Category: NFL

49ers add Sanu to bolster receiving corps

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The San Francisco 49ers reached a one year deal with wide receiver Mohamed Sanu who is expected to start working out with the team at the team’s facility in Santa Clara on Wednesday (Rutgers Football image from @RFootball) 

By Joe Hawkes
Staff Writer

With wide receiver still a glaring need amid injuries and inconsistency, the San Francisco 49ers have signed veteran wide receiver Mohamed Sanu to a 1-year deal on Tuesday agent Mike McCartney announced on Twitter.

NBC Sports Bay Area San Francisco 49ers Insider Matt Maiocco reported that McCartney said that Sanu will arrive at the team’s facility in Santa Clara on Wednesday for his first round of coronavirus testing. If cleared, Sanu’s first day on the practice field would be Friday.

With just three healthy wide receivers on their 53-man roster: Kendrick Bourne, Dante Pettis and Trent Taylor, the bringing in Sanu seems logical after head coach Kyle Shanahan intimated on Monday during the team’s press conference.

“We’ll see how these injuries go, but I love Sanu,” Shanahan said Monday. “He’s a hell of a player. So him being out there is always a possibility. We’ll look into everything we have, though.

“But I wouldn’t rule that out at all. He’s available, and he’s definitely a guy I really respect, and I think everyone in this league respects. So we’ll see how it goes this week.”

Sanu was released by the New England Patriots before the start of the regular season.

San Francisco almost acquired Sanu, 31, from New England last season at the trade deadline. The Patriots acquired Sanu from the Atlanta Falcons for a second-round draft pick. Sanu caught 26 passes for 207 yards and a touchdown in eight games for the Patriots.

In eight NFL seasons, Sanu has 403 receptions for 4,507 yards and 26 touchdowns. He played one season in Atlanta (2016) when Shanahan was the Falcons’ offensive coordinator.

San Francisco (0-1), looks to get into the win column for 2020 this Sunday when they travel to east to take on the New York Jets (0-1) at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.

Both teams are coming off loses to division rivals in Week 1, with the 49ers losing to the Arizona Cardinals, 24-20, in their home opener at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA.

The Jets fell to the Buffalo Bills, 27-17, at Bills Stadium in Orchard Park, NY.

 

Headline Sports podcast with Barbara Mason: Cam scrum shows he’s ready to instagram and compete; Raiders hang onto win in Carolina; plus more

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New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton (1) gets into a scuffle with the Miami Dolphins on Sunday after Newton said the Dolphins defenders were trying to pull the chain around his neck. Newton had posted a language laced instagram before the game regarding the Dolphins (photo from msn.com)

On Headline Sports podcast with Barbara:

#1 The New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton got into it on opening day with the Miami Dolphins players. Towards the end of the game on Sunday two Dolphins players were trying to reach for his chains he wore and Newton had to be restrained after the chain grabbing attempt.

#2 In the fourth quarter the Dolphins got within three points when at 4:10 Justin Howard carried for a yard to score to cut the Patriots lead 14-11. The Patriots Sony Michel carried for a one yard run for the clincher at 5:23 in the fourth quarter as the Pats put it away 21-11.

#3 Despite the Carolina Panthers best attempt to come back in the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders with 15 points on Sunday. The Raiders maintained a four point win 24-20 it was the very first win as the Las Vegas franchise.

#4 Its onto Monday Night Football for the Raiders on Sep 21st against the New Orleans Saints for the Raiders first game ever in Las Vegas with a 5:15pm start. Season ticket holders only Barbara how do you see this match up?

#5 Last night before the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants on Monday Night Football you saw Little Richard sing the MNF theme “Rip it up” instead of having Hank Williams Jr who was previously pulled from singing the MNF theme. Williams had been pulled in 2011 by ESPN for comparing President Barack Obama who played golf with former speaker of the house John Boehner to Hitler playing golf with (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu).” Williams came back in 2017 to do more “Are you Ready” recordings but for this season with all the social justice, Black Live Matters issues, and knowing Williams ultra right wing politics, his statement about Obama which didn’t sit well with the players ESPN made the change.

Barbara does Headline Sports each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

 

Las Vegas era begins with huge win for Raiders 34-30

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Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) celebrates after scoring during the second half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)

Photo credit: AP Photo/Brian Blanco

By Shawn McCullough

Everyone expected the Raiders offense to be more explosive this season, but it was the defense that saved the game for Las Vegas.

The defense stopped the Panthers on 4th and 1 late in the game to preserve a 34-30 win over the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC.

With the Panthers driving and down 34-30 with under two minutes left in the game, Carolina faced a 4th and 1 at the Las Vegas 46 yard line and rushed Alex Armah up the middle, only to be stuffed for no gain by the Raiders defense.

“They got the stop when we needed it,” said head coach Jon Gruden on his defense.  “Fourth quarter defense is going to be a big part of winning in this league.”

The Raiders were led by second year running back Josh Jacobs who rushed 25 times for 93 yards and three touchdowns.

“It’s big to get a win in the first year in Las Vegas and not only that, for Oakland too to let them know that we are still here and we still want to win games,” said Jacobs.

The Raiders left Oakland this season to play in Las Vegas.

“That was a championship effort by a lot of guys,” said Gruden.  “I am just really happy to get a win for the Las Vegas Raiders, first win of the history of the Raider franchise in Vegas and hopefully our fans saw something that they liked.”

Quarterback Derek Carr was instrumental in moving the ball for the Raiders all game, throwing for 239 yards and one touchdown to wide receiver Nelson Agholor.

“Derek Carr was great today, that’s what we asked of him,” said Gruden about Carr.  “In a game like this, we didn’t know much about our opponent, but he made a lot of plays.”

“I’m so happy for our fans and I am proud of our guys to pull through,” said Carr.

The Raiders fell down 30-27 with 8:29 remaining in the game, but remained composed and drove 75 yards in nine plays for the game winning six yard touchdown run by Josh Jacobs.

With the win, the Raiders improved to 1-0 on the season and will make their debut at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas next Monday night against the New Orleans Saints.

Game Notes:

  • The Raiders were out-gained in total yards, 388-372.
  • Las Vegas committed only three penalties for 40 yards.
  • Tight end Darren Waller led the Raiders with six catches.
  • Rookie WR Henry Ruggs caught three balls for 55 yards, while rushing two times for 11 yards.

 

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Joe Hawkes: Air Quality looks pretty good for kick off at Levis on Sunday

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The San Francisco 49ers Tevin Coleman (26) talks with Matt Breida (22) and Raheem Mostert at practice on Jan 16th 2020 prior to their NFC Championship game vs. Green Bay. Coleman has the sickle cell trait and may not play Sunday if the air quality is poor at Levi Stadium. (AP News file photo)

On the 49ers podcast with J Hawkes:

#1 Joe taking a look at the Arizona Cardinals defense from last season they had a problem covering the tight ends with the addition of linebacker Isaiah Simmons covering San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle how do you see that match up and improvement for Arizona?

#2 Last season Kittle caught six passes for 79 yards and got a touchdown against the Cardinals and he did it with injuries to his ankle bone and a popped knee capsule on the 49ers first offensive drive.

#3 San Francisco running back Tevin Coleman did not practice on Friday as he has the sickle cell trait and may not be able to play on Sunday if the air quality conditions remain over 150 which is the air quality limit.

#4 The NFL might consider cancelling the game if the air quality gets over 200 which is the NFL limit. Doctors have noted that football players breath hard and with wild fire smoke thick as it’s been the league and the 49ers are concerned about heavy smoke inhalation by the players.

#5 Joe finally talk about the quarterback match up between the Cardinals Kyler Murray and the 49ers Jimmy Garopplo and how you see the match up Sunday?

J Hawkes does the 49ers podcasts each Sunday and does the 49ers post game recap at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich Perez: Raiders favored in road opener in Carolina; Very first game as Las Vegas franchise

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The Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) in practice this week is set and prepared with the offense to make a go of it as the Raiders face the Carolina Panthers to open their season on the road this Sun Sep 13th (photo from the mercurynews.com)

On the Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich Perez:

#1 Rich first of all welcome to the first Las Vegas Raiders podcast the first year for the Raiders to play in Sin  City what’s it been like for the community and for Raiders fans in Vegas to have their first professional NFL team?

#2 The Raiders head coach Jon Gruden is starting Derek Carr how confident are the Raiders that he’ll be ready and be starting in Carolina for the opener.

#3 Does Carr look to someone like back up quarterback Mario Mariota as competition. Mariota has had his share of injuries and is expected to be back in three weeks. There was some talk that when Mariota left the Tennessee Titans to come to Las Vegas he was damaged goods.

#4 Rich, how important is the Carolina Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to come in after playing in New Orleans step in and make this offense go.

#5 The one fear is an outbreak in the NFL, do you question the safety of this game and once someone gets Covid-19 will they shut it down and have to worry about testing everybody before returning to play again?

Join Rich Perez for Sportstalk on 1400 KSHP Las Vegas and a member of the Las Vegas broadcast Hall of Fame and for the Raiders preview podcasts every Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with London Marq: Mahomes and Chiefs strong as ever in opener; 49ers have injuries how will they do?; plus more

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The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws under the pressure of Houston Texans defensive end JJ Watt (99) on Thursday Night Football the season opener at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. (AP News photo)

On Headline Sports podcast with London:

#1 The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes had an evening on Thursday Night Football to open the NFL season throwing for 211 yards and three touchdowns for a 34-28 win over the Houston Texans.

#2 The Chiefs wide receivers didn’t miss a step either Travis Kelce, Sammy Watkins, and Tyreek Hill all caught a touchdown pass each.

#3 The San Francisco 49ers have a number of injuries including Deebo Samuel who will not play this Sunday due to a foot injury. Brandon Aiyuk was listed as limited and could play this Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals in week one at Levis Stadium in Santa Clara.

#4 Turning to the NBA Playoffs the Los Angeles Lakers Anthony Davis had 29 points on Thursday night and LeBron James missed a triple double by needing just one assist. The Lakers take game 4, 110-100 and take the series lead 3-1 over the Houston Rockets.

#5 Turning to baseball long time Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval was released by the Giants on Thursday. Sandoval was on all three Giants World Series teams in 2010, 2012, and 2014 and hit three home runs in one game. The Giants felt that Sandoval ran his course and produced a batting average of .220, 82 at bats, 18 hits, one home run.

#6 The San Jose Earthquakes suffered their worst loss in franchise history in a nine game regular season losing by a six goal loss 7-1 to the Seattle Sounders on Thursday night at Centurylink Field in Seattle.

Join London each Friday for Headline Sports podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

San Francisco 49ers podcast pt 1 with David Zizmor: Aiyuk and Samuel will they be ready for the opener on Sunday?

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The San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) was at practice on Thursday and is reportedly still nursing his hamstring injury. Aiyuk could be ready by Sunday for the opener against the Arizona Cardinals (photo from mercurynews.com)

On the 49ers podcast with David:

#1 The 49ers are trying to be optimistic about the return of wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk (hamstring)  and Deebo Samuel (foot) both sat out of practice on Wednesday but could you see them getting in for the game on Sunday?

#2 Two more injuries to ask about is center Ben Garland who is listed to limited action and corner back Jason Verrett (hamstring).

#3 David talk about the defending against the pass and how you see the 49ers attempting to shutdown Arizona quarterback Klyer Murray and the pass?

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

 

San Francisco 49ers podcast pt 2 with David Zizmor: Aiyuk and Samuel will they be ready for the opener on Sunday?

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The San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19) was not at practice on Wednesday and Sanders will not play on Sunday for the opener against the Arizona Cardinals. Samuel is suffering from a foot injury. (file photo from fansided.com)

On the 49ers podcast with David:

#1 The 49ers are trying to be optimistic about the return of wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk (hamstring)  and Deebo Samuel (foot) both sat out of practice on Wednesday but could you see them getting in for the game on Sunday?

#2 Two more injuries to ask about is center Ben Garland who is listed to limited action and corner back Jason Verrett (hamstring).

#3 David talk about the defending against the pass and how you see the 49ers attempting to shutdown Arizona quarterback Klyer Murray and the pass?

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

 

Headline Sports podcast with Tony Renteria: Orange smokey skies for Bay Area baseball; Fans fear Covid spread NFL ticket sales down; plus more

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View of Oakland Coliseum during Houston Astros and Oakland A’s Wednesday night during batting practice as a smokey orange sky from the California fires hangs over the park (photo from @MLByahoosports)

Headline Sports podcast with Tony R

#1 Washington, Oregon and California fires have made California the worst air quality in the nation. With California’s huge sports teams college and pro and with a the nation’s largest pandemic combined how long will it be safe to continue sports in California?

#2 Both Bay Area teams played Wednesday under orange smokey skies the Houston Astros and Oakland A’s at the Oakland Coliseum in the fourth of their five game series and the Seattle Mariners at San Francisco Giants for a Wednesday night game.

#3 The Super Bowl Champion Kansas Chiefs have said that their ticket sales for their opener have been down due to fears of the pandemic and too many fans gathering in one place will tickets sales also be down in other NFL cities?

#4 This is opening week for the San Francisco 49ers who are hosting the Arizona Cardinals at Levis Stadium in Santa Clara. During camp 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garopplo and the offense were missing some plays and a number of ball were intercepted in practice. That said how do you see the 49ers heading into this first game with Arizona?

#5 The Las Vegas Raiders are in Carolina to face the Panthers in the Raiders very first game representing Las Vegas. The Panthers have only two injuries guard Dennis Daley will be out of Sunday’s game with an ankle injury and Eli Apple with a hamstring.

#6 Also Raiders quarterback Marcus Mariota is out with pectoral strain, Raider head coach Jon Gruden said that Mariota was not damaged goods when the Raiders signed him.

Tony Renteria does Headline Sports every other Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers Week 1 preview By Jeremiah Salmonson

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Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) tosses the football in practice back on Wed Aug 12th with Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury watching. Murray and the Cardinals are headed to Levis Stadium against the San Francisco 49ers for Sun Sep 13th’s opener (AP News file photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

The San Francisco 49ers will take on the Arizona Cardinals this Sunday in the smoke ravaged Bay Area.

The game itself has a number of intriguing story lines.

First, this will be the first game for the new for newly acquired De’Andre Hopkins for the Cardinals. He is of course paired with once drafted A’s prospect Kyler Murray.

Murray of course is now known for his multifaceted approach to the QB position for the Cardinals. His arm and legs paired with a newly acquired receiver will be an exciting watch for Cardinals fans.

On the flip side this will be the first game since the 49ers lost a heart breaking Super Bowl to the Kansas City Chiefs. The 49ers will look to continue their winning ways as anything but another trip to the super bowl would be a let down.

With the departure of Emmanuel Sanders in the off-season the 49ers will need to rely more heavily on second year receiver Deebo Samuel. The 49ers feel confident with him having received great production from him at the end of last year.

The game is set to take place Sun Sep 13 at 1:25 PM PST at Levis Stadium in Santa Clara.