Tag: NFL

Raiders finish season with big win over Broncos, 32-31

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Photo: Michael Clemens/Las Vegas Raiders

By Shawn McCullough

The Raiders needed a late touchdown drive and a two point conversion to beat the Broncos, 32-31, in Denver.

Down 31-24, Las Vegas drove 77 yards on seven plays ending in a one yard rushing touchdown by Josh Jacobs with 24 seconds left in the game. 

Instead of kicking the extra point to likely send the game to overtime, the Raiders went for a two-point conversion as Derek Carr hit Darren Waller to win the game.

“When we get down there and score the touchdown by Josh, we knew what we were going to do,” said Carr. “You couldn’t draw it up any better.”

Carr finished the game throwing for 371 yards and two touchdowns, one each to Darren Waller and Bryan Edwards.

“I am just glad that we won the football game,” said head coach Jon Gruden. “But more than anything, I am really proud of our team. We battled our brains out as much as we could.”

With the win, the Raiders finished the season 8-8, their best season since going 12-4 in 2016.

“We may have not been perfect, we may not have won 10 games this year, we may not have been in the playoffs, but there is something about this group,” said Carr. “Just the kind of character is why I feel it’s different [this season] .”

“We wanted to finish the year the right way and just come out and play our best football,” said Jacobs.

Jacobs finished the game rushing 15 times for 89 yards and two touchdowns.

The Raiders finished the season 4-2 in the AFC West.

“We’re really a couple of plays away from winning every game in the division,” said Gruden.  “So we made some progress, but we still have some long strides to make.”

Game Notes:

  • The Raiders outgained the Broncos, 465-446.
  • Darren Waller finished the game catching nine balls for 117 yards and a touchdown.
  • After starting the season 6-3, the Raiders lost 5 of their last 7 games.

49ers lose 26-23 to the Seahawks, finish season 6-10

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San Francisco 49ers cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon breaks up a pass intended for Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) in the second half Sun Jan 3, 2021 (Rick Scuteri / The Associated Press)

By Joe Hawkes
Staff Writer

GLENDALE, Ariz — San Francisco’s defense held the Seahawks scoreless for 27 minutes before the Seahawks woke up, scoring three touchdowns in the final period to slip by the 49ers 26-23 on Sunday afternoon at State Farm Stadium to close out the regular season.

Seattle (12-4) sweeps the regular season series from the 49ers. The Seahawks will be the three-seed in the playoffs where they will face the Los Angeles Rams on Wild Card Weekend in Seattle. This will be the third matchup between the two NFC West foes, with both teams splitting the regular season series 1-1.

Entering the fourth quarter, the 49ers held a 9-6 lead over the Seahawks. 49ers running back Jeff Wilson Jr. would extend San Francisco’s lead to 16-6 on a 7-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter.

But Seattle responded behind quarterback Russell Wilson and wide receiver Tyler Lockett big fourth quarter. Wilson avoided a tough 49ers pass rush, finding Lockett for a diving 6-yard touchdown in the back of the end zone capping off a 8-play, 75-yard drive cutting San Francisco’s lead to 16-12. Seattle kicker Jason Myers missed the extra point.

Following a 49ers’ punt on the ensuing drive, Wilson marched the Seahawks 85 yards on 14 plays and scored the go-ahead touchdown on fourth down on Wilson’s 4-yard toss to Lockett. Wilson completed 20-of-36 passing for 181 yards. Lockett finished with 12 catches for 90 yards.

Running back Alex Collins for an 8-yard touchdown with 1:49 left in the game to push Seattle’s lead to 26-16

San Francisco (6-10) falls to 1-7 in home games played at Levi’s Stadium and at State Farm Stadium this season. The 49ers were eliminated from playoff contention a few weeks ago and have been based in Arizona for more than a month because of coronavirus restrictions in Santa Clara county.

C.J. Beathard completed 25-of-37 passing for 273 yards and a touchdown, but his fumble late in the fourth quarter would set up Collins’ touchdown. Tristan Vizcaino, making his first career start, booted his first three NFL field goals after signing with the 49ers earlier this week.

It was Beathard’s second-straight start, who helped the 49ers beat the Arizona Cardinals last week.

After rushing for a career-high 183 yards on 22 carries last week, Wilson rushed for 76 yards on 20 carries with two touchdowns. With the 49ers trailing 26-16, Wilson caught a 3-yard touchdown pass from Beathard to make the score 26-23.

Wilson finishes the season with 600 yards rushing and seven rushing touchdowns on 126 carries, becoming the fourth different player to lead the 49ers in rushing under head coach Kyle Shanahan. He follows Carlos Hyde, Matt Breida and Raheem Mostert.

When you add in his two receiving touchdowns, Wilson has scored a career-high nine touchdowns this year.

 

 

 

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Superbowl Wayne: Carr’s miraculous comeback from groin injury to play close game last Sunday

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Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) confers with Raiders head coach Jon Gruden during last Sat Dec 26th, 2020 game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas (AP News photo)

On the Raiders podcast with Superbowl Wayne:

#1 Superbowl how impressive was it for Raiders quarterback Derek Carr to come back from a relatively serious groin injury and play a close game against the Miami Dolphins.

#2 Carr was supposed to be out for ten to 14 weeks but the idea that he was feeling better was really remarkable within itself.

#3 The Raiders just missed last Sun’s game against the Dolphins as the Dolphins scored 13 in the fourth quarter and it was just enough to get them over the top 26-25.

#4 Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa started the game throwing for 94 yards and touchdown and Dolphins back up quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick 182 yards and touchdown just enough to get by Vegas.

#5 The Raiders close out their regular season Sunday against the Denver Broncos at Mile High Stadium. The Broncos have lost five straight including their last game against the Los Angeles Chargers 19-16. The Broncos quarterback Drew Lock threw for 264 yards and two interceptions. Taking the two interceptions it’s remarkable that Lock and the Broncos were even in breathing distance from the Chargers losing by a field goal.

Superbowl Wayne filled in for Rich Perez for Raiders podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Superbowl Wayne Sat Jan 2, 2020 by Sports Radio Service | Free Listening on SoundCloud

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Saleh most likely to end up as head coach in the NFL after season; A look at Seahawks-49ers match up

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San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh shares a hug with cornerback Richard Sherman (25). Saleh is vying for a head coaching job in the NFL. (file photo from USA Today)

On the 49ers podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 Jeremiah, a lot of things to consider in the off the season for the 49ers starting with the 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh who is being sought after by a number of NFL teams to be their head coach.

#2 If Saleh leaves the 49ers the 49ers do have a short list as to who could replace him as defensive coordinator, DeMeco Ryans (49ers linebackers coach), Gus Bradley (Chargers defensive coordinator), Vic Fangio (Broncos head coach), Dan Quinn (former Atlanta Falcons head coach), and Raheem Morris (Falcons interim head coach).

#3 Head coach Kyle Shanahan had discussed possibilities in the event starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was to get hurt during the 2021 season and how they might look for a back up for Garoppolo and the Niners would have to free up some $26.9 million in cap room to shop for a viable second string quarterback.

#4 Quarterback CJ Beathard did have a good outing in his win against the Arizona Cardinals last Sunday at Glendale but for him to get some notoriety he’s going to have to out there again against the Seattle Seahawks and really is going to have to torch them on yards passing and getting the ball in the end zone and to keep that up going into camp next season.

#5 The Seahawks come into State Farm Stadium with a three game winning streak. The Seahawks are coming off a 20-9 win against the Los Angeles Rams. Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson threw for 225 yards and one touchdown. Jeremiah taking a look at this Sunday’s last game for the 49ers how do you see this match to close out the season?

Join Jeremiah next Saturday for the Sacramento Kings podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson Sat Jan 2, 2021 by Sports Radio Service | Free Listening on SoundCloud

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Joe Hawkes: 49ers will sit Williams, Aiyuk and Pepper for last game against Seattle

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is happy after making a play against the Dallas Cowboys in this Sun Dec 20th, 2020 photo in Dallas. Aiyuk will not be playing due to a high ankle injury this Sun Jan 3, 2021 against the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium in Glendale AZ (photo from mercurynews.com)

On the 49ers podcast with J Hawkes:

#1 After a smooth victory against the Arizona Cardinals last Sunday the San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan had to take a look at the dreaded injured list for this coming week’s game against the Seattle Seahawks and on it offensive tackle Trent Williams (sprained elbow), wide receiver Brian Aiyuk (high ankle sprain), long snapper Taybor Pepper and kicker Robbie Gould who both are on the Covid-19 list.

#2 For Williams he didn’t miss much of the game against the Cardinals as he was in for 56 snaps and Aiyuk only sat out four plays. Taking those things into consideration that played a big role in Shanahan’s decision to rest Williams and Aiyuk for the final game of the season.

#3 Shanahan said that Aiyuk’s ankle started to swell up and said it hurt and so Shanahan had Aiyuk take an MRI which they discovered it was a high ankle sprain.

#4 Robert Saleh is one of the most sought after defensive coordinators in the NFL to be a head coach. It’s almost all for not that he will be a head coach elsewhere in the NFL. The 49ers in the meantime are considering the following coaches to replace Saleh, DeMeco Ryans (49ers linebackers coach), Gus Bradley (Chargers defensive coordinator), Vic Fangio (Broncos head coach), Dan Quinn (former Atlanta Falcons head coach), and Raheem Morris (Falcons interim head coach).

#5 Joe, the 49ers play their final game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, the Seahawks have won six straight games winning their last game 20-9 against the Los Angeles Rams. How do you see this match up in Glendale on Sunday between the 49ers and Seahawks.

J Hawkes did the 49ers podcasts and game recaps for the 2020 49ers season and is a 49ers beat writer at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Seattle Seahawks vs. San Francisco 49ers preview by Jeremiah Salmonson

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) throws against the Seattle Seahawks defense back on Nov 1, 2020 at Lumen Field in Seattle. This would be Garoppolo’s last game of the season after suffering a high ankle injury (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

The San Francisco 49ers season is rounding the corner and headed for home.

Last week, the 49ers upset the Arizona Cardinals on the road. The 49ers managed to put up 20 points compared to the Cardinals 12 to put a dent in the playoff hopeful team.

This week, the 49ers will take on the playoff bound Seattle Seahawks. A tougher task than last week but one the 49ers are eager to face. The 49ers will look to finish the season on a high note and end the season at a 7-9 record.

On the other hand, the Seahawks are playoff bound and looking to stay healthy going into the playoffs. They are looking to finish the season going 12-4 with hopes deep into the playoffs.

The 49ers have a largely healthy squad with the exception of a few. Notably, Jimmy Garoppolo will remain out for the last game of the season. Garoppolo has been out for most of the season with ankle issues. Also, rookie WR Brandon Aiyuk will be out on Sunday.

Garoppolo’s injuries have become a concern for San Francisco and head coach Kyle Shanahan  who addressed those issues about what to do if Garoppolo doesn’t make himself available on the field during injuries in the 2021 season saying “you can’t say anything with certainty”

Garoppolo has suffered an ACL tear in 2018, had a high ankle sprain in 2020 and hasn’t played a game since Nov 1st. The injuries ended his season in 2018 and 2020 and put back up quarterbacks Nick Mullens and CJ Beathard into action.

Although Beathard had a decent game last week against the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale don’t look for Beathard to win the starting job anytime soon as he would have to throw around 270 yards and three touchdowns in a winning game against the Seahawks this Sunday to get Shanahan and the coaches attention and keep that up going into next season.

Shanahan did note that with all the injuries Garoppolo has had the 49ers will have to start looking for a capable starter who can step in and the cost could run the team in the salary cap space of $26.9 million. “Do you want to get a starter as a back up quarterback? Shanahan said you would have to spend most of your salary cap for first and second string quarterbacks.

The Seahawks will have most of their team healthy for Sunday’s matchup as they head into State Farm Stadium to face the 49ers.

The game is set for 2:25 PM MST on FOX.

 

 

Headline Sports podcast with London Marq: Chiefs playing in a lot of close wins; Cowboys stay alive in big win against Eagles; plus more

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Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Pat Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid go over the plays during last Sun Dec 27, 2020 win over the Atlanta Falcons (USA Today photo)

On Headline Sports with London:

#1 The Kansas City Chiefs have won seven straight but one big concern they’ve had was the games have been awful close. In their last win they just got by the Atlanta Falcons 17-14 by a field goal with the win at Arrowhead Stadium.

#2 The Dallas Cowboys (6-9) did get a wide open win against the Philadelphia Eagles (4-10-1) 37-17. The Cowboys quarterback Andy Dalton threw for 377 yards and three touchdowns. The win helps keep the Cowboys alive in the playoff race.

#3 Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jered Goff is out with a broken thumb he suffered last Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks in the 20-9 loss. Goff may or may not play against the Arizona Cardinals this Sunday for the final game of the season.

#4 The Jacksonville Jaguars (1-14) took a huge loss to the Chicago Bears (8-7) 41-17 Bears quarterback Michael Trubisky threw for 265 yards and two touchdowns. The Jaguars could end up vying for the number one NFL draft pick as they hold the worst record in football.

#5 It wasn’t even close as the Green Bay Packers whipped the Tennessee Titans 40-14 last Sunday. The Packers quarterback Aaron Rogers threw for 231 yards and four touchdowns in the win.

Join London for all the latest in Headline Sports at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers podcast with David Zizmor: 49ers host Seahawks as SF closes out regular season Sunday

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Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) reaches for the end zone against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half from Sun Dec 27, 2020 game in Seattle (AP News photo)

On the 49ers podcast with David Zizmor:

#1 The San Francisco 49ers (6-9) after losing three straight games and quarterback Nick Mullens they pulled out a 20-12 win over the Arizona Cardinals (8-7) in Glendale on Sunday it has to feel good to get back into the win column again.

#2 David, taking a look at the job that 49ers starter CJ Beathard did against the Cardinals throwing 182 yards and three touchdowns. Low scoring game but good enough for Beathard to get past the Cardinals.

#3 The 49ers play their last regular season game against the Seattle Seahawks (11-4). The Seahawks are coming to Arizona with a three game win streak. The Seahawks won their last game against the Los Angeles Rams 20-9. Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson threw for 225 yards and one touchdown.

Join David starting next Wednesday for the Golden State Warriors podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Barbara Mason: Raiders working on avoiding turnovers; more scoring as they meet Denver this Sunday

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The Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) and the Raiders will be practicing holding onto the ball all week as they prepare for the Denver Broncos for Sun Jan 3, 2021’s game at Empower Field in Denver (fanical.com/denver-broncos/watching file photo)

On the Raiders podcast with Barbara Mason:

#1 Narrow game the Miami Dolphins come out ahead of the Las Vegas Raiders on Saturday night’s game 26-25. The loss drops the Raiders from making the post season.

#2 The Raiders held a 13-6 first half lead but Raiders quarterback Derek Carr just couldn’t execute the Raiders offense in the red zone.

#3 Considering that Carr was supposed to be out ten to 14 weeks but started the game on Saturday and played the Dolphins defense to a close second half as well 20-12 but couldn’t get anymore on the scoreboard than they could would you consider Carr’s staying in the game miraculous within itself?

#4 Carr threw for 336 yards and a touchdown, considering the groin injury he was coming off playing that close of a game against the Dolphins spoke volumes about Carr’s drive to win this game.

#5 The Raiders go up next against the Denver Broncos this Sun Jan 3rd to ring in the New Year. The Broncos are coming off a 19-16 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers last Sunday. The Broncos have lost three of their last four games. This is the Raiders last game of the season how do you see this match up this Sunday.

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

Raiders lose late, eliminated from playoffs by Dolphins, 26-25

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Photo: Raiders.com

By Shawn McCullough

The Raiders slim playoff chances officially ended in a heartbreaking loss.

Miami Dolphins’ kicker Jason Sanders nailed a 44 yard field goal with six seconds left to beat the Raiders, 26-25, at Allegiant Stadium.

“Terrible way to lose a game,” said head coach Jon Gruden. “I really admire the way we compete, but until we start closing out games, we will continue to be disappointed.”

“To watch it go like that, I am sick for our organization, I am sick for our defense, I am sick for our team,” said quarterback Derek Carr. “My heart feels for them, my heart feels for our fans”.

Down 23-22, the Raiders purposely did not score a touchdown to milk as much time off the clock as possible and later kicked a 22 yard field goal with 23 seconds remaining to take the lead, 25-23.

The ensuing kickoff went into the end zone and the Dolphins got the ball at the 25 yard line still with 23 second remaining and no timeouts.

Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick threw a long sideline pass to tight end Mack Hollins for 34 yards to the Raiders 41 yard line, but defensive end Arden Key was also flagged for a personal foul for hitting Fitzpatrick in the facemask which took the ball to the Raiders 26 yard line.

The Dolphins later kicked the game winner.

“It’s all about execution,” said linebacker Raekwon McMillan about that Dolphins final drive. “We can’t put ourselves in that situation.  We have to finish strong.”

Carr threw for 336 yards and an 85 yard touchdown to wide receiver Nelson Agholor late in the 4th quarter.  Agholor finished catching five balls for 155 yards and the touchdown.

With the loss, the Raiders fell to 7-8 on the season and are now officially eliminated from playoff contention.

“We just need to always remember that playing football is fun,” said tight end Darren Waller. “We have one more opportunity to do that”.

The Raiders will finish off the 2020 season on Sunday against the Broncos in Denver.

Game Notes:

  • The Raiders outgained the Dolphins, 418-383.
  • Tight end Darren Waller finished the game catching five balls for 112 yards.
  • The Dolphins will clinch a playoff berth with a win on Sunday in Buffalo against the Bills.