49ers may lean more on Breida now

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: With C.J. Beathard taking over at QB, the 49ers could run the ball more this week against the Chargers with the league's rushing leader, Matt Breida. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Matt-Breida-Could-be-Poised-for-Big-Game-494511301.html

Getting pressure on Mayfield unlikely

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Will the Raiders be able to get to Browns QB Baker Mayfield? Unlikely. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Mayfield-May-Have-Plenty-of-Time-to-Pass-vs-Raiders-494517441.html

Veteran U.S. archer Brady Ellison trying to maintain excellence despite injured finger

Olympic medalist Brady Ellison has been No. 1 in the world before, and he's trying to climb the ladder again despite a finger injury that's bothered him for two years. My story for TeamUSA.org: https://www.teamusa.org/News/2018/September/26/Battling-A-Finger-Injury-Brady-Ellison-Still-Thriving-And-Ready-For-Archery-World-Cup-Final

Former Spanish star eager for challenge as new head coach of U.S. national synchronized swimming team

Andrea Fuentes has four Olympic medals in synchronized swimming for Spain, but will now try to get the U.S. back to prominence in the sport. https://www.teamusa.org/News/2018/September/26/Andrea-Fuentes-Won-4-Olympic-Medals-For-Spain-Now-She-Has-Big-Plans-For-USA-Synchro-As-Head-Coach

Carr coming up short with most passes

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Derek Carr is completing more passes than ever, but they're not going very far. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/So-Far-Raiders-Passing-Game-Has-Come-Up-Short-494266521.html

Sherman injury a blow to 49ers secondary

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: A calf strain will keep cornerback Richard Sherman sidelined for a couple of weeks or more. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Shermans-Injury-Leaves-49ers-Secondary-Vulnerable-494260671.html

49ers rallying around C.J. Beathard now

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: With Garoppolo out for the year, C.J. Beathard is now the man at QB. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Say-They-Have-Faith-in-CJ-Beathard-494143391.html

Gruden proud of way Raiders competing

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders are 0-3 but Jon Gruden likes the fight he sees from his team. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Gruden-Says-Hes-Proud-of-Way-Raiders-Are-Competing-494139281.html

49ers lose a game and Garoppolo

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The loss to the Chiefs was bad, but the loss of Jimmy Garoppolo was far worse. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Season-May-be-Gone-With-Garoppolo-494078471.html

Same script: Raiders lose again in Miami

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: It's always something. This time, it's a late trick play by the Dolphins to erase a Raiders lead in the fourth quarter. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Same-Losing-Script-for-Raiders-in-Miami-494077661.html

Raiders' go into Miami with a puncher's chance

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Dolphins are 2-0 but have a shaky pass defense, something Derek Carr and Amari Cooper could exploit if last week was any indication. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Passing-Game-May-Give-Them-Edge-Over-Miami-493961311.html?hsdf

49ers' D will be tested by Mahomes

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: QB Pat Mahomes of the Chiefs has been unstoppable so far. Can the 49ers get in his way?https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Defense-Faces-High-Scoring-Chiefs-493957781.html?hsdf

Niners hope for Goodwin's return vs. Chiefs

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: WR Marquise Goodwin hasn't yet caught a pass in 2018, but 49ers hope he will be healthy to play vs. Chiefs this weekend. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Hope-to-Get-Marquise-Goodwin-Back-vs-Chiefs-493850391.html

Kolton Miller off to strong start for Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie OT Kolton Miller has done well against some elite defensive players in his first two NFL games for the Raiders. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Top-Rookie-Off-to-a-Strong-Start-493854331.html

Foster to return at a great time

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The embattled 49ers defense is getting dynamic linebacker Reuben Foster back at just the right time. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Reuben-Fosters-Return-Should-Help-49ers-Defense-493602731.html

Gruden doesn't regret trading Mack

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jon Gruden traded perhaps the NFL's best defensive player and his team is 0-2. Does he have regrets? Of course not. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Gruden-Has-No-Regrets-About-Trading-Mack-493605171.html

Penn off to shaky start at right tackle

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former Pro Bowl left tackle Donald Penn, shifted to right tackle this season, has a bad day in Denver. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Penns-Growing-Pains-at-Right-Tackle-Emerge-in-Denver-493481521.html

Are 49ers chasing Josh Gordon?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: GM John Lynch says the 49ers have made a call to the Browns about WR Josh Gordon. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-May-Have-Interest-in-Wide-Receiver-Josh-Gordon-493484791.html

Gruden's Raiders fall flat again, this time to Broncos

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jon Gruden's team is now 0-2 after blowing a big lead in a loss to the Broncos in Denver. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Second-Gruden-Era-Off-to-a-Painful-Start-493429781.html

Breida helps carry 49ers to first 2018 win

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Running back Matt Breida had a big day in leading 49ers to their first win of 2018. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Breida-Helps-49ers-Get-Back-on-Winning-Track-493428581.html

Can Carr get his mojo back?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: If the Raiders are to do anything positive this year, QB  Derek Carr needs to be better than he was in Week 1. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Can-Carr-Regain-His-Mojo-Against-the-Broncos-493300141.html

Garoppolo appears unfazed by first loss

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: After taking his first NFL loss as a starting QB, Jimmy Garoppolo doesn't look like it's bothered him a bit. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/First-NFL-Loss-Hasnt-Fazed-49ers-Garoppolo-493305301.html

Terri Ventress, the accidental Highland Games athlete, has excelled in the art of throwing ... anything heavy

Terri Ventress first competed in the Highland Games by pure happenstance. But 21 years later, she's grateful she came upon them. She's set world records and won world titles. My story on her for ESPNW.com: http://www.espn.com/espnw/life-style/article/24663876/terri-ventress-throw-just-anything-14-world-records-prove-it

Cooper (again) was a no-show in Raiders offense

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jon Gruden said Amari Cooper would be a centerpiece of his offense, but in Game 1, the Raiders targeted him just three times. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/In-Grudens-First-Game-Cooper-was-Missing-in-Action-493165121.html

Pettis gets rave reviews in NFL debut

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Wide receiver-returner Dante Pettis showed he's quite a catch for the 49ers in his pro debut. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Pettis-Shows-49ers-in-Debut-That-He-Can-be-a-Playmaker-493158281.html

To live a longer and healthier life, exercise, eat well, get your sleep ... and read a book

Recent studies have shown that reading books -- longer works that force the mind to remember and process more information, while promote critical thinking -- can have a beneficial effect on long-term health. In fact, they show book readers can live longer. http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/sd-he-reading-for-health-20180910-story.html

Raiders sure missed Mack in season-opening loss

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders looked shaky in a 33-13 loss to the Rams. They also looked like they missed Khalil Mack. Really missed him. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Sure-Looked-Like-They-Missed-Mack-vs-Rams-492961731.html

49ers' Kittle off to an excellent start in Year 2

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Kittle could be primed for huge season. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Kittle-Could-be-Headed-Toward-a-Big-Season-492958021.html

Raiders start out fast, then fade in loss to Rams

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: After leading at the half, the Raiders are dominated by the Rams in the second half of a 33-13 loss to open the 2018 regular season under new head coach Jon Gruden. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Start-Fast-and-Then-Stumble-to-Lose-Opener-492924631.html

Rookie Fred Warner stands out in 49ers' opener

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The middle linebacker leads team in tackles and forces a turnover in Game 1. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Warner-Gets-Solid-Reviews-for-His-49ers-Debut-492868671.html

Mistake-filled game spoils 49ers' opener

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: San Francisco turns the ball over four times in a 24-16 loss to the Vikings to open the 2018 season. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Garoppolo-Get-Tripped-Up-in-Minnesota-492810991.html

Carr says Rams' defense is one of the best

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Derek Carr is eager to test himself a very talented Rams defense in the Monday night NFL opener for both teams. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Carr-Sees-Rams-Defense-as-Elite-Level-Unit-492699221.html

The keys to victory for 49ers vs. Vikings

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: If Richard Sherman is still Richard Sherman, it will certainly help the 49ers in their season opener vs. Minnesota. That and four other keys for an S.F. win Sunday: https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Underdog-49ers-Have-Path-to-Victory-vs-Vikings-492696461.html

Katie Arnold never had run 100 miles before, but in her first try -- and two years after breaking her leg -- she won the Leadville 100

Katie Arnold had some doubts going into the Leadville 100. Would her surgically repaired leg hold up? Could she handle 100 miles, a distance she'd never run before? The answers were yes and yes as she turned in a masterful victory performance. My story for Competitor.com: http://running.competitor.com/2018/09/trail-running/inspiring-story-behind-ultrarunner-katie-arnolds-leadville-100-victory_174895

Who steps in to fill Mack's shoes?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: No single player can replace Khalil Mack, but Oakland hopes a group of young players can together create a solid pass rush. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Without-Mack-Raiders-are-Counting-on-Irvin-and-Co-492605981.html?hsdf

Niners offensive line will be tested in opener

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie tackle Mike McGlinchey and his O-line mates will be challenged in the season opener. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/McGlinchey-Faces-First-Real-Test-of-his-49ers-Career-492602771.html?_osource=SocialFlowTwt_BAYBrand

Late-life disease wasn't going to stop lifelong athlete Keri Gloyna from continuing to lead an active, fun life in San Diego

Keri Gloyna had been active in sports her entire life. Then she contracted a disease that impacted her ability to move her legs. Today, Gloyna must use a wheelchair to get around. Yet she still plays basketball and body surfs in the ocean. In her 70s, she says she'll never stop wanting to be outside playing. My story about her for the Active San Diego series in the San Diego Union-Tribune: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/sd-he-active-gloyna-20180901-story.html

Keon Hatcher stayed positive to make roster

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Wide receiver Keon Hatcher was a long shot to make the Raiders roster but he did. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Hatcher-Kept-Working-Stayed-Positive-to-Make-Raiders-492499801.html

Brandon LaFell Added to Raiders WR corps

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Veteran wideout Brandon LaFell, who started the past two seasons for the Bengals, is joining the Raiders in time for the regular-season opener. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Add-Veteran-Wide-Receiver-Brandon-LaFell-492401621.html?hsfd

Wick's final push earned roster spot with 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Cole Wick beat out Cole Hikutini at the end of preseason to earn the final tight end spot on the roster, due to his outstanding blocking skills. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Tight-End-Cole-Wick-Earns-49ers-Roster-Spot-492397691.html?hsdf

Will there be a hangover from Mack trade?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Will Raiders players be soured on Jon Gruden now that he's engineered trade of Khalil Mack? https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Will-There-be-a-Mack-Trade-Hangover-for-the-Raiders-492329261.html

McKinnon injury elevates Breida, Morris

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The season-ending injury to No. 1 RB Jerick McKinnon will give more opportunities to Matt Breida and Alfred Morris. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Suddenly-Breida-and-Morris-Have-Bigger-Roles-492327931.html