Category: NFL

Raiders head to Seattle for final preseason game against the Seahawks

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By Joe Hawkes-Beamon
SRS Contributor

OAKLAND — The 2018 preseason comes to a merciful end Thursday night, when the Raiders travel to Seattle to take on the Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. This matchup will mark the 13th consecutive season that the Raiders have finished up their preseason schedule against the Seahawks, with nine of the 13 matchups in Seattle, the first being in 2015.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. PT.

Last week, the Raiders defeated the Green Bay Packers 13-6 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. With the score tied 6-6 late in the fourth quarter, undrafted rookie running back Chris Warren III would score the go-ahead touchdown to put the Raiders up for good.

Warren rushed for 54 yards on 15 carries.

Oakland’s defense feasted on Packers’ quarterbacks (not named Aaron Rodgers), recording a preseason-high five sacks.

The Seahawks lost to the Vikings in Minnesota, 21-20, last week.

Former Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski converted both of his field goal attempts, one booming shot from 55 yards out in the third quarter that gave the Seahawks a 13-7 lead.

Janikowski, who spent his first 18 seasons in Oakland before signing with Seattle in April, is the Raiders all-time leader in points (1,799), games played (268) and seasons of service (18).

Oakland and Seattle will meet each other in the regular season, when the two teams face off in Week 6 in London, England on Oct. 14.

Headline Sports with London Marq: Meyer meets with players before starting suspension; Cardinal alum come to give 2018 offense some tips; plus much more

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On the Headline Sports podcast with London:

#1 Ohio State coach Urban Meyer met with players and assistant coaches of his team to explain his suspension from the team. Meyer was restricted from addressing the suspension and it’s issues but was allowed to talk to his team and Athletic Director Gene Smith. How will something like this a national story impact the Buckeyes going into week one of the season?

#2 Stanford Cardinal had some of their old alumni come in to address specific offensive issues with the incoming class of 2018 as the Cardinal’s opening kickoff begins on Friday, August 31. The former quarterback Kevin Hogan spoke with the quarterbacks, Andrew Luck talked to the offense, and Tavita Pritchard spoke with the offense as well. It’s a good way to have some of the team’s former alumni come back and inspire the current team.

#3 Turning to baseball, lots of talk about the direction of the AL West. First, the Houston Astros at one point were struggling, but on their current homestand, they know facing the visiting Oakland A’s, it was a critical matchup. The Astros on Monday night set the tone with a 11-4 thrashing of the A’s and on top of that the A’s learned that their ace starter Sean Manaea will be on the 10-day DL. The A’s shook it off and got a one one win on Tuesday night to even the series 4-3.

#4 The Boston Red Sox are coasting 6 1/2 games in front of the second-place New York Yankees and they got a key win on Tuesday night over the Miami Marlins. The Marlins were no pushovers, but lost by a run, 8-7.

#5 The San Francisco 49ers close out their preseason Thursday night at Levis Stadium against the Los Angeles Chargers. Head coach Kyle Shanahan will be trimming down the roster in preparation of opening week in September. What are some of the things that he will be expecting during Thursday’s game?

London Marq does the Headline Sports podcasts each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Oakland Raiders podcast with Joe Hawkes Beamon: Raiders still far away from negotiations with Mack; What coach Gruden expects this season

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Photo credit: @BR_NFL

On the Raiders podcast with Joe:

#1 With the Raiders headed to ready to conclude their final game of the 2018 preseason on Thursday at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, the talk has focused on Khalil Mack on the trip. Mack is reportedly no closer to signing with the Raiders since camp opened back in July.

#2 Mack is seeking a contract extension that would make him the highest player defensive player in the NFL. The asking price has been between $20 to $22 million per year on a six-year agreement. Mack and the Raiders are still far apart on raising Mack’s salary from $11 million per year.

#3 Raiders head coach Jon Gruden and general manager Reggie McKenzie were asked this week about Mack’s chances of signing–is the team close to making an agreement?–and neither could give an answer.

#4 Is Mack work worth the $7 to $11 million raise?

#5 The Raiders are in Seattle for Thursday night football and concluding the preseason. Joe talks about some of coach Gruden’s expectations.

Join Joe each week for the Raiders podcast at http://www.sportsradioservice.com. Also, join Tony Renteria for complete Oakland Raiders game coverage immediately after Thursday’s game.

San Francisco 49ers podcast with David Zizmor: Last preseason game Thursday–what will the 49ers be looking for?; plus Kaepernick’s copyright phrase “I’m with Kap”

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Photo credit: @mercnews

On the 49ers podcast with David:

Here it is the final and last week of camp and the 49ers host the LA Chargers Thursday night at Levi’s Stadium. What are the expectations of this final preseason game?

Former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has copyrighted the trademark phrase, “I’m with Kap.” The phrase has appeared on T-shirts and clothing items. With the copyright, Kaepernick could make a hefty income. Kaepernick had already donated $1 million to nonprofits and charities.

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

Morris and James Jr. Make Their Case In 49ers’ 23-17 Loss to Colts

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Photo credit: @49ers

By: Joe Lami

If Saturday was the final tune-up for the San Francisco 49ers’ 2018 season, it might be time to rethink expectations for the year. In a 23-17 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, the San Francisco 49ers looked sluggish at times offensively, especially in the red zone at Lucas Oil Stadium.

In a continuation of last year, they depended too much on the foot of kicker Robbie Gould, instead of punching the ball into the end zone. The 14-year vet hit all three of his kicks with his first being the longest of the night from 37 yards.

Jimmy Garoppolo played the entire first half, connecting on nine of his 19 attempts for 135 yards. Though his performance wasn’t great, he connected with both Pierre Garçon and Marquise Goodwin three times each for 62 yards and 40 yards respectively.

Goodwin left the game with a hand injury but came back for his final catch of six yards, making it appear only minor.

Though Garcon and Goodwin seem to be finding a rhythm with Garoppolo, they were once again outplayed by Richie James Jr. The seventh-rounder continues to prove his case in making the 53-man roster, as he finished with three catches for 65 yards.

Alfred Morris saw his initial touches as a 49er and finished with a strong 84 yards on 17 attempts, making a strong case to make the final 53-man roster.

Former Stanford star Andrew Luck played the first half for the Colts and shined, throwing 8-of-10 for 90 yards and a touchdown. He found Eric Ebron on the sole touchdown of the first half that included a beautifully thrown ball over the middle. Coming back from a significant throwing arm injury, it appears that Luck may be back and better than ever.

Unfortunately for the Niners, they had a severe injury of their own. Linebacker Reuben Foster continues to be riddled with injuries as he suffered a concussion in the pre-season contest. Foster’s return is expected for week three of the regular season, following his two-game suspension.

Cornerback Jimmie Ward also went down with a quad injury.

The sole 49ers’ touchdown once again came in the form of late heroics from Nick Mullens. The third-string quarterback is quickly becoming a fan favorite, finishing Saturday 4-of-6 passing for 62 yards. He also ran in a score from two yards out.

Does last year’s scout squad quarterback have a chance to make the team? We’ll find out after Thursday night’s contest against the Chargers at Levi’s Stadium at 7 pm PDT to close out the pre-season.

Warren’s late touchdown wins it for the Raiders 13-6 over the Packers

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By Jeremy Kahn

OAKLAND — With two preseason games down, and two to go, Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden is looking for backups.

With most of the starters on the bench by the beginning of the second quarter, Connor Cook and E.J. Manuel took over for Derek Carr after just one series.

In his only series, Carr went 2-for-3 for 68 yards, including a 49-yard pass to Amari Cooper, but it was the battle of kickers; however, it was a Chris Warren III one-yard run with 5:07 in the game that gave the Raiders a 13-6 victory over the Green Bay Packers at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on Friday night.

Treyvon Hester came up with the defensive play of the game, as he sacked Packers quarterback DeShone Kizer on fourth down and the Packers at the Raiders 24-yard line. It was a seven-yard sack for the second-year defensive tackle out of Toledo.

Unfortunately, the Raiders were unable to run out the clock and were forced to punt the ball back to the Packers; however, the Packers drive stalled in their own territory.

Brett Hundley went 8-for-14 for 78 yards, as he started for the Packers in place of Aaron Rodgers, who played at Cal after Butte College.

Cook went 6-for-15 for 72 yards and an interception before being replaced by Manuel, who went 8-for-12 for 87 yards passing.

In a game of field goals, Mike Nugent gave the Raiders the lead on their first series, as he kicked a 40-yard field goal.

On their ensuing drive, Mason Crosby kicked a 36-yard field goal to tie up and that was the score when the two teams went to the locker room.

Crosby gave the Packers their first lead of the game in the third quarter, as he nailed a 36-yard field goal.

Nugent then tied up at six, as he kicked a 40-yard field on the Raiders first drive in the fourth quarter.

Cooper caught one pass for 49 yards, while Jalen Richard caught three passes for 34 yards and Jared Cook caught two passes for 24 yards.

Doug Martin carried the ball six times for 24 yards, while Chris Warren III continues to make great strides to make the team, as he carried the ball 15 times for 54 yards and also caught one pass for seven yards.

NOTES: The Raiders’ next appearance at the Coliseum will be in the season opener on September 10, as they kick off their 58th season against the Los Angeles Rams, a team that the Raiders faced this past Saturday at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and lost 22-16.

“I do not agree with playing a team in the preseason that we open the season with,” said Gruden, who also added, “I am sure that the Rams feel the same way.”

UP NEXT: The Raiders will head to Seattle to face the Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on Thursday night at 7 pm PDT to close out the preseason.

Oakland Raiders podcast with Joe Hawkes Beamon: Mack still holding out, looking for more; Will the Raiders and Mack sit down soon?

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photo from sfgate.com: Khalil Mack remains a hold out with the Oakland Raiders and head coach Jon Gruden hopes Mack can be back in uniform with the team by the Raiders first game

On the Raiders podcast with Joe Hawkes Beamon:

#1 The Raiders’ defensive end Khalil Mack is still a no show in the Raiders camp. He hasn’t reported since camp opened July 26th.

#2 Head coach Jon Gruden said he hopes to see Mack before the start of the regular season in the lineup.

#3 Mack is the 2014 overall fifth pick and the Raiders’ defensive player of the year.

#4 Mack is the best player on the Raiders. Mack is looking for Von Miller type of money $114 million for six years. Mack is making $13.85 million this season.

#5 The Raiders host the Green Bay Packers tonight at the Coliseum in week three of the preseason. What are some of the things to look for? Joe answers those questions and more in the podcast.

J Hawkes does the Raiders each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Joe Lami: NFL is cracking down on lowering helmets as a weapon; 49ers’ Sherman says the new rule is idiotic

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Photo credit: @SportsCenter

On the 49ers podcast with Joe:

#1 The NFL imposed a new rule about lowering helmets before making contact. Are the players upset by this new rule?

#2 Regardless of player position, the penalty of lowering helmets will be 15 yards and a game ejection, which the league ruled that the helmet is used for contact with another player that could cause serious injury, including a concussion.

#3 The change was made after the league observed 33 preseason games and after 50 helmet penalties, which have been assessed.

#4 The 49ers’ cornerback Richard Sherman said the new rule is idiotic, saying “there’s no way you can tackle the way they are asking people to tackle and play football.”

#5 The 49ers play week three in Indianapolis Saturday, which means the 49ers will see a lot more starters in the first half. Joe talks about what will be expected of the starters on Saturday.

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

Raiders to host the Packers in final home preseason game Friday at the Coliseum

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Photo credit: raiderswire.usatoday.com

By Joe Hawkes-Beamon
SRS Contributor

OAKLAND — The Raiders and Packers link up for the third time in the preseason since 2014 when Green Bay visits the Oakland-Alameda Coliseum Friday night at 7:30 p.m. PT. The last time the two teams met each other in the preseason was in 2016 at Lambeau Field.

Last week, the Raiders traveled to Los Angeles to take on the Rams. It was the first time that that the Silver and Black played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum since 1994, the final season for the Raiders in Southern California before the team moved back to Oakland at the conclusion of that season.

The Rams held off the Raiders for a 19-15 victory last Saturday, with neither team playing their starters on either side of the football, which wasn’t a huge surprise. It was odd seeing the two teams playing a preseason game against each other, given that the two teams will meet each other in Week 1 of the regular season in Game 2 of ESPN’s Monday Night Football doubleheader on Sept. 10 in Oakland.

Rookies were the story of the game on both sides of the football for Oakland, even in the loss.

Running back Chris Warren III saw plenty of action rushing for 110 yards on 18 carries and a touchdown. With veteran Marshawn Lynch slated as Oakland’s starting running back, the undrafted Warren III’s play has earned him strong consideration to make the team and contribute significantly.

Defensive tackle Maurice Hurst recorded two tackles and one sack against the Rams. The fifth-round pick in this year’s NFL Draft has had great practices during training camp and could see some action with the first-team defense against the Packers.

Typically, the third preseason game is where the starters play the first-half of the game so expect to see quarterback Derek Carr along with new Raiders wide receiver Jordy Nelson on the field Friday night.

Nelson signed a two-year $14.2 million ($13 million guaranteed) contract with Oakland in the offseason after spending his first 10 seasons in the NFL in Green Bay. Seeing Nelson in the Silver and Black of the Raiders instead of the Green and Yellow of the Packers will take some time to get used to.

Green Bay defeated the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers, 51-34 last week at Lambeau Field.

Following Friday night’s game, both teams will have a short turnaround to end the preseason on the road. Oakland travels to Seattle to face the Seahawks on Thursday Aug. 30, and Green Bay will meet the Chiefs in Kansas City the same day. With the conclusion of the preseason, all NFL teams will make their final roster cuts on Sept. 1, reducing their roster to the mandated 53-man limit.

This will mark the 13th straight season that Oakland has finished the preseason schedule against the Seahawks, with nine of the 13 games coming in Seattle, but this will be the first time since 2015 that the Raiders will finish in Seattle.

Oakland Raiders podcast with Tony Renteria: Gruden taking a closer look at Whalen for wide receiver; Raiders’ starters get more looks in week 3 of preseason

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photo from pinterest.com: Former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Griff Whalen is working at getting the third wide receiver opening at the Raiders in game three at Oakland against the Green Bay Packers Friday night

On the Oakland Raiders podcast with Tony Renteria:

#1 Oakland Raiders’ head coach Jon Gruden stated this week that while he’s very happy with his two wide receivers, Amari Cooper and Jordy Nelson, he’s searching for a third receiver will he get his answer this week and next week for that third receiver.

#2 Gruden said he all the confidence that receivers coach Edgar Bennett will find that third receiver and said he said Bennett would agree that they find somebody to step in at the third wideout position.

#3 Gruden was looking at wide receiver Martavis Bryant as that third wideout but Bryant during training camp in Napa missed three practices with a headache and one for illness. Gruden said that Bryant comes out to play “sometimes and sometimes he doesn’t.”

#4 Then, there was Seth Roberts, who was going to get some looks, but missed the first two preseason games due to an injury. The Gruden was looking at Ryan Switzer, who looked like he had a shot, but now he’s took some interest in Griff Whalen, who is practicing with the offensive first team and also is a former Stanford player.

#5 The Raiders host quarterback Aaron Rogers and the Green Bay Packers for week three, meaning Raiders’ quarterback Derek Carr will get more time and more looks. What are some of the things expected out of the starters and Carr in week three?

Tony Renteria does the Oakland Raiders podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com