Tartt showed he's growing into an elite safety

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jaquiski Tartt ranked as one of the NFL's best strong safeties in 2017. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Tartt-Could-be-Among-NFLs-Best-Strong-Safeties-in-2018-471966063.html

Jamie Greubel Poser is zipping in her bobsled toward (she hopes) another Olympic medal, this time in South Korea

Olympic bobsledder Jamie Greubel Poser is focused on getting the absolute most out of every moment on the track leading into the Games in February in South Korea. My story for TeamUSA.org: https://www.teamusa.org/News/2018/January/31/My-Focus-How-Jamie-Greubel-Poser-Achieves-A-Goal-Each-Run-Down-A-Bobsled-Track

New Raiders QBs coach was big help to Lions

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: New QBs coach Brian Callahan had success helping Matt Stafford of the Lions in 2017 by focusing on small, technical details of his game. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/New-Raiders-QB-Coach-Likely-to-Focus-on-Specific-Stuff-471958093.html

Niners' banking on salary-cap flexibility

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: No other NFL team has as much room under the salary cap heading into 2018 as the 49ers. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Banking-on-Salary-Cap-Flexibility-471777664.html

Raiders' Hudson ranked No. 1 pass-blocker in the NFL

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Was center Rodney Hudson an expensive pick-up in 2015? Yes. Was he worth it? Absolutely. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Investment-in-Hudson-Was-Wise-Move-471774614.html

Cassius Marsh was valuable 49ers pick-up

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Patriots cast-off Cassius Marsh made the 49ers' defense and special teams better late in the year. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Marsh-was-Versatile-and-Effective-Pick-up-for-49ers-Defense-471647084.html

Carr leads AFC Pro Bowl win, promises more in 2018

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Derek Carr helps AFC win the Pro Bowl, then promises Raiders fans it's just the first of many wins in 2018 https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Carr-Shines-in-Pro-Bowl-Now-Looks-Forward-to-2018-471639974.html

Carr finding success, praise at Pro Bowl

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Derek Carr probably doesn't deserve to be at the Pro Bowl, but he is. And he's doing good things. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Carr-Showing-HIs-Skills-at-the-Pro-Bowl-471294114.html?_osource=SocialFlowTwt_BAYBrand

Shanahan gives Saleh high marks for defense

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Kyle Shanahan is very happy with the progress Robert Saleh made as defensive coordinator in his first season. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Shanahan-Pleased-by-Progress-of-Salehs-Defense-471288914.html?_osource=SocialFlowTwt_BAYBrand

Sled hockey standout Rico Roman focused on helping his team win a second straight Paralympic gold medal

Army veteran and  U.S. sled hockey forward says creating a tight bond off the ice is important before the team heads to PyeongChang to defend its Paralympic championship. My story for TeamUSA.org: https://www.teamusa.org/News/2018/January/24/My-Focus-How-Rico-Roman-Helps-Keep-The-US-Paralympic-Sled-Hockey-Team-In-The-Right-Frame-Of-Mind

Just 23, Cooper seems a good bet to rebound

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Amari Cooper had a down year in 2017, but at 23 he's likely to rebound in Jon Gruden's new passing attack. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Cooper-is-Too-Good-to-Give-up-On-471103833.html

Lynch: 49ers are working hard to sign Garoppolo

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: GM John Lynch says it "makes too much sense not to happen" for the team to sign its new quarterback to a long-term deal. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Lynch-Says-49ers-are-Working-Hard-to-Sign-Garoppolo-471098553.html

Raiders' Guenther excited by Conley's potential

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Gareon Conley had a tough rookie year, but new defensive coordinator Paul Guenther believes he can be excellent. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Guenther-Eager-to-Work-With-Conley-470907413.html

Shanahan was bolstered by support in first year

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Kyle Shanahan said he weathered a rocky start to his first year by the support of those around him. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Shanahan-Learned-Grew-in-First-Year-as-Head-Coach-470917073.html

Doug Siverly had a long, uphill climb against cancer, obesity, smoking and diabetes, but now he's back on track

Doug Siverly found out he had lymphoma of the stomach at the same time he discovered he was going to have a new grandchild. He wasn't ready to check out yet, so he put everything he had to getting healthy again. After beating cancer, losing more than 100 pounds and quitting smoking, he's transformed his life. My story for the Health section of the Union-Tribune: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/sd-he-doug-siverly-20180123-story.html

Carr hopes Jon Gruden is tough on him

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Is Jon Gruden tough on his QBs? Derek Carr says he hopes so. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Carr-Hopes-Gruden-is-Tough-and-Demanding-470711853.html

Garnett hopes less is more for him in 2018

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers will see a whole new Joshua Garnett in 2018. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Joshua-Garnett-Excited-About-Return-in-2018-470721903.html

If Hyde leaves, Breida, Williams & draft will fill hole

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Carlos Hyde had a good season, but if he leaves in free agency, 49ers have options at running back. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Breida-Williams-Could-Fill-Hydes-Role-470534383.html

Raiders new defensive coordinator stops scoring

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: New defensive coordinator Paul Guenther has had his greatest success in keeping opponents off the scoreboard. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Guenthers-Defenses-Have-Been-Stingy-About-Points-470526963.html

Goodwin showed 49ers he's more than fast

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Marquise Goodwin says the only thing that changed about him in 2017 was the 49ers threw him the ball. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Goodwin-Showed-49ers-and-NFL-Hes-More-Than-Fast-470133443.html

Niners want to re-sign NaVorro Bowman

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The new Raiders coaching staff wants to bring back NaVorro Bowman to play middle linebacker. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Interested-in-Keeping-NaVorro-Bowman-470128003.html

Gruden, Olson focused on improving Carr

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Head coach Jon Gruden and offensive coordinator Greg Olson say their No. 1 priority with Raiders is to get QB Derek Carr back on track. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Gruden-Olson-Focused-on-Getting-Carr-Back-on-Track-469942983.html

Center Kilgore wants to stay with 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Center Daniel Kilgore can be a free agent, but he wants to stay. And, he has a big fan in his new QB. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Veteran-Center-Kilgore-Wants-to-Stay-With-49ers-469951823.html

Dumervil played his role well. Will he return?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Elvis Dumervil led the 49ers in sacks in 2017. But at 34, is he worth bringing back? https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Does-Dumervil-Figure-Into-49ers-Plans-for-2018-469756553.html

In hindsight, 2017 offseason was a disaster

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 2017 offseason decisions laid the cracked foundation for what happened in a 6-10 season. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/In-Hindsight-Raiders-2017-Offseason-Was-a-Problem-469750953.html

Veteran skeleton racer Katie Uhlaender is going full speed toward another Olympics

Olympic skeleton racer Katie Uhlaender is focusing on one thing these days: maximizing her potential. As she tries to make another Olympic team, she's putting aside past injuries and road blocks to make certain that this time she can be at her best in the Games. My story for TeamUSA.org: https://www.teamusa.org/News/2018/January/17/My-Focus-How-Skeletons-Katie-Uhlaender-Is-Overcoming-Challenges-To-Maximize-Her-Potential

Kittle excited by progress in rookie season

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Tight end George Kittle says he's eager to improve on his rookie year. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Kittle-Eager-to-Build-on-Strong-Rookie-Season-469562823.html

Mack's excellence not dimmed by disappointing 2017

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Khalil Mack continued to improve, even if the Raiders as a whole didn't. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Mack-Continued-to-Improve-in-Fourth-Season-469554723.html

Cable seems like odd choice for Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Why would Oakland bring in Tom Cable to coach the offensive line, when he favors zone blocking and the linemen in place to better in power schemes?https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Cable-Seems-Like-an-Odd-Fit-For-This-Offensive-Line-469377593.html

49ers' Thomas wants to refine skills

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Solomon Thomas isn't satisfied with how he rushed the passer as a rookie. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Thomas-Intent-on-Becoming-a-Better-Pass-Rusher-469372203.html

Just call the 49ers fullback "Juice"

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Fullback Kyle Juszczyk, nicknamed Juice, is going to the Pro Bowl and is eager to see what the offense can become in 2018. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Investment-in-Juice-Paid-Off-for-49ers-468988083.html

Gruden still searching for O-line coach

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: With offensive line coach Mike Tice likely not to return, head coach Jon Gruden is looking for a coach to get the most out of the unit in 2018. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Gruden-Still-Looking-for-an-Offensive-Line-Coach-468992973.html

Gruden hires Alabama's secondary coach

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: New Oakland coach Jon Gruden turns to 'Bama secondary coach Derrick Ansley to tune up one of team's weakest links. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Gruden-Hires-Alabama-Secondary-Coach-468813003.html

Sports books believe in 49ers in 2018

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Sports books and analysts backing 49ers for 2018. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Late-Surge-Has-Earned-Believers-for-2018-468805173.html

Freestyle skier Joss Christensen focusing on health and form in time to compete at PyeongChang Olympics

Gold medal freestyle skier Joss Christensen is trying to overcome injuries to get back to elite form. My story for TeamUSA.org: https://www.teamusa.org/News/2018/January/10/My-Focus--How-Joss-Christensens-Simple-Approach-Could-Lead-To-More-Gold-In-2018

Olson returning to Raiders once again

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jon Gruden hires Greg Olson as offensive coordinator, the same role Olson held with the Raiders in 2013-14 before he was let go. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Will-Olsons-Second-Stint-With-Raiders-be-More-Successful-468625373.html

Staley thought about retirement; now he's excited

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Tackle Joe Staley had a long talk with Kyle Shanahan early in the 2017 season that now has him excited about his future and the 49ers' future, too. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Optimistic-Joe-Staley-Eager-for-49ers-Next-Season-468616613.html

Norton moves across Bay to 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Ken Norton Jr., fired as defensive coordinator of the Raiders in 2017, will join the 49ers as assistant head coach/inside linebackers coach. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Bring-in-Norton-to-Coach-Inside-Linebackers-468466233.html

Penn: Gruden is exactly what Raiders need

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Tackle Donald Penn played for Jon Gruden in Tampa Bay and is excited to play for him again in Oakland. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Penn-Says-Grudens-Energy-Will-Excite-Raiders-468462393.html

Lynch in great position for offseason moves

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: GM John Lynch's first job is signing QB Jimmy Garoppolo. After that, he has four high draft picks and a load of salary-cap space. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/John-Lynch-in-Great-Position-for-the-Offseason-468325983.html

Gruden will give Carr "tough love"

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Ex-Raiders QB Rich Gannon says new head coach Jon Gruden will focus on QB Derek Carr. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Carr-is-About-to-Get-a-Big-Dose-of-Tough-Love-468319453.html

Gamble on Lynch turned into a winner

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: GM John Lynch gave 49ers owner quick return on his hiring gamble. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Gamble-on-Lynch-is-Paying-Off-for-49ers-468034263.html

Did coaches turn on Derek Carr?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Reports indicate the Raiders coaching staff took shots at Derek Carr late in the season. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Did-Raiders-Coaching-Staff-Turn-on-Derek-Carr-468037833.html

Registered nurse Dennis Gerrits stays moving and fit through his passion for roller hockey

Dennis Gerrits never played hockey while growing up in Wisconsin, but the registered nurse, former soldier and father of five is now a passionate roller hockey player. It's what keeps him fuel to stay in shape. My story on Gerrits for the Active San Diego series in the Health section of the San Diego Union-Tribune: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/sd-he-active-gerrits-20171229-story.html

Will Raiders wave bye-bye to Crabtree?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: One report indicates the Raiders will cut ties with veteran receiver Michael Crabtree this offseason. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Reports-Indicate-Raiders-May-Cut-Ties-With-Crabtree-467683003.html

49ers' Kittle had solid rookie season

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie tight end George Kittle showed 49ers he could be a star in the making. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Kittle-Showed-49ers-He-Can-be-a-Big-Part-of-Offense-467689463.html

Raiders fans should thank Del Rio

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jack Del Rio is now gone as head coach, but Raiders fans owe him a round of applause for what he accomplished. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Del-Rio-Deserves-Applause-From-Raiders-Fans-467561743.html

49ers honor WR Goodwin for courage

Daily 49ers blogs for NBC Bay Area website: Wideout Marquise Goodwin honored by 49ers teammates for courage. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Teammates-Honor-Goodwin-for-Courage-467558443.html

49ers optimistic after ending '17 with another win

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: A fifth straight win, a new QB and improved play give 49ers hope for 2018. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-End-Season-With-Fifth-Straight-Victory-467461913.html

Raiders' awful season ends with loss

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: A loss to the Chargers puts the lid on an awful Oakland season. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Brutal-Season-Comes-to-Merciful-End-467459203.html