
The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network
3,097 episodes — Page 61 of 62

Ep. 249: “I mean, what did you expect?”
EOn this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, Jerod Brown joins the show to recap a closer-than-expected loss against the Vikings. How was Kyle Shanahan’s game plan successful? (2:37) Did Jimmy Ward finally find his niche? Should you be alarmed about Jimmy Garoppolo’s miscues? (18:30) All that plus a preview of the week 2 matchup versus the Detroit Lions (41:22), and Jim Bob Cooter musings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 248: Test against the best. Previewing week 1 vs the Vikings
EOn this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, REAL FOOTBALL IS HERE. Jerod Brown, fellow Scouting Academy alum and writer for Bleacher Report’s NFL 1000, joins to discuss the final 53 man roster (9:01) and preview the week one tilt vs the Vikings (16:13). Why is the Vikings D effectively a mirror image of Shanahan's offense? What will the Vikings offense look like under new OC John DeFilippo? And is Kirk Cousins tailor-made for this offense? All that, plus a farewell toast to Jerick McKinnnon (3:36). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 247: Best and worst players vs the Colts, and final roster projections
On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, Chris Biderman joins to recap the weeks news (2:15), including the surprising(?) Eli Harold trade. Eric Crocker, a former NFL and AFL defensive back, joins to discuss the 3rd preseason game against the Colts (8:07). Did Josh Garnett do enough to win the starting role? Why is Cole Wick beating Cole Hikutini for the 3rd tight end role? And a look at Mike McGlinchey’s rough run-blocking day. All that, plus a few roster predictions leading up to final cut day (39:06). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 246: Best and worst from Houston, and a Cardinals season preview
On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, Chris Biderman joins Oscar to discuss Bill Barnwell’s attempt at a Jimmy Garoppolo article. Chris also helps break down the best, and worst, players from the 49ers second preseason game. And Blake Murphy from Revenge of the Birds joins to preview the Cardinals 2018 season. All that plus the beauty of analogies, the best burger in Tempe, and a potential Better Rivals curse. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 245: How hard will the Rams hit the plexiglass?
On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, (preseason) football is back! Jeff Deeney from Pro Football Focus joins to discuss which players helped themselves, and which hurt themselves, in the first preseason game (:56). Then Joe McAtee, editor of Turf Show Times, joins the show to answer the key questions that will define the Rams 2018 season (21:38). All that plus a Harry Potter-themed roster quiz, and a Phillips over McVay TAEK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 244: Are the Seahawks rebuilding or reloading?
On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, Brandan Shulze from the SeaHawkers Podcast joins the show to preview the Seahawk’s 2018 season (11:03). Will the Seattle defense be able to sustain a high level of play despite a talent drain? How bad will Brian Schottenheimer’s offense really be? Will the offensive line improve? All that plus a training camp review from PFF’s Jeff Deeny (:36) and a Seattle-specific speed round (53:04). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 243: Questions that will define the 49ers season
On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, football is right around the corner and it’s season preview time! Will Jimmy Garoppolo be able to sustain his excellent play over a full season? (9:19) Does the pass coverage take a significant step forward? (19:47) Will the 49ers be able to generate more edge pressure this season? (27:56) All that, plus record predictions, superlatives, and a fond farewell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 242: Robert Saleh’s pressure packages and their effectiveness
On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we put a bow on Smart Football Month by taking a look at Robert Saleh’s pressure packages and their effectiveness. How often did the 49ers stunt or blitz last season relative to league average? (18:11) Were they actually effective when they did? (30:47) And how should we expect that to change in the coming season? (44:18) All that, plus takeaways from the Football Outsiders Almanac, Jimmy GQ feature week, and real football is right around the corner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 241: PFF’s George Chahrouri on the value of advanced stats, season projections
On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, George Chahrouri of Pro Football Focus joins us in an analytics-slanted episode of Smart Football Month. What are expected points and how can they help evaluate decision making? (10:21) What is clustering and how can it help us group quarterbacks more constructively? (42:14) And most importantly, what does the data tell us about the 49ers in the coming season? (53:59) All that, plus a lightning round from the dark web, Witherspoon gets invited to DBU, and Jimmy dates a porn star. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 240: PFF’s Zac Robinson on Garoppolo, the West Coast system, and evaluating QBs
On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, Smart Football Month rolls on as Zac Robinson from Pro Football Focus joins us to discuss all things quarterback. Just how tough is it for a quarterback to pick up the West Coast system? (11:41) What does Jimmy Garoppolo need to do to improve in year two? (21:24) And what should you be looking for when trying to evaluate quarterback play? All that, plus Reuben Foster is suspended, the five most important players for 2018, and cat murder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 239: Jimmy Garoppolo, Jalen Ramsey, and passing from run personnel
On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we kick off Smart Football Month by diving deep into Kyle Shanahan’s passing attack out of run personnel. Were the 49ers actually successful throwing out of run personnel last season? (3:06) How does Shanahan set his players up for success in these situations? (25:28) And what made the Jaguars game the finest example of how this strategy can be successful? (34:38) All that, plus Laken Tomlinson gets an extension, Jalen Ramsey’s recent comments, and Germany should’ve had sex. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 238: “Are you concerned about Garoppolo’s deep ball?”
On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we have officially ended our holdout and reported to (dis)organized podcasting activities. Will Jimmy Garoppolo ever complete another deep ball? (9:38) How will things shake out with the linebacker corps? (22:04) And how will the 49ers overcome the lack of quality edge rushers to get after the quarterback? (28:20) All that, plus the importance of tackles and centers in Shanahan’s offense (37:49), breakout players (50:00), and more as we open up the mailbag to answer your questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 237: “Why take another one with a torn ACL in the 4th round?”
On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we wrap up our coverage of the 2018 NFL draft. Was Kentavius Street worth the risk in the fourth round? (:53) How will D.J. Reed fit in with the current secondary? (16:59) And which late-round player has the best chance of finding the field early? (37:25) All that, plus the importance of athleticism for the current 49ers regime, why the 49ers are basically the hopeless romantics of the NFL, and any lingering concern with the absence of an edge draftee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 236: “It’s a pick that shows how the team views pass coverage.”
Ep. 236: “It’s a pick that shows how the team views pass coverage.” by Niners Nation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 235: Round 1 Reaction. “This is a Shanahan pick.”
On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we offer up initial impressions on the 49ers’ first-round pick Mike McGlinchey. Why would the 49ers look at tackle early in the draft? What did they pass up by making the selection? And, most importantly, was it worth it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 234: “Would you rage quit the draft if they drafted Edmunds or Davenport?”
On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, it’s time to wrap up our pre-draft coverage with some final thoughts. What does our draft board look like if the 49ers stay at No. 9 overall? (4:53) What would make us rage quit the draft? (15:46) And which positions should John Lynch & Co. be focused on in the middle rounds? (30:10) All that, plus trade talk (17:59), what to do with weak position groups (34:31), and WE FINALLY HAVE MERCH. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 233: “I understand the appeal of Josh Sweat, I’m just not on board.”
On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we try and fail at pronouncing the names of defenders who could be an option for the 49ers on day two or later. Are there any intriguing players in this edge class after the first round? (2:56) Which outside cornerbacks fit the profile the 49ers are looking for? (30:23) And which players could upgrade San Francisco’s poor coverage in the middle of the field? (48:31) All that, plus a linebacker to keep an eye on late in the draft, getting capital ‘F’ Fysical, and seriously, these names are really hard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 232: “Shanahan prefers guys who can separate.”
On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we take a look at day-two-or-later draft prospects who’ve caught our eye on offense. Will the 49ers really be looking at big, contested-catch wide receivers or does Kyle Shanahan have a different type? (8:53) In a deep draft class, which running backs stand out as fits in the 49ers offense? (32:30) And which player would give the 49ers a pair of top-end athletes at the tight end position? (50:04). All that, plus what we’re looking for in later-round prospects, the abundance of big wideouts in this draft class, and the general lack of intriguing prospects in this TE class. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 231: “They have no one who can do what Harold Landry does.”
On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, premium-position players who could be available for the 49ers at No. 9 overall enter the spotlight. Does it make sense for the 49ers to target interior coverage defenders like Minkah Fitzpatrick or Derwin James given the current makeup of the roster? (6:54) Do either of the top cornerbacks in this draft class project as a scheme fit in San Francisco’s defense? (26:26) And which edge rusher should be at the top of the 49ers’ wish list come draft day? (46:09) All that, plus math jokes, why offense is unlikely to be a consideration at No. 9 overall, and our rankings for San Francisco’s first-round options. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 230: “I’m into the pairing of Roquan and Reuben Foster.”
On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, our draft preview series continues by looking at three non-premium position players who could be options for the 49ers with the No. 9 overall pick. Is there anything wrong with Quenton Nelson’s game? (10:37) Does Roquan Smith excel in the passing game enough to add more value than your typical linebacker? (25:18) And is the upside of Tremaine Edmunds worth a top-10 selection? (42:12) All that, plus should the 49ers trade for OBJ (2:00), the latest on Reuben Foster, and it’s officially #BESTSHAPEOFHISLIFESZN. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 229: “Now we turn our attention to the NFL draft.”
On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, it’s time to turn our attention to the NFL draft. What will we be looking for when evaluating draft prospects? (14:16) Why is positional value so important when talking about the draft? (30:08) And what are the strengths and weaknesses of the 2018 class? (46:05) All that, plus John Lynch confirms the worst-kept secret in football (2:07), quick thoughts on the 49ers’ latest free agent additions (5:42), and bachelor party shenanigans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 228: “U MAD, BRO?”
On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, it’s a free agency frenzy! Should we expect Richard Sherman to be the same player he was in Seattle? (6:20) Why did the 49ers choose to add a center in free agency rather than a guard? (20:54) And is Jerick McKinnon really worth paying as a top-five running back? (37:30) All that, plus why the 49ers hate everyone you wanted to sign, the value of a pass-catching RB, and whether Lynchahan has a blind spot for players at non-premium positions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 227: “It’s starts with signing a cornerback.”
On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we answer all of your free agency questions. How should Vinny Curry figure into the 49ers’ free agency plans if he becomes available? (5:58) Which positions of need are the most valuable? (22:51) And what does the dream free agency period look like? (50:55) All that, plus which pending 49ers free agent gets signed first (21:00), the value of the combine (30:26), and which 49ers player we’d give the strength of the Black Panther (41:11). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 226: “This is where the 49ers can get better in a hurry.”
On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we wrap up our free agency preview with an in-depth look at the top guards in this year’s class. Should the 49ers be worried about spending top money on Andrew Norwell or Josh Sitton? (8:09) If the top players prove too rich, which players could John Lynch & Co. target at the mid-level? (33:40) And is Brandon Fusco worth bringing back as a bargain option? (39:11) All that, plus John Lynch throws shade at Ken Norton (0:48), several potential offseason targets go off the market (1:39), and our preferred free agency plan of attack (48:37). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 225: “The EDGE cupboard is pretty bare.”
On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, it’s not a good year to be looking for edge rushers in free agency. Will anyone even be available at the top of the market? (11:06) Is Junior Galette’s ability on the field enough to offset his red flags off it? (20:53) And which veteran player could provide the 49ers with a reliable rotational piece? (34:54) All that, plus Mel Kiper is your drunk uncle (0:34), Vontae Davis visits (1:02), and we determine whether we’re in or out on re-signing Aaron Lynch or Tank Carradine (43:34). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 224: “This crop of free-agent pass catchers doesn’t excite us.”
On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, our free-agent positional previews move on to pass catchers. If the 49ers splurge at the top of the market, does Allen Robinson or Sammy Watkins make more sense? (19:54) Which running back could bring a pass-catching element the 49ers lack out of the backfield below top dollar? (37:22) And which players provide the upside worth considering in the bargain bin? (48:35) All that, plus Jimmy GQ gets paid (1:51), Reuben Foster’s long-term viability (4:54), and Daniel Kilgore gets an extension (7:09). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 223: "He’s far and away the best option in this CB class”
On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we kick off our free-agent positional previews by focusing on one of football’s most important positions: cornerback. If the 49ers opt to spend big, is Malcolm Butler or Trumaine Johnson the better option? (16:03) If they aren’t in love with the big-name options, are there any good transitional options? (40:10) And is it worth dipping into the bargain bin for someone like Byron Maxwell? (53:03) All that, plus rapid-fire Super Bowl talk (0:47), 49ers Hall-of-Famers (5:26), and what’s on deck for the rest of the offseason. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 222: “These are really the players you build your roster around.”
On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we wrap up our three-part roster evaluation and turn our eyes to the offseason. Which two defenders are core players that the 49ers will build around for years to come? (11:09) Which aspects of Jimmy Garoppolo’s performance stood out most this season and what do they tell us about what’s to come? (27:06) And what did this roster exercise tell us about the coming offseason? (46:13) All that, plus a quick recap of our roster tiers, positions of focus for the offseason, and the official Jimmy Garoppolo nickname. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 221: "This is how a draft class turns things around."
On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, our deep-dive evaluation of the 49ers roster continues. Are there any transitional players set to hit free agency who should be brought back for another season? (15:58) How is the 2017 draft class looking after one season? (34:56) And Solomon Thomas is a foundational player, but at what position? (42:59) All that, plus clarifying some questions on the tier breakdown from last week (7:38), the transitional players we’d rather move on from sooner rather than later (33:23), and what to do with Jimmie Ward (54:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 220: “You don’t want to turn into the Colts.”
On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we kick off our month-long deep dive into the state of the 49ers roster. What type of model do we think is best to evaluate the roster? (2:16) Which criteria are important to consider in that model? (5:16) And, of course, where do the 49ers’ players fit in that model? (29:28) All that, plus the coming EDGE makeover (34:15), Dontae Johnson’s opportunity (39:44), and developmental players most likely to take a step forward (42:46). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 219: “Saving San Francisco.”
On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, it’s time to start looking back on the season that was. How do the storylines from before the season compare to today? (27:16) Who took home our end-of-season awards? (37:38) And how did our preseason predictions fare (spoiler: it wasn’t great)? (57:33) All that, plus what we learned from a Week 17 win over backups (1:57), two players land on the PFF All-Pro second team (9:48), and early returns from the Jimmy Garoppolo nickname tournament. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 218: “It’s a Christmas miracle!”
On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, WE ARE NEVER GOING TO LOSE A GAME AGAIN! How did Kyle Shanahan and Jimmy Garoppolo attack the NFL’s best defense to pull off a Christmas miracle? (0:54) Why weren’t the Jaguars able to find the same success against the same defensive scheme? (28:08) And which rookie shines in this week’s spotlight? (39:32) All that, plus a Better Rivals draft crush update (44:30), a Garoppolo nickname tournament (48:02), and what to watch for in an exciting season finale against the Rams (53:05). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 217: “HOSS.”
On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals, Gucci Garop propels the 49ers to three straight wins for the first time since 2014! What staple Patriots concept did Garoppolo and the 49ers use to kickstart the game-winning drive? (1:52) How did the Titans manage to bother Garoppolo in the pocket so frequently? (11:01) And which matchups were key in the 49ers doing just enough defensively to come away with the win? (26:10) All that, plus our first repeat Spotlight Player of the Week (37:47), San Francisco gets a Pro Bowler (42:39), and what to watch this week against the Jaguars (50:29)? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 216: “A tide that lifts all boats.”
On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we’re going streaking! How has Jimmy Garoppolo managed to lift a 49ers offense that still has many flaws? (2:22) What did the Texans do defensively that played into Garoppolo’s hands? (8:42) And did Robert Saleh fail to give Dontae Johnson proper help on DeAndre Hopkins? (20:05) All that, plus Marquise Goodwin in the spotlight (36:19), Reuben Foster continuing to be ridiculous (40:47), and what to watch as the 49ers go for three straight against the Titans (50:09). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 215: “Jimmy Garoppolo. Overtly Sexual.”
On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we talk about a quarterback that doesn’t suck! What stood out from Jimmy Garoppolo’s first start as a 49er? (2:38) Where did things break down in the red zone and should we be concerned? (27:55) And which gritty receiving performance was worthy of our Spotlight Player of the Week (hint: he’s a lot like Randy Moss)? (44:03) All that, plus DeForest Buckner’s second straight underwhelming performance (49:03), Robbie is good as Gould (51:36), and what to watch in Houston this week (53:42). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 214: “A whole new hope.”
On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, JIMMY GAROPPOLO IS THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME! But for reals: How did the 49ers defense fare against Russell Wilson & Co.? (1:45) Why did the offense struggle to find any semblance of consistency? (18:23) And is there really anything we can take away from Garoppolo’s brief appearance? (30:30) All that, plus Eric Reid’s standout game (35:48), updates on the newest 49ers (38:22), and what we’ll be watching in Chicago (48:28). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 213: “It was a single game, but it was a good game.”
On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, it’s the first Win Wednesday of the Kyle Shanahan era! How on earth did C.J. Beathard morph into a good quarterback for one week? (1:24) What did Shanahan draw up to get Goodwin open for a long touchdown? (8:04) And which run play keyed the 49ers’ success on the ground? (26:26) All that, plus another rookie stands out as our Spotlight Player of the Week (32:08), 49ers’ quarterbacks can’t stop throwing to running backs (42:22), and K’Waun Williams is a target magnet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 212: “It’s a see-ball, hit-ball kinda thing”
On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, C.J. Beathard is just a glorified tackling dummy running the Err-Raid offense. Is there anything left for Kyle Shanahan to try to get better performance from the offensive line? (1:03) What run play did Arizona use on repeat on their way to 167 rushing yards? (11:54) And which defensive player is playing better than you probably think he is? (21:10) All that, plus Reuben Foster finally finishes a game (29:59), the 49ers’ run/pass splits (37:19), and does anyone really win in this week’s game against the Giants (43:23)? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 211: “Garoppolooza!”
On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the 49ers have a new franchise quarterback and he’s handsome AF! After a quick recap of the loss in Philly (1:14), we tackle all things Garoppolo (14:54). Was the cost to make this deal worth it? What should we expect with his contract situation? And, most importantly, is he any good? All that, plus Cardinals preview (51:09), Rashard Robinson gets shipped out (57:58), and winless watch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 210: “Is C.J. Beathard going to die?”
On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the 49ers are 0-7 for the first time in nearly four decades and everything is fine. Why did the run defense fall apart? (0:39) How did C.J. Beathard fare in his first career start? (18:17) And which member of the offensive line has been performing much better than expected? (30:43) All that, plus Shanahan unveils a new run play (34:37), D.J. Jones deserves more playing time (38:25), and what to watch for in Philadelphia (45:06). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 209: “Beathard did rookie QB things.”
On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the elegant tank cannot be stopped! Amidst a record fifth consecutive loss by one score or less, the Brian Hoyer era is officially over in San Francisco. How did C.J. Beathard look in his first meaningful NFL action? (1:45) Is the 49ers’ No. 1 draft choice starting to find his groove? (13:35) And why on earth can Robert Saleh not stop dropping defensive lineman into coverage? (20:16) All that, plus our Spotlight Player of the Week (28:22), Rashard Robinson trending in a positive direction (32:15), and what to watch for against the Cowboys (41:47). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 208: “The elegant tank is on, man.”
On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, it’s another Pythagorean Win Wednesday! The 49ers lost their fourth consecutive game by less than one score and the “elegant tank” is on. (1:09) Where are things breaking down in the run game? (5:23) Which Colts defender caused problems for the offensive line all game? (12:35) And where does Brian Hoyer need to live on early downs to be successful? (21:43) All that, plus the return of our Spotlight Player of the Week (36:05), an addition to the cornerback corps, and what to watch for in Washington (51:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 207: “This is a game the Niners should win.”
On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the 49ers fall to 0-4 after their third consecutive close loss. Where did things break down defensively on the final drive in OT? (1:34) What’s going on with Rashard Robinson? (13:50) How is the pass rush faring after the first month of season? (27:16) And what’s leading to Hoyer’s maddening inconsistency? (42:50) All that, plus Bradley Pinion crushing it, Trent Brown’s hot start, and what to watch in Indianapolis (57:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 206: “Sacks kill drives, but pressure also affects games.”
Disclaimer: We apologize for the audio quality in this episode. Technical difficulties caused a bad stutter throughout this episode, and we understand if that makes it too difficult to listen to. Thank you to those who power through. On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we have many things on our mind after the most exciting 49ers game in several years. Is the front seven generating enough pressure? (3:09) Is the Rams offense legit or are the 49ers just back to the same old crap defensively? (24:02) And what finally clicked with Brian Hoyer and the passing game? (36:03) All that, plus Joe Staley owns Robert Quinn, how Tank Carradine’s absence impacts the defensive line, and what to watch against the Cardinals (47:28). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 205: “Moral victories are for losers.”
Ep. 205: “Moral victories are for losers.” by Niners Nation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 204: “You win on defense with good players.”
On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the 49ers are unable to continue their season-opener magic. What did we learn about the defensive line in Week 1? What led to so many breakdowns in the secondary? And what’s going to hold back Kyle Shanahan’s offense this season? All that, plus Aaron Lynch held out due to a coach’s decision, the season’s first Spotlight Player of the Week, and three things to watch against the Seahawks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 203: 2017 season preview. Predictions, final roster takeaways, and what to watch vs the Panthers
On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, real football is finally here! We get you prepared for the 2017 season by outlining why the 49ers should be better this season, but also why they might not be that much better. All that, plus takeaways from the 53-man roster cuts, season predictions, and things we’ll be watching against the Panthers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 202: Vikings recap. Hoyer breaks out, early defensive tendencies, and bubble watch
On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, it’s dress rehearsal recap time! We run through the biggest takeaways from the 49ers’ third preseason game and look ahead to toughest roster decisions John Lynch & Co. will have to make this week. What led to Hoyer’s early success? What’s holding back the run game? And what schematic tendencies did we see defensively? All that, plus Vance McDonald gets traded (!!), Reuben Foster makes us smile, and players trending up and down as we head into final roster cuts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 201: Broncos recap. Run game struggles, pass pro efficiency, and QB competition
On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, it’s time to wake up and kick ass. We recap all you need to know about the 49ers’ preseason game against the Broncos. Why couldn’t the run game get going? Is the offensive line really improving in pass protection? And do we have a quarterback competition on our hands? All that, plus Jimmie Ward joins the PAP list, comfort level with Lorenzo Jerome, and is Tank for real this time? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 200: Chiefs recap. Observations, stock watch from first preseason game.
On the 200th episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we have new football to discuss! What should you be looking for during the preseason? Which tendencies should you be keeping an eye on as we move toward the regular season? And which players are trending up and down after one week of preseason action? All that, plus Von Miller man-crushes on Trent Brown, rookie watch, and things to look for against the Broncos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices