Ep. 238: “Are you concerned about Garoppolo’s deep ball?”

Better Rivals Ep. 289: It’s a pre-preseason mailbag!: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, 49ers football is nearly upon us and we’re breaking open the mailbag to celebrate! Which players are we irrationally excited about? (17:00) How are we feeling about the secondary considering the reports out of camp? (27:07) And who will ultimately break through the logjam at wide receiver? (36:11) All that, plus a new Bar Fight segment, Tom Brady’s contract, and surprises. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

66 min listen

Ep. 216: “A tide that lifts all boats.”: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we’re going streaking! How has Jimmy Garoppolo managed to lift a 49ers offense that still has many flaws? (2:22) What did the Texans do defensively that played into Garoppolo’s hands? (8:42) And did Robert Saleh fail to give Dontae Johnson proper help on DeAndre Hopkins? (20:05) All that, plus Marquise Goodwin in the spotlight (36:19), Reuben Foster continuing to be ridiculous (40:47), and what to watch as the 49ers go for three straight against the Titans (50:09). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

74 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. 215: “Jimmy Garoppolo. Overtly Sexual.”: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we talk about a quarterback that doesn’t suck! What stood out from Jimmy Garoppolo’s first start as a 49er? (2:38) Where did things break down in the red zone and should we be concerned? (27:55) And which gritty receiving performance was worthy of our Spotlight Player of the Week (hint: he’s a lot like Randy Moss)? (44:03) All that, plus DeForest Buckner’s second straight underwhelming performance (49:03), Robbie is good as Gould (51:36), and what to watch in Houston this week (53:42). 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. 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

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

Better Rivals Ep. 284: Rewatching the 1994 NFC Championship Game: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we hop in our DeLorean and take a look back at the 1994 NFC Championship Game between the 49ers and Cowboys. Why was this game so important?(7:50) What stands out most re-watching it 25 years later?(19:27) And what turning points could’ve drastically altered the way we view this game today?(39:14) All that, plus the players who would best translate to today’s game, John Madden the GOAT, and minicamp updates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

69 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. 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

Better Rivals Ep. 276: Best wide receiver fits from a deep draft class: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we wade through a deep wide receiver draft class to try and zero in on the prospects who could be on the 49ers’ radar come draft time.(6:55) How badly do the 49ers really need a big-bodied wideout?(16:03) Should they be looking to add more speed to their wide receiver corps?(33:07) And which prospects make their money with separation?(40:38) All that, plus winter is here, cookies and beer, and Weston Richburg’s tears. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

67 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. 218: “It’s a Christmas miracle!”: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, WE ARE NEVER GOING TO LOSE A GAME AGAIN! How did Kyle Shanahan and Jimmy Garoppolo attack the NFL’s best defense to pull off a Christmas miracle? (0:54) Why weren’t the Jaguars able to find the same success against the same defensive scheme? (28:08) And which rookie shines in this week’s spotlight? (39:32) All that, plus a Better Rivals draft crush update (44:30), a Garoppolo nickname tournament (48:02), and what to watch for in an exciting season finale against the Rams (53:05). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

82 min listen

Ep. 219: “Saving San Francisco.”: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, it’s time to start looking back on the season that was. How do the storylines from before the season compare to today? (27:16) Who took home our end-of-season awards? (37:38) And how did our preseason predictions fare (spoiler: it wasn’t great)? (57:33) All that, plus what we learned from a Week 17 win over backups (1:57), two players land on the PFF All-Pro second team (9:48), and early returns from the Jimmy Garoppolo nickname tournament. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

76 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

Ep. 245: How hard will the Rams hit the plexiglass?: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, (preseason) football is back! Jeff Deeney from Pro Football Focus joins to discuss which players helped themselves, and which hurt themselves, in the first preseason game (:56). Then Joe McAtee, editor of Turf Show Times, joins the show to answer the key questions that will define the Rams 2018 season (21:38). All that plus a Harry Potter-themed roster quiz, and a Phillips over McVay TAEK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

79 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. 240: PFF’s Zac Robinson on Garoppolo, the West Coast system, and evaluating QBs: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, Smart Football Month rolls on as Zac Robinson from Pro Football Focus joins us to discuss all things quarterback. Just how tough is it for a quarterback to pick up the West Coast system? (11:41) What does Jimmy Garoppolo need to do to improve in year two? (21:24) And what should you be looking for when trying to evaluate quarterback play? All that, plus Reuben Foster is suspended, the five most important players for 2018, and cat murder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

63 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

Better Rivals Ep. 275: Drafting upgrades at cornerback: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we put the microscope on this draft’s cornerback class. What type of players are the 49ers looking for at the position? (10:18) Who are the best cornerbacks in this class and where do we expect them to come off the board? (23:09) And who are some names to keep an eye on later in the draft if they don’t go corner in round one? (37:04) All that, plus some NFL rule changes, Jimmy watching tape with Mike, and we all need a cheeseburger. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

60 min listen

Ep. 227: “It’s starts with signing a cornerback.”: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we answer all of your free agency questions. How should Vinny Curry figure into the 49ers’ free agency plans if he becomes available? (5:58) Which positions of need are the most valuable? (22:51) And what does the dream free agency period look like? (50:55) All that, plus which pending 49ers free agent gets signed first (21:00), the value of the combine (30:26), and which 49ers player we’d give the strength of the Black Panther (41:11). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

72 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. 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

02/09 Fantasy Baseball Podcast: Player Comps, Elite SPs & More: Covering many topics on today's show, we start with a discussion about innings pitched (1:25) and what it means when evaluating SPs and why Jacob deGrom has a better chance to be elite (5:39) ... by Fantasy Baseball Today

59 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

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. 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

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

Ep. 210: “Is C.J. Beathard going to die?”: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the 49ers are 0-7 for the first time in nearly four decades and everything is fine. Why did the run defense fall apart? (0:39) How did C.J. Beathard fare in his first career start? (18:17) And which member of the offensive line has been performing much better than expected? (30:43) All that, plus Shanahan unveils a new run play (34:37), D.J. Jones deserves more playing time (38:25), and what to watch for in Philadelphia (45:06). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

71 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

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Ep. 238: “Are you concerned about Garoppolo’s deep ball?”

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