Tag: NFL

49ers offense is a disaster

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Photo credit: ninerswire.usatoday.com

By Jeremy Harness

OK, so what we’re going to write about here is not very pleasant, but let’s at least have some fun with this one.

We’re going to start off with a little exercise.

Step 1: Grab a partner and a football (or whatever you can find around the house that you can toss), and stand approximately six feet from each other.

Step 2: Toss the chosen object to your partner. Underhand, overhand, sidearm, it doesn’t matter a lick how you do it. Just do whatever you can to ensure that your partner catches it.

Step 3: Congratulate yourselves on a job well done. You have just passed for more yards – and one fewer interception – than Jimmy Garoppolo did on Monday.

Yes, you read that right. The quarterback that the 49ers paid more than $100 million for last offseason completed one of nine passes for zero yards and one interception, and was very fortunate that another pass was not picked off and returned for a touchdown midway through the first quarter.

However, this isn’t all Garoppolo’s fault. The entire starting offense looked inept against a young Denver Broncos defense, with pass protection especially being an issue, particularly the left side with Joe Staley and Laken Tomlinson.

The 49ers beat the Broncos on Monday, 24-15, but it was mostly on the back of the backups who, simply put, are trying to secure a spot on the team and are not expected to see much action when the regular season begins.

Which brings us back to the starting offense. The unit is going to need to show a bit more on Saturday, when it faces the Kansas City Chiefs, which made it to the AFC title game last season despite finishing near the bottom in most defensive categories, particularly against the pass.

Running back Jerick McKinnon, who missed all of 2018 with a torn ACL, did not play Monday and is not expected to practice Wednesday but, according to reports, could return Thursday on a limited basis.

Headline Sports podcast with Barbara Mason: How 49ers looked on Monday Night Football and what to expect from Raiders on Thursday Night Football; plus more

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Photo credit: actionnetwork.com

On Headlines Sports with Barbara Mason:

#1 The San Francisco 49ers played preseason game two on Monday Night Football. Talk about how quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo looked. He had one snag in scrimmage last week when he threw into traffic and got picked five times in a row. Going forward Thursday until making the trip to Denver, he looked like he got back on track.

#2 The Oakland Raiders’ quarterbacking situation looks like it’s coming along just the way head coach Jon Gruden planned the Raiders as the Raiders are 2-0 in preseason are looking at starter Derek Carr with backups Nathan Peterman and Mike Glennon.

#3 The Oakland A’s dropped the fourth and final game of their series to the Houston Astros Sunday, but not before the A’s took three out of four from the visiting Astros. The A’s are now 1 game back in the AL Wild Card race and all their remaining games with Houston are huge not to mention with their other opponents.

#4 The San Francisco Giants almost got a four-game sweep in Arizona, but lost on Sunday when the Diamondbacks scored for three runs in the first inning early and got good pitching out of starter Merrill Kelly, who went 5.2 innings, six hits and one run.

#5 Talk has been about traffic conditions around the new Chase Arena in San Francisco and San Francisco emergency services ran a drill simulating traffic conditions during a concert or a Warriors game. Results weren’t good as ambulances and fire trucks couldn’t get through during an emergency if there was Warriors game traffic coming in or going out. Was building Chase especially next to UCSF Hospital a disaster in the waiting?

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

 

San Francisco 49ers podcast with David Zizmor: A look at Garoppolo in Denver preseason game; Update on Kittle and Staley injuries

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Photo credit: profootballtalk.nbcsports.com

On the 49ers podcast with David:

#1 Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo had a tough Wednesday last week when he threw for five picks in scrimmage. He got tracked on Thursday and has good workouts since and saw some action in the preseason game on Monday Night Football in Denver.

#2 A couple of injuries the 49ers hope to recover from include the tight end George Kittle (calf) and left tackle Joe Staley (pectoral soreness). Will coach Kyle Shanahan use them in preseason games?

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

Despite 49ers’ 24-15 Win, Garoppolo Shaky in Pre-Season Debut

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Photo credit: ftw.usatoday.com

By: Joe Lami

Jimmy Garoppolo fell flat in his much-anticipated return to the football field on Monday night versus the Broncos. Garoppolo started the first three drives and looked flat-out terrible. He finished 1-of-6 for zero yards with one interception and a 0.0 QB rating. On top of the pick and sack, Garoppolo had two balls batted down at the line and should’ve thrown a second pick that was dropped.

The good news is it’s early. Garoppolo hasn’t played any meaningful football since week three of last season and was obviously not comfortable on Monday. Looking skittish and nervous in the pocket, Garoppolo still has a long way to go before he’s close to where he needs to be. Saturday will be huge for his development and confidence as he gears up for the season.

Garoppolo also didn’t great offensive line helped, as the Broncos front seven got in Garoppolo’s face on half his throws. Bradley Chubb picked up two QB hits, including one on the interception that made Joe Staley look silly.

Aside from Garoppolo, the Niners looked pretty good overall in the 24-15 victory. They rushed for a combined 185 yards but only passed for 85. Raheem Mostert was noticeable finishing with 58 yards on six carries.

Deebo Samuel once again flashed his top speed on a 45-yard sweep play, bringing the ball within the one; setting up a touchdown. NFL NextGen clocked him in at 20 MPH, matching Tyreek Hill’s average speed.

The defense continued to bend and not break and allowed their first touchdown of the preseason with only eight seconds remaining. DJ Reed and Jaquaski Tartt looked excellent in the secondary. Reed finished with six tackles, a pass deflection, and QB hit; while Tartt had five tackles, two for loss, and a breakup. As a team, San Francisco had five sacks and forced a turnover.
Battle for Backup

The backup race still remains intriguing. CJ Beathard earned the majority of the snaps on Monday; completing 5-of-11 for 81 yards, marching the Niners to two of their three touchdowns. Mullens completed 2-of-3 passes for 27 yards and a touchdown pass to Kenrick Bourne on a fade.

Richie James Jr. is starting to make his case for the 53-man roster. While he hasn’t added a ton on offense, his return ability should be admired. He picked up 80 yards on two returns, including a 48-yarder.

Sportstalk remote podcast at Kinara Fusion and Lounge in downtown SF; Monday, August 19, 2019

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yelp.com photo: Entrance of Kinara Fusion and Lounge now located at 607 Geary Street in downtown San Francisco.

Cast: Michael Duca (host), David Zizmor, Amaury Pi-Gonzalez, Jeremy Kahn, Morris Phillips, and Lee Leonard (producer) podcasting from Kinara Fusion and Lounge at 607 Geary Street in downtown San Francisco. Our thanks to our hosts and owners of Kinara Fusion and Lounge Restaurant Rahil Patel, Shahil Patel and Jafar Patel.

Kinara Fusion and Lounge offers a wide variety of classic Italian pizza recipes along with exotic Indian and Mediterranean specialties. A full certified Halal menu also serving unique deserts guaranteed to satisfy your palate. Located in the heart of San Francisco, Kinara also offers relaxed seating for after hours hookah lounging. Located at 607 Geary Street at Jones in downtown San Francisco.

On today’s podcast: Discussion on the San Francisco Giants and Oakland A’s and their chase for a wild card spot, the Oakland Raiders get ready for Aaron Rogers and the Green Bay Packers for Thursday Night Football Thursday, August 22nd at Investors Group Field in Winnipeg Canada. The San Francisco 49ers host the Denver Broncos for Monday Night Football at Mile High Stadium on Monday August 19th.

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Joe Lami: Garoppolo back to the drawing board on finding targets; Kittle and Staley miss practice due to injuries; plus more

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Photo credit: nbcsports.com

On the 49ers podcast with Joe Lami:

#1 How much concern should the 49ers have with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo after throwing five picks in practice on Wednesday? Garoppolo threw much better in joint practices with the Denver Broncos on Thursday.

#2 49ers backups Nick Mullens and CJ Beathard looked good in their first preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys last Saturday night in the 49ers’ first preseason game.

#3 Tight end George Kittle missed his second consecutive practice because of calf. Kittle is a key player and the 49ers hope that he won’t miss too much time on Monday night in Denver.

#4 Left tackle Joe Staley was out due to pectoral soreness, Staley was kept out of drills. It’s just a question whether he’ll be able to play on Monday night.

#5 Beathard was out with a thumb injury, but that didn’t stop him he came back with a taped up right hand and thumb and threw during team drills.

Joe Lami does the 49ers podcasts each Friday for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Oakland Raiders podcast with Joe Hawkes Beamon: Raiders have had their share of players with drama; Brown once tried to sneak in painted helmet; plus more

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Photo credit: thetakeout.com

On the Raiders podcast with Joe Hawkes:

#1 The Raiders have a history of players that have had misfit issues or just wouldn’t play or couldn’t perform such as Randy Moss, JaMarcus Russell, Khalil Mack, and Aldon Smith. How would Antonio Brown match up with the best of those players?

#2 With Brown almost holding out because of his helmet issue now settled, does that still stain the team does that serve as a disruption?

#3 Brown tried to sneak his helmet into practice and had it painted silver and black it had to be a first for a counterfeit helmet.

#4 Brown’s story was a rough upbringing. When Brown was 16, his step father kicked him out of the house and Brown was a walk-on at Central Michigan and ended up getting drafted in the sixth round by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

#5 The Raiders back up quarterback Mike Glennon in Thursday’s preseason game in Glendale against the Arizona Cardinals had a productive game, going 11-14 for 175 yards and two touchdowns. He’s had a couple of impressive preseason games.

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

Raiders hang on for a 33-26 win in the desert

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Photo credit: @Raiders

By Jeremy Kahn

Jon Gruden will definitely have a smile on his face after what he saw from his starting quarterback Derek Carr on his only series of the game.

Carr threw a 13-yard pass to Ryan Grant, helping the Oakland Raiders to a hard fought 33-26 over the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.

The Raiders were cruising, as they jumped out to a 26-0 lead on the home standing Cardinals; however, the Cardinals attempted to get back into the game, as they cut the lead down to 26-10 at the end of the first half.

Zane Gonzalez kicked his second field goal in the third quarter, as the Cardinals cut the Raiders in half; however, Mack Brown on a three-yard run early in the fourth quarter, helping the Raiders gain a 20-point in the desert.

Yes, it may be in the preseason; however, the Cardinals did not give up, as Charles Kanoff found Andy Isabella for a 59-yard touchdown and in the waning seconds of the game, Caleb Wilson caught a 13-yard touchdown pass with three seconds remaining.

Carr ended his evening going 2-for-2 with 40 yards passing, two touchdown passes and ended with a passer rating of 158.3.

Mike Glennon, who is in battle with Nathan Peterman went 11-for-14 for 175 yards and two touchdowns and also ended with a perfect passer rating of 158.3.

Peterman went a perfect 8-for-8 for 41 yards, as the trio of Raiders quarterbacks went a combined 21-for-24 with three touchdowns and no interceptions.

James Butler led the Raiders with 32 yards rushing on eight carries, while Brown also carried the eight times for 27 yards.

Rico Gafford made the most of his only catch of the night, as on his only catch of the night, he hauled in a 53-yard touchdown pass from Glennon.

Keelan Doss led the Raiders in receptions, as he caught five passes for 38 yards against the Cardinals defense.

Number one overall pick Kyler Murray went 3-for-8 for 12 yards passing, and was also sacked twice.

Brett Hundley led the Cardinals in passing, as he went 10-for-15 for 139 yards passing with a touchdown pass.

The Raiders next play the Green Bay Packers in Thursday Night Football at 5:00 p.m. PT.

Headline Sports podcast with Tony Renteria: Gruden prepares team for Cardinals on Thursday Night Football

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Headline Sports podcast with Tony Renteria:

#1 The NFL preseason has kicked off and head coach Jon Gruden is taking a look at his team for preseason Week 2 as the Raiders head to State Farm Stadium in Glendale to face the Arizona Cardinal for another edition of Thursday Night Football.

#2 Amongst those that Gruden will be looking at are his backup quarterbacks Mike Glennon and Nathan Peterman, who both threw in Week 1 of the preseason against the Los Angeles Rams. Tony was at the game and tells us how Glennon and Peterman looked.

#3 Coach Gruden says at wide receiver this is his best core of receivers that he’s had as head coach at the Raiders with Antonio Brown, Tyrell Williams, Hunter Renfrow, and JJ Nelson.

#4 How much time will Derek Carr get at quarterback for Thursday night against the Cardinals?

#5 What does it mean to have Antonio Brown back in camp after he threaten to retire if he couldn’t wear his old Pittsburgh Steelers helmet?

Join Tony for Headline Sports each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

49ers preview: Jimmy G has practice to throw into sea of forgetfulness

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mercurynews.com photo: San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo tunes up at practice on Tuesday, Aug. 6th is expected to see some action on Monday Night Football Aug. 19th in Denver after sitting out last Saturday.

By Jeremy Harness

SANTA CLARA — Either the defense had a lights-out practice, or quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo had one of the worst in recent memory.

Garoppolo’s return from and ACL tear he suffered last September has been rather low-key up to this point, but during Thursday’s practice against the starting defense, he was a victim of Murphy’s Law.

To this point, 49ers fans are hoping that this is just a part of getting all the kinks out before the regular season starts and not part of any long-term issue. At one point in the live scrimmage, Garoppolo threw five straight interceptions.

Yes, you read that right. Five.

Straight.

Interceptions.

Now if there is a positive to take out of this, it’s that the starting defense is starting to show its teeth, something that did not happen very often during a 2018 campaign that saw the team finish near the bottom in takeaways.

The defense is a bit short-handed, as Dee Ford has been dealing with knee tendinitis but is expected to return next week, per reports. Meanwhile, top draft pick Nick Bosa suffered a high ankle sprain and will miss the entire preseason, and his status for Week 1 is in doubt because of it.

Simply put, the 49ers will need to improve on defense this season if they are going to contend for a playoff spot in a very tough NFC. Another positive sign came last Saturday, when the mostly second-string defense held the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive starters to a field goal after being backed up inside their own 10-yard line.

The 49ers will hold joint practices with the Denver Broncos on Friday and Saturday before they square off for a preseason game.