Northeastern star Kendall Coyne returns from Sochi Games eager to take on more of a leadership role

Kendall Coyne is one of the fastest women's hockey players on the planet, and a key piece of the U.S. team that won a silver medal at the Sochi Olympics. Now back at Northeastern for her junior season, she's trying to be a better leader after watching the veterans on Team USA. My story for USA Hockey: http://www.usahockey.com/news_article/show/446292?referrer_id=752796

Smith's return should add spark to 49ers' defense

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The return of pass rush standout Aldon Smith is the first of several key additions to the team over the next few weeks. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Return-of-Smith-Should-Give-49ers-a-Boost-282286091.html

It's not too early for Raiders to think about offseason

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders are 0-9, so it's likely that the offseason will be far more productive than the rest of this season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Pain-of-2014-Season-May-Lead-to-Offseason-Opportunities-282280831.html

Sometimes, Kaepernick's skills appear amazing

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: How many other NFL quarterbacks would have been able to complete a laser-like, 51-yard throw as Colin Kaepernick did in an overtime victory over the Saints Sunday? Maybe none. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/With-Kaepernick-49ers-Are-Always-Well-Armed-282144351.html

Carr suffers embarrassing moment in rough rookie season

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Derek Carr completed the pass ... but to his left guard in lopsided loss to the Broncos. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Carr-Will-Try-to-Rebound-From-Shaky-Outing-282148911.html

No surprise: Winless Raiders pummeled by Broncos

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The winless Raiders were no competition for AFC-champion Broncos in a 41-17 decision in Oakland. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Knocked-Out-by-Broncos-Big-Second-Half-282084751.html

NIners fight back to beat Saints in overtime

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: With perhaps the fate of the season on the line, the 49ers prevail over the Saints in overtime. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Fight-Back-to-Get-Victory-and-Perhaps-Save-Season-282077611.html

Do Raiders stand a chance vs. Broncos & Manning?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: If the Raiders are to stop Peyton Manning & Co., the defense will have to tackle very, very well (among other things). http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Havent-Had-Success-vs-Manning-led-Broncos-281921011.html

49ers' own problems are biggest obstacle in New Orleans

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Saints are playing well and always hard to beat at home, but the real obstacle to the 49ers in New Orleans Sunday may be their own problems on offense. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Saints-Loom-But-49ers-Biggest-Challenge-is-Own-Execution-281925001.html

For married weightlifters, love is (Olympic-level) strong

Caleb and Kelly Williams know it's a long shot, but they'd both love to qualify for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Both won U.S. weightlifting championships this year and are now at the World Championships. My story on them for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2014/November/06/Heavy-Lifting-No-Problem-For-Husband-And-Wife-Duo

Minnesota standout Hannah Brandt, always a great scorer, continues to improve her game in other areas

Since her freshman season, Hannah Brandt of Minnesota has been one of the highest-scoring players in women's college hockey. Now a junior, she's become a much better skater as well, allowing her to make a difference all over the ice. My story for USA Hockey: http://www.usawomenshockey.com/news_article/show/444429

For 49ers, it's now or never vs. Saints

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: If the 49ers want to go to the playoffs again, they know their drive must begin Sunday in New Orleans. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/For-49ers-Playoff-Drive-Starts-Sunday-281782211.html

Beat-up Raiders secondary now faces test in Manning

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: A patchwork secondary of rookies and backups is likely Sunday for the Raiders vs. the Broncos. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Secondary-Hurting-With-Manning-up-Next-281777951.html

Next Wings for Life World Run will be mostly the same in 2015, with just a few new wrinkles

This past May, the Wings for Life World Run was the first running event held simultaneously around the globe. More than 35,000 runners participated and more than $4 million was raised for research about spinal injuries. Now the 2015 date for the run has been announced, along with a few changes to the event. My story for ESPN Endurance: http://espn.go.com/blog/endurance/post/_/id/2479/next-wings-for-life-relay-set-for-summer-2015

"Hardhead" Chris Borland showing he can play

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former Wisconsin star linebacker Chris Borland isn't big or fast, but he can play, as he showed with 18 tackles vs. the Rams. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Borland-Giving-49ers-a-Knockout-Linebacker-281461211.html

Raiders have re-discovered tight end Mychal Rivera

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Earlier this season, tight end Mychal Rivera seemed to have vanished from the offensive game plan. That's not the case now. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Rivera-is-Suddenly-a-Big-Part-of-Offense-Again-281457511.html

49ers' offense looks lost in unexpected loss to Rams

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: When the game was on the line and the 49ers needed just a few yards, they went to the air -- a departure from the first three years of the Jim Harbaugh era. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/This-Edition-of-Harbaughs-49ers-Looks-Different-281318691.html

Carrie shines again in another Raiders loss

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Cornerback T.J. Carrie, a seventh-round pick, is having a big impact on Raiders on defense and special teams. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Carrie-Becoming-Key-Piece-of-Raiders-Future-281313281.html

Late fumble seals 49ers' ugly loss to Rams

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: A last-second fumble on a quarterback sneak sealed San Francisco's 13-10 loss to the limping and struggling Rams. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Shocked-by-Wounded-Rams-281242201.html

Raiders get another moral victory...and fall to 0-8

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: After falling behind the Seahawks 24-3, Oakland rallies but loses 30-24. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Rally-But-Fall-Short-in-Seattle-281243571.html