The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network
1,982 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 months ago - ★★★★★ - 570 ratingsYour go-to source for all things San Francisco 49ers podcasts. We'll have long-form shows, 49ers in Five, daily updates, shorts and more! A member of the Fans First Sports Network.
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Episodes
Ep. 184: Play-action, drive, four verticals, and Kyle Shanahan’s passing game
March 01, 2017 04:19 - 1 hourOn this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we move on to the passing game in our deep dive on Kyle Shanahan’s offense. How does he use play action to build off the run game? What are his go-to drop-back passing concepts? How does he use complementary pass concepts to attack defenses? All that, plus compensatory picks, free agent signings, and the Kirk Cousins conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit me...
Ep. 183: Breaking down Kyle Shanahan’s run game
February 23, 2017 04:00 - 1 hourOn 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adcho...
Ep. 182: It’s officially official. Kyle Shanahan named 49ers head coach
February 07, 2017 04:24 - 1 hourOn this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the 49ers finally, officially, have a head coach! We start our deep dive into all things Kyle Shanahan by taking a look at some quantitative tendencies shared by his offenses in the past and what those could mean for San Francisco going forward. What personnel groupings does he favor? Tempo going away? How about play action? All that, plus expectations for the Shanahan-Lynch era, coaching staff rumors, and what the hell happened in that Sup...
Ep. 181: Dan Hatman on new 49ers GM John Lynch
January 31, 2017 04:14 - 1 hourOn this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the 49ers finally have a new general manager. We bring Dan Hatman, former NFL scout and director of the Scouting Academy, back on the show to discuss the surprise hiring of John Lynch, the challenges he’ll face, and what he needs to do to succeed in San Francisco. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ep. 180: Who’s the next 49ers head coach? Ceilings and floors for the top candidates
January 12, 2017 04:46 - 1 hourOn 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm...
Ep. 179: Here we go again. Baalke and Chip fired, Dan Hatman on GM position
January 04, 2017 06:07 - 1 hourOn this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the 49ers are pressing the reset button. We speak with former NFL scout and Director of Scouting Development for the Scouting Academy, Dan Hatman, about all things GM. What traits does a GM need to be successful? What are the benefits of different front office structures? How do teams assemble a draft board? And, of course, which candidates stick out among the pool connected to the 49ers’ job? All that, plus impressions from Jed’s third ann...
Ep. 178: Worth the No. 1? Rams recap, 2016 season wrap-up
December 29, 2016 04:00 - 1 hourOn 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 finis...
Ep. 177: Why bother? Falcons recap, Rams preview, 49ers holiday wish list
December 22, 2016 04:56 - 1 hourOn this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we find out what it looks like when the Hulk sneezes in the direction of an infant. Was there anything to take away from the massacre in Atlanta? Were there any rays of sunshine amid the piles of flaming poo? And if you’re insane enough to watch the 49ers play the Rams on Christmas Eve, what should you pay attention to? All that, plus everyone goes to IR, worst situations for QBs to succeed, and our 49ers holiday gift list. Learn more about...
Ep. 176: What’s next? Front office rumors, Jets recap, Falcons preview
December 15, 2016 05:21 - 1 hourOn this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, it’s time to step back and take a look at some big-picture topics in Ninerland. What should you make of the rumors of a front office shakeup? Which current players will be core contributors on the next good 49ers team? Is Vance McDonald really one of those players? All that, plus takeaways from the collapse against the Jets, Jaquiski Tartt in the spotlight, and is there anything the 49ers can do to keep Matt Ryan and the Falcons from puttin...
Ep. 175: Don’t screw up No. 2! Bears recap, Jets preview
December 08, 2016 04:39 - 1 hourOn 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 Lea...
Ep. 174: If we’re gonna win one… Dolphins recap, Bears preview
December 01, 2016 04:39 - 1 hourOn 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 Learn more about your a...
Ep. 173: Well that was surprising. Patriots recap, Dolphins preview
November 23, 2016 04:34 - 1 hourOn this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we recap a closer-than-expected loss to the Patriots and preview the upcoming game against a team that literally plays in Hard Rock Stadium and is still better than the 49ers. How did the 49ers manage to stick with Tom Brady & Co. for that long? Will DeForest Buckner finally break out against a banged up Dolphins offensive line? And will San Francisco’s defense manage to get Jay Ajayi to the ground even a single time? All that, plus injury ...
Ep. 172: Kap figuring things out? Cardinals recap, Patriots preview
November 17, 2016 04:39 - 1 hourOn this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, is the 49ers offense actually starting to look… competent? We recap a not-so-terrible loss to the Cardinals before looking ahead to this week’s matchup with the Patriots? Has the 49ers’ passing game really improved? What changed this week with the run defense? And can Jimmie Ward slow down the Edelman/Amendola combo in the slot? All that, plus some Hall of Fame discussion, NFL quick hits, and which 49ers would you let crash your wedding? Le...
Ep. 171: What's with the second-half collapses? Saints review, Cardinals preview
November 10, 2016 04:01 - 1 hourOn this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we recap yet another 49ers’ home loss and ponder whether anything will be different for Round 2 against the Cardinals. What do we make of Kaepernick’s near-400-yard performance? What’s going on with this second-half collapse thing? And will the 49ers be the catalyst for a Cardinals’ playoff run? All that, plus Arik Armstead gets shelved, #TeamACL takes yet another hit, and some NFL quick hits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcast...
Ep. 170: Is it time to blow it all up? Recapping a depressing loss vs Tampa Bay
October 26, 2016 04:05 - 1 hourOn this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we recap a disappointing 49ers’ home loss to the Bucs. Why is the defense incapable of stopping the run? Where did this game turn for the worst? And we put the spotlight on Aaron Lynch and Joshua Garnett after their first few starts of the season. All that, plus trade block rumors, roster building theory, and some NFL quick hits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit meg...
Ep. 169: Teardrops keep fallin’ on my fro. Bills recap, Bucs preview
October 20, 2016 03:30 - 1 hourOn 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphon...
Ep. 168: Bills present tough matchup in Kaepernick’s return
October 13, 2016 02:37 - 54 minutesOn this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the 49ers are officially making a change at quarterback. What needs to happen for Colin Kaepernick & Co. to come away with a win in Buffalo? What challenges will the Bills defense present? And what makes Buffalo’s offense so good in the red zone? All that, plus some quick hits from around the NFL, game predictions, and a #fromance that will never die. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your...
Ep. 167: Kaepernick’s redemption story? QB thoughts, Cardinals recap
October 09, 2016 16:17 - 57 minutesIt’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 podca...
Ep. 166: Troubling run defense failures - Cowboys recap, Cardinals preview
October 05, 2016 03:18 - 1 hourOn 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 podcast...
Ep. 165: Seahawks recap, Cowboys preview
September 29, 2016 03:26 - 1 hourOn 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ...
Ep. 164: Panthers recap, Seahawks preview
September 22, 2016 04:24 - 1 hourOn 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visi...
Ep. 163: Rams recap, Panthers preview
September 16, 2016 03:38 - 1 hourOn 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 ta...
Ep. 162: 2016 49ers Season Preview
September 08, 2016 03:43 - 1 hourOn 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 podcastchoi...
Ep. 161: Packers recap, Cardinals season preview
September 01, 2016 03:46 - 1 hourIt’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 Learn ...
Ep. 160: Broncos review, Seahawks season preview
August 25, 2016 04:06 - 1 hourOn 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 podcastcho...
Ep. 159: Texans recap, Rams season preview
August 18, 2016 04:21 - 1 hourOn 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ep. 158: What does a 49ers playoff season look like?
August 11, 2016 05:01 - 1 hourWhat would a playoff season from the 2016 49ers look like? On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we hop into our time machine and try to figure it out. It’s a 2016 Season Review episode in August! Who needs to perform above expectations? What areas do the 49ers need to perform well in? And is any of this reasonable? All that, plus important depth chart takeaways, technical difficulties, and things to watch for against the Texans this weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. V...
Ep. 157: Mailbag! Bowman extended, QB battle, Baalke’s hot seat, and more
August 05, 2016 03:41 - 1 hourOn 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 podcas...
Ep. 156: Bruce Ellington, player rankings, and the anatomy of a pass play
July 21, 2016 04:01 - 1 hourOn 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.c...
Ep. 155: Defending Chip Kelly’s spread offense
July 16, 2016 03:57 - 1 hourOn 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 ...
Ep. 154: Gap control, Jim O’Neil, and how defenses stop the run
July 07, 2016 03:19 - 1 hourOn 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ep. 153: Scheme Month is back! How to build an offensive game plan
June 30, 2016 04:08 - 1 hourBetter 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...