Tag: NFL

49ers upset Cardinals 20-12 behind C.J. Beathard’s 3 TDs

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San Francisco 49ers cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (23) holding intercepted ball that he picked off in the second half against the Arizona Cardinals on Sat Dec 26, 2020 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale (AP News photo)

By Joe Hawkes
Staff Writer

GLENDALE, Ariz — With the 49ers already officially eliminated from the playoffs after losing to the Dallas Cowboys 41-33 in Week 15, didn’t mean that San Francisco had nothing to play for in 2020.

Like preventing their bitter rivals in the Arizona Cardinals from making it to the postseason. If the Cardinals don’t make the playoffs after entering Week 16 holding down the final spot in the NFC playoffs, they can thank the 49ers.

The 49ers pulled off the 20-12 upset over their State Farm Stadium tenants on Saturday afternoon.

San Francisco (6-9) avoided being swept by Arizona this season. The Cardinals defeated the 49ers 24-20 in Week 1. Arizona (8-7) came into this season having swept the season series from San Francisco in five out of the last six seasons.

In his first start since Week 8 of the 2018 season, C.J. Beathard played with a steady hand in engineering the 49ers’ run-first offense which made his job that much easier. Beathard completed 13 of 22 passes for 182 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions. Beathard threw touchdown passes to running back Jeff Wilson and Kyle Juszczyk giving the 49ers a 14-6 lead late in the third quarter.

Entering Week 16, Beathard was 1-9 as a starting quarterback for San Francisco. He was pressed into action after injuries to Jimmy Garappolo and Nick Mullens.

Beathard was also sacked three times.

Midway through the fourth quarter, Juszczyk hauled in his second score of the game (Beathard’s third TD of the game) from nine yards out that gave the 49ers a 20-12 lead that they wouldn’t relinquish.

But it was Wilson that shouldered most of the offensive burden for the 49ers against the Cardinals. With Raheem Mostert placed on injured reserve with a high-ankle sprain on Friday, Wilson rushed for a career-high 183 yards on 22 carries in his second start.

A day after most of the world opened presents on Christmas, the 49ers unwrapped tight end George Kittle and immediately felt his impact in the starting lineup.

The 49ers’ best and freshest player, Kittle looked healthy in his first game since Week 8 was on a pitch-count. He spent most of the time on the sideline as he rotated back and forth with Jordan Reed and Ross Dwelley. Kittle was targeted just once in the first half, catching a 24-yard pass with 6:22 left in the first quarter. He played 13 of the 49ers’ 26 snaps in the first half.

Kittle caught four passes for a team-high 92 yards. He caught all but one pass that was thrown his way.

San Francisco’s defense deserves a ton of credit for the 49ers’ win today.

Despite playing without three defensive lineman, including Javon Kinlaw, cornerback Richard Sherman and safety Jimmie Ward, the 49ers didn’t play like they were short-handed.

The 49ers were able to hold their own against Pro Bowl quarterback Kyler Murray.

Murray completed 31 of 50 passes for 247 yards, but was sacked three times and threw an interception. He also rushed for a team-high 75 yards on eight carries.

Arizona scored its first and only touchdown early in the fourth quarter when Kenyan Drake jumped on top of a pile and stretched his arm just far enough for a 1-yard touchdown. Murray couldn’t connect with DeAndre Hopkins on the 2-point conversion and the 49ers still led 14-12.

San Francisco’s defense leaned on linebackers Fred Warner (14 tackles) and Dre Greenlaw (7 tackles), while the defensive backfield was a major factor as cornerbacks Jason Verrett (7 tackles), Ahkello Witherspoon (7 tackles), K’Waun Williams (6 tackles) and safety Tarvarius Moore (11 tackles) limited Arizona receivers in yards-after-the-catch.

The 49ers held Hopkins in check, limiting the dynamic wide receiver to a team-high eight catches for 48 yards. A far cry from Week 1 where he caught a career-high 14 catches for 151 yards against the 49ers at Levi’s Stadium.

Verrett who was primarily guarding Hopkins throughout the day made the biggest play of the first half, breaking up a well-thrown pass from Murray in the end zone that prevented a potential touchdown. The play forced Arizona to kick a field goal that gave San Francisco a 7-6 lead at halftime.

San Francisco’s biggest plays came on Arizona’s final two drives of the game, including the aforementioned Witherspoon’s interception of Murray’s pass in the end zone.

The 49ers wouldn’t have had to sweat out the game if kicker Robbie Gould didn’t miss two field goals and an extra point.

Gould who made his 400th career field in Week 15, missed field goals from 37 and 41 yards. He missed an extra point after Juszczyk’s second touchdown that kept the score at 20-12.

San Francisco plays its final “home” game against the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium, while Arizona heads to Los Angeles to take on the Rams in the season finale.

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Superbowl Wayne: Carr miracle come back starts game against Dolphins

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The Las Vegas Raiders Derek Carr (4) drops back to throw against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Sep 23, 2018. Carr got to start against Miami after being listed as injured for 10-14 weeks in today’s game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas Sat Dec 26, 2020.  (mercurynews.com file photo)

On the Raiders podcast with Superbowl Wayne:

#1 When Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr and the Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa started against each other on Saturday at Allegiant Stadium in Vegas it was a surprise come back of sorts for Carr who was expected to be out some ten to 14 weeks.

#2 At St Louis High School in Honolulu Raider back up quarterback Marcus Mariota mentored Tua as a fourth grade quarterback while he was throwing with the high school kids.

#3 Tua said he never forgot the opportunity that Mariota allowed him as a fourth grader to come throw with the high school players it’s a memory Tua won’t forget and said Mariota  is a humble guy and a hard worker.

#4 Superbowl your from Honolulu and your familiar with St Louis school in Honolulu it’s a special place for Mariota and Tua with long football ties to their early days there. They nearly opposed each other tonight for Sunday Night Football but Carr was feeling a lot better it would have been the first time two quarterbacks would have met from Hawaii had Mariota and Tua if they were to have started against each other.

#5 The Dolphins come in at 9-5 and the Raiders 7-7. The Raiders are coming of a tough Thursday Night Football loss to the Los Angeles Chargers 30-27 and the Dolphins are coming off a big win over the New England Patriots 22-12 last Sunday set this game up for us.

Superbowl Wayne is filling in for Rich Perez for the Raiders podcasts heard each Saturday night at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Beathard excited to get an opportunity to start and play an entire game

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback CJ Beathard (3) celebrates a touchdown with running back Jeff Wilson (30) in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Sat Dec 26, 2020 (AP News photo)

On the 49ers podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 Jeremiah with the injury to 49ers quarterback Nick Mullens who most likely will need Tommy John surgery the 49ers will see quarterback CJ Beathard start. Beathard did get into last Sunday’s game in Dallas after Mullens left throwing 100 yards and one touchdown.

#2 Beathard has been trying to get the starting job on the 49ers since 2017 but with Jimmy Garoppolo holding the position and after his injuries Nick Mullens would fill in Beathard would have to wait. Fast forward to this season the opportunity comes for Beathard with just two regular season game remaining this season.

#3 Beathard said he’s excited for a chance to get under center and play the entire game as he and the 49ers faced the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium this Saturday.

#4 Beathard says he’s an improved quarterback than the quarterback he was back in 2017-18. Beathard says he’s stronger physically and can get rid of the ball quicker and believes he’s quicker in the pocket and can cut down on the number 35 sacks he took in his ten start during the 2017-18 season.

#5 Jeremiah  tight end George Kittle returned today for the first time in six games. Kittle has been on the team’s three week window in trying to make a return. I know head coach Kyle Shanahan will be watching him in practice carefully.

Join Jeremiah each Sunday for the 49ers podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

Headline Sports podcast with Jessica Kwong: 49ers sign Josh Rosen off the Bucs practice squad; A look at this week’s games; plus more

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Newly signed San Francisco 49ers quarterback Josh Rosen will be joining the team this Saturday as the second string quarterback. Rosen will be on an active NFL roster for the first time in a year (USA Today file photo)

On Headlines with Jessica:

#1 The San Francisco 49ers signed Josh Rosen off the Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice roster. Rosen will be second string behind 49ers quarterback CJ Beathard’s this Saturday in Arizona. It’s the first time in a year since Rosen has been on an NFL active roster

#2 Jessica the Buffalo Bills (11-3) keep pouring it on with a huge win over the Denver Broncos (5-9) in Denver 48-19. Bills quarterback Josh Allen threw for 359 yards and two touchdowns in the win.

#3 The Green Bay Packers (11-3) continue their winning ways with a 24-16 over the Carolina Panthers (4-10). The Packers quarterback Aaron Rogers threw for 143 and one touchdown.

#4 The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-5) get a 31-27 victory against the Atlanta Falcons (4-10) it was a great afternoon of throwing for yardage for Bucs quarterback Tom Brady throwing for 390 yards and two touchdowns.

#5 The Tennessee Titans (10-4) left little doubt with a huge victory over the Detroit Lions (5-9) 46-25. The Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill threw for 273 yards and three touchdowns in the large offensive day for the Titans.

Join Jessica every other Thursday for Headline Sports podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Joe Hawkes: 49ers have Kittle on three week practice schedule; can he return soon?

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The San Francisco 49ers George Kittle (85) trying escape New England Patriots defensive back JC Jackson (27) after catching a pass on Sun Oct 25, 2020 in Foxborough. Kittle has been out for the last five weeks and could return this Saturday against the Arizona Cardinals (AP News file photo)

On the 49ers podcast with J Hawkes:

#1 The 49ers tight end George Kittle is moving towards coming back do you see him returning on Saturday in Glendale or maybe on Jan 3 against Seattle?

#2 Wednesday the 49ers have opened Kittle’s practice window a three week window to help determined when he could come back. There is only two games left and Kittle could return Saturday.

#3 Kittle had missed the last five games due to a fractured foot, knee sprain, and bone bruise. Kittle previous to these injuries had missed only three games in the first three years of Kittle’s NFL career.

#4 Joe, talk about quarterback Nick Mullens. He put it all on the line in the last game and came away with an injury and will eventually need Tommy John surgery.

#5 Joe, talk about the 49ers picking up quarterback Josh Rosen who will be backing up quarterback CJ Beathard for this Saturday’s game in Glendale.

Join Joe each week for the 49ers podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers-Arizona Cardinals preview with Jeremiah Salmonson

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San Francisco 49ers starting quarterback CJ Beathard (3) will try to get some scores against the Arizona Cardinals this Sat Dec 26, 2020 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale as Beathard replaces injured quarterback Nick Mullens (newsday.com file photo)

On the 49ers-Cardinals preview with Jeremiah Salmonson:

In a year of crazy happenings, this week will be no different for the San Francisco 49ers (5-9).

Last week, the 49ers were unable to pull out a win against the Dallas Cowboys. Tony Pollard made the usually good 49ers run defense falter a bit as he was able to run for a couple of key plays in the game.

Midway through the game, the 49ers benched starting quarterback Nick Mullins in favor of CJ Bethard who has had limited playing time this year. In the remaining action, Bethard threw for just over 100 yards and seemed to provide a spark for the team. However, it was not enough as they fell 41-33.

In this week’s matchup, the 49ers will take on the playoff hopeful Arizona Cardinals (8-6). The Cardinals are coming off a solid win against the seemingly energized Philadelphia Eagles. Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray seemed to get back on track last week, but the run game wasn’t out in full force for the quarterback or his running backs. They look to continue their two game win streak against the 49ers.

The 49ers will most likely be starting CJ Bethard this week as Jimmy Garopollo remains out with a high ankle injury and Nick Mullins seems to be having elbow issues and might be looking at off season Tommy John surgery on his throwing arm. On the bright side for the 49ers, It seems Raheem Mostert is back and will continue to be in the lineup for the 49ers this week. Mostert, who has battled injuries this year, looks to build off a promising week last week. The 49ers who signed quarterback Josh Rosen off the Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice squad will be CJ Beathard’s back up on Saturday.

The game is set for 1:30 PM PST exclusively on Amazon Prime Video and Twitch in Arizona.

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Daivd Zizmor: Mullens looking at Tommy John surgery for elbow; Josh Rosen to back up CJ Beathard

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Nick Mullens (4) will need Tommy John surgery after suffering an elbow injury and the 49ers signed Josh Rosen from the Tampa Bay practice squad (photo from houstonchronicle.com )

On the 49ers podcast with David:

#1 For 49ers (5-9) quarterback Nick Mullens last Sunday in Dallas was just another struggle turning the ball over and Mullens couldn’t get any scoring going as the 49ers scored seven points in the first and second quarters.

#2 Mullens threw for 219 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. For head coach Kyle Shanahan found out after the game that Mullens are injury was in need of Tommy John surgery

#3 The 49ers who have played host at State Farm Stadium for two of their last three games will play visitor this Saturday afternoon as they face the Arizona Cardinals (8-6) for a 1:25pm kickoff

Join Dave on the 49ers podcasts Wednesday mornings at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Barbara Mason: Raiders prepare to go up against Tagovailoa and Dolphins Saturday night

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Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) tries to avoid the clutches of New England Patriots linebacker Josh Uche (53) on Sun Dec 13, 2020 in Miami (USA Today photo)

On the Raiders podcast with Barbara:

#1 The Raiders have lost four of their last five games and still maintain second in the AFC West is there still any daylight for the Raiders to make post season?

#2 In the last game against the Los Angeles Chargers the Raiders just couldn’t hang and and the Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert on the final play during overtime reached over the goal line to get six points for a Chargers win 30-27.

#3 The Raiders had little turnaround time as previous to their Thursday Night Football game against the Chargers they had just played the Indianapolis Colts on Sun Dec 13th another game they had lost 44-27.

#4 The loss of Raiders quarterback Derek Carr is huge who will be out from 10-14 weeks due to a left groin injury wiping out his 2020 season. Raiders back up quarterback Marcus Mariota  did well standing in for Carr last Thursday throwing 226 yards and a touchdown. Mariota kept the Raiders in the game despite the loss.

#5 The Miami Dolphins(8-4) are in Allegiant on Saturday this will be a hard fought game for the Raiders. The Dolphins have won four of their last six games Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in his last game against the New England Patriots threw  for 145 yards and didn’t throw a touchdown but the Dolphins got by the Patriots 22-12. Barbara how do you see this match up?

Barbara Mason does the Raiders podcasts Tuesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cowboys force four turnovers, take down 49ers 41-33 in Week 15

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (84) leaps over the Dallas Cowboys Donavon Wilson (left) and Jourdan Lewis (26) catching a Hail Mary pass in the end zone in the second half in Arlington on Sun Dec 20, 2020 (AP News photo)

By Joe Hawkes
Staff Writer

DALLAS — For the second straight week, the 49ers defense held an opponent to ten points or less.

But offense and special teams didn’t do their part, committing four turnovers (three by quarterback Nick Mullens) as the Dallas Cowboys scored 24 points of turnovers to upend the visiting San Francisco 49ers, 41-33, Sunday afternoon in front of a sparse crowd at AT&T Stadium.

“I really wanted the guys to come out and play good football, and I think offensively, defensively and special teams guys did a lot of good things,” coach Kyle Shanahan said. “When you have four turnovers, it doesn’t matter what you do, especially when you’ve got zero.”

San Francisco racked up 458 yards of total yards and controlled the clock for 35:56.

It marked the eighth straight game that the 49ers had two or more turnovers in a game; their longest streak since 2006. The turnovers have doomed the 49ers in recent weeks after a stellar performance from its defense.

Mullens completed 21-of-36 passes for 219 yards with two touchdowns, but threw two interceptions in the fourth quarter leading to 10 points that killed San Francisco’s chances at pulling the win out after trailing 27-24. He was also sacked twice.

It was also the sixth straight game that Mullens threw an interception.

San Francisco didn’t get off to the start it wanted to, falling behind Dallas 14-0 in the first quarter thanks to fumbles inside their own territory.

After the 49ers forced the Cowboys to punt following a 3-and-out, Dallas forced the first turnover of the game as kick returner Richie James fumbled at the San Francisco 23-yard line and recovered by the Cowboys.

The Cowboys took an early 7-0 lead thanks to a 1-yard touchdown run by backup running back Tony Pollard. Pollard started Sunday’s game in place of Ezekiel Elliott, who was sidelined by an injury for the first time in the two-time rushing champion’s career.

Pollard finished with 12 carries for 69 yards and two touchdowns. He was also big in the passing game, catching a team-high six catches for 63 yards.

On the ensuing drive, defensive end Demarcus Lawrence forced a fumble from Mullens that was recovered by linebacker Aldon Smith at the San Francisco 24-yard line. Five plays later, wide receiver Michael Gallup scored on a 3-yard touchdown pass from Andy Dalton to put Dallas up 14-0.

Mullens would help the 49ers climb back into the game on the 49ers’ third possession of the game, engineering a 13-play, 75-yard drive that ended with a 5-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jordan Reed to cut the Cowboys’ lead to 14-7 shortly before the end of the first quarter.

After the Cowboys added a 48-yard field goal by kicker Greg Zuerlein to push their lead to 17-7 in the second quarter, Mullens would find rookie wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk for a 2-yard score trimming the Cowboys’ lead to 17-14.

Aiyuk finished with nine catches for 73 yards and a touchdown on 13 targets. For the season, the rookie leads the 49ers with 50 catches for 660 yards and four touchdowns.

In the third quarter, the 49ers tied the game at 17 on a 41-yard field goal by kicker Robbie Gould.

On the next drive, the Cowboys retook the lead, 24-17, on Dalton’s 12-yard touchdown strike to tight end Dalton Schultz.

Dalton completed 19-of-33 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns. San Francisco sacked Dalton twice (both by defensive tackle Arik Armstead) and held the Cowboys to 291 yards of total offense. Dallas had possessed the football for 25 minutes.

Jeff Wilson’s 1-yard scoring run for San Francisco tied the game at 24 late in the third quarter. It was the fourth touchdown drive of 75 yards.

Mullens had a chance to lead the 49ers to a tie-breaking score, but safety Donovan Wilson’s first career interception thwarted the drive and set up Dallas in great field position. After three straight incomplete passes, Zuerlein drills a 46-yarder to give Dallas a 27-24 lead early in the fourth quarter.

Following cornerback Anthony Brown’s interception, Pollard put the game away with a 40-yard touchdown run that put Dallas up 34-24 late in the fourth quarter.

After the 49ers kicked a field goal on second down to pull within a touchdown with a minute left in the game, CeeDee Lamb recovered the onside kick and raced 47 yards for a touchdown.

Lamb hauled in a team-high 85 yards on five catches over nine targets.

Backup quarterback C.J. Beathard who replaced Mullens following his second interception, handled the final two possessions for the 49ers. Beathard threw a 49-yard Hail Mary touchdown to Kendrick Bourne on the game’s final play.

Bourne finished with four catches for team-high 86 yards and a touchdown.

In a matchup between two franchises that have combined for 10 Super Bowl titles, the Cowboys (5-9) kept their slim playoff hopes alive while the loss all but ends the 49ers’ (5-9) chances at defending their NFC championship. San Francisco will be the second Super Bowl runner-up to miss the playoffs in 13 seasons when the season is over.

“If we don’t take care of our own business, nothing else matters,” Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said. “We’re clearly focused on what’s in front of us. We really want to finish strong with these two division games. That’s clearly my focus.”

Next week, both San Francisco and Dallas face divisional opponents as the 49ers will face off against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.

The Cowboys will host the Philadelphia Eagles (4-8-1) in Week 16.

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Superbowl Wayne: Carr out for 10-14 weeks with groin injury; Moriota keeps Vegas in the game despite loss

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No holds bar the Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) gets a keeper over the goal line good enough for the game winning touchdown on Thursday Night Football at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas (AP News photo)

On the Raiders podcast with Superbowl:

#1 The Las Vegas Raiders (7-7) quarterback Derek Carr left with a left groin injury and the Raiders now have lost four of their last five games as their playoffs pretty are gone.

#2 Los Angeles Chargers (5-9) quarterback Justin Herbert saved the game with an overtime keeper to give the Chargers a 30-27 victory. Herbert reached over the goal line to get the game winning six points.

#3 The Raiders have played four AFC West teams all lost to all of them on the final play of the game.

#4 Raider back up quarterback Marcus Mariota played in his first NFL game since he was with the Tennessee Titans on Jan 19th vs. the Kansas City Chiefs. Mariota did keep Vegas in the game with 226 yards and one touchdown.

#5 Mariota will be the starter now as Carr is expected to be out with serious groin injury for 10-14 days.

Join Superbowl Wayne for the Raiders podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com