Washington vs. San Francisco 49ers preview by Jeremiah Salmonson

Washington Football Team pays the San Francisco 49ers a visit at State Farm Stadium in Glendale AZ on Sun Dec 13, 2020 in week 13 of NFL football (youtube.com image)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

The San Francisco 49ers are coming off a tough matchup against the Buffalo Bills. The 49ers didn’t play terribly against the Bills but not well enough to win.

In the loss, the 49ers pass defense struggled. They let Josh Allen throw for 375 yards and four touchdowns in the game. Meanwhile, Nick Mullens threw for just over 300 yards in the loss. It was just too many points for the 49ers to overcome.

In this week’s matchup, the 49ers will face the high-flying Washington Football Team. Washington was able to beat the only undefeated team left in the league last week, the Pittsburg Steelers. Former 49er QB Alex Smith will return to the Bay Area looking to do some damage against his former team.

The 49ers come into this matchup getting healthier. Players like Brandon Aiyuk and Raheem Mostert are slated to play as the 49ers offense looks to get back into a rhythm.

In other news, 49ers starting QB Jimmy Garoppolo is hoping to return soon. No day has been set yet, but it is looking like he will make a return before the end of the season.

The game will be Sunday at 1:25 PST in the Bay Area on Fox.

Prediction: I think the Washington Football Team will have a bit of a big game hangover. I predict the 49ers win 27-21

San Francisco 49ers podcast with David Zizmor: Did unfamiliar surroundings throw 49ers off their game on Monday night?

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott is congratulated by San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan after the Bills win on Monday Night Football Dec 7, 2020 (AP News photo)

On the 49ers podcast with David:

#1 David in taking a look at the 49ers last game against the Buffalo Bills did they seem unadjusted and maybe seemed out of their element playing in Glendale as opposed to Santa Clara?

#2 49ers quarterback Nick Mullens had an afternoon that was good enough to win throwing for 316 yards and three touchdowns but just fell short on scores.

#3 It was quite an afternoon for Bills quarterback Josh Allen with 375 yards passing and four touchdowns the 49ers defense just couldn’t do anything with Allen and the Bills.

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

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Barbara Mason: After back to back road games Raiders come home to host Colts on Sunday

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr is exuberant after throwing a 46 yard pass to receiver Henry Ruggs in the final seconds of their game against the New York Jets at the Meadowlands East Rutherford New Jersey at MetLife Stadium on Sun Dec 6, 2020 (USA Today photo)

On the Raiders podcast with Barbara Mason:

#1 The Raiders (7-5) after getting crushed in week 12 in Atlanta came out on Sunday and got back in the win column against one of football’s worst the New York Jets (0-12) and won by three points 31-28 on a 46 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Derek Carr to receiver Henry Ruggs in the closing seconds of the game.

#2 In each half of the game the scores were close in the first half the Raiders had a 17-13 and in the second half the Jets had a one point advantage 15-14 but the Raiders had just enough to win a close game.

#3 Does winning a close game against the Jets translate that the Raiders might have hit a point in the season where they are starting to struggle. They lost a close game to the Chiefs and were blown out the next week by the Falcons and just got by a winless Jets team?

#4 Raiders quarterback Derek Carr threw for 381 yards, three touchdowns and was intercepted once. That’s great yardage and end zone conversion for Carr did he and the offense do their part and the defense might have let down on the other side of the ball for Las Vegas?

#5 The Raiders head back to Vegas to host the Indianapolis Colts (8-4) who have won four of their last six games and won their last game this last Sunday edging the Houston Texans 26-20. The Colts quarterback Phillip Rivers threw for 285 yards and two touchdowns will the Raiders be ready for Indianapolis this Sunday?

Join Barbara Mason for the Las Vegas Raiders podcasts each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary podcast: Buffalo offense just too much for SF; Colts take winning record into Vegas to face Raiders; plus more

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie (19) scores a touchdown as San Francisco 49ers defensive back Tarvarius Moore (33) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 7, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. Ross D. Franklin/AP

That’s Amaury’s podcast for News and Commentary:

#1 The San Francisco 49ers were coming off a big win against the Los Angeles Rams from week 12 and last night they played host in Glendale at State Farm Stadium against the Buffalo Bills. One thing about the switch from Santa Clara to Glendale is the 49ers will be not be doing much traveling in three of four games.

#2 The Las Vegas Raiders narrowly beat the winless New York Jets last Sunday on a Hail Mary pass from quarterback Derek Carr to receiver Henry Ruggs for a 46 yard game winning touchdown and as a consequence that last play was Jets defensive coordinator Gregg Williams who was fired right after the game.

#3 The MLB winter meetings started on Monday and for the Oakland A’s they are expected to keep things on the down low due to the pandemic the A’s have taken a financial loss which included refusing to pay rent at the Oakland Coliseum just before the beginning of last season’s brief 60 game schedule.

#4 Like the Philadelphia Phillies who are also feeling the pinch and had a hard time trying to sign TJ Realmuto which they didn’t the report is out that Philadelphia lost $ 2 billion because of overall loses. The Oakland A’s may not have lost that much but they are behind the financial eight ball during these winter meetings.

#5 Also talk is that the A’s most likely will not offer A’s infielder Marcus Semien a deal because it will be relatively much lower than what other clubs are expected to offer him which has been in the neighborhood of $100 million. Who have you heard that is interested in obtaining Semien, Cubs, Cardinals, Reds, Yankees, Astros, Dodgers or maybe others?

Join Amaury for News and Commentary podcasts each Tuesday morning at http://www.sportsrasdioservice.com

49ers can’t overcome Bills Josh Allen’s four-TD, 375-yard night, lose to the Buffalo Bills 32-24 on Monday Night Football

Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Harrison Phillips (99) tries to block San Francisco 49ers quarterback Nick Mullens (4) during Monday Night Football on Dec 7, 2020 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale AZ (AP News photo)

By Joe Hawkes
Staff Writer

Josh Allen was sizzling in the desert, throwing for 375 yards and four touchdowns on 32 of 40 pass attempts as the Buffalo Bills cruise to a 34-24 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Glendale, Ariz. at State Farm Stadium on Monday night to cap off Week 13.

At 9-3, the Buffalo Bills remain in sole possession of first place in the AFC East and clinched back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 1998-99. The Bills are looking to capture their first division title since 1995.

Buffalo is one game ahead of the Miami Dolphins (8-4) with four games to play for both teams.

Allen completed passes to eight different receivers, throwing touchdown passes to Cole Beasley, Dawson Knox, Isaiah McKenzie and Gabriel Davis. Beasley and Stefon Diggs were Allen’s preferred targets on the night.

The duo combined for 22 targets, garnering 11 apiece.

Beasley was a tough cover for the 49ers defense in the first half, hauling in seven catches for 113 yards including a 5-yard TD on a curl route to tie the game at 7-7 following an early TD from San Francisco. Buffalo scored 17 unanswered points to lead 17-7 at halftime.

San Francisco had the injury bug bite them hard recently at their slot cornerback position and struggled to cover Beasley, who finished with a career-high nine catches for 130 yards and a TD.

Diggs registered 10 catches for 92 yards, doing most of his damage in the second half.

Buffalo’s offense harpooned the 49ers defense, exploding for 449 yards and 31 first downs. The Bills had 20 first downs alone before halftime and were efficient on offense, scoring points on five-straight drives through the second quarter and into the third quarter.

Buffalo took care of the football, dominating the time of possession: 35 minutes to 25 minutes.

In the same token, the 49ers had just nine first downs in the first half and struggled tremendously on offense for the majority of the game. The 49ers finished with 24 first downs and 402 yards of total offense that came mainly in the second half with the game decided.

San Francisco (5-7) lost a game in its temporary home of in Arizona. The 49ers will remain in Glendale for at least the next three weeks after Santa Clara County issued strict protocols that forced the team to find a temporary home.

It was the fourth game this season that Allen has thrown for at least 300 yards and three touchdowns, which set a franchise record according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly (1991) and Drew Bledsoe (2002) each did it three times for the Bills.

In the first quarter, both teams traded goal-line stands.

Buffalo opened the game with a 74-yard that was stopped at the 49ers’ 1-yard line after Allen’s fourth-down pass fell incomplete in the back of the end zone. San Francisco followed up with a 97-yard drive of their own that stopped at the Buffalo 2-yard line, but Jeff Wilson Jr. was stuffed for no gain on fourth down.

But the 49ers got the ball back in excellent field position following a fumble by Allen and the 49ers took advantage. Nick Mullens found rookie wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk in the middle of the field for a 2-yard TD to take an early 7-0 lead.

Mullens finished 26 of 39 passing for 316 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions.

Aiyuk had five catches for 95 yards and TD.

A week after recording a career-high 11 catches and 133 yards, wide receiver Deebo Samuel finished with a team-leading six catches for 73 yards all in the second half. Buffalo’s defense shutdown Samuel in the first half, holding the dynamic play-maker to just one target.

Wilson Jr. led the 49ers with 47 yards rushing on seven carries, while Raheem Mostert chipped in with 42 yards on nine carries.

The 49ers will stay in Arizona to host the Washington Football Team Sunday, while the Buffalo Bills will be featured in primetime once again when they host the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday night.

Raiders need miracle touchdown to beat winless Jets, 31-28

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 06: Henry Ruggs III #11 of the Las Vegas Raiders catches a touchdown pass to win the game as Lamar Jackson #38 of the New York Jets gives chase during the second half at MetLife Stadium on December 06, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

By Shawn McCullough

The Raiders saved their best for last.

Trailing 28-24, Raiders quarterback Derek Carr hit wide receiver Henry Ruggs down the left sideline for a 46 yard touchdown with just five seconds left to lift Las Vegas over the New York Jets, 31-28, at the Meadowlands.

“We knew that we needed a play and coach dialed up the double move,” said Ruggs. “I got the DB to flip his hips and once I looked back, I felt like the ball was in the air forever.”

“We put ourselves in position,” said Carr. “I couldn’t believe that they all out blitzed us, but I was thankful.”

Carr finished the game throwing for 381 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.

Tight end Darren Waller had a career game catching 13 balls for 200 yards and two touchdowns.

“There was a lot of man to man coverage out there,” said Waller. “I try to win every single matchup when I go out there.”

“He is special,” said head coach Jon Gruden. “A lot of guys can’t even dream of doing what Darren Waller can do.”

Devontae Booker filled in for injured running back Josh Jacobs and ran 16 times for 50 yards.

With the win, the Raiders improved to 7-5 on the season.

“It will teach you as a Raider to never quit,” said Gruden. “It’s critical that we can go on the road after a humiliating loss to come from behind in a dramatic way and win.”

The Raiders will next return home to face the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday with four games remaining in the regular season.

Game Notes:

  • The Raiders racked up 440 yards of total offense.
  • QB Derek Carr has set a new NFL record for most fourth-quarter comebacks in league history through a player’s first seven seasons (20).
  • The Raiders gave up 206 rushing yards to the Jets.

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Taking a look who will be available in Arizona for the 49ers on MNF

(Image from billswire.usatoday.com) Taking a look at who will be available and who will not for Monday Night Football between the Buffalo Bills and the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium in Glendale AZ

On the 49ers podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 The San Francisco 49ers take on one of football’s toughest challenges the Buffalo Bills (8-3) on Monday Night Football. The 49er who lost three straight games before getting a big win over the Los Angeles Rams last Sunday by a narrow margin 23-20 on 49ers kicker Robbie Gould’s game winning field goal in the fourth quarter.

#2 Jeremiah let’s take a look at who didn’t practice this week as you know wide receiver Deebo Samuel (hamstring) and cornerback K’Waun Williams (ankle) didn’t practice this week do you see them both sitting out this Monday?

#3 Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, defensive tackle DJ Jones, and defensive lineman Jordan Willis were at practice this week and are off the Covid-19 list and should be in the line up this Monday in Arizona.

#4 The Bills know they will not be seeing two of the 49ers key offensive players due to injuries quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and tight end George Kittle without them it’s been a struggle playing the Bills will it show how badly they are missed on Monday Night?

#5 The Bills are coming off a 27-17 win against the Los Angeles Chargers and the Bills have won five straight games while the 49ers have won one out of their last four games Jeremiah how do you see this match up for MNF?

Jeremiah takes a look at the 49ers previews each Wednesday and does the 49ers podcasts each Saturday night at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich Perez: Raiders take on football’s worst the Jets will it be another “any given Sunday” again?

The Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) was scrambling for daylight all afternoon at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta against the Falcons on Sun Nov 29, 2020 (AP News photo)

On the Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich:

#1 Rich, how surprising was it for you after the Raiders (6-5) came off a three game win streak then lost to the Chiefs (10-1) in a close game but just totally got broadsided in Atlanta 43-6 last Sunday to the Falcons (4-7)?

#2 Raiders quarterback Derek Carr said it was by far the team’s worst game of the season with Carr himself turning the ball over four times for a total of five Raider turnovers.

#3 Carr threw for 215 yards and threw for one interception Carr just couldn’t get anything going when the Raiders got in the red zone and Carr was constantly scrambling was this because he wasn’t getting protection from the offensive line or because the Falcons just were able to force Carr to turn the ball over?

#4 Further more the Raiders were able to score a field goal in just each of the second and third quarters that was all the offense they could muster up. The Falcons came on like one of those legendary New England Patriot teams from their championship days.

#5 The Raiders now travel to New Jersey to play at the Meadowlands against footballs only remaining winless team the New York Jets (0-11) the Jets got whipped on their own home field against the Arizona Cardinals 30-10. Taking that into account do you see this one being a cinch for the Raiders or one of those “on any given Sunday” games?

Join Rich Perez for the Raiders podcasts each Saturday night at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Joe Hawkes: 49ers take on their second straight first place team Bills on Monday Night Football

San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman in his first game back against the Los Angeles Rams had a tackle and an interception in the 49ers win in Los Angeles on Sun Nov 29, 2020 (file photo from the dailysnark.com)

On San Francisco 49ers podcast with J Hawkes:

#1 Joe last Sunday’s win for the 49ers (5-6) a close contest against a very good Los Angeles Rams (7-4) team 23-20 which do you lend to the win good coaching, defense consistent, or kicker Robbie Gould’s field goal towards the end of the game for the win?

#2 How key was corner Richard Sherman one tackle and one interception from what you saw of Sherman would you say yes he’s back?

#3 Joe, considering the injuries and Covid cases the 49ers haves sustained getting a win over the Rams a first place team in the NFC West had to be commendable all things considered.

#4 Joe, talk about the switch for the 49ers with the Santa Clara shutdown the 49ers now relegated to play most likely the rest of their season in Arizona how much does that change their chances to have that home field feel or at this juncture it really doesn’t make a difference with no crowds.

#5 The Buffalo Bills (8-3) come into Glendale having won three of their last four games and coming off a ten point win over the Los Angeles Chargers (3-8) 27-17. Bills quarterback Josh Allen threw for 157 yards and a touchdown whose been part of the success of the Bills . How do you see this match with the 49ers on Monday Night Football?

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

Headline Sports podcast with Tony Renteria: All Santa Clara County teams looking to play elsewhere; How Warriors deal with two more positive tests; plus more

Tara Vanderveer Stanford women’s head coach, the womens and mens basketball teams and Cardinal football team will be playing away from Stanford during the Santa Clara Covid-19 shutdown (AP News file photo)

On Headline Sports podcast with Tony R:

#1 Tony as you know Santa Clara County has shutdown all sports activities on any level in line with Coivd-19 protocols. The 49ers are now playing the rest of their home schedule in Arizona unless something changes in January and the Stanford Cardinal football will play their remaining games at Washington Sat Dec 5th and at Oregon State Sat Dec 12th. Stanford’s men’s next two games against Cal Poly and Loyola Marymount have been canceled and they will play at USC on Dec 13th and the Stanford women will play at UNLV Las Vegas.

#2 The Golden State Warriors reported they had two players who tested positive and team president Bob Meyers was asked how the Warriors and the NBA setting would be played outside of a bubble environment like they had last season when all teams played in Orlando.

#3 Lots of excitement surrounding the Sacramento Kings as they prepare for the 2020-21 season. Kings general manager Monte McNair feels very positive that they will sign and get Buddy Hield on board.

#4 Regarding D’Aaron Fox is excited to be on board in Sacramento and says he’s excited being committed to winning and that’s what it’s always been about and is happy to have got a contract extension in Sacramento.

#5 Tony talk about the Las Vegas Raiders crushing 43-6 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Raiders quarterback Derek Carr turned the ball over four times for a total of five Raider turnovers. Was this team not focused or were they just resting on their laurels after a near loss to the Kansas City Chiefs the week before?

Join Tony R for Headline Sports every other Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com