Raiders finally shut down a running game

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland has had one of the worst rushing defenses in the league, so it was a point of concern going into its game vs. Texas, which has one of the best backs in the NFL in Arian Foster. For at least this game, the Raiders stepped up and shut down the Texans. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Show-Big-Improvement-Against-the-Run-131460088.html

Just call him 'the Gore of Yore'

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Frank Gore had a horrible start to the 2011 season, which had some wondering if his best days were behind him. The past two weeks, however, the Niners running back has looked like his old self. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Hes-Now-Running-Like-the-49ers-Gore-of-Yore-131456678.html

With big win over Bucs, 49ers are on a roll

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The offense was working, the defense was working and San Francisco was cruising in a 48-3 victory over the previously 3-1 Tampa Bay Bucs, giving the 49ers a 4-1 record, their best start in almost a decade. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Overwhelm-Bucs-as-Offense-Defense-Click-131428723.html

Raiders get emotional win in remembrance of Davis

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: A day after Al Davis' death, the Raiders put together a series of minor miracles to beat Houston 25-20, leaving coach Hue Jackson in tears. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-win-one-for-Al-131425093.html

Ex-Navy SEAL fulfilling long-delayed football dream

In his 13 years as a Navy SEAL, JP Bolwahnn put aside the desire to play college football. He had more important things to consider. But at age 34, he's back in pads and helmet, realizing a dream he thought was long buried, playing football at the University of San Diego. The last time he'd carried the football was in 1994, at Eldorado High in New Mexico. My story for the Albuquerque Journal: http://www.abqjournal.com/sports/2011/10/09/former-navy-seal-inspires-on-gridiron.html

The passing of a legend, Al Davis

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Al Davis was one of the most influential people in the history of pro football. Love him or hate him, he made the Raiders -- and the NFL -- what they are today. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Al-Davis-is-Gone-But-HIs-Legacy-is-Forever-131389358.html

Jeopardy for Oct. 7 on ESPN.com

The only time you'll ever read about Hank Williams Jr. and Jello Biafra in the same sentence: My Jeopardy for ESPN.com's Page 2 for Oct. 7: http://espn.go.com/espn/page2/index?id=7071258

Raiders & Texans: They do run, run

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: While the rest of the NFL teams are in a passing frenzy, Oakland with Darren McFadden and Houston with Arian Foster are throwback, run-first teams. Their matchup Sunday should feature plenty of carries for those two featured backs. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Expect-Raiders-Texans-to-Pound-it-Out-131333404.html

Niners hope to keep up momentum vs. Bucs

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: San Francisco, at 3-1 after two straight comeback victories, plays host to Tampa Bay Sunday in a matchup of surprise division leaders. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Can-49ers-Maintain-Momentum-vs-Bucs-131330379.html

Jackson not praising his holey defense

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Head coach Hue Jackson knows the Raiders' rush defense is bad. If he were the Texans this week, he'd run on it, too, until Oakland can prove it can stop somebody. So far, it hasn't. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Jackson-Still-Vexed-About-Lack-of-Run-D-131227914.html

The Bucs may stop here, vs. 49ers' front seven

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: San Francisco's front 3-4 defensive alignment has become one of the NFL's best at stuffing the run, and the Tampa Bay Bucs have noticed. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Front-Seven-is-Among-NFLs-Best-131225464.html

Rockin' out at the Sportsplex

Eddie Vandiver admits he likes the spotlight. So the lead singer for one of San Diego County's best rock 'n' roll cover bands feels right at home as general manager of one of Santee's busiest places, the Sportsplex USA facility that has bright lights, music and lots of action. His story for the On the Job in Santee series: http://santee.patch.com/articles/on-the-job-rocking-out-at-the-sportsplex#c

Is Raiders' McClain to blame for bad run defense?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rolando McClain is called out by ex-Raider Bill Romanowski as a weak link in Oakland's run defense. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/McClain-T-131058218.html

The "new" Alex Smith is leading 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former No. 1 overall draft choice Alex Smith is starting to get credit for being at the hub of the San Francisco 49ers' turnaround this season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Whos-That-49ers-QB-Wearing-No-11-131054588.html

Yes, New Mexico is the Land of Enchantment (and more)

New Mexico has much to offer for visitors, and once there, you'll likely run out of time before you run out of things to do. By using Albuquerque as a hub, you can take the long tram up Sandia Peak and go for a hike in tall pines, explore Old Town, visit Acoma Pueblo (Sky City), take a drive to Taos and Santa Fe or hike through Petroglyph National Monument. But no matter where you go, remember to eat the (New) Mexican food. It's different than any food you've ever had. My travel story for the San Diego Union-Tribune: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/oct/03/seven-ways-to-discover-new-mexico/?print

Campbell takes blame for loss to Patriots

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area: After playing so well in his first three games, Jason Campbell's two interceptions against New England proved to be huge factors in a loss to the Patriots. Although he threw for a career high in yardage as a Raider, Campbell said his errors were the difference in the game. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Campbell-Disappointed-in-Play-vs-Pats-130983808.html

49ers winning the turnover battle for a change

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: In the past few seasons, the 49ers have always been on the short end of the stick when it comes to turnover margin, one of the most telling stats in football. This year, the Niners are on the plus side -- and winning. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Improvement-Reflected-in-Turnover-Margin-130981073.html

Raiders defense gets a 'D' in loss to Patriots

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland tried to match the Patriots score for score, but mistakes on offense and a porous defense spelled doom. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Mistakes-Porous-Defense-Doom-Raiders-130948148.html

49ers victory in Philly indicates 'plan' is working

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: San Francisco scores final 21 points of the game to beat the Eagles in Philly and improve to 3-1 this season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/With-Another-Win-49ers-Turnaround-Looks-Legit-130942743.html

This teacher hopes to open minds with books

John Vanderpot, who teaches at both Helix High School and San Diego State, tries to pass on his love of literature and reading to the students who take his classes. To him, reading is one of the great joys of life and he wants to pass on that passion. His profile, for the "A Living in La Mesa" series. http://lamesa.patch.com/articles/reading-and-running-animate-11-year-helix-teacher-john-vanderpot#c