Latavius Murray could emerge as Raiders' best back

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland has Maurice Jones-Drew and Darren McFadden, but 2013 sixth-round pick Latavius Murray may be the team's most complete back, and could emerge in 2014. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Excited-to-See-Murray-in-Action-265225561.html

Niners' fans should appreciate Justin Smith while they can

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Justin Smith will soon turn 35, so his days in the NFL are numbered. But he remains a force. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/At-34-Justin-Smith-is-Still-Golden-for-49ers-264925201.html

Raiders still have plenty to spend

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Though Oakland has gone on a free-agent spending spree, it still has more than $10 million available. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-With-Money-to-Spend-Can-Still-Make-Moves-264910711.html

Davis' holdout may open door for 49ers' Carrier

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Tight end Derek Carrier has been making the most of increased opportunities this spring with the holdout of Vernon Davis. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Carrier-Getting-His-Chance-to-Impress-264740301.html

Niners encouraged by what they see in Gabbert

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Can Blaine Gabbert give the 49ers a capable backup QB in 2014? So far, the 49ers like what they see. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Liking-What-They-See-in-Gabbert-264585051.html

Raiders get a bonus with return of Burris

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The return of linebacker Miles Burris could be a bonus for a more dynamic linebacking corps in Oakland in 2014: http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Return-of-Burris-Gives-Raiders-Deep-Linebacking-Group-264579511.html

Winter Olympic and Paralympic athletes from the Sochi Games excited about nominations for this year's ESPYs

When the ESPYs are awarded next month in Los Angeles, a flock of Olympic and Paralympic standouts from Sochi's Games will be on hand to take part in what some describe as sports' annual Oscars. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2014/June/25/Tweet-all-about-it-Team-USA-all-over-ESPYS-nominations

Injury to Niners' No. 1 pick has put him far behind

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Can Jimmie Ward catch up in training camp enough to make an impact in Game 1? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-No-1-Pick-Will-be-Playing-Catch-up-264412661.html

WR Butler could step up in second year with Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Brice Butler didn't have many catches his first season, but he has a skill set that could make him a future standout pass catcher for Oakland. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/In-Second-Year-Butler-Could-Emerge-for-Raiders-264406241.html

Expect 49ers' "different" offense to be mostly the same

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers say their offense in 2014 will be different. What does that mean? It probably doesn't mean abandoning the run and throwing every down. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Different-Offense-May-be-Mostly-the-Same-264250801.html

McGloin has slipped to No. 3 in Raiders' QB order

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: What does it mean for Matt McGloin that rookie Derek Carr has moved up to No. 2 on Raiders' quarterback depth chart? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Rookie-QB-Carr-Already-has-Surpassed-McGloin-264247441.html

After setting a world record in the 4x100-meter relay in 2013, U.S. 'Dream Team' of sprinting rivals wants to go even lower

When Jarryd Wallace, Jerome Singleton, Richard Browne and Blake Leeper have been united as the American 4x100-meter relay team, the fab foursome has done some amazing things, including set a Paralympic world record. Now they want to keep lowering that record. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics/Features/2014/June/20/US-4x100-A-Dream-Team-of-Rivals

Paralympics standout Raymond Martin working hard to hold off whoever emerges as the next Raymond Martin

Raymond Martin was a breakout star at the London Paralympics of 2012, winning four gold medals in wheelchair racing as an 18-year-old. Now working toward the 2016 Games, Martin knows he'll have to be better because new, stronger and faster Paralympians continue to enter competition. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics/Features/2014/June/16/Raymond-Martin-weary-of-next-Raymond-Martin

Olympic gold-medal halfpipe skier David Wise has flipped over fatherhood

Gold-medal freestyle skier David Wise says becoming a father two years ago put his entire life into much better perspective. He's not only found great joy in being a dad, but he's now a better skier since learning that there are more important things than how he performs in the halfpipe. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2014/June/15/Fatherhood-Success-Go-Hand-In-Hand-For-David-Wise

49ers' investment in Martin could pay big dividends

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Trading a seventh-round pick for Jonathan Martin may prove, in the long run, to be a true win-win move. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Martin-Could-Give-49ers-a-Big-Payoff-263030211.html

Mack impressing his veteran Raiders teammates

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Linebacker Khalil Mack is getting excited reviews from Raiders teammates who have been around the block a few times. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Mack-is-Impressing-His-Raiders-Teammates-263029171.html

Niners' Gore, now 31, still packs a punch

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Running back Frank Gore, 31, says boxing has helped him defy the rigors of age in the NFL. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Gore-Working-Hard-to-Defy-His-Age-262888891.html

Raiders tap "Ninja Assassin" to help on defensive line

Daily Raiders blog on NBC Bay Area website: Antonio Smith, aka the "Ninja Assassin," is switching from defensive end to defensive tackle this season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Hoping-Smith-Can-be-a-Force-at-Defensive-Tackle-262882001.html

Cook hoping to resurrect career with 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: With the Vikings in 2013, Chris Cook gave up more TD passes than any other cornerback in the NFL. Now, he's hoping to bounce back with the 49ers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Hoping-Cook-is-a-Good-Fit-in-Secondary-262715331.html

Raiders pencil in Penn at left tackle

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former Buc Donald Penn believes he can protect Matt Schaub's blind side in 2014, even though he gave up 13.5 sacks in 2013. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Believe-Penn-Can-Protect-Schaubs-Blind-Side-262710091.html