Ep. 204: “You win on defense with good players.”

Ep. 165: Seahawks recap, Cowboys preview: 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 by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

76 min listen

Ep. 153: Scheme Month is back! How to build an offensive game plan: 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 by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

87 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. 167: Kaepernick’s redemption story? QB thoughts, Cardinals recap: 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 by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

57 min listen

Ep. 156: Bruce Ellington, player rankings, and the anatomy of a pass play: 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 by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

82 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

Ep. 186: Free agency wrap-up, valuation vs. evaluation: 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 by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

96 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

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

Ep. 161: Packers recap, Cardinals season preview: 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 by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

99 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. 228: “U MAD, BRO?”: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, it’s a free agency frenzy! Should we expect Richard Sherman to be the same player he was in Seattle? (6:20) Why did the 49ers choose to add a center in free agency rather than a guard? (20:54) And is Jerick McKinnon really worth paying as a top-five running back? (37:30) All that, plus why the 49ers hate everyone you wanted to sign, the value of a pass-catching RB, and whether Lynchahan has a blind spot for players at non-premium positions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

77 min listen

Ep. 183: Breaking down Kyle Shanahan’s run game: 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 by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

84 min listen

Ep. 169: Teardrops keep fallin’ on my fro. Bills recap, Bucs preview: 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 by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

85 min listen

Ep. 154: Gap control, Jim O’Neil, and how defenses stop the run: 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 by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

68 min listen

Ep. 166: Troubling run defense failures - Cowboys recap, Cardinals preview: 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 by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

72 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

Ep. 182: It’s officially official. Kyle Shanahan named 49ers head coach by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

83 min listen

Ep. 162: 2016 49ers Season Preview: 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 by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

89 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

Ep. 175: Don’t screw up No. 2! Bears recap, Jets preview: 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 by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

92 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. 164: Panthers recap, Seahawks preview: 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 by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

92 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. 171: What's with the second-half collapses? Saints review, Cardinals preview by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

67 min listen

Ep. 198: How Kyle Shanahan attacks coverages in the passing game: 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 by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

68 min listen

Ep. 192: Key UDFAs and post-draft roster thoughts: 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 by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

85 min listen

Ep. 174: If we’re gonna win one… Dolphins recap, Bears preview: 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 by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

86 min listen

Ep. 212: “It’s a see-ball, hit-ball kinda thing”: 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 by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

67 min listen

Ep. 188: PFF’s Steve Palazzolo on 2017 NFL Draft quarterback class: 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 by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

81 min listen

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Ep. 204: “You win on defense with good players.”

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