The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

Better Rivals Ep. 268: The dwindling core

31 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we continue our evaluation of the 49ers roster by looking at Tier 2 and Tier 3 players in our r...

Ep. 267: Evaluating the 49ers 2018 roster

24 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the roster model returns as we begin to take stock of the current shape of the 49ers roster bef...

Ep. 266: Coaching changes and oral histories with Matt Barrows

17 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, The Athletic’s Matt Barrows joins to discuss the new additions to the 49ers coaching staff, a...

Ep. 265: 2018 Season Review

10 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, it’s time to put a bow on the 2018 season and attempt to answer the questions we had entering...

Ep. 264: The strength of the defense

28 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 263: A win 5 years in the making

20 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, Oscar welcomes friends of the pod (old and new) to celebrate a win 5 years in the making. Brand...

Ep. 262: The tale of two halves

13 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, it’s a Win-and-we-didn’t-totally-screw-up-draft-position Wednesday! What changed in the sec...

Ep. 261: Strengths, skates, and an out-coached defense

07 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, Oscar welcomes former NFL and AFL cornerback Erick Crocker to discuss offensive efficiencies re...

260: How did a winnable game turn into a blow out?

30 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, Oscar and Jerod discuss the effective Tampa Bay game plan that ultimately flummoxed the Mullens...

Ep. 259: It's thankful time

22 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this special Thanksgiving edition of the Better Rivals podcast, Oscar welcomes former Football Outsiders contributor, current Footballguys.com writ...

Ep. 258: Is it scheme or execution?

15 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the Elegant Tank continues! Oscar and Jerod detail the breakdowns that ultimately cost the 49er...

BONUS: Measuring the Kyle Shanahan Effect

10 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

George Chahrouri, data scientist at Pro Football Focus, joins to discuss how to measure the true impact of a head coach. This special bonus episode de...

Ep. 257: MULLENS MANIA

07 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, Jerod and Oscar are in full MULLENSMANIA mode. What drove Mullens’ success? (2:32) What power...

Ep. 256: Shanahan is not to blame

01 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 de...

Ep. 255: Finally. Solomon Thomas at 3 Tech

25 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, Oscar and Jerod discuss the debacle against the Rams. (:51) What are the proper expectations fo...

Ep. 254: Saleh can’t strap on a helmet and play. Talent matters.

18 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the Elegant Tank paints its masterpiece. What on earth was happening as the 49ers’ defense al...

Ep. 253: It could have been a blowout (By either team)

11 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the Better Rivals Podcast Oscar welcomes Ted Nguyen, NFL staff writer for the Athletic to discuss how the 49ers lost a game where they do...

Ep. 252: The Elegant Tank is BACK

04 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the elegant tank is officially back on. How did Beathard perform relative to expectation in his...

Ep. 251: JIMMY NOOOOOOOOOO

27 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 res...

Ep. 250: The blueprint for grounding Garoppolo?

20 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, Oscar and special guest Jerod Brown discuss the 49ers first win of the 2018 season. Why was the...

Ep. 249: “I mean, what did you expect?”

13 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, Jerod Brown joins the show to recap a closer-than-expected loss against the Vikings. How was Ky...

Ep. 248: Test against the best. Previewing week 1 vs the Vikings

05 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, REAL FOOTBALL IS HERE. Jerod Brown, fellow Scouting Academy alum and writer for Bleacher Report...

Ep. 247: Best and worst players vs the Colts, and final roster projections

29 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, Chris Biderman joins to recap the weeks news (2:15), including the surprising(?) Eli Harold tra...

Ep. 246: Best and worst from Houston, and a Cardinals season preview

23 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, Chris Biderman joins Oscar to discuss Bill Barnwell’s attempt at a Jimmy Garoppolo article. C...

Ep. 245: How hard will the Rams hit the plexiglass?

16 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, (preseason) football is back! Jeff Deeney from Pro Football Focus joins to discuss which player...

Ep. 244: Are the Seahawks rebuilding or reloading?

08 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, Brandan Shulze from the SeaHawkers Podcast joins the show to preview the Seahawk’s 2018 seaso...

Ep. 243: Questions that will define the 49ers season

01 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, football is right around the corner and it’s season preview time! Will Jimmy Garoppolo be abl...

Ep. 242: Robert Saleh’s pressure packages and their effectiveness

27 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Ep. 241: PFF’s George Chahrouri on the value of advanced stats, season projections

20 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 Footba...

Ep. 240: PFF’s Zac Robinson on Garoppolo, the West Coast system, and evaluating QBs

11 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

Ep. 239: Jimmy Garoppolo, Jalen Ramsey, and passing from run personnel

28 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we kick off Smart Football Month by diving deep into Kyle Shanahan’s passing attack out of ru...

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

14 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we have officially ended our holdout and reported to (dis)organized podcasting activities. Will...

Ep. 237: “Why take another one with a torn ACL in the 4th round?”

24 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 fourt...

Ep. 236: “It’s a pick that shows how the team views pass coverage.”

17 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 236: “It’s a pick that shows how the team views pass coverage.” by Niners Nation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/...

Ep. 235: Round 1 Reaction. “This is a Shanahan pick.”

27 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we offer up initial impressions on the 49ers’ first-round pick Mike McGlinchey. Why would the...

Ep. 234: “Would you rage quit the draft if they drafted Edmunds or Davenport?”

24 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 boa...

Ep. 233: “I understand the appeal of Josh Sweat, I’m just not on board.”

19 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we try and fail at pronouncing the names of defenders who could be an option for the 49ers on d...

Ep. 232: “Shanahan prefers guys who can separate.”

12 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Ep. 231: “They have no one who can do what Harold Landry does.”

05 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, premium-position players who could be available for the 49ers at No. 9 overall enter the spotli...

Ep. 230: “I’m into the pairing of Roquan and Reuben Foster.”

29 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, our draft preview series continues by looking at three non-premium position players who could b...

Ep. 229: “Now we turn our attention to the NFL draft.”

23 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Ep. 228: “U MAD, BRO?”

15 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 S...

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

08 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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’ fr...

Ep. 226: “This is where the 49ers can get better in a hurry.”

01 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 cla...

Ep. 225: “The EDGE cupboard is pretty bare.”

22 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 avail...

Ep. 224: “This crop of free-agent pass catchers doesn’t excite us.”

15 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Ep. 223: "He’s far and away the best option in this CB class”

08 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 importan...

Ep. 222: “These are really the players you build your roster around.”

25 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we wrap up our three-part roster evaluation and turn our eyes to the offseason. Which two defen...

Ep. 221: "This is how a draft class turns things around."

19 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Ep. 220: “You don’t want to turn into the Colts.”

11 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Ep. 219: “Saving San Francisco.”

04 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Ep. 218: “It’s a Christmas miracle!”

27 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

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 N...

Ep. 217: “HOSS.”

21 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals, Gucci Garop propels the 49ers to three straight wins for the first time since 2014! What staple Patriot...

Ep. 216: “A tide that lifts all boats.”

14 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Ep. 215: “Jimmy Garoppolo. Overtly Sexual.”

07 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Ep. 214: “A whole new hope.”

30 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, JIMMY GAROPPOLO IS THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME! But for reals: How did the 49ers defense fare agai...

Ep. 213: “It was a single game, but it was a good game.”

16 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, it’s the first Win Wednesday of the Kyle Shanahan era! How on earth did C.J. Beathard morph i...

Ep. 212: “It’s a see-ball, hit-ball kinda thing”

09 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

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 anythin...

Ep. 211: “Garoppolooza!”

02 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the 49ers have a new franchise quarterback and he’s handsome AF! After a quick recap of the l...

Ep. 210: “Is C.J. Beathard going to die?”

26 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Ep. 209: “Beathard did rookie QB things.”

19 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the elegant tank cannot be stopped! Amidst a record fifth consecutive loss by one score or less...

Ep. 208: “The elegant tank is on, man.”

12 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Ep. 207: “This is a game the Niners should win.”

05 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the 49ers fall to 0-4 after their third consecutive close loss. Where did things break down def...

Ep. 206: “Sacks kill drives, but pressure also affects games.”

28 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Disclaimer: We apologize for the audio quality in this episode. Technical difficulties caused a bad stutter throughout this episode, and we understand...

Ep. 205: “Moral victories are for losers.”

20 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Ep. 205: “Moral victories are for losers.” by Niners Nation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about ...

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

14 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the 49ers are unable to continue their season-opener magic. What did we learn about the defensi...

Ep. 203: 2017 season preview. Predictions, final roster takeaways, and what to watch vs the Panthers

07 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, real football is finally here! We get you prepared for the 2017 season by outlining why the 49e...

Ep. 202: Vikings recap. Hoyer breaks out, early defensive tendencies, and bubble watch

31 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, it’s dress rehearsal recap time! We run through the biggest takeaways from the 49ers’ third...

Ep. 201: Broncos recap. Run game struggles, pass pro efficiency, and QB competition

24 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, it’s time to wake up and kick ass. We recap all you need to know about the 49ers’ preseason...

Ep. 200: Chiefs recap. Observations, stock watch from first preseason game.

17 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On the 200th episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we have new football to discuss! What should you be looking for during the preseason? Which tendenc...

Ep. 199: Training camp mailbag!

04 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we open up the mailbag to answer all of your training camp questions. What’s happening with t...

Ep. 198: How Kyle Shanahan attacks coverages in the passing game

20 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

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 pa...

Ep. 197: Offensive Line 101. Basic principles of run blocking and pass protection

13 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, Scheme Month turns its attention to an oft neglected portion of the roster: the offensive line....

Ep. 196: Jimmie Ward, Pete Carroll, and single-high coverages

06 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, Scheme Month rolls on! Defense is again in the spotlight as we move to the secondary and talk c...

Ep. 195: Scheme Month is back! The defensive front and transitioning to the 4-3

28 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, it’s the return of Scheme Month! We kick things off by focusing in on the defensive front and...

Ep. 194: Elvis Dumervil, position battles to watch, and more from 49ers minicamp

15 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we return after a short hiatus to recap all of the notable 49ers happenings of the past few wee...

Ep. 193: Mailbag! 49ers’ RB situation, DL fits, breakout players, and more

19 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, it’s mailbag time! What do we make of the 49ers’ running back situation? How do the pieces ...

Ep. 192: Key UDFAs and post-draft roster thoughts

11 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

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 opportunit...

Ep. 191: Scouting reports on the 49ers’ 2017 draft class

01 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Ep. 190: If we did it. Outlining the 49ers’ plan of attack in the 2017 NFL Draft

22 Apr 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this final pre-draft episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we put everything together and develop a plan of attack for the 49ers in the 2017 NFL Dr...

Ep. 189: PFF’s Jordan Plocher on 2017 NFL Draft defensive class

18 Apr 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we bring on long time friend of the podcast Jordan Plocher to break down the 2017 defensive dra...

Ep. 188: PFF’s Steve Palazzolo on 2017 NFL Draft quarterback class

13 Apr 2017

Contributed by Lukas

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 clas...

Ep. 187: Matt Waldman on skill-position players in the 2017 NFL Draft

06 Apr 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, Matt Waldman joins us to discuss skill-position players in the 2017 NFL Draft. How does this WR...

Ep. 186: Free agency wrap-up, valuation vs. evaluation

23 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

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 o...

Ep. 185: What a bonanza! Pierre Garçon, Brian Hoyer headline 49ers’ first-wave free agent signings

09 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, free agency has started and hope is in the air! What do Pierre Garçon and Marquise Goodwin bri...

Ep. 184: Play-action, drive, four verticals, and Kyle Shanahan’s passing game

01 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On 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 p...

Ep. 183: Breaking down Kyle Shanahan’s run game

23 Feb 2017

Contributed by Lukas

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 evolv...

Ep. 182: It’s officially official. Kyle Shanahan named 49ers head coach

07 Feb 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On 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 S...

Ep. 181: Dan Hatman on new 49ers GM John Lynch

31 Jan 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On 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 directo...

Ep. 180: Who’s the next 49ers head coach? Ceilings and floors for the top candidates

12 Jan 2017

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Ep. 179: Here we go again. Baalke and Chip fired, Dan Hatman on GM position

04 Jan 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On 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 Scoutin...

Ep. 178: Worth the No. 1? Rams recap, 2016 season wrap-up

29 Dec 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On 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 tw...

Ep. 177: Why bother? Falcons recap, Rams preview, 49ers holiday wish list

22 Dec 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On 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 a...

Ep. 176: What’s next? Front office rumors, Jets recap, Falcons preview

15 Dec 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On 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 y...

Ep. 175: Don’t screw up No. 2! Bears recap, Jets preview

08 Dec 2016

Contributed by Lukas

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. S...

Ep. 174: If we’re gonna win one… Dolphins recap, Bears preview

01 Dec 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the 49ers are officially eliminated from playoff contention! Despite yet another loss, Chip Kel...

Ep. 173: Well that was surprising. Patriots recap, Dolphins preview

23 Nov 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On 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 te...

Ep. 172: Kap figuring things out? Cardinals recap, Patriots preview

17 Nov 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On 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...

Ep. 171: What's with the second-half collapses? Saints review, Cardinals preview

10 Nov 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On 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...

Ep. 170: Is it time to blow it all up? Recapping a depressing loss vs Tampa Bay

26 Oct 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On 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 stoppi...