Raiders struck gold with 2019 draft class

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Josh Jacobs is the crown
jewel of the Raiders' rookie crop that ranks among the NFL's best. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Rookie-Class-is-Having-a-Major-Impact-564168501.html

Emmanuel Sanders catching on fast with 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: WR Emmanuel Sanders had four catches in his first 49ers game, despite hardly knowing the playbook, a sign he could be a major-impact player over the rest of 2019. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Garoppolo-Sanders-Connection-Likely-to-Get-Stronger-564166881.html

Raiders re-sign LB Marshall after September cut

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Veteran linebacker Brandon Marshall was a surprise cut at the end of training camp, and now he's been re-signed. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Bring-Back-Linebacker-Brandon-Marshall-564103941.html

49ers' Witherspoon close to returning

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: With Ahkello Witherspoon set to return from injury next week, will he regain his starting role now being filled well by Emmanuel Moseley?https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Witherspoon-is-Almost-Ready-to-Return-564100631.html

Rookie corner Mullen fits right into starting role

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: In his first NFL start, cornerback Trayvon Mullen played splendidly. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/After-Strong-Starting-Debut-Mullen-Appears-Ready--564041441.html

Richard Sherman has regained his elite status

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Cornerback Richard Sherman is finally healthy again and playing at the level he did when he was a perennial All-Pro selection with Seattle. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/A-Healthy-Sherman-Has-Returned-to-Prominence-564040151.html

Loss of Hudson a blow to the Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: On the day when Oakland finally got its starting offensive line together for the first time, center Rodney Hudson was lost to an injury. It's not known how long he will be out. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Arent-Sure-When-Center-Rodney-Hudson-Will-Return--563981751.html

49ers' Nick Bosa has exceeded expectations

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Defensive end Nick Bosa was acclaimed in college, but he's been perhaps even better in his first seven NFL games. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Nick-Bosa-Has-Been-Even-Better-Than-Advertised-563980161.html

Mullen gets first shot at Conley's corner spot

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Trayvon Mullen is the first man up to fill Gareon Conley's spot at corner this Sunday vs. the Texans. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Cornerback-Job-is-Now-Trayvon-Mullens-to-Lose-563855841.html

Panthers' takeaway-crazy D could hurt 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: 49ers better take care of the ball against ball-hawking Panthers defense this Sunday. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Panthers-Ball-Hawking-Defense-May-Pose-Problems-for-49ers-563857981.html

49ers' Taylor, Hurd may not be back soon

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Two wideouts have had physical setbacks, to 49ers may not see Trent Taylor and Jalen Hurd on the field for a while. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Taylor-Hurd-Could-be-Out-Longer-Than-Expected-563787991.html

Raiders O-Line must contend with J.J. Watt

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Trent Brown and Kolton Miller have had excellent seasons, so Oakland has a good chance to -- maybe? -- hold off Texans star defensive end J.J. Watt. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Offensive-Line-Must-Contain-JJ-Watt-563791051.html

Raiders long, winding road almost to an end

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Finally, Raiders see an end to their six-week road trip, this Sunday in Houston. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Hope-to-End-Marathon-Road-Trip-With-a-Victory-563705591.html

Sanders trade shows 49ers are all in for 2019

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: At 6-0, the 49ers are going all in on their chances to make a Super Bowl run, trading future picks for a veteran wide receiver now in Emmanuel Sanders. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Are-Going-All-In-on-2019-After-6-0-Start-563702401.html

Raiders decide to move on from Conley

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Less than three years after the Raiders drafted Gareon Conley in the first round, they've traded him away. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/With-Trade-of-Conley-Raiders-Turn-to-Some-Fresh-Faces-563628741.html

Shanahan says he's not seeking a new WR

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rumors are circulating that the Niners want to trade for wide receiver help, but Kyle Shanahan says it's not necessary. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Shanahan-Discounts-Rumors-of-Trade-for-Wide-Receiver-563625751.html

A different role player steps up each week

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Last week in a win over the Rams, D.J. Jones had a big game on defense for the 49ers. This week, it was Jullian Taylor. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Defensive-Success-Counts-on-Stars-and-Role-Players-563550761.html

Raiders lose, but get Gabe Jackson back

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Guard Gabe Jackson plays well in his 2019 debut, a loss to the Packers, but says he needs to clean up a few things. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Carr-Says-its-Great-to-Have-Gabe-Jackson-Back-in-the-LIneup-563553131.html

Packers are vulnerable to Raiders' ground attack

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Josh Jacobs is a good bet for about 25 carries in Sunday's Raiders-Packers game. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Packers-May-be-Vulnerable-to-a-Heavy-Dose-of-Josh-Jacobs-563381142.html

One little-discussed stat defines 49ers' success

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The undefeated 49ers excel -- on both offense and defense -- in a stat called yards-per-dropback. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Success-Driven-by-Executing-and-Defending-the-Passing-Game-563377012.html

49ers' Garoppolo will mark a milestone Sunday

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jimmy Garoppolo will do something Sunday he's never done before in a season: start six straight games. In his sixth season, he's finally getting the chance to show his talent on a regular basis. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Garoppolo-Finally-Getting-the-Chance-to-Play-Every-Week-563292432.html

Suddenly, Raiders' Hurst has come alive

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Defensive tackle Maurice Hurst got off to a slow start but exploded for two sacks in win over Bears, a sign that big things could be ahead. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Maurice-Hurst-is-Gaining-Momentum-563295402.html

D.J. Jones is 49ers' unsung hero on 'D'

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Defensive tackle D.J. Jones is doing the dirty work, clogging up gaps and helping to stop opposing run games. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-DJ-Jones-is-Stuffing-the-Run-563212411.html

Mayowa having big year in return to Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Defensive end Benson Mayowa isn't playing a lot, but when he does he makes plays, and leads Oakland in sacks in his second stint with the team. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Mayowa-is-Making-the-Most-of-His-Opportunities-563215421.html

Now healthy, 49ers' Ward is impact player

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Free safety Jimmie Ward, finally fit after years of injuries, has shown he's a high-quality contributor over the past two games. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Jimmie-Ward-is-Proving-His-Worth-563135801.html

Gabe Jackson returns and is ready to play

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders' O-Line is about to get whole with the return of starting right guard Gabe Jackson. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Gabe-Jackson-Returns-to-Practice-for-Raiders-563138011.html

Raiders' Carr has become Mr. Efficient

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Derek Carr isn't throwing for mega-yardage, but he's making plays and not making mistakes while producing a 3-2 record. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Carr-is-Playing-at-a-Higher-Level-in-Year-2-Under-Gruden-563065861.html

Shanahan's plan gets win, aids inexperienced tackles

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Kyle Shanahan knew he had to put his two inexperienced offensive tackles into positions of strengths, rather than weakness, so he changed his game plan in victory over Rams. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Shanahans-Plan-Helps-49ers-Cope-With-Missing-Tackles-563063071.html

Rams will test 49ers' improving defense

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: San Francisco's improved defense, led by its outstanding front four, will get its toughest test in Los Angeles. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Defense-Gets-its-Greatest-Test-Yet-562823531.html

Raiders move on from another veteran WR

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Raiders release veteran wide receiver J.J. Nelson. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Move-on-From-Another-Wide-Receiver-562820471.html

Incognito has played very well for Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Richie Incognito comes with baggage. He's had a troubled career. But there's also no doubt he can play. Five weeks into this season and he ranks among the NFL's top-graded guards. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Richie-Incognito-is-Giving-Raiders-Stellar-Play-at-Guard-562725201.html

McGlinchey hurt and out for four to six weeks

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: With Mike McGlinchey out with an injury, little-used Daniel Brunskill will start at tackle against the Rams and for five to six more games after that. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Now-Will-Start-Two-Backups-at-Offensive-Tackle-Spots-562722551.html

49ers' lose fullback Juszczyk for 4 to 6 weeks

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Fullback Kyle Juszczyk, one of the keys to the success of the running game, will be out of action for a while because of a knee injury. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Running-Attack-Will-Miss-its--562624651.html

Crosby becoming a playmaker on defense

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie DE Maxx Crosby is getting more playing time and making his presence felt. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Maxx-Crosby-is-Playing-a-Larger-Role-on-Defense-562627221.html

Zay hey! Wide receiver Jones joins Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: More than two years ago, current Raiders GM Mike Mayock loved wideout Zay Jones coming out of East Carolina. Now Mayock has him. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Mayock-Has-Always-Liked-Raiders-Newest-Wide-Receiver--562529671.html

Niners, Breida run all over the Browns

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: San Francisco is running ahead at full speed, with the NFL's No. 1 rushing attack, led by the explosive Matt Breida. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Running-Attack-is-at-Full-Throttle-562525551.html

49ers' pass rush could feast on Browns

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: San Francisco's pass rushers could have a good night against Cleveland's struggling offensive line. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Defensive-Line-Could-Have-a-Big-Night-562428281.html

Suddenly, Raiders look like a contender

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: With two consecutive wins on the road, the Raiders -- who looked hopeless early -- suddenly are 3-2 and looking better and better. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Suddenly-Raiders-Look-Like-an-AFC-Playoff-Contender-562424491.html

49ers' Skule getting on-the-job training

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie OT Justin Skule finds himself a starter now, with the injury to Joe Staley. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/So-Far-Rookie-Justin-Skule-is-Holding-his-Own-at-Left-Tackle-562179011.html

Can Kolton Miller stop Khalil Mack?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Can second-year tackle Kolton Miller handle All-Pro defensive end Khalil Mack? If he can't, Raiders might be in trouble. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Offensive-Tackles-Must-be-Sharp-vs-Bears-562175781.html

Mack gets his chance for revenge vs. Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former Raiders star Khalil Mack, now with the Bears, gets his first shot at his old team this Sunday in London. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Khalil-Mack-Gets-a-Chance-to-Wreck-Raiders-562073301.html

49ers' threesome of RBs is off and running

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers rank No. 2 in the NFL in rushing -- without having any RB in the top 15 of league leaders. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Group-of-Running-Backs-is-Producing-562077611.html

Former Olympian and firefighter Chris Barlow has made exercise a lifetime commitment

Chris Barlow, who grew up in the United Kingdom, once dreamed of having a job that paid him to work out and keep fit. He found that by being a firefighter, and the former U.S. Olympic kayaker still is on the water whenever possible. My story on him for the Health section of the Union-Tribune: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/story/2019-09-30/former-water-sports-ace-stays-fit-coaching-next-generation-athletes

Shanahan waves off 3-0 start in 2019

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Kyle Shanahan says his undefeated 49ers haven't won anything yet and could still miss the playoffs. They need to keep bearing down, he says. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Shanahan-is-Being-Cautious-Even-After-49ers-3-0-Start-561975521.html

Jacobs so far is NFL's top-rated rookie

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Running back Josh Jacobs, after four games, is graded at the top of this draft class by national analysts.https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Jacobs-Ranks-as-NFLs-Top-Rookie-So-Far-561972821.html

Crosby putting Maxx pressure on QBs

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie defensive end Maxx Crosby appears to be the real deal. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Maxx-Crosby-is-Coming-On-in-a-Rush-for-Raiders-561899351.html

Rookie Moseley will get shot at cornerback

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Undrafted rookie Emmanuel Moseley will start at cornerback in the absence of Ahkello Witherspoon. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Fast-and-Feisty-Rookie-Cornerback-is-on-the-Spot-for-49ers-561895891.html