Friday, May 31, 2019

New 49ers coach touts Solomon Thomas

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: New defensive line coach for 49ers believes this will be the year former No. 1 pick Solomon Thomas makes a big impact. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-New-Defensive-Line-Coach-Praises-Thomas-510666711.html?shf

Raiders say they have a 'secret weapon' at TE

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: On paper, the Raiders tight end corps hardly looks promising. But Darren Waller has been tabbed as a possible break-through player in 2019. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-May-Have-a-Secret-Weapon-at-Tight-End-510668201.html?sfh

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

McGlinchey eager to play even better in 2019

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Tackle Mike McGlinchey had an outstanding rookie season but is working hard to get better. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-McGlinchey-Working-to-Build-off-Rookie-Season-510508701.html

Raiders sign troubled, talented Incognito

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former Pro Bowl guard Richie Incognito, who's been followed by personal problems, has signed with the Raiders. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Reports-Say-Raiders-Have-Signed-Talented-Troubled-Guard--510510491.html

Sherman ready to "move and groove" in 2019

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: After coping with injuries since 2017, cornerback Richard Sherman says he's totally healthy and fit again. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Richard-Sherman-is-Fully-Fit-and-Ready-to-Play-510323051.html

Carr finally gets to stay in same system

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: QB Derek Carr is excited that he can finally stay in the same offensive scheme, a rarity in his NFL career. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Carr-Finally-Has-Luxury-of-Staying-in-Same-System-510322351.html

Thursday, May 16, 2019

Raiders see vast potential in Johnson at CB

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Isaiah Johnson switched to cornerback from wideout just two years ago, so his skills are a bit raw, yet the Raiders drafted him in the fourth round because of what they see as tremendous potential. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Fourth-Round-Pick-Could-be-Sleeper-in-Raiders-Secondary-510015241.html

Wednesday, May 15, 2019

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Monday, May 13, 2019

Healthy Verrett could be great Comeback candidate

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: If Jason Verrett is fit again, the cornerback could be a prime candidate for Comeback Player of the Year in the NFL in 2019. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Cornerback-Verrett-Could-be-a-Key-to-49ers-Defense-509851481.html

Raiders' Marquel Lee sheds some weight

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Linebacker Marquel Lee was terrible in pass coverage last season, so has lost weight and gained fitness to get better. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Lighter-Version-of-Marquel-Lee-May-be-Improved-Too-509853651.html

Friday, May 10, 2019

Shanahan eager to use Hurd all over the field

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan sees multiple roles for new wide receiver Jalen Hurd. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Shanahan-Eager-to-Use-Hurd-in-a-Multipurpose-Role-509751711.html?shf

Former college soccer star discovered rugby after graduation and is now a star in the making for Team USA

Kristi Kirshe thought her athletic career might be over after college. After being a four-year starter and All-America soccer player, she was working in an office and playing a rec game per week. Then she discovered rugby. Eighteen months later, she's a star in the making on the U.S. national women's rugby sevens team ... and could be an Olympian next year. My story on her for ESPNW.com: http://www.espn.com/espnw/life-style/article/26708965/us-rugby-player-kristi-kir-unlikely-path-national-team

Is Carr ready for another marquee year?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: One national analyst predicts Derek Carr will return to his 2016 MVP candidate form in 2019. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Carr-Could-be-Poised-to-Repeat-His-2016-Season-in-2019-509750131.html

Thursday, May 9, 2019

Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Utah coach defends worth of Wishnowsky

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Niners were knocked by many for drafting a punter in the fourth round, but Utah head football coach says punter Mitch Wishnowsky is worth it. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Utah-Coach-Says-49ers-Were-Wise-to-Select-Punter-509639871.html

Rookie safety Abram billed as a "human torpedo"

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: First-round pick Johnathan Abram is billed as NFL ready by some experts, who cite his force as a hitter and tackler at strong safety. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Abram-Could-be-Instant-Impact-Hit-at-Safety-for-Raiders-509642131.html?sfh

Tuesday, May 7, 2019

Monday, May 6, 2019

Former bodybuilder still pumping iron, eating healthy ... and hoping to live the good life until well beyond 100

Kevin Konczal has multiple interests. He's an actor, entrepreneur and businessman who's an ex-cop and bodybuilder. What's never changed is his dedication to staying fit. My story on him for the Active San Diego series in the Health section of the San Diego Union-Tribune: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/story/2019-05-06/workout-warrior-aims-to-hit-the-century-mark-and-beyond

Niners have faith in cornerback corps

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers didn't draft a cornerback until the sixth round and believed it wasn't a prime area of need. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Mayock-Believes-Ferrell-is-a-Foundation-Player-509534591.html

Mayock says Ferrell can be a "glue" player

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Raiders GM Mike Mayock says there's more to defensive end Clelin Ferrell than what you see on the field. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Mayock-Believes-Ferrell-is-a-Foundation-Player-509534591.html