San Francisco 49ers – Page 52 – Sports Radio Service

Could Niners Fall in Trap Game?

Published on December 13, 2019December 13, 2019 by joelamiLeave a comment

Photo credit: 49ers.com

By Joe Lami

The Niners are coming out of a prizefight, and they’re beaten up like it too after last Sunday’s shootout with the Saints. The Niners’ defense will be without Richard Sherman (hamstring), D.J. Jones (ankle), Dee Ford (quad, hamstring), Jaquiski Tartt (ribs), and K’Waun Williams (concussion). Controlling their own destiny for the NFC one-seed, the banged-up Niners can’t afford to overlook the 4-8 Atlanta Falcons this Sunday.

And they shouldn’t, Kyle Shanahan will have the Niners prepared to face his old squad.

The Falcons might be 4-8, but they bring the seventh-best passing offense into Levi’s this Sunday.

Matt Ryan has been good, but not great this year, nothing like he was under Shanahan. He’s completing 66.7% of his passes for 22 TDs and 12 INTs for a 93.4 passer rating on the year. Meanwhile, Garoppolo’s completed 69.5% of his passes for 25 TDs and 11 INTs for a 103.9 rating.

Ryan has one of the most dangerous targets, with Julio Jones on the field. Jones was limited in practice earlier in the week, but returned to full practice on Friday, indicating he’s ready to go.

Jones enters Sunday seventh in the NFL with 1,016 receiving yards, and he becomes extra dangerous with how short-handed the secondary will be. Last week the 49ers surrendered 134 yards and a touchdown to Michael Thomas, Jones will attempt to do the same.

While the Falcons offense has been decent this year, much better than their 4-8 record indicates, their downfall has been their defense. The Falcons have the 26th scoring defense, the 21st total defense, and the 25th 3rd down defense.

All of this mediocrity should add up to a field day for the Niners offense. After putting up 48 on another elite defense last week, they should be eager to go. Expect Matt Breida to return to more carries after last week’s six carry 54-yard performance.

This game could smell a little bit of a trap game, especially with the injuries the Niners have on defense. As long as the defense plays alright, the offense should have no problem putting up points on the Falcons. If the defense struggles without half it’s starting rotation, they could be in for a shootout.

Headline Sports podcast with Barbara Mason: Titans simply wore out Carr Sunday in Raider loss; Tough act to follow as 49ers get by Saints in the last minute; plus more

Published on December 10, 2019 by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: mercurynews.com

On Headline Sports podcast with Barbara:

#1 The Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr must be seeing double after running all day and avoiding getting sacked by the Tennessee Titans pass rush.

#2 The Raiders just couldn’t get anything going, and as a result, suffered their third straight loss 42-21.

#3 The San Francisco 49ers added more to their exciting season with a last minute drive that got them good field position for a Robbie Gould field goal for the 48-46 win.

#4 How important is it for Cal to stay in the Bay Area for their next game the RedBox Bowl at Levi’s Stadium against the Illinois Illini on Monday, Dec. 30th?

#5 The St. Mary’s Gales had an eight-game winning streak going into Sunday’s game, but it was too much. #19 Dayton sunk the Gales chances with a ten-point win 78-68.

Join Barbara for Headline Sports podcasts each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers podcast with David Zizmor: 49ers stand on top of NFC Playoff standings

Published on December 10, 2019December 10, 2019 by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

photo: San Francisco 49ers center Weston Richburg (58) makes his points to his teammates as the 49ers prepare to host the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday at Levis Stadium

On the 49ers podcast with Dave:

#1 The Forty Niners put together a final minute drive to defeat the New Orleans Saints in the Super Dome on Sunday in a razer close game 48-46.

#2 The 49ers occupy first place in the NFC Playoff Standings at 11-2 they are followed by the Packers, Saints, Cowboys, Seahawks, and Vikings.

Join David each Tuesday for the 49ers podcasts heard on http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary podcast: Niners pull one out for the ages in New Orleans; Raiders’ skid hits three, Carr and Raiders hear it from the fans; plus more

Published on December 10, 2019 by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: ninersnation.com

On That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary:

#1 The San Francisco 49ers pulled out a victory for the ages on Sunday in New Orleans when kicker Robbie Gould hit the gamer, a field goal that captured one of the 49ers’ best wins of the season 48-46.

#2 The Oakland Raiders suffered their third straight loss to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday afternoon 42-21. Critics have said that Raiders quarterback Derek Carr looks lost in the headlights in those last three games.

#3 How important is it for Cal getting a bowl game in the Bay Area they face Illinois on Monday, Dec. 30th at Levis Stadium? Although the game is in a neutral site, the Bears will feel right at home.

#4 This past week, the San Francisco Giants hired batting coach Donnie Ecker as manager Gabe Kapler slowly dismantles the former coaching staff that was once Bruce Bochy’s.

#5 The San Jose Sharks lost their fourth straight game and five of their last seven games. Over the weekend, they lost by convincing scores 7-1 to Tampa Bay on Saturday and 5-1 to Florida on Sunday.

Listen to Amaury Pi-Gonzalez for That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Garoppolo Outduels Brees in Instant Classic 48-46

Published on December 8, 2019December 8, 2019 by joelamiLeave a comment

Photo credit: cbssports.com

By: Joe Lami

The Niners walked off the field with the win and control of the number one seed as Robbie Gould’s 30-yard buzzer-beating field goal flew through the uprights with zeros on the clock in the Superdome on Sunday. The 48-46 shootout was an instant classic and the game of the year that included seven different lead changes.

“That’s as cool of a game as I’ve ever been part of,” said Kyle Shanahan.

Jimmy Garoppolo was elite in his best game as an NFL quarterback. Throwing for 349 yards, four touchdowns, for a 131.7 passer rating, Garoppolo led the Niners past the Saints in the Superdome despite his defense giving up 46 points. His day was nearly perfect minus a third-quarter interception that bounced in the air off of Emmanuel Sanders’ hands.

“You gotta give Jimmy Garoppolo credit. That was a shootout, and he got the last shot, said Richard Sherman.”

In the last month, Garoppolo’s averaged a 125.8 passer rating with three of those contests coming against division leaders Green Bay, Baltimore, and New Orleans. He also now sits with 25 touchdowns on the season, three shy of Lamar Jackson for the league lead.

Garoppolo’s final shot came after the Saints scored a go-ahead touchdown to go up by one. Due to a missed two-point conversion for the Saints earlier in the first quarter, New Orleans was forced to go for two again and were stuffed. Jimmy was given 53 seconds and three timeouts to march into field goal range for the win.

After a short pass and two incompletions, the Niners faced fourth and two when Garoppolo found Kittle, who made what’s become a typical “George Kittle type” play. Carrying two defenders and getting faced masked along the way, Kittle picked up 39 yards and an extra 14 for the penalty setting up the game-winning kick.

The 49ers’ defense is lucky for how well Garoppolo and the offense played. They were gashed all day by the Saints’ offense. Drew Brees had Garoppolo-type stats, throwing for 349, five touchdowns, and one rushing. He had one more passing TD than Jimmy, but Emmanuel Sanders stole that one when he threw to Raheem Mostert on a trick play in the second quarter.

Receivers on both sides of the ball were benefactors to the quarterback play. Michael Thomas led New Orleans, catching 11 balls for 134 yards and a touchdown. Jarred Cook was Brees’ early option, catching the first two New Orleans’ touchdowns before leaving the game with a concussion. Tre’Quan Smith and Josh Hill caught the other touchdowns.

Emmanuel Sanders led the Niners with seven catches for 157 yards and a touchdown. He also threw the 35-yard dart to Mostert in his best game as a Niner. Kittle finished with 76 yards, after man-handling the Saints for 39 on the last drive. Kendrick Bourne caught two touchdowns on three receptions for 18 yards.

Deebo Samuel continues to break out and appear like a future pro-bowler for the red and gold. The second-round rookie caught five balls for 76 yards. He also rushed for 33 yards on two carries.

The Niners also rushed the ball exceptional again. Mostert rushed for 69 yards on ten carries and scored on the ground as well. Matt Brieda, coming off his ankle injury, was limited but looked good in spurts, rushing for 54 yards on six carries.

There were plenty of holes and things of concern for San Francisco, but it was all over-shadowed by Garoppolo’s play. The special teams allowed 192 yards to Denote Harris on kick and punt returns. The undrafted rookie had 14 go for touchdowns while at Assumption College.

Most concerning, center, Weston Richburg went down with what appeared to be a serious knee and ankle injury in the third quarter. After being carted off the field, Ben Garland filled-in his shoes and was decent. But losing Richburg for the remainder of the season could be critical for the playoff-stretch.

The Niners finished their toughest stretch of the season, going 2-1 against the divisional leaders and now control their destiny for home-field advantage. They’ll wrap up a playoff position tonight if the Rams lose to the Seahawks.

Previewing the Saints: How Will the Niners Fare?

Published on December 7, 2019December 7, 2019 by joelamiLeave a comment

photo from sfgate.com file: San Francisco 49er tight end George Kittle (85) looks to see if he made it over the line of scrimmage for a first down during the season opener against the Tampa Bay Bucs on September 8th

By: Joe Lami

The Niners are two-thirds through their hellish stretch, and they’ve managed to go 1-1. Unfortunately, the loss last Sunday to Baltimore proved to be critical in the NFC West race. Both the Seahawks and 49ers go into week 14 with a 10-2 record, but Seattle owns the tiebreaker, meaning San Francisco is currently the five-seed in the NFC. They’re still four games remaining, but the Niners can’t afford another slip-up.

This weekend’s game against the Saints proves to be vital towards their chances at the division and a potential first-round bye. The Saints come into the contest with a 10-2 record and appear to be a team with Super Bowl aspirations. However, they’ve cruised through an easy schedule, not facing a team above .500 since September.

Drew Brees has been excellent since returning from a hand injury that forced him out five weeks. He’s gone 4-1 and thrown ten touchdowns to just two interceptions thanks to some great protection up-front. However, the Saints could be thin on the left side of their offensive line. Former Stanford standout, Andreas Peat has already been listed out with a forearm injury, while Terron Armstead is listed as questionable.

Without two of Brees’ biggest hogs upfront, the Niners’ pass rush will be salivating at the mouth to get after a pocket-passing QB. Because of the ferocious pass rush the Niners bring, I expect Brees to get the ball out fast and target Alvin Kamara. Kamara has 1,031 all-purpose yards this year, with 444 coming through the air on 63 catches. He’s also rushed for 587 yards. Brees won’t be afraid to dump the ball off to the elusive running back.

If given time to throw, Michael Thomas becomes the biggest concern for San Francisco. Thomas is the best receiver in the NFL right now, and it’s not close. The league leader in receptions (110) and receiving yards (1,290), he’s on pace to shatter New Orleans’ records and the single-season NFL record. He’s also within striking distance of Calvin Johnson’s single-season yards record if he balls out the next couple of games.

Richard Sherman returned to full practice on Friday for the Niners and will be ready to go, but unfortunately, Jaquiski Tartt will be out due to broken ribs. The good news for the red and gold is that everyone else, but Joe Staley, returned to full practice on Friday. Staley is still listed as questionable with a broken finger.

The Saints’ most dangerous threat might be Taysom Hill. The swiss-army knife displayed his unique speed and skill with two touchdowns last week on Thanksgiving. The Niners obviously struggle with speed at QB, as Kyler Murray, Russ Wilson, and Lamar Jackson have indicated. If Hill gets his hands on the ball, he could be a game wrecker.

Defensively, the Saints have good numbers across the board. They’re not elite, but they’re nothing to scoff at either. They’re top 12 in every significant category, but appear to struggle with the run more than the pass. With Matt Brieda expected to return for the Niners, they’re going to test the Saints run-defense ability like they’ve had with every other team all year. San Francisco brings the #2 run offense in the league to the Big Easy.

The Saints are, for sure, a contender in the NFC, but they haven’t been challenged since week three. Are they going to be able to handle a 49ers’ team that’s playing their third playoff-caliber opponent in a row?

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Joe Lami: Will Ryan get canned for remarks made on 49ers broadcast?

Published on December 6, 2019 by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: awfulannouncing.com

On the 49ers podcast with J. Lami:

#1 Joe, will the San Francisco 49ers radio color analyst Tim Ryan get fired by the team for racial remarks regarding comparing Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson’s skin color to his uniform color, and the color of the football?

#2 If the 49ers keep Ryan, what will the fallout be? How will the players and the community respond?

#3 Ryan will serve his one-day suspension for the racial remarks this Sunday when the 49ers play in New Orleans.

#4 Could Ryan just win up with just a one-game suspension, come back and everything will be alright in the world again?

#5 The 49ers are in New Orleans this Sunday, Dec. 8th after coming off their second loss of the season in Baltimore. Set this game up for us this Sunday, Joe.

Joe Lami does the 49ers podcasts each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Podcast: The Fantasy Football Doctors – Playoffs Week One

Published on December 5, 2019 by Charlie O. MalloneeLeave a comment

Your hosts: Dr. Vasu Vaddiparty & Dr. Charlie O

It’s time to get very serious about your team because money is on the line
Which QB should you start this week?
What running back will put up the big points this weekend?
Who are the best wide receivers that are playing this week?
Don’t overlook the Tight Ends – those points could make the difference!

Plus, you will get Charlie O’s review of “The Irishman” from an Irishman!

And, you will hear an appeal to the Federal Government to bail out Detroit’s sports teams!

That plus much more on this week’s edition of the Fantasy Sports Doctors!

Headline Sports with Barbara Mason: Warriors drop their third straight 104-79; Raiders at their lowest point; plus more

Published on December 3, 2019December 4, 2019 by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: nba.com/warriors

On Headline Sports with Barbara:

#1 The Atlanta Hawks handled the Golden State Warriors 104-79 loss Eric Paschall lead all Warriors scorers with 24 points on Monday night. The Warriors’ Draymond Green didn’t play.

#2 Have the Oakland Raiders sank to their lowest point of the season losing huge to the Kansas Chiefs 40-9 on Sunday for their second straight loss?

#3 The San Francisco 49ers saw Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker kick a winning field goal to end the game Sunday in 20-17 loss for San Francisco.

#4 Last Saturday, the Sacramento Kings came back from a long four city road trip going 1-3. On Saturday they defeated the Denver Nuggets 100-97. The Kings lost to the Chicago Bulls on Monday night 113-106.

#5 The Cal Bears insured themselves a bowl spot after their victory over the UCLA Bruins 28-18. Cal quarterback Chase Garbers went 17-29 for 230 yards.

Headline Sports can be heard with Barbara each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com