Tag: NFL

San Francisco 49ers podcast with David Zizmor: Will this be Lance’s opportunity to win the first string job?

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San Francisco 49ers back up quarterback Trey Lance as seen in this Aug 29, 2021 photo will get the call to start this Sun Jan 2, 2021 against the Houston Texans in Houston for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo who is out with a thumb injury. (Bay Area News Group file photo)

On the 49ers podcast with David:

#1 San Francisco 49ers (8-7) quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo out with a thumb injury played with the injured thumb last Thursday against the Tennessee Titans (10-5). It was reported that 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan knew about Garoppolo’s thumb after Garoppolo let him know after the game. The thumb needs surgery but that would mean long layoff for Garoppolo.

#2 49ers back up Trey Lance will get the call to start against the Houston Texans (4-11) this Sunday in Houston. Lance has played in five games is 52.1% on completions, 354 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Is this that open door for Lance to shine and possibly take the starting job away from Garoppolo?

#3 The Texans have won their last two games in a row defeating the San Diego Chargers rather handily last Sunday 41-29, then the week before they defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars Sun Dec 19, 30-16. These last two wins counts towards their fourth win of the season after having such a struggle in the previous weeks. How do you see this match up with Lance as the starter against the Texans this Sunday.

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

Las Vegas Raiders Report: John Madden legendary coach and broadcaster dead at 85

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John Madden (right) featured in Super Bowl 50 photo in the CBS booth with play by play announcer Pat Sommerall (You Tube file photo)

By Rich Perez

Las Vegas Raiders beat writer

LAS VEGAS–Called by many the greatest broadcaster ever and Hall of Fame football coach John Madden passed away at age 85 today. His death was unexpected he passed away Tuesday morning.

The NFL released a statement from commissioner Roger Goodall: “On behalf of the entire NFL family, we extend our condolences to Virginia, Mike, Joe and their families, we all know him as the Hall of Fame coach of the Oakland Raiders and broadcaster who worked for every major network, but more than anything, he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.” Madden and his wife Virginia just celebrated their 62nd anniversary on Sunday.

There has not been a date set for a memorial service. Madden resided in Pleasanton, Madden was head coach at the Oakland Raiders from 1969-78 and won the Super Bowl in 1976 the Raiders lost only one game that season going 13-1.

Madden had a coaching career record of 103-32-7 and got the Raiders to the post season ten times going 9-7. In 2006 Madden went into the NFL Hall of Fame and was just 42 when he became a broadcaster doing color in 1979 on CBS first working with Pat Sommerall, after CBS Madden went onto to work with Al Michaels on ABC Monday Night Football. Madden retired in 2008.

He voiced over video games “Madden NFL” which began in 1988 and “John Madden Football.” Madden while head coach at the Raiders was such a huge landscape for Bay Area sports and was well loved in post game press conferences by journalists and reporters for his comments and great football insight.

Raiders win another cliffhanger 17-13 over Broncos; Jacobs redeems himself after first quarter fumble

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Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) on a give to running back Josh Jacobs (28) in the second half of action at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sun Dec 26, 2021 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

Las Vegas Raiders beat writer

The Las Vegas Raiders (8-7) were down by six points when running back Josh Jacobs approached the coaches at the half against the Denver Broncos (7-8) up 13-7 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Jacobs asked them to give him the ball that he will not let the rock get away from him like he did in the first half fumbling the ball away for a turnover.

Jacobs was granted a second chance he made up for the lost football in the first quarter and he took it to the Broncos on seven carries running for 57 yards on the opening series of the second half.

After nine plays and 75 yards of offensive effort the Raiders hit pay dirt scoring as running back Peyton Barber carried for five yards that gave the Raiders a third quarter touchdown that put them ahead 14-13.

Jacobs carried for 129 yards to help beat the Broncos and the win help keep the Raiders post season hopes alive as they move a game over .500. The Broncos now have lost three of their last four games and this puts their playoff hopes in jeopardy.

The Raiders win helped the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC East through tiebreakers. The Raiders victory Sunday marks their second straight game. They also had another cliffhanger edging the Cleveland Browns on Sun Dec 19th 16-14. In three of their last four games the Raiders have held their opponents to just 17 or less points.

On Jacobs getting the ball he was gratetful for that second chance to help the Raiders punch it through for that third quarter touchdown, “Just give me a chance to play the style of ball that I want to play. The offensive line, we all came to an agreement and went out there and did it and executed.” said Jacobs. For Jacobs this was his first time rushing for 100 yards in a single game.

The Raiders play their next to last game of the season against the Indianapolis Colts (9-6) this coming Sun Jan 2, 2021 in Indianapolis 10:00AM PST. The Colts have won six of their last seven games. They had a huge win over the Arizona Cardinals (10-5) Sunday in Arizona 22-16.

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Joe Hawkes: Second half falls apart for 49ers on both sides of the ball

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Tennessee Titans kicker Randy Bullock (14) boots a 44 yard field goal in the closing seconds against the San Francisco 49ers at Nissan Field in Nashville on Thursday Night Football Dec 23, 2021 (AP News photo)

On the 49ers podcast with JHawkes:

#1 In the first half Joe, the San Francisco 49ers (8-7) held the Tennessee Titanss (10-5) on defense shutting them out in the first half 10-0.

#2 In the second half the Titans turned the tables with some defense of their own allowing the 49ers to score only one touchdown in the fourth quarter and the Titans scoring ten points in each of the second and third quarters.

#3 Joe, talk about the Titans down 10-0 and rallying back like they did. Ryan Tannehill got the Titans in the red zone in those third and fourth quarters which paid off for the three point 20-17 win over the 49ers.

#4 The 49ers just completely could not getting anything going on offense as the Titans stopped them talk about quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and his throwing against the Titans defense going 26-35 for 322 yards, one touchdown and it was the turnovers that was the difference two interceptions.

#5 The 49ers host the Houston Texans (3-11) on Sun Jan 2. The Texans face the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday. The Texans have lost seven out of their last nine games and just about a lot of things have gone wrong for the Texans. Joe how do you see this match up between the 49ers and Texans on Sun Jan 2 at Levi Stadium.

Join Joe Hawkes for the 49ers podcasts each Sunday joins us for a special Friday edition at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich Perez: Can Raiders beat Broncos as Denver starts it’s back up quarterback Lock

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Las Vegas Raiders head coach Rich Bisaccia has a reaction to a play in the second half against the Cleveland Browns on Mon Dec 20, 2021 at First Energy Stadium in Cleveland (AP News photo)

On the Raiders podcast with Rich Perez:

#1 The Las Vegas (7-7) have signed defensive back Tony Brown to the practice sound and have released tight end Matt Bushman from the same practice squad.

#2 Rich, the defensive backs were lacking so the Raiders signed Brown to the practice squad, the way things are going how long do you see Brown leaving the practice squad and getting on the team.

#3 The Raiders have had a lot of injuries all season and after last week’s game in Cleveland things are getting tougher after losing safety Jonathan Abram who will need surgery and with lack a of defensive backs against the Denver Broncos (7-7). The Raiders could be seeing lots of passing and carrying by the Broncos led by quarterback Drew Lock.

#4 Cornerbacks Nate Hobbs and Brandon Facyson, safety Roderick Teamer all on the Covid 19/reserve list what does it mean to have these players missing.

#5 The Raiders host the Broncos this Sunday at Allegiant Stadium for 1:25 pm PST kick off. The Broncos have won four out of the last seven games and defeated the Raiders 34-24 on Oct 17 their last meeting who do you like this game coming up.

Join Rich Perez for the Raiders podcasts heard on Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Titans overcome 10-point deficit edge 49ers 20-17

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Tennessee Titans wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) scores a touchdown catch against the San Francisco 49ers cornerback Josh Norman (left) at Nissan Stadium in Nashville on Thursday Night Football Dec 23, 2021 (AP News photo)

It was a tale straight out of the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde novel.

Randy Bullock kicked a 44-yard field goal with four seconds left in the game to help the Tennessee Titans defeat the San Francisco 49ers 20-17 on Thursday evening at Nissan Stadium.

San Francisco had its two-game winning streak snapped. They stayed as the sixth seed in the NFC and the second wild card spot.

Tennessee have won two of its past three games and remained in first place in the AFC South with two games remaining.

The 49ers dominated both sides of the ball in the first half as their defense contained the Titans offense. In the second half the tides turned to Tennessee’s favor as wide receiver AJ Brown couldn’t be stopped.

“”I’m frustrated. I think we could’ve won this one,” said 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan. “You still have to play good enough on all three phases. We didn’t play good enough on third down and committed two turnovers and they had zero.”

San Francisco (8-6) scored on its opening drive. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo led the offense on a nine-play drive totaling 75 yards that was capped off with a Jeff Wilson Jr one-yard rushing touchdown. Garoppolo was 5-5 for 59 yards.

Tennessee’s (9-5) Jackrabbit Jenkins intercepted Garoppolo inside the endzone to stall the 49ers second drive.

The 49ers went up 10-0 on a Robbie Gould 48-yard field goal on its third possession. The 11-play drive featured Garoppolo overthrowing a wide-open Kyle Juszczyk along the right sidelines, a fourth and one conversion by Deebo Samuel and a face mask penalty on Trent Williams which took San Francisco out of the red zone.

The Titans offense had no answer for the Niners defensive front in the first half as they managed just three first downs (compared to 13 for San Francisco) on its four offensive possessions of the half. San Francisco’s defense had four tackles for loss.

Tennessee came out to start the second half with a 13-play 55-yard drive that resulted in a Randy Bullock 38-yard field goal. The drive featured three third and down and long conversions by quarterback Ryan Tannehill to AJ Brown and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine.

The 49ers offense gifted the Titans the ball on their first possession of the second half. Garoppolo threw his second interception when Amani Hooker picked off the ball and returned it to the 49ers 18-yard line.

The Titans took advantage as D’Onta Foreman rushed in for a three-yard touchdown on the fourth play of the drive to even the game at 10-10.

Tennessee’s defense forced a turnover on down when they stopped San Francisco’s attempt on a fourth and six from the Titans 40-yard line to keep the momentum on their side.

The Titans took its first lead of the game to open the fourth quarter when Tannehill connected with Brown for an 18-yard touchdown reception to complete a seven play 59-yard drive.

Brown, who played in his first game since suffering a chest injury back in Week 11, went off in the second half as the Niners defense played a soft zone and allowed him lots of room to jump start Tennessee’s offense which was dormant for the first 30 minutes. He finished with 11 catches for 145 yards and one touchdown.

Garoppolo, who had his own version of Jekyll and Hyde, redeemed himself when he led an eight play 95-yard drive in just under three minutes. The key play of the drive was a 56-yard reception to Samuel that set up San Francisco at the Titans five-yard line. The drive was capped off with a two-yard pass to Brandon Aiyuk to even the score at 17-17.

Garoppolo finished the game 26 of 35 for 322 yards and one touchdown and the two glaring interceptions. Samuel led the 49ers in receiving with nine catches for 159 yards and one touchdown. He also contributed 32 yards on the ground in five carries.

Tight end Geroge Kittle had a quiet game after three excellent games with only two catches for 21 yards on just three targets.

“Our best players didn’t play their best game…Deebo obviously played really well,” Kittle said.

Tennessee limited San Francisco to 83 rushing yards as their front seven dominated the trenches in the second half.

Tannehill finished 22 of 29 for 209 yards and one touchdown. He was 10 of 13 for just 40 yards in the first half but went 12 of 26 for 169 yards in the second half. His 23-yard scramble to the Niners 31-yard line set up Bullock’s game winning heroics.

GAME NOTES: San Francisco finished 3-for-8 on third down conversions. Tennessee was 9-for-16.

UP NEXT: San Francisco host their final home game of the regular season as they take on the Houston Texans on Sunday 1/2 at 1:05pm.

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Tony Renteria: Carr sacked but not out, Browns couldn’t rain on the Raiders parade; Raiders host Broncos Sunday

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Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) might have lost control of the ball after being sacked by the Cleveland Browns Myles Garrett (bottom) but the Raiders didn’t lose the game in the final seconds at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland on Sun Dec 19, 2021 (AP News photo)

On the Raiders podcast with Tony R:

#1 Tony, got to ask you about how thrilling that had to be for Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson who booted a 48 yarder for the winning field goal to defeat the Cleveland Browns by three points 16-14.

#2 Tony, the Browns were without almost half of their team on Sunday, they also were missing quarterback Baker Mayfield and back up Case Keenum due to Covid 19 protocols the Raiders just got by but that might light a fire under them going forward as they keep their playoff hopes alive.

#3 Raiders head coach Rich Bisaccia said after Sunday’s game that even though the game looked like it was going to go the other way “well done by our players.”

#4 The win was the Raiders first game since they defeated the Dallas Cowboys 36-33 on Thanksgiving day followed by two straight loses to the Washington Football Team and the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs was a crushing loss and the Raiders really muscled up to squeak by the Browns last Sunday.

#5 The Denver Broncos (7-7) come calling on Sunday at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The Broncos have won four of their last seven games are a .500 team and defeated the Raiders the last time the two teams met 34-24 on Oct 17th. Tony how do you see this match up for Sunday a 1:25 pm kick off.

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

San Francisco 49ers podcast with David Zizmor: Short turnaround from Sunday as Niners prepare for Thursday Night Football

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19) gets a head start on the Atlanta Falcons cornerback Fabian Moreau (22) at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara on Sun Dec 19, 2021. The 49ers are in Tennessee for Thursday Night Football Dec 23, 2021 (AP News photo)

#1 The San Francisco 49ers (8-6-0) don’t have much time to exhale after their 31-13 crushing of the Atlanta Falcons (6-8-0) at Levi Stadium last Sunday as they will have a short turnaround and draw down on the Tennessee Titans (9-5-0) on Thursday Night Football.

#2 Talking about last Sunday’s thriller at Levi Stadium the 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo got plenty of time to throw 18-23, 235 yards passing and one touchdown.

#3 The 49ers scored two touchdowns in each of the second and third quarters that help pad the scoring against the Falcons on Sunday a great showing of offense or what they did is the real deal and will be a force against the Titans on Thursday Night Football.

Join David Zizmor each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

It was close Raiders pull it off against Browns 16-14 in Cleveland; Carlson boots game winner

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With time running on the clock in the fourth quarter Las Vegas Raider kicker Daniel Carlson got the game winning boot against the Cleveland Browns defense at FirstEnergy Field in Cleveland on Mon Dec 20, 2021 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

The Las Vegas Raiders (7-7) just squeaked by the Cleveland Browns (7-7) 16-14 at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Raiders in a must win situation against just got by in the fourth quarter thanks to kicker Daniel Carlson who kicked a 48 yard field goal.

The win helped the Raiders snap a two game losing streak and kept Las Vegas’ playoffs hope alive. The Raiders earlier in the game fell a point behind 14-13 when Browns third string quarterback Nick Mullens threw for a six yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Harrison Bryant with just under four minutes left at 3:45 in the game.

Mullens got the call in his first appearance all season after starter Baker Mayfield and second stringer Case Keenum both tested positive for Covid 19 along with eight other teammates. The lack of help helped the Raiders just get by the Browns in the latter stages of the game.

This game was originally scheduled for Saturday but got the Monday afternoon 3 PM PST or 6PM EST start after the Browns were in Covid protocols. With just 2:47 left in the game Raiders quarterback Derek Carr threw a pass intended for wide receiver Zay Jones that was intercepted by Browns cornerback Greedy Williams which the Browns and their fans figured they Browns would wind the clock down and hand the Raiders another L.

It was not to be for the Browns, Browns running back Nick Chubb couldn’t get much daylight against the Raiders defense. Chubb took three carries against the Raiders defense only to be held to seven yards.

With 1:50 left in the game the Raiders got another chance and the ball back and Carr under center wanted Las Vegas to get into good field position to come back and score. After Browns kicker Dustin Colquitt punted the Raiders got the ball on their own 30 and Carr went to work.

Carr threw three yard pass to Foster Moreau, then Jones for 12 yards, Raider running back Josh Jacobs carried for nine yards, Moreau caught a 12 yard pass and got the ball to the 30 yard line in the Browns zone.

The Thanksgiving Day hero Carlson would get another chance to boot another game winner. Carlson hit a game winning field goal to hand the Raiders a 36-33 win on Thanksgiving day. Fast forward to Monday and Carlson lined it up and hit the ball for a 48 yarder to get the Raiders a two point win. Carlson has now booted 31 successful field goals out of 34 attempts.

The next game for the Raiders, they will host the Denver Broncos Sun Dec 26th at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas at 1:25 pm PST. The Broncos lost a tough one to the Cincinnati Bengals last Sunday 15-10. Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was relieved by back up Drew Lock after receiving a concussion. Bridgewater was released from the hospital on Monday.

Rich Perez is a Las Vegas Raiders beat writer for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

49ers shoot down Falcons 31-13; Niners pick up fifth win in six games

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) throws against the Atlanta Falcons defense in second half action on Sun Dec 18, 2021 at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara (AP News photo)

by Marko Ukalovic

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — These are the games you’re supposed to win if you want to be playoff contender.

The San Francisco 49ers took care of business in a 31-13 victory over the Atlanta Falcons (6-8) on Sunday afternoon at Levi’s Stadium.

San Francisco has won two games in a row as they continue their playoff push for in the NFC playoff race. They are currently the sixth seed in the NFC and in the second wild card position. Atlanta has lost two of its past three games.

It was a start JaMycal Hasty would soon like to forget as he fumbled the opening kickoff that was recovered by the Falcons at the 49ers 14-yard line.

San Francisco’s (8-6) stout defense let Hasty off the hook as they made a goal line stand on a fourth and goal from their own one-yard line when Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan threw incomplete to Kyle Pitts.

“I thought our defense played really well in the first half,” said 49ers head coach Kyle Shanhan. “The two drives before our final drive, I think we went three and out on both. We needed to stay on the field and finish them right there. (Our) D came up huge with those four down stops which made us survive it.”

After a 48-yard field goal by Yonghoe Koo the 49ers offense revved up the engine on their second offensive possession. They drove down 79 yards on 11 plays which resulted in a 30-yard field goal by Robbie Gould. The drive was set up with receptions of 25 and 28 yards to tight end George Kittle from Jimmy Garoppolo.

San Francisco went up 10-3 on its third possession. Fullback Kyle Juszczyk rumbled in for a six-yard touchdown run to complete an eight play 77-yard drive. Brandon Aiyuk contributed a 36-yard reception and Jeff Wilson Jr. had a 17-yard rush to help set up Juszczyk’s first rushing TD of the season.

Atlanta (6-8) responded with an eight play 65-yard drive of their own capped off with a 20-yard touchdown from Ryan to wide receiver Russell Gage who leaped high up in the air over Aubrey Thomas for the reception. The drive was aided on a controversial roughing the passer penalty on Arden Key, who had sacked Ryan one play earlier.

Garoppolo marched the 49ers down the field on just six plays and 75 yards in 3:27 that resulted in a 10-yard rushing touchdown by Deebo Samuel to close out the half. Samuel had a 30-yard reception to open the drive.

Samuel now has seven rushing touchdowns on the season, compared to his five receiving touchdowns.

“I just saw it on the install,” Samuel said regarding his new hybrid role on offense. “He (Shanahan) knows my mindset when it comes to just playing the game. I’m never going to shy away from any contact or shy away from anything that they ask me to do.”

San Francisco made the second half a living nightmare for Ryan and the Falcons offense.

Ryan was sacked in back-to-back plays in their opening drive of the second half. The second sack resulted in a fumble by Ryan with Fred Warner recovering for the 49ers.

“Our pass rush is coming alive and they’re coming alive when we needed them to,” said 49ers linebacker Fred Warner. “They’re the ones who start it, penetrating on first and second down so they can earn the right to rush on third down.”

San Francisco only needed four plays to make the Falcons pay for their miscue as Wilson Jr. rushed for a five-yard touchdown to increase the Niners lead to 24-10.

“Our guys were locked in today,” Garoppolo said. “It was a big game. NFC opponent, playoff picture and everything like that. It’s December football. We knew what we were in for.”

It was Wilson’s first rushing touchdown of the season as he made his second consecutive start for the injured Elijah Mitchell.

Atlanta drove 71 yards on nine plays capped off with a 22-yard field goal by Koo.

The 49ers put the game away with another quick drive. They went 75 yards on five plays when Garoppolo completed a four-yard touchdown reception to Jauan Jennings with 5:11 remaining in the third quarter.

San Francisco’s defense held the fort late in the fourth quarter as they stopped back-to-back drives by Atlanta’s offense forcing the Falcons to turn the ball over downs icing the game for the 49ers.

Ryan, who was under duress for the majority of the game, finished 19 of 32 for 236 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions with a QB rating of 92.7. Gage led Atlanta in receiving with eight catches for 91 yards and one touchdown.

San Francisco rushed for 162 yards while holding Atlanta to just 62 yards as both the offensive and defensive lines for the 49ers dominated the trenches on both sides of the ball.

Atlanta’s playoff push took a severe blow, but the team is not ready to concede their season with three games left in the season.

“We know nothing is set in stone,” Gage said. “You know we have three games left, anything can happen. The season has been crazy as we’ve all seen. So we’re gonna go out here and try to find a way to win these last three (games).”

Garoppolo finished 18 of 23 for 235 yards with one touchdown, no interceptions and a QB rating of 126.1. Wilson Jr. led all rushers with 110 yards on 21 carries. Kittle led the 49ers in receiving with six catches for 93 yards.

GAME NOTES: San Francisco finished 6-for-11 on third down conversions. Atlanta was 5-for-13.

UP NEXT: San Francisco travels out to Nashville to take on the Tennessee Titans on Thursday Night Football 11/23 at 5:20pm at Nissan Stadium