The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.” by Niners Nation 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 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

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

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

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

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

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