Ep. 178: Worth the No. 1? Rams recap, 2016 season wrap-up

Better Rivals Ep. 291: Just Breathe. Top takeaways from 49ers vs Broncos: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast,we’re midway through the preseason and we ask 49ers fans to just breathe. What should the panic level be after a brutal performance from Jimmy Garoppolo against the Broncos? How is the secondary depth shaping up after two preseason games? And whose stock is up(or down) heading into the regular season dress rehearsal? All that, plus a pressure-packed effort from the backup DL, rookie watch, and thoughts on the final construction of the WR group. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

61 min listen

Ep. 265: 2018 Season Review: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, it’s time to put a bow on the 2018 season and attempt to answer the questions we had entering the season. How did the revamped offensive line come together? What happened with the pass coverage? And did the 49ers manage to improve their ability to rush the passer? All that, plus we hand out some year-end superlatives, talk Robert Saleh’s evolution, and set the stage for the 49ers’ best season: the offseason. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

64 min listen

Ep. 158: What does a 49ers playoff season look like? by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

64 min listen

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 by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

84 min listen

Better Rivals Ep. 312: Suffocating Minnesota on the way to the NFC Championship Game: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we recap a suffocating playoff win over the Vikings and get you ready for the conference championship matchup with the Packers. How did the 49ers take away what the Vikings wanted to do on offense? Why was the type of success the 49ers had in the run game unusual for them this season? And will Jimmy be able to keep up with the Packers if Rodgers doesn't have the worst game of his career again? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

67 min listen

Better Rivals Ep. 292: 2019 season preview. Garoppolo knocks off the rust.: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we talk top takeaways from the most important preseason game of the year before turning our attention forward to the 2019 regular season. What did we learn from the starters’ extended action against the Chiefs? How confident are we that Jimmy Garoppolo can lead the the 49ers to a top five offense? And how good does the defense need to be for this team to reach the playoffs? All that, plus we pour one out for Malcolm Smith, hand out some season superlatives, and make our record predictions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

76 min listen

Ep. 196: Jimmie Ward, Pete Carroll, and single-high coverages: 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 by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

74 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

Better Rivals Ep. 302: Escaping a fright in the desert, and preparing for an MVP: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the 49ers break from the script for a win over the Cardinals on Thursday Night Football. What was different about this win compared to the others? Where did the Cardinals find success against a pass defense that had been lights out? And how was Jimmy Garoppolo able to pick up the slack? All that, plus what Emmanuel Sanders does for San Francisco’s passing game, the ups and downs of the injury roller coaster, and previewing an important divisional match-up against the Seahawks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

65 min listen

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 by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

71 min listen

Better Rivals Ep. 319: (Almost) Keeping the Band Together: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the new league year has arrived and the 49ers have been busy! What has been the team’s strategy for this offseason? Which move stands out as a clear exception to that strategy? And what do we expect to see from the 49ers over the rest of the offseason? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

55 min listen

Better Rivals Ep. 320: Mailbag with a Side of Lightning (Round): On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we break open the mailbag to answer your most pressing offseason questions. Are the 49ers setup for long-term success or have they gone all-in on a short-term run? How would we approach San Francisco’s two first round picks? And do we see a shake-up coming in the NFC West next season? All that, plus late free agency moves, quarantine updates, and a special (return) guest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

70 min listen

Ep. 193: Mailbag! 49ers’ RB situation, DL fits, breakout players, and more: 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 by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

79 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

Ep. 172: Kap figuring things out? Cardinals recap, Patriots preview by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

71 min listen

Better Rivals Ep. 317: State of the 49ers roster entering 2020: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we break out our roster model to take a look at the current state of the 49ers roster as we approach the new league year. How do we go about grouping players into tiers and what do those tiers represent? Which players do we feel like are the core pieces that the 49ers roster is built around? And which positions could use a bit of love this offseason? All that, plus which tier to put Jimmy in (and other players we disagreed on), why McGlinchey fell, and which pending free agents we’d bring back. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

72 min listen

Better Rivals Ep. 318: Free Agency Ain’t Free: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, it's time to preview free agency period that should be much different than years past. How will the 49ers need to adjust their approach? Which positions need to be at the top of San Francisco's wish list? And which positions should they keep an eye on only if a bargain should fall into their lap? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

63 min listen

Ep. 190: If we did it. Outlining the 49ers’ plan of attack in the 2017 NFL Draft: 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 by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

79 min listen

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 by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

80 min listen

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 by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

68 min listen

Ep. 155: Defending Chip Kelly’s spread offense: 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 by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

69 min listen

Ep. 160: Broncos review, Seahawks season preview: 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 by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

93 min listen

Stats & Eggs, 10/19: 49ers save their season, Beat LA by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

10 min listen

Ep. 180: Who’s the next 49ers head coach? Ceilings and floors for the top candidates: 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 by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

90 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

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

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

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 by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

71 min listen

Ep. 197: Offensive Line 101. Basic principles of run blocking and pass protection: 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 by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

70 min listen

Week 1 reaction: 49ers survive late surge in Detroit, secure 1-0 start by Better Rivals: A San Francisco 49ers Podcast

42 min listen

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Ep. 178: Worth the No. 1? Rams recap, 2016 season wrap-up

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