Take off your homer-colored glasses: A 49ers fantasy draft guide with Kevin Cole

Scheme Month: Shanahan's Run Game: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, Scheme Month comes to a close with a look at Shanahan’s run game. What really drove the success of the 49ers’ run game last season? How can the 49ers adjust their base outside zone scheme to account for any potential defense they might face? And what was different about their run game in 2019? All that, plus George Kittle’s new contract, why the lack of depth at center is concerning, and John Lynch’s margaritas. by Better Rivals: A San Francisco 49ers Podcast

62 min listen

Scheme Month: Shanahan's Base Passing Concepts: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we reach the moment Scheme Month has been training for: Shanahan’s favorite pass concepts. What concept provides the foundation for Shanahan’s play action attack on first down? Which West Coast classic does he go to on third-and-short? And how does he look to attack defenses on those critical third-and-longs? All that, plus players are reporting, John Lynch gets extended, and the 49ers have a new tight end. by Better Rivals: A San Francisco 49ers Podcast

62 min listen

What can the 49ers Learn from Super Bowl LV?: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, George Chahrouri, CXO at Pro Football Focus and fellow 49ers fan, joins to discuss the lessons learned from Super Bowl LV. Was the 49ers roster building strategy validated? And what moves should the 49ers make to get back to the mountain top? All that, plus rage eating an avocado, QB word association, and being besties with Richard Sherman. by Better Rivals: A San Francisco 49ers Podcast

55 min listen

Dolphins recap: The 49ers’ season is in jeopardy after getting embarrassed by Miami: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, things sure aren’t feeling great after the 49ers were embarrassed by the Dolphins. Where did things fall apart defensively against Fitzmagic & Co.? Why was the offensive performance even more concerning? And is there any hope that they’ll be able to turn things around and get back into the playoff hunt? All that, plus offensive line issues, Robert Saleh’s share of the blame, and a fantasy football update that no one cares about. by Better Rivals: A San Francisco 49ers Podcast

63 min listen

Scheme Month: Attacking coverages with the passing game: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, Scheme Month is matriculating the ball down the field with a look at how offenses attack different coverages. What are the weaknesses of each coverage type? What tricks does the offense have up its sleeve to attack man coverage? And what are the different ways they’ll look to stretch zone coverages? All that, plus geometry, banjoes, and pre-game Viagra. by Better Rivals: A San Francisco 49ers Podcast

51 min listen

Saints recap: The underdog game plan worked until it didn’t: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the 49ers nearly followed the underdog game plan to an upset win in New Orleans but couldn’t hold on. What is the underdog game plan? Where did things start to fall apart? And what are the questions we’re starting to think about for 2021? All that, plus an over-performing defense, Jordan Willis wasn’t terrible, and breaking down the Sicilian defense. by Better Rivals: A San Francisco 49ers Podcast

59 min listen

Washington recap: WTF against WFT: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the 49ers lose to a team with no name. Is the 49ers’ offensive line actually bad? Why does Nick Mullens struggle so much under pressure? And what stood out from a defensive effort that was good enough to win? All that, plus pouring some out for the homies, Shanahan’s fourth down decision, and thoughts on a better matchup against the Cowboys. by Better Rivals: A San Francisco 49ers Podcast

63 min listen

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2 min listen

Seahawks recap: The 49ers’ roster — and season — fall apart in Seattle: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, it might be November but it’s time to dawn those Elegant Tanks. What did we learn from an absolute beatdown at the hands of the Seahawks? What happened to the 49ers’ offense and why weren’t they able to keep pace? And are the 49ers already starting to look ahead to 2021? All that, plus Brandon Aiyuk as one of the lone bright spots, moving on from Kwon Alexander, and quick thoughts on Thursday’s matchup with the Packers. by Better Rivals: A San Francisco 49ers Podcast

60 min listen

Scheme Month: Shanahan's Special Situation Passing Concepts: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, Scheme Month continues with a look at some Shanahan favorites in a few key, specialized situations. Which staple concept shows up often in the red zone? How does Shanahan exploit one-on-one matchups in the two-minute drill? And what’s one concept he looks to when needing to push the ball downfield if the 49ers find themselves trailing in the fourth quarter? All that, plus a George Kittle non-update update, Tavon Austin gets a workout, and Lil Bow Wow’s hypothetical status among 8 year olds. by Better Rivals: A San Francisco 49ers Podcast

58 min listen

Packers recap: River Cracraft got 51 snaps: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, a depleted 49ers roster gets run out of the building by Aaron Rodgers & Co. How did Rodgers and the Green Bay passing attack pick apart San Francisco’s defense? How did the team’s tinkering along the offensive line play out? And where do things stand with Kyle Shanahan and Robert Saleh as we begin to look ahead to 2021? All that, plus Richie James as Brandon Aiyuk’s stunt double, Ahkello Witherspoon going full Pettis, and Kevin White still can’t get any snaps. by Better Rivals: A San Francisco 49ers Podcast

58 min listen

Jets recap: Jimmy was back… for a half, uneven OL play, and where the 49ers go from here: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the 49ers trounced the Jets and yet it still felt like a loss. What changed with Jimmy G during his much improved first-half performance? What’s going on with Mike McGlinchey? And how do the 49ers move forward after suffering a number of key injuries? All that, plus Robert Saleh mixing up coverages, the best player left on San Francisco’s defense, and someone please play The Happy Song for Nick Mullens. by Better Rivals: A San Francisco 49ers Podcast

59 min listen

Scheme Month: Understanding Zone Coverage Responsibilities: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, it’s officially time for Scheme Month! Kicking things off, we’re digging into the basics of how coverages work. What are the three basic types of coverage? How do teams divide up the field into zones? And what are players ultimately responsible for in those zones? All that, plus how to identify a defender’s role in coverage, the 49ers are opening up training camp, and an update on Raheem Mostert. by Better Rivals: A San Francisco 49ers Podcast

57 min listen

NFC West Preview: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, real football is sneaking up on us and it’s (somehow) time to preview the NFC West. Will the Seahawks manage to continue 2019’s success in one-score games? Will Kyler Murray take a leap in his second season and raise the Cardinals to playoff contention? And is there anything the Rams can do to help set Jared Goff up for success? All that, plus manufactured crowd noise, injury updates, and Isaiah Simmons shade. by Better Rivals: A San Francisco 49ers Podcast

67 min listen

The HYPE Episode: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, IT’S TIME TO GET HYPE! Camp is full of hype and hope, but who should you really be buying into? Which rookie are we all in on? And will any of the players returning from injury manage to regain their pre-injury form? All that, plus Earl Thomas isn’t in the 49ers’ plans, center is a complete disaster, and no one cares about Oscar’s fantasy team. https://www.theragun.com/bluewire by Better Rivals: A San Francisco 49ers Podcast

59 min listen

Free Agency Preview: Finding fits for the 49ers from a deep DB class: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, it’s time to kick off our free agency primers with a look at DB options in this year’s class. What type of players do we expect the 49ers to target? Will we see the team look to add multiple players at CB? And while there are a number of talented safeties set to hit the open market, do any of them make sense for San Francisco? All that, plus lessons from Shaq Barrett, the glut of available slot CBs, and surviving the Texas Hunger Games. by Better Rivals: A San Francisco 49ers Podcast

62 min listen

Giants Recap: MOFO Mullens, Saleh manufacturing pressure, and those pesky QB runs: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the 49ers were undermanned but not overmatched as they roll in New York for a second straight week. Should there be a QB controversy after MOFO Mullens’ performance? How did San Francisco’s reinforcements hold up on defense? And what can the 49ers do to slow down the QB runs that have been giving them so much trouble? All that, plus Fred Warner continues to be excellent, Saleh tries to manufacture pressure, and quick thoughts on Carson Wentz and the Eagles. by Better Rivals: A San Francisco 49ers Podcast

60 min listen

Free Agency Wrap-Up: Run it back. But this time with an insurance policy.: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the 49ers close out the second wave of free agency by pairing some returning starters with a new insurance policy. Will Tavon Wilson challenge for a starting safety spot? Why is Zach Kerr our favorite newcomer? And what’s the state of the 49ers roster as we pivot into draft mode? All that, plus positions to watch in the draft, jean shorts, and screaming at Jared Goff. by Better Rivals: A San Francisco 49ers Podcast

51 min listen

Cardinals recap: Have you ever been choked out?: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the 49ers find a way to end 2020 with a win. How did the Cardinals defense get choked out by the 49ers’ ground attack? Are the 49ers really that bad at containing QB scrambles? And, as we look ahead to the offseason, is there a path to a good QB in 2021? All that, plus Verrett vs. Hopkins, the Class of 2017 comes through, and getting our faces twisted off. Submit your Blue Wire Hustle application here: http://bwhustle.com/join by Better Rivals: A San Francisco 49ers Podcast

57 min listen

Rams recap: Shanahan’s stellar game plan saves the 49ers season: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the 49ers keep their season alive with a win over the Rams. How did an excellent game plan from Kyle Shanahan get the 49ers out to a fast start? Was Jimmy G actually back? And where did the Rams miss some opportunities that could’ve made this a much different game? All that, plus it’s nice having multiple competent CBs, expectations for Jordan Willis, and a pulse check on the 49ers’ season entering this week’s game against the Patriots. by Better Rivals: A San Francisco 49ers Podcast

59 min listen

Self-scouting the 49ers: Jimmy G, 4th downs, and team tendencies: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we take a look inward and do some self-scouting with the 49ers on bye. What should the 49ers do with Jimmy G after this season? Is Shanahan actually being too conservative on 4th down? And will the coming reinforcements be enough to help the 49ers push for a playoff spot? All that, plus defensive tendencies, quick thoughts on the Rams, and Jolly Jumpers. by Better Rivals: A San Francisco 49ers Podcast

62 min listen

Bills recap: Josh Allen throws darts right through our heart: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, Josh Allen and the Bills stomp both the 49ers’ playoff chances and our hearts. What on earth happened to San Francisco’s pass coverage? Does Sherman have anything left in the tank? And why wasn’t Nick Mullens & Co. able to keep pace? All that, plus a surprisingly good game from San Francisco’s barnacle, poor Tevin Coleman, and what to expect against the Football Team. by Better Rivals: A San Francisco 49ers Podcast

57 min listen

Matt Stafford or Jimmy Garoppolo? Seth Galina joins to discuss which QB is a better fit for the 49ers: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, Seth Galina joins to discuss the question Shanahan and Lynch are likely discussing right now: Should the 49ers trade for Matt Stafford? From decelerating your front half, to bender seams, and even some draft talk, we look at the best path to keeping the 49ers Super Bowl window open. by Better Rivals: A San Francisco 49ers Podcast

51 min listen

Eagles recap: Nick Mullens crumbles, Philadelphia’s defensive line tilts the game: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, it’s an especially whompy Whomp Whomp Wednesday. Just how bad was Nick Mullens against the Eagles? Does CJ Beathard offer any semblance of hope? And how did Philly’s defensive line tilt the game in their favor? All that, plus George Kittle’s wasted performance, looking ahead to a brutal schedule, and Milkshake IPAs. by Better Rivals: A San Francisco 49ers Podcast

52 min listen

Cardinals recap: Jimmy G’s struggles, death by a thousand defensive cuts, and why you shouldn’t panic. Yet.: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, it’s the first whomp whomp Wednesday of the 2020 season as we dive deep into the issues that plagued the 49ers in their loss to the Cardinals. Where did Jimmy Garoppolo fall short in the season opener? What led to the 49ers’ struggles on third and fourth down? And why was DeAndre Hopkins able to find so much success against San Francisco’s pass coverage? All that, plus our panic level, impressive debuts from Javon Kinlaw and Trent Williams, and previewing a should-win game against the Jets. by Better Rivals: A San Francisco 49ers Podcast

59 min listen

Can a QB improve their accuracy? A look at the jump from college to the NFL; 49ers Draft Scouting Reports: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we take a deep dive into improving QB accuracy and kick off our draft scouting reports. Have we seen QBs improve their accuracy when moving from college to the pros? Why does it ultimately matter if Trey Lance improves his accuracy or not? And which draft pick in the secondary do we think has the best chance to become a contributor for the 49ers defense? All that, plus Champions League, Cinco de Mayo trivia, and margaritas? by Better Rivals: A San Francisco 49ers Podcast

66 min listen

EMERGENCY POD! 49ers trade up to No. 3 overall pick in the NFL Draft: IT’S AN EMERGENCY DRAFT TRADE POD! We answer all of the important questions after the 49ers’ blockbuster trade to move up to the No. 3 overall pick. Why make this trade now? Is a QB really worth everything that they gave up? And do we have any idea who they might be targeting? by Better Rivals: A San Francisco 49ers Podcast

35 min listen

Cowboys recap: Let #EvaluationSZN officially begin: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the 49ers playoff hopes are officially dead. What ultimately killed the 49ers’ changes against the Cowboys? After getting a close-up look at CeeDee Lamb, how are we feeling about Brandon Aiyuk? And, as we start to turn our attention toward the offseason, which pending free agents do we have our eyes on? All that, plus looking back at players the 49ers have traded up to get, we have some Pro Bowlers, and the return of The Gauntlet. by Better Rivals: A San Francisco 49ers Podcast

74 min listen

2020 Season Preview: Fighting Regression: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, football is here! It’s time to preview the 2020 season and figure out where we expect the 49ers to land. How much regression will we see from a defense that made a worst-to-first leap last season? Will the offense be able to offset any drop in performance from the other side of the ball? And where will Jimmy Garoppolo need to improve to show that he can be a great (and not just good) QB? All that, plus thoughts on the much larger practice squad, the state of the DL post-Buckner, and the best- and worst-case scenarios for the 49ers this season. by Better Rivals: A San Francisco 49ers Podcast

70 min listen

Free Agency Preview: Replenishing the pass rush, plus our plan for a cash-strapped FA period: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we conclude our free agency preview with a look at how the 49ers could restock along the defensive line. Does it make sense for the team to spend significant cap space on the DL this offseason? Which high-impact target would we consider splurging for? And, if we were in charge, what would we prioritize when free agency kicks off next week? All that, plus the team’s likely cap situation, who should the 49ers look to re-sign from last year’s DL, and why Timo Werner is actually a fullback. by Better Rivals: A San Francisco 49ers Podcast

64 min listen

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Take off your homer-colored glasses: A 49ers fantasy draft guide with Kevin Cole

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