Better Rivals: A San Francisco 49ers Podcast

It’s the final episode. David and Oscar fire up their mics one last time and hit you with an abbreviated offseason plan before they ride off into the sunset after a 10-year run. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 17 February 2022

David and Oscar react to a heartbreaking and frustrating championship game loss. Topics include looking back to the success that was this season despite this one game, how the weakness in the secondary finally bit them, and an offense that never could get it going. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 31 January 2022

David and Oscar get you ready for the NFC Championship Game, previewing all you need to know about the 49ers’ third matchup of the season with the Rams. Topics include disguising on defense and why San Francisco makes it so hard to do, the game plans we expect to see from both defenses, whether the 49ers offense will get back on track and put up some points, and Matt Stafford against the blitz.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 28 January 2022

David and Oscar recap ANOTHER playoff win, as the 49ers travel into Green Bay and win ugly over Aaron Rodgers & Co. Topics include unexpected special teams dominance, another masterful effort from DeMeco Ryans and the defense, ugly offense from both teams, and the 49ers getting the win while checking very few of the boxes in their typical formula for success.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 23 January 2022

David and Oscar preview the 49ers’ Divisional Round matchup with Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. Topics include Green Bay’s suspect run defense, how Rodgers carved up San Francisco’s secondary in Week 3 and what needs to change to prevent it from happening again, and the 49ers’ formula for victory. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 21 January 2022

David and Oscar recap a tense and sloppy Wild Card win in Dallas. Topics include the 49ers formula in full effect early on, San Francisco’s diverse run game, Jimmy’s Jekyll-and-Hyde performance, and another standout effort from the defensive line that kept Dak uncomfortable all game long. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 18 January 2022

It’s time for playoff football! David and Oscar preview the 49ers’ Wild Card matchup with the Cowboys. Topics include whether San Francisco’s secondary will finally be exposed, the play of Dak Prescott and where he likes to attack, vulnerabilities in the Cowboys defense, and how the 49ers offense matches up.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 14 January 2022

David and Oscar recap a wild end to the regular season with the 49ers coming back from 17 down to beat the Rams and get into the playoffs. Topics include a disastrous start, what changed that allowed the 49ers to get back in it, Jimmy G coming up big when it mattered, a standout performance from the 49ers receiving corps, and how the D-line took over after San Francisco couldn’t stop the pass in the first half.  tickpick.com/rivals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 10 January 2022

David and Oscar preview the 49ers’ play-in game against the Rams in the regular season finale. Topics include which run game we’ll see from the 49ers this week, whether the Rams will adjust on defense and use more single-high looks, Matt Stafford being the Matt Stafford he’s always been, and season milestones in striking distance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 7 January 2022

David and Oscar recap a much-needed win as the 49ers handle business against the Texans. Topics include Trey Lance’s performance, DeMeco Ryans continuing to scare opponents out of attempting deep shots, the return of Davis Mills’ turnover-worthy plays, and where the 49ers sit in the playoff picture as we enter the final week of the regular season.   tickpick.com/rivals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 3 January 2022

David and Oscar offer some quick thoughts on the loss against the Titans in what might end up being the end of the Jimmy Garoppolo era in San Francisco before previewing a must-have game against the Texans. Topics include the full Jimmy G experience in Tennessee, what improvement we should expect from Trey Lance if he gets the start, Davis Mills and his recent stretch of play, and whether the Texans should look to use more max protect against the 49ers defense.  tickpick.com/rivals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 30 December 2021

David and Oscar recap a comfortable home win over the Falcons that all but secures the 49ers’ playoff future. Topics include a standout performance from the defense led by the front four, the Falcons doing San Francisco a solid by waiting so long to start throwing deep, an efficient performance from the offense, and the one thing that Deebo Samuel can’t do.  tickpick.com/rivals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 20 December 2021

David and Oscar preview a game that the 49ers must (and should) have against the Falcons to keep those playoff odds strong. Topics include what to make of Atlanta’s not-so-terrible 6-7 record, the problems (or lack thereof) presented by the Falcons defense, the unique weapons that are Kyle Pitts and Cordarrelle Patterson, checking in on Matt Ryan, and our favorite made-up punt style. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 17 December 2021

David and Oscar react to the roller coaster of emotions that was San Francisco’s OT win in Cincy. Topics include standout performances from George Kittle and Nick Bosa, Zac Taylor trying to out-49ers the 49ers early, the 49ers offense struggling right up until the end, another up-and-down day from Jimmy G, and a rough day for San Francisco’s rookie CB.  tickpick.com/rivals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 13 December 2021

David and Oscar preview what could be a sneaky shootout in Cincy. Topics include the emergence of Joe Burrow, whether the 49ers secondary will be able to match up with JaMarr Chase and Tee Higgins, asking if we’ve been too hard on the 49ers’ offense, and what’s changed for them over the past six weeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 10 December 2021

David and Oscar talk through a chaotic and wildly frustrating loss to the Seahawks. Topics include not being able to rely on the run game again, the better QB ultimately winning the game, not capitalizing on Seattle mistakes (again), and an awful offensive showing in the second half.  tickpick.com/rivals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 6 December 2021

David and Oscar preview a trip to Seattle that feels a little different than previous seasons. Topics include how to attack a struggling Seattle defense, what the 49ers can do to combat a depleted linebacking corps, Eric Eager’s recent article on the value of perfectly blocked run and pass plays and how that relates to the 49ers’ recent resurgence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 3 December 2021

David and Oscar recap a huge win over the Vikings that puts the 49ers firmly back into the playoff picture. Topics include another dominant rushing performance, overcoming the end to Jimmy Garoppolo’s hot streak, capitalizing on Kirk Cousins’ mistakes, and looking ahead to the final month-and-a-half of the season. tickpick.com/rivals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 29 November 2021

BORTLES! David and Oscar recap a dominant 49ers win in Jacksonville. Topics include the Jaguars being who we thought they were, their defense almost putting up a fight, Shanahan finding a balance to feature his best playmakers, Jimmy Garoppolo’s performance in the shotgun, and the continuing roller coaster that is San Francisco’s playoff push.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 22 November 2021

David and Oscar get you ready for a game the 49ers SHOULD win as they attempt to claw back to .500 in Jacksonville. Topics include Trevor Lawrence’s performance and his lack of help, a surging Jacksonville pass defense, and an interview with Joe Fann, host of the Bet to Wynn podcast and formerly of 49ers.com and NBC Sports Northwest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 19 November 2021

David and Oscar break down a surprising upset win over the Rams on MNF as the 49ers cling to hopes of a playoff berth. Topics include how Kyle Shanahan is finding his mojo in the run game, Jimmy Garapollo’s run of positive play, the 49ers finally getting some bounces to go their way, and what all of this means for the big picture.  tickpick.com/rivals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 17 November 2021

David and Oscar recap another home loss for the 49ers, as they fall to the Colt McCoy-led Cardinals. Topics include how the 49ers don’t have two things that match, the lack of urgency from Kyle Shanahan’s decision making, what we missed in our preseason predictions for this team, and whether it’s time to turn the page on the 2021 season.  tickpick.com/rivals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 9 November 2021

David and Oscar get you ready for the 49ers’ rematch with the Cardinals. Topics include the likelihood San Francisco is able to repeat their stellar defensive effort from the first game, how the return of George Kittle impacts their third-down woes, and what we expect from the addition of Charles Omenihu. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 5 November 2021

It’s a Halloween miracle! David and Oscar crack open some fall beers and recap the first 49ers’ victory in over a month. Topics include how the defense did just enough to help notch the win, Jimmy G & Co. clicking for the first time since Week 1, and Deebo and Aiyuk give us the first glimpse of what 49ers fans have been hoping for all season from this receiving corps.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 1 November 2021

David and Oscar preview a Halloween matchup that makes us want to cover our eyes, when the 49ers travel to Chicago to take on the Bears. Topics include the struggling Bears offense, what we’ve seen from Justin Fields so far this season, how a banged up Bears defensive line opens the door for the 49ers offense to find their way, and thoughts on Jimmy Garoppolo trade rumors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 29 October 2021

David and Oscar react to everything that went wrong for the 49ers against the Colts on Sunday Night Football, and try to figure out where San Francisco goes from here. Topics include what was different about the offense’s opening drive from the rest of the game, the Colts’ plan for third-down success against the 49ers defense, and whether this team has any hopes of making a playoff run. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 26 October 2021

David and Oscar return from a bye-week break to get you ready for a game the 49ers have to have against the Colts. Topics include how concerned should the 49ers be about a 2-4 team, the difference in Carson Wentz from the last time we saw him, whether a struggling Colts defense is actually a bad matchup for San Francisco’s offense, and what happens if the 49ers lose. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 21 October 2021

David and Oscar detail all you need to know from another close 49ers loss, including what to make of San Francisco’s offense in Trey Lance’s first start, Kyle Shanahan’s sudden fourth-down aggressiveness, and an inspired performance from the 49ers defense against a Cardinals offense that had been firing on all cylinders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 11 October 2021

David and Oscar get you ready for a difficult divisional matchup with the undefeated Arizona Cardinals. Topics include takeaways after watching the all-22 of Trey Lance’s first significant action of the season, what the 49ers need to do to have a hope of slowing down Kyler Murray and the Cardinals’ explosive passing attack, and whether the 49ers will break out of their third-down shackles on offense. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 8 October 2021

David and Oscar talk through it after a rough loss to the division rival Seahawks, looking at how the 49ers were unable to capitalize on their early dominance, whether Trey Lance’s performance justifies Shanahan’s decision to stick with Jimmy, the brilliance of Deebo Samuel, and what you should be most worried about after this loss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 4 October 2021

David and Oscar dive deep into all you need to know about the 49ers’ first divisional matchup of the season, including Russell Wilson being the anti-Jimmy, how the new-look Seahawks offense matches up with San Francisco’s defense, and why the stars look aligned for Garoppolo to have a bounceback performance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 1 October 2021

David and Oscar react to all the major storylines coming out of the 49ers’ heartbreaking SNF loss to the Packers, including Green Bay’s offensive game plan to negate San Francisco’s pass rush, Jimmy Garoppolo’s shaky performance, and whether there’s someone to blame for these woes.  tickpick.com/rivals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 28 September 2021

David and Oscar get you ready for the 49ers’ primetime battle with Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. Topics include Brandon Aiyuk’s rough start to the season and whether things will get turned around this week, who starts at CB if Emmanuel Moseley is healthy, whether San Francisco’s pass defense can continue outperforming expectations, and where the 49ers offense will be able to attack a struggling Packers defense. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 24 September 2021

David and Oscar breakdown everything you need to know following the 49ers’ narrow 17-11 victory over the Eagles, including how DeMeco Ryans and the defense rose to the occasion, the offense’s struggles on first down, and Jimmy Garappolo’s lackluster performance that was much worse than the box score would lead you to believe. Visit tickpick.com/rivals today and use the promo code RIVALS to save $10 on your first order of 49ers tickets! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 20 September 2021

David and Oscar dive deep on on the 49ers’ issues in run defense against the Lions, whether they’ll be able to fix those issues in time for the Eagles’ wide open offense, and what DeMeco Ryans will need to do to contain Jalen Hurts and an explosive group of young wideouts. All that, plus quick thoughts on San Francisco’s latest roster additions and how the loss of Dre Greenlaw impacts the linebacking corps. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 17 September 2021

On this week’s game recap episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the 49ers fend off the fighting Dan Campbells to hold on to their season-opening victory. What had San Francisco’s offense clicking on all cylinders? What were our first impressions of new defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans? And how worried should you be about near collapse late?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 12 September 2021

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, it’s time to preview the 2021 season! Is the environment set for the 49ers to have a rebound year? How will they look to dictate offensively and where do they need to improve to do so more effectively? And what sort of tendency changes will we see from San Francisco’s defense under the leadership of DeMeco Ryans? All that, plus the 2021 breakout player, more superlatives, and the importance of dessert on the Bourbon Trail.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 9 September 2021

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the preseason is officially at an end and we offer up our takeaways from the 49ers’ final preseason action as well as the final 53-man roster. Which position did San Francisco unsurprisingly load up on? Were there any roster moves that left us scratching our heads? And how much of that 2QB system do we expect to see when the games start counting? All that, plus how the offense looked in that 2QB system, Trey Lance’s continued development, and preparing for the Bourbon Trail.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 1 September 2021

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we’re bringing the hype episode back! There are a lot of players getting hype after two weeks of preseason, but which hype should you be buying? Can one of the rookie DBs really carve out a starting role? Is Trent Sherfield the answer as the team’s third wideout? And which new pass rusher should you have your eye on? All that, plus what we learned from the preseason win over the Chargers, the Trey Lance roller coaster continues, and living that sweet percussive therapy life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 26 August 2021

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we’ve got actual football to talk about! We focus in on Trey Lance and the rest of the newcomers’ performance in the 49ers’ first preseason game before getting into a mini Scheme Month on Shanahan’s shot plays. Which young players broke the shackles of their priors? What should you take away from Lance’s first NFL action? And how has Shanahan looked to dial up deep throws during his time in San Francisco?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 19 August 2021

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, real football is right around the corner and it’s time for Scheme(mini-)Month! We go deep on the QB run game and how we might see the 49ers’ offense change in both the short- and long-term with Trey Lance . What makes QB runs effective? How can you identify option plays? And where did Lance have success as a runner in college? All that, plus Lance camp buzz, odds of trading Garoppolo, and Mike McGlinchey’s offseason transformation.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 12 August 2021

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, real football is right around the corner and it’s time for Scheme(mini-)Month! We go deep on the QB run game and how we might see the 49ers’ offense change in both the short- and long-term with Trey Lance . What makes QB runs effective? How can you identify option plays? And where did Lance have success as a runner in college? All that, plus Lance camp buzz, odds of trading Garoppolo, and Mike McGlinchey’s offseason transformation.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 5 August 2021

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, Training Camp is officially under way! David pays real close attention to the interior of the 49ers defensive line, Kevin Cole joins to provide an outsider’s perspective on the 49ers fantasy football prospects, and we try to answer the age old question: Which 49ers running back should you draft? All that plus Aiyuk’s breakout, how high is too high to draft Kittle, and an Arnaz Battle sighting.  Submit your Blue Wire Hustle application here: http://bwhustle.com/join Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 29 July 2021

DOWNLOAD AND WATCH THE GAME BEFORE LISTENING On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, it’s another blast from the past as we rewatch Jerry Rice’s final home game in a 49ers uniform. How did the 49ers offense compare to the game from our previous rewatch against the Cowboys? Were the Bears even trying on offense? And should the NFL have a “Rice Rule” similar to Bird Rights in the NBA? All that, plus Fred Warner becomes the league’s highest-paid LB, John Madden’s brilliance, and the peak of trash TV.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 22 July 2021

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we pull a game from the vault and rewatch the T.O. star game. There were some memorable fireworks, but how does this game hold up over 20 years later? What fun wrinkles did we see from the 49ers offense that are extinct in today’s game? And which forgotten players had us feeling nostalgic? All that, plus Kyle Shanahan’s appearance on the Flying Coach podcast, Ump Cam, and the intricacies of soccer penalty kicks.  49ers @ Cowboys - Week 4, 2000 (YouTube) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 15 July 2021

Eric Eager, data scientist at Pro Football Focus, joins to discuss his head coaching rankings, why he left Kyle Shanahan out of the top 7, and what makes a good play caller. All that plus old school 49ers, the best 49er bet, and the poops per day metric. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 16 June 2021

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, OTAs are a wrap and we run through the top storylines as we enter the NFL dead zone. How worried should you be about the early injuries? Should the 49ers have been willing to meet the asking price for Julio Jones? And will they be able to get enough production at WR after their top two options? All that, plus lots of off-topic rambling on TV shows, dad stuff, and being Champions of Europe.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 11 June 2021

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we wrap up our draft scouting reports with San Francisco’s pair of new running backs, Trey Sermon and Elijah Mitchell. How do these two players differ stylistically? How well do they fit within the 49ers’ running game? And where do we think they need to improve as they transition to the NFL? All that, plus follow-up thoughts on Aaron Banks, interesting articles we read this week, and Oscar yelling at the youths. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 20 May 2021

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, our scouting reports on the 49ers’ draftees continue with a look at Aaron Banks and Jaylon Moore. Banks is a large human, but does he play that way on tape? What does a successful rookie season look like for the second rounder? And will Moore be the next 5th round success story for Lynchahan? All that, plus early thoughts on the schedule, answering Patreon questions, and vacation beers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 13 May 2021

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we take a deep dive into improving QB accuracy and kick off our draft scouting reports. Have we seen QBs improve their accuracy when moving from college to the pros? Why does it ultimately matter if Trey Lance improves his accuracy or not? And which draft pick in the secondary do we think has the best chance to become a contributor for the 49ers defense? All that, plus Champions League, Cinco de Mayo trivia, and margaritas? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 6 May 2021