Category: NFL

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Joe Hawkes: Giants tried to show blitz but Niners were not intimidated; SF prepares for Arizona on Oct 1

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, right, runs against New York Giants cornerback Adoree’ Jackson during the second half at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara on Thu Sep 21, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the SF 49ers podcast with Joe Hawkes:

#1 It just seemed no matter how hard the New York Giants tried to blitz San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy and the 49ers offensive line Purdy was able to find a receiver on Thursday Night Football.

#2 Running back Christian McCaffrey has scored a touchdown in 12 straight games McCaffrey is finding holes and has been getting blocks and has been effective in the red zone.

#3 Joe, talk about wide receiver Deebo Samuel who caught two Purdy passes for touchdowns. How effective has Samuel been at wide receiver these first three games?

#4 The win on Thursday night was the 49ers 13th straight regular season game, there seems like there hasn’t been any effective opponent with the exception of last year’s Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship game that the 49ers have faced.

#5 The 49ers host the Arizona Cardinals on Sun Oct 1st at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara. Joe talk about how you see Purdy throwing against the Cardinals defense in this one?

Join Joe Hawkes for the 49ers podcasts Saturdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

49ers remain undefeated in easy 30-12 win over Giants

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver jumps up for a touchdown reception against New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks at Levi’s Stadium on Thursday SEP 21, 2023. (San Francisco 49ers)

by Marko Ukalovic @MarkoUkalovic

It’s a simple formula for success. Great defense plus a balanced offensive attack.

It was business as usual for the San Francisco 49ers as they dominated the New York Giants in a 30-12 victory on Thursday Night Football at Levi’s Stadium.

San Francisco has won three games in a row start a season since they opened up the 2019 season with seven straight wins. New York has lost two of its first three game to open up their 2023 campaign.

Both teams traded field goals in the first quarter as the 49ers went on a long methodical 15 play 64-yard drive that ended with a Jake Moody 28-yard field goal. New York went 12 plays for 49 yards on its opening drive to even the score with Graham Gano’s 44-yarder.

San Francisco (3-0) regained the lead midway through the second quarter when quarterback Brock Purdy connected with Ronnie Bell on a nine-yard touchdown reception along the left sideline. It was the first NFL reception for Bell, the rookie seventh round draft pick out of Michigan, who did a nice tight rope job to haul in his first career touchdown.

Defensive end Nick Bosa looked like a well-oiled machine as he made life miserable for New York quarterback Daniel Jones the entire game. Bosa finished with one sack and hit Jones four times as he took advantage of banged up Giants offensive line.

49ers running back Christian McCaffery gave his team a two-touchdown lead near the end of the first half when he scampered in for a four-yard rushing touchdown that completed a 11 play 73-yard drive that chewed up over four and a half minutes off the clock.

“That’s the goal, we’re really happy to be 3-0 right now. It’s really cool to do it after a Thursday night game. I told the guys if they want to have a weekend off, we gotta earn it. They did and now they can relax and enjoy it a bit,” 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said.

McCaffery led all rushers with 85 yards on 18 carries. He finished with 118 all-purpose yards as he also had five catches for 34 yards.

New York (1-2) kept it close early in the third quarter when former 49ers running back Matt Breida ran for an eight-yard touchdown on the Giants second possession of the second half. The drive was kept alive by a 22-yard passing interference penalty against Deommodre Lenoir on tight end Darren Waller. The Giants failed on the two-point conversion when Jones was sacked on the play.

That was as close as it would get for New York, as San Francisco’s defense did its second half shutdown as they forced three more punts and Talanoa Hufanga intercepted Jones with 3:48 remaining in the game to seal the deal for the 49ers.

Deebo Samuel had his breakout game with six catches for 129 yards that included a 27-yard touchdown reception that put the game away with 5:58 left in the fourth quarter. Samuel’s highlight of the night was a 40-yard reception where he broke tackles along the way before finally being tackled by Michah McFadden at the Giants 35-yard line.

“It was kind of a double move cause they (Giants secondary) were playing a bit inside on me today,” said Samuel regarding his touchdown catch. “Luckily we got that call at the end. Brock (Purdy) made an awesome job of putting that ball where only I could get it.”

Purdy, who had his best game of the young season, finished 25 of 37 for 310 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Tight end George Kittle chipped in with seven catches for 90 yards. Elijah Mitchell had 42 yards on 11 carries.

Jones went 22 of 32 for 137 yards with no touchdowns and one interception while being sacked twice. Darius Slayton led the Giants in receiving with three catches for 32 yards.

GAME NOTES: San Francisco finished 9-for-16 on third down conversions. New York went 3-for-12.

The 49ers were without wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk who didn’t play due to a shoulder injury he suffered this past Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams.

The 49ers have won 13 straight games with one turnover or less.

McCaffery has scored a touchdown in 13 straight games.

UP NEXT: San Francisco continues its homestand when they host the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday 10/1 at 1:25pm at Levi’s Stadium.

San Francisco 49ers podcast with David Zizmor: Purdy delivering the goods as 49ers host Giants on Thursday Night Football

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, center, celebrates after running in for a touchdown during the first half against the Los Angeles Rams at So Fi Stadium in Inglewood on Sun Sep 17, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the 49ers podcast with David Zizmor:

#1 The San Francisco 49ers are rolling after two wins most recently last Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams both road wins it has to be pretty satisfying as they head into week 3 to host the New York Giants on Thursday Night Football.

#2 Dave, Brock Purdy’s numbers are remarkable on Sunday he went 17-25 for 206 yards, didn’t throw for a touchdown but didn’t throw an interception either.

#3 David, set us up it’s the New York Giants who the 49ers will host on Thursday Night Football, the Giants are 1-1 and won their last game Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals 31-28. The Giants quarterback Daniel Jones went 26-37, 321 yards, two touchdowns and one interception against Arizona. How do you see the Giants and 49ers matching Thursday night?

Join David for the 49ers podcasts Wednesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Tony Renteria: Raiders get ready for Steelers on Sunday Night Football

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) throws a pass as guard Jermaine Eluemunor (72) blocks for him during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Sun Sep 17, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Raiders podcast with Tony R:

#1 Tony how disappointing has it got to be after the Las Vegas Raiders won in week 1 by a point to just get demolished in week 2 by the Buffalo Bills 38-10.

#2 Tony the Raiders had only 20 minutes of offensive possession, the Bills defense just ended the Raiders offense before they could even get something going.

#3 Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo 16-24 for 185 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Tony did Garoppolo did get the opportunities in the pocket, it seemed the Bills got to third down and it was time to sit down for the offense.

#4 Running back Tre Tucker one carry and 34 yards and for James Cook 17 carries and 123 yards, the Raiders running game was silenced and in the second half they were shutout.

#5 Raiders open up their regular season on Sunday Night Football against the Pittsburgh Steelers. How important is it for the Raiders to finally get home field at Allegiant and what are their chances against the Steelers?

Join Tony Renteria for the Raiders podcasts Tuesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Raiders Blown-out By Bills 38-10; Las Vegas to host Pittsburgh on Sunday Night Football

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DeVante Adams scores the only touchdown the Raiders would have for the game in the first half against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium Orchard Park NY on Sun Sep 17, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

An outstanding game Sunday from Josh Allen and company blew the Raiders out of the stadium as the Bills beat the Raiders 38-10.

In Week 2 the Raiders (1-1) traveled to Buffalo (1-1) for a game at Highmark Stadium with Josh Allen and the Bills. Buffalo lost their opener at MetLife Stadium to the New York Jets, despite the early exit of Aaron Rodgers in the first quarter , 22-16.

Turnovers really hurt the Bills in Week 1. Allen threw three interceptions in the wild and often ugly game. The loss was a stunner especially in the absence of Rodgers. It’s a good bet that the Raiders will see an entirely different Josh Allen in Week Two.

The temperature at kickoff was 71 degrees, a balmy afternoon for this game. As this season goes deeper we will no doubt see some very nasty weather but Sunday’s game was played in clement conditions.

Game recap: The Raiders were first up on the board in the opening quarter. Las Vegas quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo found Davante Adams for 16 yards and the touchdown giving the Raiders the 7-0 lead. Buffalo tied up the game in the first quarter on a four Yd rush by Latavius Murray 7-7.

Raider’s kicker Daniel Carlson made a 47 Yard Field Goal in the second quarter, but the quarter belonged to Josh Allen who threw two touchdown passes. The first score in the quarter was a pass from Allen to Dawson Knox for two Yds in the opening minutes.

As the quarter began to wear down Allen found Kahlil Shakir for 11 yards and a second touchdown with 18 ticks left in the first half. The score at the half was 21-10. Josh Allen was hot unlike the awful game he had last week pulling it all together in the first two quarters. He was 18 of 21 for 142 yards, a vast improvement this week.

There was good quarterback production on both sides in this first half. Garoppolo did have a pick, a tipped ball, but other than that he was solid.

The Bills had won the coin toss and had elected to defer to the second half. At 5:59 in the third quarter, Allen struck against this time a two yard pass to Gabe Davis and a 28-10 lead. This was Allen’s third touchdown of the game.

Buffalo’s Tyler Bass kicked a 29 yard field goal to start the fourth quarter taking a commanding lead 31-10. Las Vegas was in deep trouble. The Raiders had very little opportunity with so little time on the field in this game.

The Raiders only had the ball for close to 15 minutes through three quarters. The Bills had the ball for almost 13 minutes in the third quarter. It was complete domination by the Bills as Buffalo was stuffing the Raiders rushing game, and shutting down their passing game.

With 5:08 left in the game the Bills had their second rushing touchdown of the day taking a 38-10 lead. Buffalo was on their way to their first win of the season.

With so little time of possession, the Raiders didn’t have much of a chance and the two interceptions didn’t help. Jimmy Garoppolo was 16/24 for 185 yards, one TD and two interceptions.

They only had 55 total rushing yards and one fumble. It was a truly forgettable game. To make things even worse, Davante Adams left the field late in the fourth quarter after a heavy hit. With Jacobi Meyers out due to concussion suffered in the Denver game, the Raiders cannot afford losing another player on their receiving corp.

Josh Allen was 31 of 37 passing for 274 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. The Bills had 183 yards rushing and no fumbles playing a tremendous game.

Raiders post game notes: Last Sunday the Raiders squeaked out a nice win over a division rival to start the 2023 season. They beat the Denver Broncos 17-16. As Davante Adams put it, “it ain’t got to be pretty, ” and it certainly was not pretty but Las Vegas got the job done opening the season with a win. The Broncos special teams self-destructed and the Raiders took full advantage.

In Week Three the Raiders will welcome the Pittsburg Steelers to Allegiant Stadium for Sunday Night Football. The Steelers are playing the Cleveland Browns on Monday Night Football and looking for their first win of the season. Kickoff for the Raiders vs Steelers game next week will be Sunday night at 5:20 PM.

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich Perez: Raiders defense doesn’t show up; Garoppolo and offense only 20 minutes of possession; Home opener Sunday for Vegas

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) and the offense had only 20 minutes of possession. The Raiders defense spent most of the day on the field against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Sun Sep 17, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Raiders podcast with Rich Perez:

#1 Rich, it wasn’t even close as the Las Vegas Raiders were landslided by the Buffalo Bills 38-10. The Bills had a lopsided more time of possession on offense than the Raiders.

#2 On both sides of the ball the Raiders struggled. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was pretty three and out all day and the turnovers hurt the Raiders chances to get some time in the red zone.

#3 In the first half the Bills made themselves at home at Orchard Park scoring seven in the first quarter and in the second quarter 14 points the Raiders could only answer with ten. Second half the Raiders were shutout.

#4 Jimmy Garoppolo threw a pass for Davonte Adams but Buffalo had three man coverage and put Adams in jeopardy he got to his feet after getting laid out late in the fourth quarter.

#5 The Raiders turned the ball over three times including a penalty late in the fourth quarter offensive holding on the Raiders tight end Michael Mayer the Bills declined and the ball went back to the Bills.

#6 Garoppolo went 16-24, 186 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. For the Bills quarterback Josh Allen 31-37, 274 yards, and three touchdowns.

#7 Raiders make their season home opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers. For Sunday Night Football Sep 24 kickoff at 5:20pm PT at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The Steelers played on Monday Night Football against the Cleveland Browns in Pittsburgh and will have six day rest before kicking off against the Raiders Sunday. Raiders are coming off a tough loss can they overcome it and take advantage of home field.

Join Rich after every home and away game during the 2023 Raiders season for the Raiders podcast at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Joe Hawkes: Purdy best patient a surgeon could ever have; Niners prepare for Rams in the Southland

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy throws against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on Sun Sep 10, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the 49rs podcast with J Hawkes:

#1 Joe, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy’s surgeon said that Purdy is a “exceptional individual.” Dr. Keith Meister said that his surgery on Purdy is the best one he’s ever done. Purdy came out with flying colors. Meister has worked on baseball pitchers as well.

#2 Who’d a thunk Purdy came back from right elbow surgery and threw for a 30-7 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on opening day. Joe watching him you wouldn’t have even known he had the surgery.

#3 Defensive end Nick Bosa said after holding out for 43 days and getting game ready in less than a week that he felt sore but he felt really good and it was about getting some practices and getting adjusted.

#4 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk received his first NFC Offensive Player of the Week Award and was asked if anything came with that beyond recognition. Aiyuk said asking 49ers media relations department’s Peter Volmut if he gets something for that.

#5 49ers are in the Southland to battle the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. The Rams won their opener on Sun Sep 10th against the Seattle Seahawks 30-13 in Seattle. Rams quarterback Matt Stafford threw for 334 yards, 24-38 and no touchdowns and no interceptions. How do you see the Niners matching up with the Rams on Sunday?

Join Joe Hawkes Saturdays for the 49ers podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Tony Renteria: Bills host Raiders on less than 7 days rest Sunday in Buffalo

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Las Vegas wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) out paces the Denver Broncos cornerback Damarri Mathis (27) in second half action at Mile High Stadium in Denver on Sun Sep 10, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Tony Renteria:

#1 Tony, the Raiders just got by the Denver Broncos 17-16 at Mile High Stadium on Sunday. How much of this contest was a high wire act for the Raiders to get this game?

#2 Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo put up some good numbers with 200 yards passing a touchdown going 20-26 how impressive did you find him in his first game under center for the Raiders?

#3 The Raiders and Broncos played neck and neck football in the first half with the Broncos coming away with a 13-10 lead at the half. Did the Raiders play a good enough first half to give them the confidence that they could quite possibly edge this game out.

#4 The Raiders have the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park this Sunday. The Bills are coming off a 22-16 loss to the New York Jets yesterday on Monday Night Football and they lost to a Jets team that lost their starting star quarterback Aaron Rogers in less than five minutes of his Jets debut.

#5 Josh Allen will be under center for the Bills who went 29-41 for 236 yards on Monday night against the Jets. Defense played a role in stopping Allen and the Bills offense can the same hold true for the Raiders defense in order to stop Allen and the Bills?

Join Tony Renteria each Tuesday for the Las Vegas Raiders podcast at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers podcast with David Zizmor: 49ers strong opening performance in week 1

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Drake Jackson celebrates after a defensive stop during an NFL game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023, in Pittsburgh (AP News photo)

On the 49ers podcast with David Zizmor:

#1 The San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy went 19-29, 220 yards, and threw for two touchdowns. Dave some thought Purdy’s season last year was a fluke and he after his elbow surgery even some doubted he would be the same. Purdy proved his point on Sunday with that landslide 30-7 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

#2 David, talk about 49ers defensive end Drake Jackson getting five sacks on Steeler quarterback Kenny Pickett. Do you see him being a force on the pass rush and will he get a bigger role on putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

#3 Pass rusher Nick Bosa after a few days signing his new deal with San Francisco got a tackle. How ready did he look and with the job Jackson did how do you see Bosa and Jackson working the pass rush?

Join David Zizmor for the 49ers podcasts Wednesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Raiders Garoppolo and Meyers Debut Tops Broncos In Season Opener 17-16

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) celebrates a first down during the second half against the Denver Broncos at Empower Stadium in Denver on Sun Sep 10, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The 2023 NFL season got underway in earnest starting with Thursday Night Football. Sunday, 28 teams took the field with the Las Vegas Raiders taking on the Denver Broncos in Denver. This was Jimmy Garoppolo’s debut with the Raiders and it was also Sean Payton’s debut as head coach of the Broncos. Despite the deafening noise that is a part of Mile High the Raiders prevailed 17-16

RECAP-After one quarter, the Raiders had a slim lead 7-6 although at the half Las Vegas trailed 13-10. Neither team found the end zone in the third quarter and the Raiders till trailed by three points. It all turned around for Las Vegas in the fourth quarter.

The Broncos kicked a 24 yard field goal extending their lead 16-10. Jimmy Garoppolo capped off a 75 yard drive finding Jakobi Meyers for six yards and the touchdown.

Jimmy Garoppolo threw two touchdown passes to fellow newcomer Jakobi Meyers. He finished with 200 passing yards and Meyers pulled in 81 yards off of nine receptions. The Broncos did intercept a pass in the end zone with 6:34 remaining in the game but despite that the Raiders were able to win on that final drive.

They held the Broncos offense hanging onto the slim lead. In the final minutes of the game, the Raiders held Denver to their only three and out in the game. The Raiders got the ball back with five minutes left in the game and the Broncos never got it back.

It was a horrible showing for the Bronco special teams especially from kicker Will Lutz. He missed two field goals wide right, very shocking from the usually reliable kicker. This was the biggest problem for the Broncos in this game.

Russell Wilson finished with 177 yards and was 27 of 34. He also had two touchdowns in the game. Javonte Williams led the Broncos with 52 yards on 13 rushes. This was his first game since a serious knee injury nearly a year ago sidelined him.

The Raiders only had 61 yards rushing but it was Josh Jacobs who finished with 48 yards. It’s a sure bet that he will continue to rack up the yards as the season goes on. The bottom line in this game was that this was not a pretty win. The Raiders had to get the job done and that’s just what they did.

The Raiders will take on the Buffalo Bills in week two of the 2023 season. The Bills will take on the New York Jets on Monday night football in their opener. It will be a short week for Buffalo, this game being played at Highmark Stadium in Buffalo.

Sunday’s Kickoff is scheduled for 10:00 AM and the weather at game-time is being forecasted at 64 degrees. Las Vegas played in great conditions avoiding the frigid weather that comes along later in the season.