Tag: NFL

Is it August yet? San Jose State and others gather for Bay Area Football Media Day

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Photo credit: Ana Kieu, Sports Radio Service

By: Ana Kieu

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — College football is just around the corner, and we’re less than five weeks away from the San Jose State Spartans’ season opener versus UC Davis on August 30. But, like you should already know, San Jose State isn’t the only Bay Area college football team, as the Stanford Cardinal and Cal Golden Bears sort of dominate on the other side of the Bay. Also, the San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders are the main attractions, as they’re NFL teams that may be dawdling right now, but they’re chock-full of history. So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at all the football teams the Bay has to offer–whether they’re good, bad or just okay.

California Golden Bears
Last season, the Golden Bears, who compete in the Pac-12 Conference, were led by first-year head coach Justin Wilcox and played their home games at California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, Calif. The Bears finished the 2017 campaign with a 5-7 record (2-7 Pac-12), which wasn’t that bad; but there could always be room for improvement.

Oakland Raiders
The Raiders recently confirmed that they’ll relocate to Las Vegas in the near future, and the Oakland-Alameda Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. will just be the home of one team, the Oakland A’s. Anyways, the Raiders’ fan base is very loyal, and I’m pretty sure their fans will travel to Vegas when they can. The Raiders, however, finished the 2017 campaign 6-10 and missed the playoffs, so it’s time for the team to click-clack boom, diversify their rushing attack and improve their defense under the guidance of returning head coach Jon Gruden, who previously coached the team from 1998-2001.

San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers have a lot to prove, and this year should be a difficult test for general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was arguably the biggest hero towards the end of the 2017 campaign as he helped the 49ers win five games for a 6-10 record. After that, Garoppolo signed a 5-year, $137.5 million contract extension, which made him the highest-paid player in NFL history at the time. Now, the 49ers have to stay healthy and amp up their offense.

San Jose State Spartans
Oh, where should I start when it comes to the San Jose Spartans? I know, I’m an alumna who was fortunate to cover my alma mater, but there’s a laundry list of items for this team to work on. The youth movement under first-year head coach Brent Brennan was certainly a positive, but the Spartans finished the 2017 campaign with a 2-11 record (1-7 MW) and need to rebuild its secondary, then find ways to stay consistent.

Stanford Cardinal
The Cardinal–coached by head coach David Shaw–is yet another team in the Pac-12 Conference and they play their home games at Stanford Stadium. The Cardinal finished the 2017 campaign with a 9-5 record (7-2 Pac-12). The Cardinal is a pretty good team, but in college football, the offseason antics appear to be almost endless.

Notes
Washington Redskins long snapper and Cal alum Nick Sundberg turned 29 on July 29.

San Jose State has 66 freshmen and sophomore on its roster. With 14 remaining starters and 40 overall letter winners, San Jose State was selected by a media poll to finish 6th in the MW’s West Division. In addition, webflyer.com confirmed that San Jose State will have less than 7,000 air miles of travel for its 5 road games with air travel and a 300-mile round trip to Fresno, Calif. this coming season.

Stanford center Jesse Burkett was named as the Cardinal’s National Scholar-Athlete nominee. Also, Stanford star Bryce Love was named to Walter Camp Football’s Player of Year preseason watch list. Love is a human biology major and an aspiring pediatrician.

Oakland Raiders podcast with Tony Renteria: Carr looking to overcome last year’s injuries; Lynch expected to have big season; plus more

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Photo credit: @Raiders

On the Raiders podcast with Tony R:

Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr is looking at improvements over last year and who got injured last season. Will Carr be under pressure to impress head coach Jon Gruden coming into this 2018 season? Carr is backed up EJ Manuel and Connor Cook. Tony takes a look at how much confidence does Gruden have in Manuel or Cook in case they’re called into duty if Carr is out?

Running back Marshawn Lynch didn’t hit 400 yards in either 2015 or 2017, but Gruden knows that Lynch has game and will utilize Lynch who will get more carries this season. At wide out, Amari Cooper, Jordy Nelson, Martauis Bryant, Ryan Switzer, and Seth Roberts are in the wide receiver core and we take a look at how Gruden sizes up his receivers.

Gruden is hoping that Carr can get time to throw how much confidence does he have in his offensive line to get Carr time?

Tony Renteria takes an indepth look at Raiders football each week on the Oakland Raiders podcast at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Is Jimmy Garoppolo’s rumored girlfriend Kiara Mia going to ruin his image?

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Photo credit: nypost.com

By: Ana Kieu

Whether or not you’re a San Francisco 49ers fan, you probably know all about quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who has an all-around good guy type of aura around him…or so they say.

Garoppolo managed to stay out of the tabloids during his three-year tenure with the New England Patriots from 2014 to 2017. But, now, the 26-year-old made shocking headlines after recently going on a date with porn star Kiara Mia in Beverly Hills, California.

Of course, TMZ was the first to break the out-of-place story, but still. What happened to Garoppolo’s reported ex-girlfriend, Alexandra King? The former couple became Instagram official in February, hung out at Disneyland in March, and King even responded to an Instagram question from a fan that she hoped to be married to Garoppolo in five years. We don’t know yet, but hopefully, something will come up on this attractive pair that apparently went their separate ways.

Anyhow, Mia looked really giddy with Garoppolo on their post-ESPY’s date last Thursday. That shouldn’t come as a surprise, as a veteran porn star likely wouldn’t friend-zone a young stud like Garoppolo. According to TMZ, Kia said that there would be more dates with Garoppolo, so it doesn’t look like a casual situation is the correct label for the pair.

You might recognize Mia’s previous work, as she starred in a porn spoof on “Keeping Up With The Kardashians” back in 2015. But, if you don’t know her, that’s okay too. Just know that Mia’s 14 years older than Garoppolo. So if Garoppolo is looking for a woman with experience, then he’s found the right person in Mia.

Like some of us, you might be wondering if Kia is going to ruin Garoppolo’s image and scare away some of his existing and future sponsors? When it comes to the sponsors, it’s likely not going to happen, unless if the company is very family-friendly. When it comes to Garoppolo’s image in general, that’s going to depend on the person, as everyone has their own opinion.

Personally, I don’t think this particular relationship is going to ruin Garoppolo’s image nor is it going to last long, but only time will tell. Also, I’d like to add that if you’re going to judge Garoppolo based on his personal life, you might want to treat other powerful men the same way, like, say, President Donald Trump. Just saying.

San Francisco 49ers podcast with David Zizmor: Garoppolo had the confidence he could beat Brady for job when in New England

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San Francisco 49ers starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) waves to the crowd before their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars for their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

On the SF 49ers podcast with Dave:

When San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo first came on the scene in 2014 with the New England Patriots, he had the confidence that he could be better than Patriots’ starting quarterback Tom Brady. He said he had that same confidence going into camp this season as it should be no surprise he’s a lock as the 49ers’ starting quarterback.

Dave will take a look at the two-game suspension of 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster and will his suspension be a distraction to the team going into those first two games?

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

Sportstalk podcast at Diplomat Steakhouse in downtown Sacramento

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Cast: Michael Duca (mlb.com and host), Jeremy Kahn (SF Giants and Oakland Raiders reporter), Jeremy Harness (SF Giants and PGA reporter), London Marq (Sacramento Kings and SJ Earthquakes reporter), Jeremiah Salmonson (Sacramento Kings reporter), Charlie O (Oakland A’s and Sacramento Kings reporter), Lee Leonard (producer).

Sportstalk is proud to podcast at The Diplomat Steakhouse at 1117 11th Street in downtown Sacramento. Our thanks to our hosts: owner Ramesh Prasad, Marketing Patrick Harbison, Manager Chriss Lamm, Assistant General Manager Danielle “Feisty Spice” Feist, Event Concierge Aimee Spaulding, and Kaitlin Deathriage.

Being diplomatic is our brand’s core binding. We are intuitive when in conducting your dining experience, and can achieve peaceful resolutions to any quandary while facilitating intriguing discussion with anyone on the map. We broadened the scope and magnified the habitual steakhouse fare. We resolve differences by implementing international fusion cuisine to please any and all palates. We strive to achieve a peaceful atmosphere, and our ingenuity gives us the edge to connect to any guest.

Restaurateur, Ramesh Prasad, has has dined worldwide in the vast ever occurring steakhouse traditional fine dining concepts. Complacent with their predictability, he manifested his vision into reality. Sacramento is in the prime of revitalization, and developing a signature steakhouse is pioneering the industries’ cravings.

Oakland Raiders podcast with Tony Renteria: Musberger huge figure in Vegas; Raiders look to feed off his talent; Raiders fans in Oakland shocked by the change with Papa and Flores out

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Photo credit: oaklandnewsnow.com

On the Oakland Raiders podcast with Tony:

Broadcast teams–they come together or they don’t come together. Play-by-play announcers like former Oakland Raiders announcer Greg Papa was and color announcer which Tom Flores was they added two different aspects, but they were able to blend together and work well together.

Brent Musberger is in replacing Papa and I’m sure there has to be some color analyst that Musberger thinks he could work well together with and that’s who’s going to be the color person for Musberger, former Raider Bill Romanowski, maybe?

This firing of Papa and Flores caught a lot of people by surprise. It didn’t look like the Raiders were going to fire Papa and Flores until maybe after the Raiders left Oakland. What you want to do is embrace your fans in Las Vegas and not alienate your fans in Oakland.

Greg Papa’s call of “Touchdown Rrrrrrrrrraiders” is iconic. I don’t know if the band-aid has been pulled off so much now or if season ticket holders in Oakland understand the business side and realize the Raiders are moving and these are business related moves.

Tony Renteria does the Raiders podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers podcast with David Zizmor: Is the expectation too high on Garoppolo?; Will Sherman see some time at wideout?

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Photo credit: @49ers

On the SF 49ers podcast with Dave:

#1 San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has been the talk amongst media circles. One of the questions raised is Garoppolo overrated and are the 49ers expecting way too much out him for 2018?

#2 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman will have a huge role on defense this coming season, but can you see him being used at wide receiver. Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll has used him at wide receiver. Will 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan use him at the position this year?

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

 

Oakland Raiders podcast with Tony Renteria: Raiders corner Rashaan Melvin gives many reasons why he’s glad to be a Raider

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photo from nbcbayarea.com file: Former Indianapolis Colts corner Rashaan Melvin is excited to join the Oakland Raiders for the 2018 season

On the Oakland Raiders podcast with Tony:

Oakland Raiders corner Rashaan Melvin joins the Raiders and stated in a Sirius XM NFL interview that he gave some key reasons why he joined the Raiders. One of them was he  loved what he heard about Raider fans and wanted to give a shoutout to the hundreds of thousands of fans in Oakland.

Melvin said the Raiders have players who can get things done on every level and he had faith that head coach Jon Gruden can get the Raiders to the promise land the post season. He liked Gruden’s coaching style firey, smart, and knows how to win.

Melvin said coming to Oakland gives him a chance to be one of the best corners in the NFL and he has confidence in the Raiders and Gruden that he will be one of the very best corners in the NFL this season.

Melvin said the Raiders have a players who are veterans with an average of 12 years experience in the league. Melvin said the running backs and the offensive line also carry the experience to get them to the postseason.

Tony Renteria does the Oakland Raiders podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Oakland Raiders podcast with Tony Renteria: Key players who Raiders will heavily depend for 2018

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Photo credit: @E_Geerlings

On the Oakland Raiders podcast with Tony:

Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr in 2016 was 12-3, but broke his leg due to a sack, and in 2017, Carr suffered three broken bones in an injury. Can Carr avoid any set backs and stay healthy and how crucial will it be for the Raiders to have Carr healthy all season?

Marshawn Lynch running back was the best offensive running back in the second half of 2018. Lynch didn’t play in 2016, but came to the Raiders in 2017 and got his old self going and could be a great threat for the Raiders this season.

Amari Cooper receiver will try for better consistency this season after having troubles on the field and with injuries. Cooper had 470 yards, 37 catches, and five touchdowns.

Khalil Mack, an edge rusher, was the NFL’s defensive player of the year in 2015. Since he stayed away from mini camp 2018, will he have the impact that’s expected of him for this season?

Tony Renteria podcasts Raiders football at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

San Francisco 49ers podcast with David Zizmor: Will Garoppolo get much-needed line protection?; plus expectations of Sherman

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) runs off the field during a game against the Los Angeles Rams on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles. Photo by Jon SooHoo/UPI

On the San Francisco 49ers podcast with David Zizmor:

Dave takes a look how crucial is it for 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to get line protection and time to throw the football this season. Talk about the expectations of cornerback Richard Sherman and his coming off an Achilles injury.

Sherman, 30, at cornerback will be crucial for the 49ers in role and can he provide the same kind of performance that he had when he was in Seattle now that he’s playing in Santa Clara and help the 49ers get to the postseason.

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