides-Hope-for-2018-467149563.html

Foster setting the tone for 49ers' defense

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie linebacker Reuben Foster is setting the tone for 49ers' improved run defense. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Foster-is-Leading-49ers-Improved-Defense-Against-the-Run-467144233.html

Paratriathlete and disability-rights attorney Emily Harvey tries to be a force of positivity for every person she meets

Emily Harvey has always considered it normal to have a prosthetic leg. Since the age of 2, she's been climbing trees, playing soccer and running with it. Now Harvey, a disability-rights attorney, is a triathlete eager for her first full Ironman race in 2018. My story on her for ESPNW.com: http://www.espn.com/espnw/life-style/article/21894389/emily-harvey-disability-rights-lawyer-nonprofit-founder-top-paratriathlete

Will Raiders keep Sean Smith?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Highly paid cornerback Sean Smith was horrible to start the season, but now has been terrific under a new defensive coordinator. Plus, he has an off-field issue. Will Oakland decide to keep him around?https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Smiths-Future-With-Raiders-is-a-Question-Mark-466982203.html

Analysts say Garoppolo has been exceptional

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: How good has QB Jimmy Garoppolo been? Analysts say his performance is historic. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Analysts-Garoppolos-Play-Has-Been-Exceptionally-Good-466975743.html

Lynch struck gold with first draft

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Solomon Thomas, Reuben Foster, Ahkello Witherspoon, George Kittle and Trent Taylor are among the impact rookies helping 49ers' turnaround. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Lynchs-First-49ers-Draft-Class-Making-Big-Impact-466801293.html

Will Raiders fire Jack Del Rio?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Some believe the Raiders may actually fire head coach Jack Del Rio after his first bad season. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Will-Del-Rio-Survive-This-Disappointing-Season-466606753.html

Suddenly, 49ers are giddy about future

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: After four straight victories, some 49ers are talking about the playoffs and winning the Super Bowl next season. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Enjoying-Visions-of-Future-Greatness-466614793.html

Raiders lose ugly on Christmas

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Are website: The Raiders were in position to win vs. the Eagles, then collapsed. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Lose-Ugly-in-Philadelphia-466527133.html

Do you believe in miracles? 49ers win 4th straight

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jimmy Garoppolo directs 49ers to wild win over Jaguars. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Keep-Rolling-This-Time-Over-AFC-South-Champion-Jaguars-466339993.html

Shalane Flanagan's inspiring victory for an American at the New York City was one of 2017's best marathon moments ... as was a gorilla in London

Shalane Flanagan, the Nike quest to beat a 2-hour marathon, a gorilla on the run in London and an unfortunate wardrobe malfunction are among the most memorable marathon moments of 2017. My story for ESPN.com's Endurance section: http://www.espn.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/21837747/a-gorilla-london-marathon-other-top-race-moments-2017

What are the biggest health and fitness trends coming out of 2017?

Going back to the basics is one of the themes for health and fitness as we approach a new year. My story for the San Diego Union-Tribune's Health section: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/sd-he-health-trends-20171218-story.html

Carr says he'll learn from this year's troubles

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Derek Carr says the problems he's experienced this year will make him even better. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Carr-Vows-to-Work-Hard-and-be-Better-Than-Ever-465925033.html

Accuracy is Garoppolo's hallmark

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: New 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo has graded as the most accurate in the league over his three starts for his team. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Garoppolos-Getting-High-Marks-for-Accuracy--465932943.html

Trail running camp for military veterans and Gold Star families is an introduction to a way to deal with stresses and depression while finding joy in the outdoors

On Veterans Day weekend, 20 military veterans and members of Gold Star families gathered to take part in a trail running camp put on by Band of Runners, a non-profit group formed by experienced ultra runners. The camp's aim was to introduce trail running to them to help them cope with stresses and find joy in the outdoors. For many who took part, the camp was a door to new things and better mental and physical well being. My story for MotivRunning.com: https://www.motivrunning.com/running-life/inspiring-stories/band-of-runners/

Is Trent Brown in 49ers' long-term plans?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Trent Brown is injured and will need surgery. Will that impact a longer-term deal for the offensive tackle?https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Trent-Brown-Has-Evolved-into-Top-Tier-Tackle-465698563.html

Lynch is still a punishing runner at age 32

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Marshawn Lynch at 31 is rated as one of the NFL's most effective backs in 2017. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Even-at-31-Raiders-Lynch-is-Among-NFLs-Toughest-Runners-465689973.html

Tavecchio's season has been up, down and all around

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie Raiders kicker Giorgio Tavecchio started off on top of the world in Game 1, but has had some problems since in what has been an overall solid season. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Tavecchio-Has-Experienced-Highs-and-Lows-in-First-NFL-season-465465673.html

Darren Bennett, the Pied Piper of Punting for Australians, has played host to hundreds of his countrymen

Darren Bennett led the way, become the first former Aussie rules player to make it in the NFL as a punter. Bennett, an All-Pro, spawned a wave from Down Under of athletes trying to make it in college or pro football. Inevitably, many wind up staying at the Hotel Bennett, the home Darren and his wife, Rosemary, open to them. My story for ESPN.com: http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/21241880/how-darren-bennett-became-patron-saint-australian-punters-nfl-college-football

Paralympic track and road cyclist Allison Jones uses mountain biking to keep her mind and training fresh

During her offseason for road and track cycling, Paralympian Allison Jones can be found on the mountain bike trails near her home in Colorado Springs. My story for TeamUSA.org: https://www.teamusa.org/News/2017/December/20/My-Focus-How-Mountain-Biking-Helps-Allison-Jones-Reach-Another-Paralympic-Podium

Raiders lose Donald Penn for rest of the season

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Tackle Donald Penn's consecutive starts streak that dates to 2007 will end this week because of a foot injury. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Donald-Penns-Streak-Will-Come-to-an-End-465216503.html

With a new QB, 49ers' TEs are getting catches

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Tight ends Garrett Celek and George Kittle are suddenly a big part of the passing game. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Tight-Ends-are-Prospering-With-Garoppolo-at-QB-465224723.html

Nightmare season is almost over for Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Another loss, more mistakes and bad luck and more questions of what went wrong after the Raiders lose another game, this one that nearly seals their bad fate. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/The-Nightmares-Keep-Coming-for-Disappointed-Raiders-464979673.html

49ers' kicker is as good as Gould

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Veteran kicker Robbie Gould has made 20 straight FGs and 36-of-38 in his first year with the 49ers. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Veteran-Kicker-Gould-is-Giving-49ers-His-Best-Shots-464965973.html

Raiders, Carr fumble away their last hopes

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Derek Carr's extra effort to score a TD results in a fumble out of the end zone and another lost Raiders opportunity in a loss to the Cowboys. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Hopes-are-Fumbled-Away-464864583.html

Garoppolo and 49ers win third straight game

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: QB Jimmy Garoppolo leads a late drive that results in a 45-yard game-winning field goal by Robbie Gould. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Garoppolo-and-Gould-Deliver-a-Comeback-Victory-464830893.html

Paralympic cyclist Chris Murphy had the need for more speed, so he made the commitment to hitting the gym

To get faster, Paralympic cycling standout Chris Murphy knew he needed to get stronger. My story for TeamUSA.org: https://www.teamusa.org/News/2017/December/15/My-Focus-How-Para-cycling-World-Champion-Chris-Murphy-Gained-Speed-By-Gaining-Power

Raiders have greatly improved the pass rush

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: In three games under John Pagano, the Raiders have 12 sacks. In the previous 13 under Ken Norton Jr., they had 14. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Improved-Raiders-Pass-Rush-Should-Help-vs-Cowboys-464401203.html

49ers need to protect their future

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Mission No. 1 for final three games: protect Jimmy Garoppolo. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Face-Challenge-of-Protecting-Garoppolo-Over-Final-Three-Games-464410073.html

Carr says he's going all out over final three games

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Raiders QB Derek Carr says he's going to "let it rip" in passing game over these final three games. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Carr-is-Ready-to-Let-it-Rip-vs-Cowboys-464179533.html

Niners' Elvis is still rockin' and rollin'

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Pass-rush specialist Elvis Dumervil has shown he still has plenty left in his tank at 33 and wants to stay with 49ers next season. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Dumervil-Says-He-Still-Has-A-Lot-in-My-Tank-464166503.html

Paratriathlete champ Allysa Seely has learned that eating right can be the difference between winning and losing

Food isn't that important to Allysa Seely and never has been. The Paralympic triathlon champ never has paid much attention to what she eats. But to continue to improve, she knew that had to change. My story for TeamUSA.org: https://azure2.teamusa.org/News/2017/December/13/My-Focus-How-Paratriathlon-Champ-Allysa-Seely-Turned-Food-From-An-Afterthought-To-A-Strength

49ers no longer in race for No. 1 draft pick

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: One sidebar to the 49ers' two straight wins is the fact it's pushed them out of the running for the top pick in next year's draft. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Have-Dropped-Out-of-Race-for-NFLs-First-Pick-463671013.html

Amari Cooper's disappointing season is winding down

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Another injury may sideline WR Amari Cooper for most of the rest of this season. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Cooper-Having-Worst-Season-of-Three-Year-Career-463661533.html

Who takes the blame for up-and-down Raiders offense?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Derek Carr and the Raiders offense looked horrible in loss to Chiefs. What's the problem? https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Offensive-Woes-Will-Have-to-be-Addressed-in-Offseason-463412403.html

Goodwin coming alive in concert with new QB

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Wideout Marquise Goodwin finally is showing the NFL what he can do in the two games with Jimmy Garoppolo throwing to him. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Goodwin-Quickly-Has-Become-a-Familiar-Target-for-Garoppolo-463405303.html

Loss to Chiefs may have ended Raiders' hopes

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders' loss to Chiefs drops them to 6-7 with three games left. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Hopes-Are-Slim-After-Loss-to-Chiefs-463236343.html

Garoppolo-led 49ers top Texans for second straight victory

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jimmy Garoppolo has his first 300-yard passing game as a pro to lead San Francisco past Houston. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Garoppolo-Brilliant-in-Leading-49ers-Over-Texans-463240483.html

Greco-Roman wrestler Robby Smith is plenty strong, but to be the best he says he has to build more muscle

Robby Smith has been among the world's top Greco-Roman wrestlers, but the Olympian says he must get stronger if he wants to start beating the best. My story for TeamUSA.org: https://www.teamusa.org/News/2017/December/08/My-Focus-How-Wrestler-Robby-Smith-Is-Complementing-His-Technique-By-Building-Strength

Can Garoppolo's legend keep growing?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Will the Legend of Jimmy G. in the Bay Area, launched with a victory in his first start last week, grow larger this week? https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Will-Garoppolo-Keep-the-49ers-Rolling-462816883.html

Raiders' games in K.C. often hinge on special teams

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Every time the Raiders go to Kansas City, the Chiefs' special teams produce points. This Sunday, the Raiders need to change that if the want to win. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Need-to-Special-Sunday-vs-the-Chiefs-462811083.html

Former college soccer standout Annie Ruffino made the switch to Gaelic football and now is part of a national-championship club

At first, Annie Ruffino didn't know the rules and rhythms of Gaelic football. But over the years the former college soccer player has adapted to the game and helped her Charlotte, N.C., club win a Senior national title for the first time in 2017. My story on her for ESPNW.com: http://www.espn.com/espnw/life-style/article/21705903/annie-ruffino-excels-unusual-sport-gaelic-football

Raiders O-Line starting to push defenses around

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders offensive line is regaining its mojo. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Offensive-Line-Starting-to-Dominate-Again-462564983.html

Rookie WR Taylor meshing well with Garoppolo

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie wideout Trent Taylor already has great chemistry with his new quarterback. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Trent-Taylor-Shows-He-May-be-Garoppolos-Go-To-Receiver-462553133.html

Garopplo (no surprise) will continue to start for 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Though C.J. Beathard is healing, Jimmy Garoppolo will remain the team's starting QB, says Kyle Shanahan. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/No-Surprise-Shanahan-Sticking-With-Garoppolo-462076023.html

New Marshawn Lynch looking like the original version

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: At 31, Marshawn Lynch is running like the back he was for the Seahawks. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Marshawn-Lynch-is-Taking-Over-Games-for-Raiders--462082153.html

Now in his 50s, Jeff Norton keeps exercise a priority for his health, energy and as a good example for his children

Jeff Norton always has been active, but now that he's 51, he's working as hard as ever to stay fit and healthy so he can get the most out of his life. My story on Norton as part of the Active San Diego series for the Health section of the San Diego Union-Tribune. http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/sd-he-active-norton-20171204-story.html

Big men up front give Garoppolo a big boost in first start

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers' offensive line was exceptional in helping new QB Jimmy Garoppolo win his debut start. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Gave-Garoppolo-Great-Protection-Against-Bears-461861373.html

Mack and re-energized defense come through for Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Khalil Mack was almost unblockable as a pass rusher in the Raiders victory over the Giants. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Mack-and-the-Raiders-Defense-are-Building-Momentum-461853113.html

In first start, Garoppolo leads 49ers to victory

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jimmy Garoppolo takes the 49ers on a long, game-ending drive that results in a field goal and a 15-14 victory over the Bears. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Garoppolo-Looks-Terrific-in-First-Start-to-Lead-49ers-to-Win-461694333.html