Ep. 227: “It’s starts with signing a cornerback.”

Ep. 225: “The EDGE cupboard is pretty bare.”: 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 by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

58 min listen

Ep. 208: “The elegant tank is on, man.”: 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 by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

74 min listen

Ep. 232: “Shanahan prefers guys who can separate.”: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we take a look at day-two-or-later draft prospects who’ve caught our eye on offense. Will the 49ers really be looking at big, contested-catch wide receivers or does Kyle Shanahan have a different type? (8:53) In a deep draft class, which running backs stand out as fits in the 49ers offense? (32:30) And which player would give the 49ers a pair of top-end athletes at the tight end position? (50:04). All that, plus what we’re looking for in later-round prospects, the abundance of big wideouts in this draft class, and the general lack of intriguing prospects in this TE class. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

68 min listen

Ep. 229: “Now we turn our attention to the NFL draft.”: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, it’s time to turn our attention to the NFL draft. What will we be looking for when evaluating draft prospects? (14:16) Why is positional value so important when talking about the draft? (30:08) And what are the strengths and weaknesses of the 2018 class? (46:05) All that, plus John Lynch confirms the worst-kept secret in football (2:07), quick thoughts on the 49ers’ latest free agent additions (5:42), and bachelor party shenanigans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

76 min listen

Ep. 238: “Are you concerned about Garoppolo’s deep ball?”: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we have officially ended our holdout and reported to (dis)organized podcasting activities. Will Jimmy Garoppolo ever complete another deep ball? (9:38) How will things shake out with the linebacker corps? (22:04) And how will the 49ers overcome the lack of quality edge rushers to get after the quarterback? (28:20) All that, plus the importance of tackles and centers in Shanahan’s offense (37:49), breakout players (50:00), and more as we open up the mailbag to answer your questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

76 min listen

Ep. 221: "This is how a draft class turns things around.": 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 by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

65 min listen

Better Rivals Ep. 270: Priority free agent targets on defense: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we look to the defensive side of the ball to kick off our free agency preview. In a strong class for edge rushers, who has caught our eye?(11:00) How much would you pay Earl Thomas and are there other quality options if you miss out?(37:35) And is there anyone available to bolster a lackluster 49ers linebacking corps?(48:09) All that, the insanity of franchising kickers, the departure of an All-Name Team legend, and Antonio Brown’s blond mustache. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

62 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

Better Rivals Ep. 272: The optimal 49ers free agent plan: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, free agency is nearly upon us and it’s time to lay out our preferred plan of attack. Which player options should the 49ers pick up?(9:34) Are we in or out on some recent additions to the free-agent market?(17:10) And most importantly, which positions should the 49ers be focused on when the dollars start flying next week?(26:57) All that, plus one offseason signing is already in the books, quick combine thoughts, and we hope your birthday is boomin’. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

70 min listen

Ep. 256: Shanahan is not to blame: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, execution problems still haunt the 49ers. How did Josh Rosen exploit the middle of the 49ers defense? (4:38) What’s going right, and wrong, with the 49ers run game? (15:27) WHY DIDN’T THE TEAM ADD DANTE FOWLER?! (31:58) All that, plus a spotlight players (27:33), a preview of the final Battle of the Bay (41:26), a running back problem, and a new official co-host. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

65 min listen

Ep. 224: “This crop of free-agent pass catchers doesn’t excite us.”: 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 by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

67 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

Ep. 226: “This is where the 49ers can get better in a hurry.”: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we wrap up our free agency preview with an in-depth look at the top guards in this year’s class. Should the 49ers be worried about spending top money on Andrew Norwell or Josh Sitton? (8:09) If the top players prove too rich, which players could John Lynch & Co. target at the mid-level? (33:40) And is Brandon Fusco worth bringing back as a bargain option? (39:11) All that, plus John Lynch throws shade at Ken Norton (0:48), several potential offseason targets go off the market (1:39), and our preferred free agency plan of attack (48:37). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

72 min listen

Ep. 269: Roster quality entering year 3: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we wrap up our evaluation of the current 49ers roster by identifying the team’s very best, core players. How are we feeling about our incumbent Tier 1 players after another season?(17:28) Which players make their debut in the top tier?(24:46) And what are our major takeaways after going through the entire roster?(37:24) All that, plus thoughts on a boring Super Bowl(2:23), the absurdity of franchising kickers, and looking ahead to the primary focuses for this offseason. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

70 min listen

Ep. 251: JIMMY NOOOOOOOOOO: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, it’s the whompiest of Whomp Whomp Wednesdays. Why did the Chiefs offense meet such little resistance from the 49ers defense? (2:25) Were there any bright spots to take away from Sunday’s performance? (17:57) And of course, where do the 49ers go now without Jimmy Garoppolo? (32:48) All that, plus expectations for C.J. Beathard, (43:41) where the Chargers will be looking to attack on offense, and matchups we’ll be focused on in Los Angeles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

75 min listen

Ep. 234: “Would you rage quit the draft if they drafted Edmunds or Davenport?”: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, it’s time to wrap up our pre-draft coverage with some final thoughts. What does our draft board look like if the 49ers stay at No. 9 overall? (4:53) What would make us rage quit the draft? (15:46) And which positions should John Lynch & Co. be focused on in the middle rounds? (30:10) All that, plus trade talk (17:59), what to do with weak position groups (34:31), and WE FINALLY HAVE MERCH. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

56 min listen

Ep. 220: “You don’t want to turn into the Colts.”: 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 by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

66 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. 223: "He’s far and away the best option in this CB class”: 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 by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

74 min listen

Better Rivals Ep. 282: Mailbag Time!: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we open up the mailbag to answer all of your 49ers questions as we try to get through the dead of the offseason. How do things shake out in the secondary?(6:30) What was our favorite move of the offseason?(30:00) And seriously, what is going on with all of the injuries in recent seasons?(45:32) All that, plus the team signs another Stanford player, hyped players primed to disappoint, and Game of Thrones thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

80 min listen

The Shanaplan: Grading the 49ers offseason decisions: Kyle Posey and Akash Anavarathan look back on the decisions the 49ers made heading in to the 2021 season, and decide which ones worked out and which ones were failures. Did the quarterback plan work out? (1:13) How badly did the plan at cornerback misfire? (8:42) Did the gamble on Samson Ebukam pay off? (17:48) Who are the two most likely defensive cap casualties? (20:46) Why haven't the 49ers filled out their coaching staff? (25:10) Will Vic Fangio be a consultant for this team? (29:00) What the 49ers can learn from the Rams (32:37) What should the expectations for Trey Lance be? (38:05) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

49 min listen

Ep. 241: PFF’s George Chahrouri on the value of advanced stats, season projections: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, George Chahrouri of Pro Football Focus joins us in an analytics-slanted episode of Smart Football Month. What are expected points and how can they help evaluate decision making? (10:21) What is clustering and how can it help us group quarterbacks more constructively? (42:14) And most importantly, what does the data tell us about the 49ers in the coming season? (53:59) All that, plus a lightning round from the dark web, Witherspoon gets invited to DBU, and Jimmy dates a porn star. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

78 min listen

Ep. 237: “Why take another one with a torn ACL in the 4th round?”: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we wrap up our coverage of the 2018 NFL draft. Was Kentavius Street worth the risk in the fourth round? (:53) How will D.J. Reed fit in with the current secondary? (16:59) And which late-round player has the best chance of finding the field early? (37:25) All that, plus the importance of athleticism for the current 49ers regime, why the 49ers are basically the hopeless romantics of the NFL, and any lingering concern with the absence of an edge draftee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

75 min listen

Chiefs eliminate Bills in Buffalo, Brock Purdy's play in 49ers win, What did Lamar Jackson prove? by Speak

77 min listen

Hey, Mary Kay! How does Jadeveon Clowney change the Browns' draft strategy?: Tuesday brings another Hey, Mary Kay! edition of the podcast. Mary Kay Cabot answered questions from our Football Insider subscribers.Here are the questions she answered: - Why should the Browns sign Jadeveon Clowney? (1:05) - Does Clowney help the ... by Orange and Brown Talk: Cleveland Browns Podcast

38 min listen

Better Rivals Ep. 277: It's draft crush time: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we put a bow on our draft preview by taking a closer look at some of your draft crushes and outlining our preferred plan when things get real next week. Of the top safeties in this class, which do we like the most?(9:49) Which cornerback snuck onto our radar and won our hearts late in the process?(27:25) And if the 49ers have to take a linebacker on day two, which one should it be?(35:10) All that, plus the Raiders are doing great, schedule thoughts, and we were promised elephants. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

65 min listen

Broncos' Backfield, Teammate Toss-Ups, & Trade Candidates by theScore Fantasy Football Podcast with Justin Boone

29 min listen

Better Rivals Ep. 271: You might be better off avoiding free agents on offense: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, our attention turns to the offensive side of the ball in our free agency preview. Are any of the free agent wideouts an improvement over what the 49ers already have on the roster?(15:39) What sort of trade packages would they realistically be looking at to bring in a player like Antonio Brown or Odell Beckham Jr.?(27:20) And should the team be seriously considering bringing in a free agent to upgrade the right guard spot?(42:00) All that, plus Arik Armstead will see at least one more season in red and gold, changes on the defensive line begin, and True Detective #taeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

66 min listen

The Shanaplan: Where does the 49ers offense rank in the NFC West?: Kyle Posey and Akash Anavarathan make their predictions for the 49ers schedule in 2022 and rank the offenses in the NFC West position-by-position. How many prime time games will the 49ers have this year? (:58) Which games will get the prime time treatment? (3:59) Reacting to Richard Sherman's comments about Jimmy Garoppolo being a safety valve in training camp (8:07) Ranking the offensive units in the NFC West Quarterbacks (15:48) Running Backs (21:40) Wide Receivers (24:28) Tight Ends (29:38) Offensive Lines (29:48) The 49ers defense may have improved this offseason (32:04) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

39 min listen

Ep. 242: Robert Saleh’s pressure packages and their effectiveness: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we put a bow on Smart Football Month by taking a look at Robert Saleh’s pressure packages and their effectiveness. How often did the 49ers stunt or blitz last season relative to league average? (18:11) Were they actually effective when they did? (30:47) And how should we expect that to change in the coming season? (44:18) All that, plus takeaways from the Football Outsiders Almanac, Jimmy GQ feature week, and real football is right around the corner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

63 min listen

Discover this podcast and so much more

Ep. 227: “It’s starts with signing a cornerback.”

Description

Titles in the series (100)

More Episodes from The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

Related podcast episodes