Which 49ers defense will show up Sunday?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: San Francisco's defense two weeks ago was strong. Last week, it was horrible. Which defense will show up vs. the Cardinals?  http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Hope-Defense-Can-Fix-Leaks-by-Sunday-448662333.html

Raiders defense needs to improve on third down

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland's third-down defense through three games is one of the worst in the NFL. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Third-Down-Conversions-are-Killing-Raiders-Defense-448668293.html

Cooper's hands coming into question again

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Wideout Amari Cooper is having trouble holding on to the ball, a problem he seemed to conquer after his rookie year. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Cooper-is-Dropping-Into-a-Bad-Habit-448489433.html

49ers face a three-game road test

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 0-3 49ers now must go on the road three straight weeks an four out of the next five. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Upcoming-Travel-Schedule-Will-Test-49ers-448480453.html

Hoyer will try to build on first good game as a 49er

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Can Brian Hoyer keep rolling vs. the Cardinals?http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Hoyer-Bounces-Back-to-Show-49ers-He-Can-be-Effective-QB-447967903.html

Crabtree needs a bounce-back game vs. Broncos

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Raiders wideout Michael Crabtree will try to fight back from injury and insult. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Can-Crabtree-Bounce-Back-in-Time-for-Broncos-447960673.html

For one game, at least, Raiders O-line falters

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Usually dominant Raiders offensive line has an off night in loss to Washington. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Offensive-Line-Has-Rare-Off-Night-447680253.html

Niners defense loses Tank Carrdadine

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Defensive end Tank Carradine may be lost for the season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Defense-Loses-a-Standout-in-Carradine-447692833.html

Raiders protest, then fall flat in D.C.

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: After winning two straight, the Raiders finally play a bad game and lose to Washington. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Fall-Flat-in-Washington-447526283.html

Niners keep losing, yet there are some good signs

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: In losing their third game to open 2017, this time to the Rams, the offense came alive and the team kept battling. It looks like a different team than the 2014-2016 editions. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Are-Showing-Some-Spark-Even-While-Losing-446829443.html

Raiders' O-line leads charge into Washington

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Sunday night's matchup with the Redskins should be an offensive duel. When the Raiders' put up points, it's a tribute to the team's elite blocking unit. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Heading-Across-Country-to-Seek-3-0-Start-446839993.html

Rams defense has a tough assignment: Stop Hyde

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Running back Carlos Hyde is showing he's on a track to a breakout season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Likely-to-Ride-Hyde-vs-the-Rams-446468953.html

In second season, Joseph is evolving into playmaker

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Second-year safety Karl Joseph is making an impact by blitzing, stopping the run and providing pass coverage. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Joseph-is-Making-Big-Strides-in-Second-Season-446451843.html

49ers defense, Rams offense both are improved

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers defense, which seemed to take a big step forward last week, will be challenged by a revamped Rams offense Thursday night that looks nothing like the "middle-school offense" it featured in 2016. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Will-Face-a-Much-Changed-Rams-Offense-446090053.html

Raiders rookie Conley has solid debut

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: No. 1 pick Gareon Conley has a solid first game as an NFL cornerback. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Conleys-Impressive-Debut-a-Good-Sign-for-Raiders-445735893.html

Tomlinson inserted at guard, gets strong reviews

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former Lions guard Laken Tomlinson gave the 49ers a lift in his first start vs. Seahawks. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Change-on-49ers-Offensive-Line-Improves-Performance-445725933.html

49ers let lead (and win) slip away in Seattle

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers held a fourth-quarter lead in Seattle, yet let it slip away in a 12-9 defeat. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Let-Lead-Slip-Away-in-Seattle-445174373.html

Raiders offense is explosive in win over Jets

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: If the Raiders offense is as explosive as it showed in a win over the Jets, they could be en route to a great season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Offense-Shows-its-Potential-in-Victory-Over-Jets-445168063.html

Florida's Hildren Francis found a new course in life by paddling dragon boats, and then outrigger canoes

When Hildren Francis needed something new and exciting in her life after multiple changes, she found dragon boat racing. Her love of that paddle sport eventually led her to another sport, too, that has filled her life fun, companionship and adventure. My story on Francis for ESPNW's Weekend Warrior series: http://www.espn.com/espnw/life-style/article/20708814/how-unusual-paddle-sport-changed-hildren-francis-life-forever

49ers' Hoyer ready for first visit to Seattle

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Brian Hoyer has been around the NFL a while, yet he's never played in Seattle. That changes Sunday. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Brian-Hoyer-Will-Lead-49ers-Into-Unfriendly-Territory-444680043.html