Category: NFL

Sportstalk at Ping Yang Grill and Dessert in San Francisco remote podcast: Monday, September 9, 2019

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yelp.com photo: Dining room section at Ping Yang Grill and Desert at 955 Larkin Street in downtown San Francisco which was formerly Little Henry’s Restaurant.

Cast: Mary Lisa Walsh (SJ Sharks beat writer), Marko Ukalovic (SJ Barracuda beat writer), Jeremy Harness (NFL analyst, PGA Golf reporter), Lewis Rubman (Oakland A’s beat writer), David Zizmor (SF 49ers podcast host), and Lee Leonard (producer).

On the podcast today from Ping Yang Grill and Dessert at 955 Larkin Street downtown San Francisco: Our thanks to your host Bay owner and proprietor at Ping Yang Grill and Dessert. Ping Yang serves some of San Francisco’s favorite Thai food: Pad Thai, Thai Crepe, Chicken Thigh, Tom Yum Soup, Curry Noodle Soup, Tender Pork Shoulder, Beef Short Ribs, Chocolate Crepe, Nutella Banana Crepe, and many more. Bay welcomes you to try many of Ping Yang’s dessert favorites. Located at the corner of Larkin and Sutter Streets in downtown San Francisco, Ping Yang Grill and Dessert.

On today’s podcast: Discussions on the National Hockey League 2019-20 season preparing to start. The San Jose Sharks what they added and how Erik Karlsson will be the face and impact of this year’s team. The Oakland A’s in the hunt for postseason play. The San Francisco 49ers’ Jimmy Garoppolo and how the progress looks from week one. The Oakland Raiders, who lost Antonio Brown to the New England Patriots, plus much more.

San Francisco 49ers podcast with David Zizmor: Defense shows up in 49ers opener in Tampa Bay

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Photo credit: mercurynews.com

On the 49ers podcast with David:

#1 How important is it for the 49ers to take advantage of the four forced turnovers in their 31-17 win on Sunday in Tampa Bay?

#2 Talk about the game ejection of Kwon Alexander and the helmet to helmet hit on Tampa Bay quarterback Jameis Winston. Alexander said it was not intentional.

David does the 49ers podcasts each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

AB Commentary: Old Wounds That Never Heal

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Photo credit: cbssports.com

By London Marq

The Antonio Brown saga is far from over. Brown’s off the field shenanigans and his progress will be marked through every week of the 2019 season. It will only be magnified by the fact that he signed with the most hated team in the National Football League, the New England Patriots. Brown adds to a wide receiver core that already includes Super Bowl MVP Julian Edelman and Demaryius Thomas, who won a championship with Denver in Super Bowl 50, and is sure to be a nightmare for defenses all season long. That’s without mentioning Tom Brady, or the abundance of talent New England possesses on both sides of the ball. New England was already one of the favorites to represent the AFC in the Superbowl before acquiring the Brown. Now, they look like primed to repeat as champions.

Brown is just the most recent of a long line of disgruntled players to leave their team and sign with New England. From the moment of his release from Oakland it seemed like it was only a matter of time before Antonio Brown became a Patriot. No two fanbases have more hatred and vitriol for the New England Patriots than Oakland and Pittsburgh fans and the Brown signing has ripped open old wounds.

For the Raiders, it is story of stolen glory. It all goes back to the January of 2002 and the tuck rule that turned Tom Brady’s fumble into an incompletion, propelling New England to their first Super Bowl. It was an officiating call that will live in infamy and one that Raider fans will never forget. The raiders would make it to the Super Bowl the following year, losing to Tampa Bay and haven’t won a playoff game since. Meanwhile, the Patriots have been to eight more Super Bowls and winning five of them. In 2005, Hall of Famer Randy Moss was traded to the Raiders bringing hope to the franchise. But after posting only 553 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2006 the Raiders traded Moss to New England where his career was immediately revived. In his first season as a Patriot, Moss had over 1,500 yards and 23 touchdowns, setting the all-time record to receiving touchdowns in a season. Moss’s effort in New England was a slap in the face to the Raiders who couldn’t get Moss to display any work ethic. In short, much like Antonio Brown, he didn’t want to play for Oakland.

Pittsburgh has also lost significant players to New England and those players have helped the New England win championships. Frustrated with his role, running back LeGarrette Blount walked off the field before the end of game versus the Titans in 2014. Two days later he signed with the Patriots and was instrumental in helping them when the championship three months later. Linebacker James Harrison joined New England only a few days after being waived by Pittsburgh. To make matters worse, the Steelers are arguably the Patriots biggest rival over the past two decades and they are constantly battling New England for the top spot in the AFC. It’s devastating from their perspective to see their former players join their biggest and toughest rivals.

But who could blame the Raiders or the Steelers? Antonio Brown has been a constant headache for both organizations and clearly demonstrated that he didn’t want to play for either team. His actions cost Pittsburgh a playoff berth last season and almost certainly tanked Oaklands chances this season. What choice does a team have with a player who doesn’t want to show up to work. It has been said time and time again, teams only want players who want to be there. Now the Raiders and Steelers must watch New England benefit from their decision to do what was best for their team and let Brown go.

New England’s acquisition of Antonio Brown spells terror for 31 other teams. It’s difficult to see them as anything but a Super Bowl favorites, even at this early point in the season. But for the Raiders and Steelers, two teams who have been victimized so many times by New England on and off the field, this is a recurring trauma.

Defense Stands Tall as 49ers Beat Buccaneers 31-17 in Season Opener

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Photo credit: nbcbayarea.com

By: Joe Lami

The Niners defense forced four turnovers on Sunday, more than half of their 2018 total, as they earned their first victory of the season 31-17 over Tampa Bay. The defense carried the weight in the win, outscoring the offense 2-1 in the touchdown department.

San Francisco’s new-look defense appears to be running on full steam by the time the second half rolled around where they would see two pick-sixes from Richard Sherman and Ahkello Witherspoon. The updated front seven created chaos for Jameis Winston, picking up three sacks on the Bucs’ QB.

Winston struggled, finishing 20 of 36 for 194 yards and one touchdown.

Rookie Joey Bosa picked up his first career sack while getting three QB hits, and three tackles. Bosa was fooled early in the contest by Winston in the pocket but said postgame that it was a great learning experience.

While the defense deserves praise, the offense still has a ways to go. Jimmy Garoppolo was good enough to earn the win, throwing 18 of 27 for 166 yards, a touchdown, and a pick-six. His favorite target was George Kittle who carried the most of the weight with eight catches for 54 yards. He would’ve scored a touchdown early in the first quarter, but it was called back via penalty.

Penalties cost both teams dramatically, taking away a combined five touchdowns. The Niners were whistled 11 times for 87 yards, taking away three touchdowns and killing multiple drives.

The Niners rushing attack was mediocre, fueled by Raheem Mostert, Matt Breida, and Tevin Coleman. Mostert got the blunt of the workload in the second half trying to put the game away. He finished with nine carries for 40 yards, while Breida got 15 carries for 37 yards.

Coleman’s 49ers’ debut was cut short, as he went down with an ankle injury after getting six carries for 23 yards. He’s scheduled for an x-ray on Monday.

Garoppolo’s lone TD came on the opening possession of the second half, finding Richie James Jr. from 39-yards out down the left sideline. It was James’ first career score.

Sherman earned his third career pick-six immediately following James’ score, giving the Niners a 20-7 lead. It also marked his first interception in the red and gold, as the former all-pro was shutout last season.

The unsung hero was backup linebacker Mark Nzeocha, who blocked a punt and had an interception. Nzeocha entered the game when former Bucs’ linebacker Kwon Alexander was ejected for targeting Winston.

Witherspoon’s first career touchdown put the game out of reach in the fourth quarter, making it 30-17 with 2:01 remaining.

The victory is a huge morale boost for San Francisco. Much of the off-season was dedicated towards adding to the pass rush and forcing more turnovers. They did just that in the win. The Niners will now extend their road trip, with a matchup against the 0-1 Bengals next Sunday at 10:00 a.m. PST.

Raiders report: Did Brown act deliberately so he could join Belichick and the Patriots?

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sfgate.com file photo: Former Oakland Raider Antonio Brown (84) in this August 20th photo tunes up with the team during practice. Brown was signed to the New England Patriots hours after getting released by the Oakland Raiders on Saturday.

By Jerry Feitelberg

You can only speculate and it’s anyone’s guess, but the timing was awfully quick and you might have saw  Oakland Raiders former running back Antonio Brown on video celebrating by running to the distance of close to 50 yards from his kitchen to his backyard fence when he learned that the Raiders released him.

It didn’t take long after learning that after leaving the Raiders he was sought by the New England Patriots. Could it be possible that Brown had foreknowledge that if he could somehow get out from under the Raiders and that he would be able to play for the New England Patriots?

It also was brought up by conspiracy theorists that the Pats rivals the Pittsburgh Steelers who will be facing the Pats for Week 1 this Sunday would have loved to have Brown in for Sunday’s game. Head coach Bill Belichick is always thinking and if anyone doesn’t think he just might have had knowledge of video gate, deflate gate, or any other gate would be naive. Hence, the playbook to get Brown on the Patriots by hook or crook.

Brown, who was signed by the Pats, didn’t make the roster missing the 4 p.m. deadline on Saturday in order to play in tomorrow’s game against the Steelers. Brown, if you watched the video, was just a little too happy upon learning of his release from Oakland, but be as it may, he joins the Patriots for $15 million on a one-year deal.

There is little doubt that the Patriots could use a guy like Brown and when all the fuss of the helmet, the missed practices and walk throughs, suspensions, fines, arguments with Raiders general manager Mike Mayock, photos of his fines from Mayock, recorded conversations with head coach Jon Gruden about wanting to be a Raiders or not, came out it was just a matter of time when Brown would be leaving the Raiders and the Patriots no doubt stood up and took notice.

You could be rest assured Brown will not fuss too much like he did in Oakland once he gets to New England. He won’t fuss about his helmet, going to practice, showing up for meetings, and getting along with Belichick. Let Brown experience just a few Sundays and he’ll be as happy as a clam because he feels like he’s with a real franchise now.

Fantasy Football Doctors Podcast NFL Week 1

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Fantasy Football Doctors Podcast Week 1

your hosts: Dr. Vasu Vaddiparty and Dr. Charlie O. Mallonee

  • If you have Antonio Brown in your starting lineup, bench him! He doesn’t have a team at the moment.

  • Who are the less than obvious quarterbacks to start on Sunday?

  • Quality wide receivers are thin this season. Who should you go with this week?

  • What about the role of the Tight End on your team this week?

  • What should you be looking for in a defense?

  • The most important advice – DON’T PANIC!

Here’s the advice you need to win your week one fantasy matchup. The doctors are in, so take their winning prescription.

Oakland Raiders special report: Brown released by Raiders

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sfgate.com file photo: Oakland Raiders wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) during an an NFL preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. The Raiders won 33-26.

By Jeremy Kahn

OAKLAND — Before he even played a game for the Oakland Raiders, Antonio Brown is gone from the Silver and Black.

Brown was released by the team after he posted on Instagram that he be released by the team, who acquired him from the Pittsburgh Steelers back in February.

According to ESPNs Adam Schefter and NFL sources, Brown was fined $215,073.53 for conduct detrimental to the team.

The end of Browns tenure came after he emailed another ESPN insider, Jeff Darlington and stated that there is no way that he will play for the Raiders.

Brown will be a free agent at 1:01 (Pacific) this afternoon; however, he is not eligible to play this week.

ESPN.com contributed to this report

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Joe Lami: Lots of expectation in Week 1 from Garoppolo; 49ers address their injuries; plus more

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Photo credit: buccaneers.com

On the 49ers podcast with Joe:

#1 There has been so much speculation on 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to get it done. He said this past week that he’s throwing an incompletion intentionally.

#2 Garoppolo is in the second year of his $173.5 million contract. That’s a lot of expectation for that amount of money.

#3 Everybody is looking for Jimmy G after his ACL injury. There is so much expectation on Garoppolo, but Garoppolo says he can fill the bill and is anxious to get the season underway.

#4 Injuries, injuries plague the San Francisco lineup. Tackles Daniel Brunskill and rookie Justin Skule have not played a down last season. The big loss is Shon Coleman to a leg injury. 49ers general manager John Lynch says that Coleman’s the key guy at the tackle position and that’s a void that’s going to hurt the team.

#5 Lastly, head coach Kyle Shanahan says that Garoppolo hasn’t played a lot of games and he said it was a shame that he missed most of last season. Shanahan said this is an opportunity for Garoppolo to show what he’s all about and wouldn’t it be surprising if he can get them in the postseason.

Join Joe Lami each week for the 49ers podcasts Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Tony Renteria: Raiders’ Brown threatens to punch GM Mayock over fine; Kaval meets with the media at Jack London Square to share dreams; plus more

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Photo credit sfgate.com: Oakland Raiders wide receiver Antonio Brown shown in photo during his signing with the team during happier times threatened Raiders general manager Mike Mayock at practice on Thursday over his recent fines from the team.

On Headline Sports with Tony:

#1 Oakland Raiders wide receiver Antonio Brown threatened Raiders general manager Mike Mayock after he was fined $53,000 for leaving camp twice. Don’t be surprised if Brown is cut. Brown also has not gotten his $30 million from his current contract and may not get it.

#2 The Oakland A’s held a presser last Tuesday afternoon at Jack London Square with team president David Kaval, who stood in front of a number of white cranes that help lift cargo shipments. Kaval said rather than remove them they would be part of the new stadium landscape kind of a conversation piece.

#3 It’s just simply a deal that has to get done. Kaval acknowledged that the environmental report which includes topic on toxic clean up, mass transportation, traffic conditions, and the railroads that circle the prized area where the A’s new ballpark is supposed to be built on.

#4 The New Orleans Pelicans’ Lonzo Ball said that his father Lavar’s brand sneakers The Big Baller ZO2 brand fell apart after each quarter “If you literally have those shoes from those games, they’re exploded,” Ball said. Not the ringing endorsement from the off spring of the founder.

#5 The Sacramento Kings owe Harrison Barnes $2.1 million. Barnes, who played for the Kings two different times, is owed the money after the Kings who originally signed him for $12 million and sent him to the New Orleans Pelicans with DeMarcus Cousins in 2016. After Barnes returned to Sacramento in 2018-19, he was paid but with $2.1 million left. Bottom line — how much will Barnes be missed in Sacramento?

#6 The Oakland Raiders kick off on Monday Night Football at the Oakland Coliseum to start Week 1 against the Denver Broncos. How do you see Raiders quarterback Derek Carr matching up against Broncos starter Joe Flacco in this one?

Tony does Headline Sports each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

Lights, camera, action! Raiders get ready for home opener against the Broncos on MNF

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By Joe Hawkes-Beamon
SRS Contributor

Now that the NFL’s exhibition season has come and gone, it’s time to turn the page to the start of the regular season.

The Oakland Raiders, who went 3-1 in during the exhibition season, will host their bitter rival from the Rocky Mountains in the Denver Broncos in front a nationally televised audience as part of ESPN’s doubleheader on Monday Night Football to close out Week 1. The atmosphere at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum should be electric for what will be the last home opener for the Silver and Black in Oakland.

The Raiders will move to Las Vegas in 2020.

Kickoff is at 7:20 p.m. from 7000 Coliseum Way.

Last week, the Raiders dropped their exhibition season finale, 17-15, in Seattle against the Seahawks with most of the expected starters sitting out the game.

Raiders starting quarterback Derek Carr appeared in just one game, completing 2-of-2 passes for 40 yards and one touchdown while posting a perfect 158.3 passer rating. In 16 games last season, Carr threw for a career-high 4,049 yards to go along with a career-low 19 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

Carr was also sacked a career-high 51 times last season.

With the addition of superstar wide receiver Antonio Brown (via an offseason trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers), Carr has an elite receiver that opposing defenses have to game plan for. In 2018, Brown hauled in 104 catches for 1,297 yards and a league-leading 15 touchdowns in his final season in the Steel City.

It was the sixth-straight season that Brown caught at least 100 passes for 1,200+ yards, extending his own NFL record.

Brown, who didn’t appear in any games during the exhibition season due to frostbitten feet and helmet issues, will make his much anticipated debut in a Raider uniform on Monday night.

This is the second-straight season that the Raiders have opened the regular season in prime-time on Monday Night Football. Last year, the Silver and Black were humbled by the visiting Los Angeles Rams 33-13 in front of a sold out Raider Nation crowd.

The game between the two AFC West foes will mark the second-straight time that the Raiders and Broncos square off on Monday Night Football. Oakland closed out their 2018 home schedule with a 27-14 victory over Denver in Week 16. This will be the first time that the two teams will open up the regular season against each other since 2011, a game that Oakland won a 23-20.

The Raiders lead the all-time series, 63-55-2, with a 33-25 record against the Broncos at home.

After Monday night’s game, the Raiders will host another AFC West rival, the Kansas City Chiefs, in Week 2. Oakland will hit the road for games against the Minnesota Vikings and Indianapolis Colts, kicking off a 49-day stretch that the Raiders will be away from the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.