The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we open up the mailbag to answer all of your training camp questions. What’s happening with the running back battle? How concerned should you be about the injuries in the secondary? How many wins would it take for the 49ers to commit to Brian Hoyer long term? And which players are primed for their peak season? All that, plus the end of the Bruce Ellington era, projections from the Football Outsiders Almanac, and which player we’d take on in an Oklahoma drill. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, Scheme Month draws to a close by taking a look at how Kyle Shanahan attacks coverages in the passing game. What are the basic coverage types you’ll see from NFL defenses? Where are the weak spots in those coverages? And which concepts does Shanahan use to exploit them? All that, plus some interesting numbers on the 2016 offense, another look at Kyle Juszczyk’s monster contract, and #KurtyKurt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, Scheme Month turns its attention to an oft neglected portion of the roster: the offensive line. What are the differences between zone, gap, and man run schemes? How can you identify them when you’re watching games this fall? How do offensive linemen go about determining who to block in pass protections? And what does the change in offensive scheme mean for the 49ers’ offensive line? All that, plus Camp Hoyer, DeAngelo Williams hating on the Cowboys, and #ILikeDat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, Scheme Month rolls on! Defense is again in the spotlight as we move to the secondary and talk coverages. What is single-high coverage and why are we expecting to see it from the 49ers this season? Which position is the key to making everything go in the secondary? And how will San Francisco’s defensive backs fare in this transition? All that, plus which 49ers would be most valuable on the open market, Eric Reid vs. Jaquiski Tartt, and something about butts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, it’s the return of Scheme Month! We kick things off by focusing in on the defensive front and the 49ers’ transition to a 4-3 defense. How can you identify different defensive fronts? What’s the difference between one-gapping and two-gapping? How is your basic four-man pass rush constructed? And what do the changes in scheme mean for the 49ers’ roster? All that, plus the importance of the 3-technique, Matt Breida is Our Future, and #MiddleOut. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we return after a short hiatus to recap all of the notable 49ers happenings of the past few weeks. What does the Elvis Dumervil signing mean for the other edge defenders on the roster? Which minicamp storylines should you be ignoring? And which position battles should you be taking note of? All that, plus stupid NFL rules, a speed round, and the best fictional football player. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, it’s mailbag time! What do we make of the 49ers’ running back situation? How do the pieces fit together along the defensive line? Who wins the slot receiver battle? And who are some potential breakout players to watch? All that, plus a lightning round, Space Jam, and our NFL positions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, it’s time to put a bow on draft season. We highlight a few UDFAs with a legitimate opportunity to crack the 53-man roster, and take a look at where things stand on the 90-man roster with all of the major offseason transactions in the books. Can Matt Breida become the next undrafted running back to find success in the Shanahan system? Which position will be the most intriguing throughout training camp and the preseason? And what does the TE group potentially tell us about what the 49ers want to do on offense? All that, plus cuts at running back, a safety who was in the top 100 players on Mike Mayock’s board, and NaVorro Bowman trade rumors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this post-draft episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we evaluate all 10 selections in the first draft for John Lynch & Co, identifying where each player wins, where they could improve, and where they fit on the 49ers’ roster. Where does first-round pick Solomon Thomas fit in with the incumbent defensive linemen? Which players are primed to make an early impact? And what themes did we pull from San Francisco’s draft as a whole? All that, plus draft-trade values, Paarag’s role, and bad name puns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this final pre-draft episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we put everything together and develop a plan of attack for the 49ers in the 2017 NFL Draft. What are the strengths and weaknesses of this draft class? Is trading down from No. 2 overall a realistic possibility? Who’s the best option if they’re stuck at No. 2? And which positions should they be focused in on throughout the draft? All that, plus smoke screens, Glen Coffee’s return, and Drunk Prospecting Vol. 2. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we bring on long time friend of the podcast Jordan Plocher to break down the 2017 defensive draft class. Does it make sense for the 49ers to look at Solomon Thomas and Derek Barnett at No. 2 overall? Which cornerbacks fit the profile San Francisco will be looking for in their new defense? And are prospects at non-premium positions like Malik Hooker, Jamal Adams, or Reuben Foster worth considering at the top of the draft? All that, plus positions to avoid, switching gears, and Christian McCaffrey at No. 2 overall? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we’re joined by Steve Palazzolo from Pro Football Focus to talk all things 2017 QB draft class. How do you reconcile the sample-size difference between Mitchell Trubisky and Deshaun Watson? Which of them fit better in Kyle Shanahan’s offense? Where do you draw the line between QB positional value and the risk of missing out on an elite talent at another position at the top of the draft? And who are some day-three QBs the 49ers should have their eye on? All that, plus Tramaine Brock’s release, Lynch officially opening trade talks for No. 2, and draft hot takes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, Matt Waldman joins us to discuss skill-position players in the 2017 NFL Draft. How does this WR class stack up to recent years? How much of a priority should the TE position be for the 49ers on draft weekend? And where do Leonard Fournette and Christian McCaffrey makes sense from a value perspective? All that, plus catching up on recent news in Ninerland, questions to answer before the draft, and draftsterbation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we put a bow on the 2017 free agency period for the 49ers. How does Jeremy Zuttah improve the offensive line? Is Aldrick Robinson the same player as Marquise Goodwin? Can Matt Barkley be relied on as a backup? And why is it important to consider more than just a player’s talent when analyzing player acquisitions? All that, plus positional scarcity, kicker jokes, and lessons from The Scouting Academy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, free agency has started and hope is in the air! What do Pierre Garçon and Marquise Goodwin bring to a revamped wide receiver corps? What can we expect from Kyle Juszczyk in Kyle Shanahan’s offense? And is Brian Hoyer the quarterback we need or the quarterback we deserve? All that, plus more roster turnover, drunk prospecting, and cedillas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we move on to the passing game in our deep dive on Kyle Shanahan’s offense. How does he use play action to build off the run game? What are his go-to drop-back passing concepts? How does he use complementary pass concepts to attack defenses? All that, plus compensatory picks, free agent signings, and the Kirk Cousins conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals episode, it’s time to take a deep dive into Kyle Shanahan’s run game. How did the outside zone evolve in the NFL? What exactly is zone blocking? And what are the key assignments that make it all work? All that, plus Tom Gamble is out, thoughts on the coaching staff, and how the current offensive line fits in the new scheme. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the 49ers finally, officially, have a head coach! We start our deep dive into all things Kyle Shanahan by taking a look at some quantitative tendencies shared by his offenses in the past and what those could mean for San Francisco going forward. What personnel groupings does he favor? Tempo going away? How about play action? All that, plus expectations for the Shanahan-Lynch era, coaching staff rumors, and what the hell happened in that Super Bowl? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the 49ers finally have a new general manager. We bring Dan Hatman, former NFL scout and director of the Scouting Academy, back on the show to discuss the surprise hiring of John Lynch, the challenges he’ll face, and what he needs to do to succeed in San Francisco. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we narrow in on the 49ers’ search for their next head coach. What traits should the 49ers be looking for in a head coach? How do the current crop of candidates stack up? And can we really tell the good ones from the bad? All that, plus some names get crossed off the list, updates on the GM front, and NFL playoff musings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the 49ers are pressing the reset button. We speak with former NFL scout and Director of Scouting Development for the Scouting Academy, Dan Hatman, about all things GM. What traits does a GM need to be successful? What are the benefits of different front office structures? How do teams assemble a draft board? And, of course, which candidates stick out among the pool connected to the 49ers’ job? All that, plus impressions from Jed’s third annual Black Monday presser, Chip’s San Francisco obituary, and our picks for the next general manager and head coach of the 49ers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast it’s the unicorn that is a Win Wednesday! We break down how the 49ers managed to overcome a two-score deficit in the final quarter to come away with the victory, what problems plagued the team up to that point, and whether this moral boost was worth losing the No. 1 overall pick. Then, we put a bow on the 2016 season by taking a look back what we got right and wrong in our season preview episode. All that, plus the importance of strong finishes to the season, Jimmy Garoppolo trade compensation, and Rex Ryan as defensive coordinator. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we find out what it looks like when the Hulk sneezes in the direction of an infant. Was there anything to take away from the massacre in Atlanta? Were there any rays of sunshine amid the piles of flaming poo? And if you’re insane enough to watch the 49ers play the Rams on Christmas Eve, what should you pay attention to? All that, plus everyone goes to IR, worst situations for QBs to succeed, and our 49ers holiday gift list. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, it’s time to step back and take a look at some big-picture topics in Ninerland. What should you make of the rumors of a front office shakeup? Which current players will be core contributors on the next good 49ers team? Is Vance McDonald really one of those players? All that, plus takeaways from the collapse against the Jets, Jaquiski Tartt in the spotlight, and is there anything the 49ers can do to keep Matt Ryan and the Falcons from putting up 50? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the 49ers are in a fight to keep the No. 2 pick in the 2017 draft for a second straight week. Should Kaepernick have been benched in Chicago? Was Chip Kelly too conservative? Is this the worst 49ers team in franchise history? All that, plus offseason rumors are here, NFL quick hits, and game-day trades we’d make with the Jets to make this abhorrent game more watchable. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the 49ers are officially eliminated from playoff contention! Despite yet another loss, Chip Kelly’s squad showed noticeable signs of improvement against the Dolphins. Will they be able to build on those positives to come out of Chicago with a win? All that, plus the Vance McDonald narrative, playoff money, and This Week in Chip Kelly Throwing Shade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we recap a closer-than-expected loss to the Patriots and preview the upcoming game against a team that literally plays in Hard Rock Stadium and is still better than the 49ers. How did the 49ers manage to stick with Tom Brady & Co. for that long? Will DeForest Buckner finally break out against a banged up Dolphins offensive line? And will San Francisco’s defense manage to get Jay Ajayi to the ground even a single time? All that, plus injury updates, NFL quick hits, and how we would “fix” this awful team this offseason. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, is the 49ers offense actually starting to look… competent? We recap a not-so-terrible loss to the Cardinals before looking ahead to this week’s matchup with the Patriots? Has the 49ers’ passing game really improved? What changed this week with the run defense? And can Jimmie Ward slow down the Edelman/Amendola combo in the slot? All that, plus some Hall of Fame discussion, NFL quick hits, and which 49ers would you let crash your wedding? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we recap yet another 49ers’ home loss and ponder whether anything will be different for Round 2 against the Cardinals. What do we make of Kaepernick’s near-400-yard performance? What’s going on with this second-half collapse thing? And will the 49ers be the catalyst for a Cardinals’ playoff run? All that, plus Arik Armstead gets shelved, #TeamACL takes yet another hit, and some NFL quick hits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we recap a disappointing 49ers’ home loss to the Bucs. Why is the defense incapable of stopping the run? Where did this game turn for the worst? And we put the spotlight on Aaron Lynch and Joshua Garnett after their first few starts of the season. All that, plus trade block rumors, roster building theory, and some NFL quick hits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the 49ers are 1–5 and looking like one of the worst teams in football for a second straight season. Why is San Francisco’s run defense so awful? And how did Colin Kaepernick look in his first start in nearly a year? All that, plus three things to watch against the Bucs, Trent Baalke’s future, and Old Cohn providing the lulz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the 49ers are officially making a change at quarterback. What needs to happen for Colin Kaepernick & Co. to come away with a win in Buffalo? What challenges will the Bills defense present? And what makes Buffalo’s offense so good in the red zone? All that, plus some quick hits from around the NFL, game predictions, and a #fromance that will never die. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s a special Sunday-morning edition of the Better Rivals podcast! San Francisco fell to 1–4 on the season following a Thursday night defeat at the hands of Drew Stanton and the Cardinals. What happened to the 49ers’ pass protection? Why is their run defense so bad? And what ultimately proved to be the difference in the outcome? All that, plus Jeremy Kerley in the spotlight, Sunday morning recording, and oh yeah, about this quarterback situation… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the 49ers are reeling after a disappointing home loss to the Cowboys. We offer up the biggest takeaways from that performance, put the spotlight on Rashard Robinson, and give you three things to watch against the Cardinals on Thursday night. All that, plus reaction to Bowman’s injury, Chip Kelly’s continued support of Glaine Babbert, and the first opponent-adjusted DVOA rankings of the season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we attempt to cope with another embarrassing defeat in Seattle. What happened to a 49ers defense that was supposed to be the strength of this team? Can it be fixed? And were there any positives to pull from this performance? All that, plus the latest news, some NFL quick hits, and three things to watch this week against the Cowboys. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, it’s the first Whomp-Whomp Wednesday of the 2016 season. We look at the biggest takeaways from a weird game against the Panthers, put the spotlight on Jimmie Ward, and offer up three things to watch when the 49ers travel to Seattle this week. All that, plus no more Ray-Ray, the inaugural version of NFL Quick Hits, and #RichardWasHere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the regular season has finally arrived and it’s time to start breaking down real football! What did we take away from our first look at Chip Kelly’s offense in San Francisco? Did the offensive line really shut down Aaron Donald? How good can the 49ers’ defense be this season? All that from the 49ers’ season-opening shutout over the Rams, plus Eric Reid and the three-safety package, Glaine Babbert, and three things to watch when the 49ers take on the Panthers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, it’s time to get prepared for regular season football! We break down all you need to know about the 53-man roster cuts before laying out our preview for the 2016 season. Why could the 49ers be better this season? Why could they be worse? Were there any surprise cuts or keeps on the final roster? All that, plus Bruce Miller, Tank Carradine’s extension, and predictions for the coming season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s a jam-packed episode this week on the Better Rivals podcast. We recap the 49ers’ third, and most important, preseason game against the Packers, break down all you need to know about the roster cuts to 75, and preview the Cardinals with Blake Murphy from Revenge of the Birds. All that, plus Colin Kaepernick discussion, Anthony Davis at guard, and who’s trending up and down entering the final week of the preseason. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we pull out the biggest takeaways from the 49ers’ preseason victory over the Broncos. How should we feel about the quarterback situation? How will the defensive backfield shake out? And is this going to be a blitz-happy defense under Jim O’Neil? All that, plus Brandan from the Seahawkers Podcast joins us to preview the Seahawks, thoughts on the recent offensive line changes, and GabDriPond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we have real football to talk about! Who’s trending up and trending down following the 49ers’ preseason opener against the Texans? Then, Joe McAtee from Turf Show Times joins us as we begin our NFC West opponent preview with the Rams. All that, plus injury updates, QB competition talk, and Longacre. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What would a playoff season from the 2016 49ers look like? On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we hop into our time machine and try to figure it out. It’s a 2016 Season Review episode in August! Who needs to perform above expectations? What areas do the 49ers need to perform well in? And is any of this reasonable? All that, plus important depth chart takeaways, technical difficulties, and things to watch for against the Texans this weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we celebrate the start of training camp (and some real news) with a mailbag! What should we make of the surprising NaVorro Bowman extension? How are the positional battles shaking out on offense? What can we glean from training camp reports? And is Trent Baalke entering a make-or-break season? All that, plus Anthony Davis is for reals back, some Game of Thrones talk, and a winter jacket update. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we round out Scheme Month with a sort of Passing Game 101. What’s going through a quarterback’s mind before the snap? How does the quarterback determine where to go with the football? What is a passing concept and how do routes complement each other? All that, plus our first Player Spotlight, 90-man roster player rankings, and new intro music from Stephen Schreffler and Jarrod Taylor! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, Scheme Month keeps on keepin’ on as we explore some of the tactics used to defend the spread offense that Chip Kelly’s 49ers might see in 2016. What is the spread offense? What sort of problems does it create for the defense? And how can the defense solve those problems? All that, plus where does the Aaron Lynch suspension leave the 49ers at outside linebacker, some happy life news, and jelly or jam? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the news is slow going but Scheme Month rolls on with Run Defense 101. What roles can defenders fill in run defense? What is gap control and why is it important? What techniques to defenses use to control those gaps? All that, plus the 49ers’ best and worst contracts, #colorinthehole, and slosh ball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Better Rivals back! After a month-long hiatus, we’re kicking off Scheme Month with a look at how teams build an offensive game plan. How do coaches determine what plays to put into a game plan? What elements make up a game plan? And how can we determine whether a game plan was successful or not? All that, plus David gets caught up on mini camp news, new intro music, and we play a game of Real Quote or Not: Mini Camp Edition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices