Defense has been a rare positive for Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The surge in the Raiders' defensive play over the past five games under John Pagano is a sign of hope for 2018. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Late-Season-Rise-of-Raiders-Defense-Provides-Hope-for-2018-467149563.html

Foster setting the tone for 49ers' defense

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie linebacker Reuben Foster is setting the tone for 49ers' improved run defense. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Foster-is-Leading-49ers-Improved-Defense-Against-the-Run-467144233.html

Paratriathlete and disability-rights attorney Emily Harvey tries to be a force of positivity for every person she meets

Emily Harvey has always considered it normal to have a prosthetic leg. Since the age of 2, she's been climbing trees, playing soccer and running with it. Now Harvey, a disability-rights attorney, is a triathlete eager for her first full Ironman race in 2018. My story on her for ESPNW.com: http://www.espn.com/espnw/life-style/article/21894389/emily-harvey-disability-rights-lawyer-nonprofit-founder-top-paratriathlete

Will Raiders keep Sean Smith?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Highly paid cornerback Sean Smith was horrible to start the season, but now has been terrific under a new defensive coordinator. Plus, he has an off-field issue. Will Oakland decide to keep him around?https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Smiths-Future-With-Raiders-is-a-Question-Mark-466982203.html

Analysts say Garoppolo has been exceptional

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: How good has QB Jimmy Garoppolo been? Analysts say his performance is historic. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Analysts-Garoppolos-Play-Has-Been-Exceptionally-Good-466975743.html

Lynch struck gold with first draft

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Solomon Thomas, Reuben Foster, Ahkello Witherspoon, George Kittle and Trent Taylor are among the impact rookies helping 49ers' turnaround. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Lynchs-First-49ers-Draft-Class-Making-Big-Impact-466801293.html

Will Raiders fire Jack Del Rio?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Some believe the Raiders may actually fire head coach Jack Del Rio after his first bad season. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Will-Del-Rio-Survive-This-Disappointing-Season-466606753.html

Suddenly, 49ers are giddy about future

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: After four straight victories, some 49ers are talking about the playoffs and winning the Super Bowl next season. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Enjoying-Visions-of-Future-Greatness-466614793.html

Raiders lose ugly on Christmas

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Are website: The Raiders were in position to win vs. the Eagles, then collapsed. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Lose-Ugly-in-Philadelphia-466527133.html

Do you believe in miracles? 49ers win 4th straight

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jimmy Garoppolo directs 49ers to wild win over Jaguars. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Keep-Rolling-This-Time-Over-AFC-South-Champion-Jaguars-466339993.html

Shalane Flanagan's inspiring victory for an American at the New York City was one of 2017's best marathon moments ... as was a gorilla in London

Shalane Flanagan, the Nike quest to beat a 2-hour marathon, a gorilla on the run in London and an unfortunate wardrobe malfunction are among the most memorable marathon moments of 2017. My story for ESPN.com's Endurance section: http://www.espn.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/21837747/a-gorilla-london-marathon-other-top-race-moments-2017

What are the biggest health and fitness trends coming out of 2017?

Going back to the basics is one of the themes for health and fitness as we approach a new year. My story for the San Diego Union-Tribune's Health section: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/sd-he-health-trends-20171218-story.html

Carr says he'll learn from this year's troubles

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Derek Carr says the problems he's experienced this year will make him even better. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Carr-Vows-to-Work-Hard-and-be-Better-Than-Ever-465925033.html

Accuracy is Garoppolo's hallmark

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: New 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo has graded as the most accurate in the league over his three starts for his team. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Garoppolos-Getting-High-Marks-for-Accuracy--465932943.html

Trail running camp for military veterans and Gold Star families is an introduction to a way to deal with stresses and depression while finding joy in the outdoors

On Veterans Day weekend, 20 military veterans and members of Gold Star families gathered to take part in a trail running camp put on by Band of Runners, a non-profit group formed by experienced ultra runners. The camp's aim was to introduce trail running to them to help them cope with stresses and find joy in the outdoors. For many who took part, the camp was a door to new things and better mental and physical well being. My story for MotivRunning.com: https://www.motivrunning.com/running-life/inspiring-stories/band-of-runners/

Is Trent Brown in 49ers' long-term plans?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Trent Brown is injured and will need surgery. Will that impact a longer-term deal for the offensive tackle?https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Trent-Brown-Has-Evolved-into-Top-Tier-Tackle-465698563.html

Lynch is still a punishing runner at age 32

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Marshawn Lynch at 31 is rated as one of the NFL's most effective backs in 2017. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Even-at-31-Raiders-Lynch-is-Among-NFLs-Toughest-Runners-465689973.html

Tavecchio's season has been up, down and all around

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie Raiders kicker Giorgio Tavecchio started off on top of the world in Game 1, but has had some problems since in what has been an overall solid season. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Tavecchio-Has-Experienced-Highs-and-Lows-in-First-NFL-season-465465673.html

Darren Bennett, the Pied Piper of Punting for Australians, has played host to hundreds of his countrymen

Darren Bennett led the way, become the first former Aussie rules player to make it in the NFL as a punter. Bennett, an All-Pro, spawned a wave from Down Under of athletes trying to make it in college or pro football. Inevitably, many wind up staying at the Hotel Bennett, the home Darren and his wife, Rosemary, open to them. My story for ESPN.com: http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/21241880/how-darren-bennett-became-patron-saint-australian-punters-nfl-college-football

Paralympic track and road cyclist Allison Jones uses mountain biking to keep her mind and training fresh

During her offseason for road and track cycling, Paralympian Allison Jones can be found on the mountain bike trails near her home in Colorado Springs. My story for TeamUSA.org: https://www.teamusa.org/News/2017/December/20/My-Focus-How-Mountain-Biking-Helps-Allison-Jones-Reach-Another-Paralympic-Podium