Category: NFL

Kicker Gould’s game-winning field goal boots 49ers past Rams, 23-20, in LA

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San Francisco 49ers kicker Robbie Gould (4) is mobbed by his teammates after kicking the game winning field goal against the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth quarter on Sun Nov 29, 2020 (photo from sfgate.com)

By Joe Hawkes
Staff Writer

LOS ANGELES — Heading into Week 12, the Los Angeles Rams sat atop of the NFC West while the San Francisco occupied the basement of the division.

For the first 2 1/2 quarters of Sunday’s game, it looked like the roles were reversed. For a second, the Rams appeared to regain the upper-hand before the 49ers would finish off the season thanks to Robbie Gould’s 42-yard field goal as time expired for a 23-20 upset victory in their first game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.

The win for San Francisco completes a season sweep over Los Angeles. It also gives the 49ers a four-game winning streak over the Rams and snaps their three-game losing streak. The 49ers improve to 5-6 on the season and remain in the hunt for a playoff spot in the NFC.

Three of the 49ers’ most important players returned to the field Sunday, each making big contributions to the win.

Wide receiver Deebo Samuel who missed the last three games with a strained hamstring, had the biggest play from scrimmage for the 49ers in the first quarter. Samuel turned quarterback Nick Mullens’ short pass into a 33-yard pick up on the 49ers’ third possession of the game.

Three plays later, one play after a 26-yard gain from Samuel, running back Raheem Mostert rushed for an 8-yard touchdown slipping down the left sideline to give the 49ers a 7-3 lead.

Mostert who was making his return to the lineup for the first time since Week 6 (against the Rams), finished with 43 yards on 16 carries.

The offense was noticeably different with both Samuel and Mostert in the lineup. Samuel finished with career-highs in catches (11) and yards (133).

Mullens, albeit a bit shaky for most of the game, made plays down the stretch to put the 49ers in position to win. He completed 24 of 35 passes for 252 yards, no touchdowns and one interception that resulted on a tipped pass by Rams game-wrecker Aaron Donald that fell into the arms of Jordan Fuller.

Donald was essentially a non factor in the team’s first meeting, but was wrecking ball in today’s game.

With the 49ers holding a 17-6 lead midway through the third quarter, Donald split between right tackle Mike McGlinchey and rookie center Colton McKivitz and forced a Mostert fumble. Cornerback Troy Hill scooped it up and returned the fumble 20 yards for a touchdown to trim San Francisco’s lead to 17-13.

On San Francisco’s next possession, Donald sacked Mullens on first down for a loss of eight yards that led to a three-and-out. On the Rams’ next drive, rookie running back Cam Akers ripped off a 61-yard run to setup first-and-goal at the 49ers’ 6-yard line. Two plays later, Akers barrels his way into the end zone for a 1-yard score to give the Rams their first lead of the game, 20-17.

San Francisco’s offense committed three turnovers and finished 3 of 14 on third downs but it was the play by the defense, forcing four turnovers and the returning Richard Sherman that put the 49ers over the top.

Sherman, who hasn’t played since Week 1, made his presence felt early in the game when he intercepted Rams quarterback Jared Goff in the first quarter. Sherman would finish with a team-high seven tackles.

The front seven made life difficult for Goff all day, creating great pressure from defensive tackles Javon Kinlaw and Kevin Givens that allowed defensive end Kerry Hyder to feast.

Hyder recorded two sacks off Goff, who threw his second interception of the game in the third quarter to Kinlaw where the rookie returned it 27 yards to give the 49ers a 14-3 lead. Hyder leads the team with 7.5 sacks this year.

For the second time this season, the 49ers didn’t allow Goff to crack 200 yards passing as the Rams’ signal-caller finished 19 of 31 for 198 yards, no touchdowns, two interceptions and one fumble.

In the first matchup against San Francisco, Goff completed 19 of 38 passes for 198 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in San Francisco’s 24-16 on Oct. 18.

Goff entered Sunday’s contest after putting up 376 yards and three touchdowns (with two interceptions) on 39 of 51 pass attempts in the Rams’ 27-24 win over the Buccaneers on ESPN’s Monday Night Football at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.

Safety Jimmie Ward forced two fumbles on the day, each recovered by Givens and Hyder.

Defensively, the 49ers held the Rams to 308 yards of total offense and 4 of 13 on third downs.

The 49ers are set to host games against the Buffalo Bills on Dec. 7 and Washington on Dec. 13 but due to a ban on contact sports by the Santa Clara County Public Health Department that was announced Saturday, San Francisco doesn’t have a venue as of yet.

Possible locations include Arizona and Texas according to multiple reports. Those are also the sites of the 49ers’ two final road games. The 49ers are scheduled to play at Dallas on Sunday, Dec. 20, and at Arizona on either Saturday, Dec. 26, or Sunday, Dec. 27.

Raiders get “Punched in the Face”, blown out by Falcons, 43-6

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Atlanta Falcons defensive back Darqueze Dennard #34 breaks up a pass intended for Las Vegas tight end Darren Waller #83 during the first quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders on November 29, 2020. (Photo: Atlanta Falcons)

By Shawn McCullough

“We got punched in the face,” said Raiders quarterback Derek Carr.

Coming off a narrow defeat to the Chiefs last week, the Raiders didn’t show up in Atlanta in a 43-6 drubbing to the Falcons.

“Our fans deserve better than what we did today,” said Carr. “Our organization deserves better than what we put out there today.  That was a bunch of trash.”

The Raiders turned the ball over five times including four fumbles and a 67 yard interception for a touchdown.  In addition, Las Vegas was penalized 11 times for 141 yards.

“When you turn the ball over 5 times and have 141 yards of penalties, you have no chance,” said head coach Jon Gruden.

The Raiders were flat the entire game and Carr felt that coming throughout the week.

“I didn’t think that we had our best week of practice,” said Carr. “Anytime that you turn the ball over like that, you’re not going to win football games.”

Carr went 22 for 34 for 215 yards, zero touchdowns and one interception.

“It’s a gut punch for sure,” said Carr.

The Raiders only points came off the foot of kicker Daniel Carlson, who booted a 29 yard field goal in the 2nd quarter and a 24 yarder in the 3rd.

Running back Josh Jacobs was held to just seven carries for 27 yards, while hunter Renfrow led the Raiders catching seven balls for 73 yards.

With the loss, the Raiders fell to 6-5 on the season.

“We do a really good job of washing stuff away, win or lose,” said Carr about the loss.

The Raiders will next travel to New Jersey to face the New York Jets on Sunday.

Game Notes:

  • The Raiders were outgained by the Falcons in total yards, 304-243.
  • Las Vegas had only 13 first downs in the game.
  • The Raiders have now lost two straight games.

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich Perez: Raiders face a struggling Falcons team this Sunday

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Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris has won three out of the last six games since taking over a 0-4 Falcons team as head coach. The Raiders face the Falcons at the Georgia Dome Sunday Nov 29th (CBS TV file photo)

On the Raiders podcast with Rich:

#1 Rich it was a close game against the Kansas Chiefs but the last 28 seconds of the game with the Raiders leading 31-28 the Chiefs quarterback Pat Mahomes threw a 22 yarder to Travis Kelce in an offensive play that took seven plays to execute for the win 35-31.

#2 Rich for head coach Jon Gruden he put together a master playbook against the Chiefs and nearly knocked them off a second time for this season how disappointing was it for Gruden to losing like that in the closing 28 seconds.

#3 Rich talk about the Raiders first half of that game they jumped to a 14-7 lead in the first quarter and had a 20-14 lead at the half all indications look good.

#4 The Raiders quarterback Derek Carr really had himself an evening last Sunday against the Chiefs defense throwing for 275 yards, three touchdowns and interception remarkable when you considering throwing against one of the best teams in the NFL.

#5 The Raiders are 6-3 have won three of their last four games are in Atlanta on Sunday to face the Falcons (3-6) Atlanta head coach Raheem Morris who took over the Falcons when they were 0-4 and got them in the win column winning three of their last six games. How do you see this match up this Sunday?

Join Rich for the Raiders podcasts each Saturday night at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Santa Clara County shuts down Levis stadium for next two home games; 49ers players in question for Sunday in LA

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San Francisco 49ers running back Jerrick McKinnon said he was not surprised by the lack of players in practice this week due to Covid and injury issues (file photo from San Francisco Chronicle)

On the 49ers podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 The 49ers return from their bye week to a inflating Covid list making some thinking if playing a contact game call NFL football during a pandemic was the wise choice at all. But either way the 49ers are preparing for their meeting with the Los Angeles Rams for Sunday.

#2 49ers running back Jerrick McKinnon during the week of practice said “that’s the 2020 season for you” regarding the fewer players available and on the Covid list not to mention San Francisco’s other list the Injured List.

#3 Lets take a look at the Covid list Jeremiah and please talk about the players who the 49ers will miss this weekend in LA, left tackle Trent Williams, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, nose tackle DJ Jones, defensive end Jordan Willis, linebacker Joe Walker, tight end Daniel Helm who is on the 49ers practice squad.

#4 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that it a probability that a number of those players could get into the game in LA on Sunday. How safe would a negative test give relief and confidence that it’s safe to be playing against or with someone who just got off the Covid list?

#5 The Rams are 7-3 first in the NFC West and are coming off a big win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the 49ers come into Sunday’s game after suffering three straight losses the game is in LA set this one up for us.

Join Jeremiah each Saturday night for the 49ers podcast at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Joe Hawkes: Sherman still being evaluated for return; Mostert and Wilson also trying to return this Sunday in LA

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San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman is still be observed for his calf injury as to if he could return this Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams. 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said if he’s feeling 100% they’ll get him out there (sacbee.com file photo)

On the 49ers podcast with J Hawkes:

#1 San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that again he’s using caution regarding any return of cornerback Richard Sherman from his calf injury.

#2 Shanahan did say Sherman could make a return the team was looking at him in practice this past week and he is still under evaluation as to whether he can return or not.

#3 The 49ers are also concerned about running backs Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson who are both suffering from ankle injuries. Coach Shanahan said they are both under evaluation whether they can get in the lineup or not against the Los Angeles Rams.

#4 The 49ers have limited practice for wide receiver Deebo Samuel (hamstring) and Tevin Coleman (knee) both were in practice this week but their work had limitations according to Shanahan.

#5 K’Waun Williams the 49ers cornerback said he was shocked when he tested positive for performance enhancers an NFL violation that got him a two game suspension. The NFL had rescinded the suspension saying there were questions about the testing procedures. Williams is currently out of the line up with a high ankle injury. Coach Shanahan said Williams won’t return for another two weeks.

#6 The 49ers who are on a three game loss streak are in Los Angeles on Sunday and beat the Rams the last time the two teams met at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara on Oct 18th 24-16 will face a first place Rams team who are 7-3 and are coming off a big win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27-24 on Monday Night Football.

Join J Hawkes for the 49ers podcasts each Friday morning at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Jessica Kwong: Cowboys strength coach Paul tragic loss ; Goff had career evening against Bucs on Monday Night Football plus more

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Dallas Cowboys strength and conditioning coach Markus Paul who fell ill on Tuesday and died on Wednesday. His illness was not disclosed but it was reported he was on life support at the time of his death (AP News photo)

On Headlines podcast with Jessica:

#1 Dallas Cowboys strength and conditioning coach Markus Paul passed away at age 54 on Wednesday. Paul was listed in serious condition and was attended to by Cowboys medical personnel and paramedics after getting sick at the Cowboys Frisco Texas facility on Tuesday. Paul who played at Syracuse still holds the all time interception record for the Orange at 19.

#2 Former Cal and Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff threw for 376 yards and three touchdowns against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football for a 24-17 win.

#3 The win puts the Rams in first place in the NFC West at 7-3 and the Rams have won three of their last four games and are favored to win the NFC West title.

#4 There’s been a lot of discussion about how Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady shined on Rams quarterback Jared Goff after the game. Brady caught a lot of heat for not meeting Goff on the field after the game for the customary handshake.

#5 The San Francisco 49ers are down nine players who are on the Covid-19 list. The 49ers have added two more players nose tackle DJ Jones and defensive end Jordan Willis. The 49ers have a number of injuries but having up to eight players on the Covid list certainly doesn’t help.

Join Jessica every other Thursday for Headline Sports podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers preview: SF heads to LA coming off a much needed bye week

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Nick Mullens (4) throws against the New York Giants defense on Sun Sept 27, 2020 in East Rutherford NJ (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

The San Francisco 49ers are coming off their bye week. It was a much needed rest for a a squad who has been banged up with injuries all year long. While this break may not help the likes of Jimmy Garrapolo and George Kittle, it may help some of the other players dealing with other nagging injuries.

The 49ers will take on the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams, are coming off a solid win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Granted, Tom Brady and the Bucs did not play particularly well in the game. The Rams appeared to be in control most of the game.

This week the Rams will look to exploit a 49ers team with little left to play for. The 49ers also have a notable amount of players on the COVID list. The Rams and Jared Goff will look to keep the pedal to the medal in their chase for the playoffs.

For the 49ers, it will be the first game since coming off a bye. Hopefully, the 49ers will have Cornerback Richard Sherman back. That will help neutralize the air threat the Rams face. It is good news for the first time in a while for a 49ers team dealt a rough hand in 2020. Maybe this can be the week the 49ers return to the win column.

The game is slated for 1:05 PM on Sunday at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. The game will be broadcast on the local Fox Station.

Join Jeremiah for the 49ers previews each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers podcast with David Zizmor: 49ers look to snap three game loss steak in LA this Sunday

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San Francisco 49ers nose tackle DJ Jones is one of two 49ers players who has joined the Covid 19 list as eight 49er players now are on the list as of Tuesday night (49erswebzone.com file photo)

On San Francisco 49ers podcast with David Zizmor:

#1 Covid 19 is getting to be a growing list at the San Francisco 49ers the latest two to join and grow it to eight players nose tackle DJ Jones and defensive end Jordan Willis.

#2 Defensive lineman Arik Armstead was on the list on Nov 16th the next day after the 49ers were in New Orleans. The 49ers also have wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, left tackle Trent Williams, defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, linebacker Joe Walker, and center Hroniss Grasu.

#3 The 49ers are in Los Angeles for their second season meeting with the Rams this Sunday. The Rams defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last Sunday in a close game and the 49ers are coming off three straight loses. David set this game up for us.

Join David Zizmor for 49ers podcasts each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

 

Headline Sports podcast with London Marq: No cusTOMary handshake from Brady; How Obure and Wannamaker will workout for Golden State; plus more

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady didn’t do the customary post game handshake with the opposing quarterback in this case Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff causing a furry of criticism after Monday Night Football (photo from CBS)

On Headlines podcast with London:

#1 Lots of criticism towards Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady for not going on the field after the game for the customary handshake with the opposing quarterback this time with the Los Angeles Rams Jared Goff after Monday Night Football. Brady refused to shake the hand of Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles during week 5.

#2 Brady had this reputation as a nice person who contributes his time for charity and has opened his house up to the much criticized teammate and running back Antonio Brown but after shunning two opposing NFL quarterbacks twice after two games this season he’s starting to hear it from critics all around.

#3 The Golden State Warriors were hoping to have bolstered their roster adding guard Brad Wanamaker and Kelly Oubre Jr after what Warrior Stephen Curry calls after the injury to Klay Thompson “tragic for a guy as talented and hungry as Klay.”

#4 The Sacramento Kings nearly dealt away Bogdan Bogdanovic but now the team is trying to make him an offer. The Kings nearly dealt Bogdanovic to the Milwaukee Bucks but the Bucks acquired Jrue Holidy from the New Orleans Pelicans and Bogdanovic was up for bid as the Atlanta Hawks are vying for him at $72 million for four years. The Kings are debating whether to match that offer but some sources say that the Kings would better letting Bogdanovic go the Hawks because it allow salary cap flexibility around D’Aaron Fox, Marvin Bagley III, and Tyrese Halliburton’s salaries.

#5 On Monday the San Francisco 49ers signed quarterback Josh Johnson 34, as a practice squad quarterback and most likely won’t be on the active roster unless quarterback Nick Mullens is on the injured list. This is Johnson’s 14th NFL team and he has played in four different leauges, the UFL, AAF, XFL, and now the NFL.

Join London for Headlines podcasts each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Barbara Mason: Loss snaps Raiders three game win streak; Vegas set for a reboot head to Atlanta Sunday

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Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) just before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise NV on Sun Nov 22, 2020 (AP News photo)

On the Raiders podcast with Barbara:

#1 Barbara the Raiders (6-4) just missed getting their fourth straight win against the Kansas City Chiefs (9-1) in a game that was just out of reach 35-31.

#2 The Raiders who hung with one of the best teams in the NFL right down to the final quarter of the game where each team scored 14 points but the Raiders needed a little more but time just ran out.

#3 Once again those second and third quarters were critical on both sides of the ball. The Raiders held the Chiefs just to seven points in each of those quarters but couldn’t produce any offense in the third quarter which turned out to be critical in the end.

#4 For Raiders quarterback Derek Carr an explosive afternoon of throwing against the Chiefs defense accomplishing 275 yards, three touchdowns, and was intercepted once.

#5 So it’s back to the drawing board for Las Vegas as their heading to Atlanta for a 1:00pm kickoff. The Falcons have been playing .500 ball they lost to New Orleans Sunday 24-9 and beat the Broncos the week before 34-27. Barbara talk about how you see the Raiders faring in Atlanta on Sunday?

Join Barbara Mason for the Raiders podcasts each Tuesday morning at http://www.sportsradioservice.com