Warner's 49ers future looks bright

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Linebacker Fred Warner had a great rookie season, so 49ers are expecting even bigger things ahead for him. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Excited-About-Fred-Warners-Future-505140811.html

Chris Warren is ready for prime time

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: After waiting in the wings for a year, running back Chris Warren could give the Raiders what they need: a young, hard-running, big and inexpensive No. 1 running back. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Chris-Warren-Eager-to-Earn-Job-After-Injury-505138921.html

Let the Raiders mock drafts begin!

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: One thing all the mock drafters agree on is that the Raiders will draft an edge rusher with one of their three first-round picks. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Defense-Will-be-Priority-for-Raiders-in-First-Round-of-Draft-505085531.html

Armstead has proven himself worthy

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers have a decision to make about Arik Armstead. His play in 2018 should make it easy for them. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Its-Almost-Decision-Time-for-49ers-on-Armstead-505082591.html

Niners' Lynch says Garoppolo rehabbing well

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: QB Jimmy Garoppolo will be able to participate in full offseason program, says GM John Lynch. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Garoppolo-will-be-Ready-for-Spring-Workouts-505024781.html

GM Mayock says Raiders need more speed

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: New GM Mike Mayock says he sees a need for speed on both offense and defense. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-New-GM-Sees-a-Need-for-Speed-505026901.html

Report: Raiders may draft a QB in Round 1

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders have no plans to move Derek Carr, yet may still draft a quarterback in the first round with one of their picks, says one media report. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Will-Raiders-Draft-a-Quarterback-in-the-First-Round-504969981.html

Niners' Lynch vows to re-sign kicker Gould

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: GM John Lynch says he'll do his best to retain "clutch" kicker Robbie Gould. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Lynch-Says-He-Wants-to-Keep-Gould-504971451.html

Former Stanford track runner Sophie Chase, who survived tough times in college, is now a rising triathlon star

Sophie Chase was recruited by USA Triathlon off the Stanford track team. In just about 18 months in her new sport, she's making huge strides. She could be a future triathlon star. My story about her for ESPNW.com: http://www.espn.com/espnw/life-style/article/25835118/after-turning-triathlon-post-college-sophie-chase-rise-meteoric

Are Raiders just a few pieces away?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: QB Derek Carr says it won't take much to make Raiders good in 2019. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Carr-We-Have-Some-Foundational-Pieces-504652612.html

Richburg had a challenging season

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Center Weston Richburg played injured in 2018. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Richburg-Had-to-Fight-Through-Injury-504651372.html

Carr: Players around NFL want to join Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: QB Derek Carr says Jon Gruden was right; plenty of players around the league want to sign with the Raiders. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Carr-Says-Many-NFL-Players-Want-to-Come-to-Raiders-504546291.html

Analytics show Pettis has big upside

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Wide receiver Dante Pettis, when healthy, made a major impact on the efficiency of the passing game in 2018. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Pettis-Could-be-Big-Part-of-49ers-Offense-in-2019-504548681.html?hsf

Richard earns accolades as a receiver

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Third-year running back Jalen Richard had a breakout year as a receiver in Jon Gruden's offense. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Jalen-Richard-Evolves-into-Deluxe-Receiver-504486651.html

Richie James makes some all-rookie teams

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Wide receiver/kick returner Richie James made quite an impression in his first season. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-James-Had-Big-Impact-in-a-Limited-Role-504488661.html?hsf

Deserving Buckner gets late invite to Pro Bowl

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: DeForest Buckner, who had 12 sacks in 2018, gets a delayed invitation to his first Pro Bowl. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/DeForest-Buckner-Gets-Late-Invitation-to-Pro-Bowl-504429651.html

Raiders got lucky with guard Denzelle Good

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: When guard Denzelle Good was released by the Colts in December -- because of a conflict with a coach -- he was signed by the Raiders and started (and played well) over the season's final three games. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Late-Season-Pickup-Denzelle-Good-Made-Strong-Impression-504431901.html

A trend: More grandparents are becoming caregivers for their grandkids because of drug- and health-related issues

In recent years, more grandparents have had to step in to take care of grandchildren. It's a national trend. Because of drug problems and mental health issues, parents are being found to be incapable of caring for their kids, so grandparents are coming to their rescue. But not all grandparents are getting equal aid when they take on these responsibilities. My story for the Union-Tribune Caregiver section: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/caregiver/sd-he-caregiver-grandparents-20181221-story.html

49ers change coaches on the defensive line

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers have fired their defensive line coach and brought in another after a 4-12 year. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Make-Change-With-Defensive-Line-Coach-504375401.html

Raiders let C.J. Anderson get away

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: What were the Raiders thinking, allowing running back C.J. Anderson -- now starring with the Rams -- to get away? https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Fumbled-Chance-With-CJ-Anderson-504377231.html?hsf

49ers should re-sign Robbie Gould

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: At 36, kicker Robbie Gould is better than ever. But will the 49ers re-sign him? They should. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Kicker-Robbie-Gould-is-Still-Golden-504320291.html

Raiders' first-round picks now determined

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland will select fourth, 24th and 27th in the first round of the draft. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-First-Round-Slots-Now-Determined-504321941.html

Earl Thomas may be great fit with 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Seahawks three-time Pro Bowl safety Earl Thomas will be a free agent soon, and the Niners may be a great landing spot for him. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Free-Agent-to-be-Earl-Thomas-Might-be-Perfect-for-49ers-504214441.html?_osource=SocialFlowTwt_BAYBrand

Rodney Hudson continues his excellence

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Center Rodney Hudson continues to prove to be a boon to the franchise, four years after his signing. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Hudson-Signing-Continues-to-Pay-Off-for-Raiders-504216141.html?hsf

Raiders' Doug Martin proved his point in 2018

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former Bucs RB Doug Martin was confident he was still good, despite some down seasons. He was right. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Martin-Proved-Hes-Still-a-Playmaker-504160841.html

Niners secondary in 2018 was NFL's worst

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The analytic website Pro Football Focus graded the 49ers' defensive backfield 32nd among 32 teams in 2018. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Secondary-Graded-Worst-in-the-NFL-504159611.html

Rookie Hurst gives Raiders hope for D-line in 2019

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie defensive tackle Maurice Hurst played very well in his first season, a good sign for the future. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Maurice-Hurst-Gave-Raiders-a-Glimpse-of-His-Talent-504106731.html

49ers' Celek played with a broken thumb

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Tight end Garrett Celek had just eight passes thrown his way in 2018. One reason: He played with a broken thumb for most of the year. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Celek-Played-With-Broken-Thumb-for-Most-of-Season-504105401.html

49ers say Sherman was a hit in 2018

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Richard Sherman wasn't voted to the Pro Bowl, but the 49ers are very happy with what he brought to the team in multiple areas in 2018. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Happy-With-Shermans-First-Year-With-Team-504050441.html

Mayock says Gruden will have 'final say'

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: There are no gray areas between new GM Mike Mayock and head coach Jon Gruden. Gruden is the boss. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/New-Raiders-GM-Jons-Got-Final-Say-504052931.html

Randy Sherman was too big, too immobile, too unhealthy. So, he joined TOPS and dropped more than 140 pounds to get healthy again

Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) is a national organization that's been around 70 years, but gets little attention. Randy Sherman -- who once was more than 400 pounds -- credits TOPS with being his route to shedding weight and saving his quality of life. My story on Sherman and TOPS for the San Diego Union-Tribune Health section: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/sd-he-randy-sherman-20190107-story.html

Bears' success further sours trade of Mack

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Trading away Khalil Mack didn't look good in early September, and it looks even worse now. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Trade-of-Mack-Looks-Even-Worse-Now-503999281.html

It seems 49ers scored with McGlinchey

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: No. 1 pick offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey was very, very good as a rookie. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Scored-a-Winner-With-Draft-of-McGllnchey-504000981.html

Conley growing into an elite cornerback

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Because of injuries in his rookie season, cornerback Gareon Conley played his first real season in 2018. And the more he played, the better he got. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Conleys-Growth-in-2018-has-Raiders-Believing-He-Could-be-a-Star-503902251.html

George Kittle is getting the star treatment

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: 49ers second-year tight end suddenly finds himself getting all kinds of accolades. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Kittles-Getting-the-Star-Treatment-Now-503904111.html

Andrew Stout is always on the move, across continents or just across town

Andrew Stout is an adventurous soul and the product of his adventurous parents. He's always on the move. My story about him for the San Diego Union-Tribune's Active San Diego series: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/sd-he-active-stout-20190102-story.html

Raiders' No. 1 pick Miller finally gets to the finish line

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Kolton Miller's rookie year is over, and the young tackle is in need of a long rest. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Kolton-Millers-Rookie-Season-Was-Painful-503850191.html

Does Antonio Brown really want to be a 49er?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Star WR Antonio Brown of the Steelers keeps dropping hints he wants to play for the 49ers. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Antonio-Brown-Keeps-Hinting-He-Wants-to-be-a-49er-503848671.html

Laken Tomlinson should be OK for 2019

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: An injury to left guard Laken Tomlinson wasn't as serious as first believed. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Tomlinson-Should-be-Fine-for-2019-Season-503797171.html

Will Mayock be a fan of Derek Carr?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: New GM Mike Mayock says he needs to study Derek Carr's performances to make any evaluations on him. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/New-Raiders-GM-Wants-Time-to-Study-Derek-Carr-503800271.html

Shanahan won't make staff changes

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Embattled defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, and every other assistant coach, will stay with the 49ers. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Kyle-Shanahan-Wants-to-Keep-His-Staff-in-Place-503764301.html

Mayock says Raiders give him a golden opportunity

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: What's not to like about this situation, says new Raiders GM Mike Mayock. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Mayock-Says-Raiders-GM-Job-is-a-Golden-Opportunity-503765071.html

Wanted: Defensive playmakers for 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers were historically awful at creating turnovers in 2018. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Need-Some-Playmakers-on-Defense-503717201.html

Raiders select Mike Mayock as new GM

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: NFL draft analyst Mike Mayock, a former NFL player, is hired to be Raiders' new general manager. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Will-Bring-in-NFL-Analyst-as-new-General-Manager-503715651.html

Kittle sets record, but 49ers lose to finish season

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Niners turn the ball over four times to lose to Rams and finish the season 4-12, but tight end George Kittle sets an NFL record. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Lose-Finale-but-Kittle-Sets-an-NFL-Record-503692881.html

Raiders crushed by Chiefs in season finale

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders lose again to finish 4-12 in 2018. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Crushed-by-Chiefs-to-Close-Out-Horrible-Season-503691971.html