Ep. 201: Broncos recap. Run game struggles, pass pro efficiency, and QB competition

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

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

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

71 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

Ep. 163: Rams recap, Panthers preview: 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 by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

85 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

Ep. 178: Worth the No. 1? Rams recap, 2016 season wrap-up: 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 by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

90 min listen

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. 159: Texans recap, Rams season preview: 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 by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

89 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. 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. 173: Well that was surprising. Patriots recap, Dolphins preview by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

83 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

Better Rivals Ep. 303: All aboard the Garoppolo rollercoaster: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, Thomas Frank Carr from Pro Football Focus joins to examine a pivotal game where the 49ers offense repeatedly came up short. How good is this defense? How is Garoppolo putting the ball in harms way? And will the 49ers right the ship against Arizona? All that, plus a Neumann-infused run down, aggression checks, and men made of Deloreans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

72 min listen

Ep. 191: Scouting reports on the 49ers’ 2017 draft class: 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 by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

113 min listen

Stats & Eggs, 12/7: 49ers' playoff chances improve after Sunday's games: In this episode, we break down exactly what the 49ers needed happen on Sunday, and where they stand in the NFC playoff picture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

10 min listen

Better Rivals Ep. 314: Super Bowl Preview – The path to victory against the Chiefs: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, it's a Super Bowl preview! Who are the Chefs? Will the 49ers offense be able to keep up and put points on the board? And what can the 49ers do defensively to have any hope of slowing down Mahomes & Co.? All that, plus some key stats, ideal game scripts, and a lightning round. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

66 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. 157: Mailbag! Bowman extended, QB battle, Baalke’s hot seat, and more: 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 by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

85 min listen

Better Rivals Ep. 322: Finding Staley’s replacement in the first round: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, our draft preview series continues with a look at the top offensive tackles in the 2020 draft class. Where should OT rank on the list of priorities for the 49ers in this draft? Which players are worth selecting with the 13th pick? And which players are we not buying the hype on as an early first-round prospect? All that, plus uniform shade, thoughts on the NFL’s All-Decade Team, and WE LAUNCHED A PATREON! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

61 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

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

75 min listen

Stats & Eggs, 2/1: The 49ers pass on Matthew Stafford by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

8 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

Ep. 199: Training camp mailbag!: 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 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

Better Rivals Ep. 315: What went wrong for the 49ers in Super Bowl LIV: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we get cathartic and try to talk through it after the 49ers’ heartbreaking Super Bowl loss to the Chiefs. How did things go so well for the first three quarters? Where did it all start to fall apart? And what does this loss mean for the team going forward? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

50 min listen

49ers in Five: Heath issues at QB, WR, and CB going into Week 1: In today's episode, what we can learn from seemingly minor moves from the team. Plus, One NFL executive thinks the Panthers are better than the 49ers. The freakin' Panthers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

9 min listen

Better Rivals Ep. 273: Kwontifying value added in free agency: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the free agency frenzy is upon us and whew buddy is there a lot to talk about. Will the 49ers themselves or their opponents feel the Wrath of Kwon?(22:26) Was trading for Dee Ford the right move at edge?(34:00) And, most importantly, are the 49ers valuing the right things in year three of the Lynchahan era?(10:19) All that, plus missing out on OBJ, bringing back Jimmie Ward, and adding yet another running back. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

76 min listen

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Ep. 201: Broncos recap. Run game struggles, pass pro efficiency, and QB competition

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