Better Rivals: A San Francisco 49ers Podcast

Better Rivals: A San Francisco 49ers Podcast episodes:

• 02.17.2022

  The End of the Road

  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

  
• 01.31.2022

  NFCCG reaction: So close and yet SoFi. A successful season comes to an end

  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...

  
• 01.28.2022

  NFC Championship preview: SoFice to say, this is the matchup the 49ers wanted

  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...

  
• 01.23.2022

  Divisional Round reaction: 49ers immunize Rodgers from yet another Super Bowl

  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...

  
• 01.21.2022

  49ers-Packers preview: The formula for blunting Throw Rogan

  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...

  
• 01.18.2022

  Wild Card reaction: 49ers put the D in Dallas

  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...

  
• 01.14.2022

  49ers-Cowboys preview: A strong team with the right weaknesses

  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...

  
• 01.10.2022

  Week 18 reaction: 49ers go from clinched sphincters to clinched playoff berths

  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...

  
• 01.07.2022

  49ers-Rams preview: Quest for Six (consecutive wins against the Rams) starts now

  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,...

  
• 01.03.2022

  Week 17 reaction: No Mills-ing about, 49ers take care of business

  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...

  
• 12.30.2021

  49ers-Texans preview: A must-win game San Francisco has no business losing

  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...

  
• 12.20.2021

  Week 15 reaction: 49ers firing on all cylinders in win over Falcons

  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...

  
• 12.17.2021

  49ers-Falcons preview: No, seriously. Don’t f**k it up.

  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...

  
• 12.13.2021

  Week 14 Reaction: Bengals CHASE for a win falls short, can’t quite BURROW the 49ers

  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...

  
• 12.10.2021

  49ers-Bengals preview: Sneaky Shootout Sunday in Cincy?

  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...

  
• 12.06.2021

  Week 13 reaction: That Seattle bullshit

  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...

  
• 12.03.2021

  Week 13 preview: Can the 49ers put away the reeling Seahawks?

  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...

  
• 11.29.2021

  Week 12 reaction: Deebo, Mitchell bludgeon Vikings into submission… and we like that

  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...

  
• 11.22.2021

  Week 11 reaction: Forecast for Duval County... PAIN

  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...

  
• 11.19.2021

  49ers-Jaguars preview: The film Urban Meyer ACTUALLY doesn’t want you to see

  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...

  
• 11.17.2021

  Week 10 reaction: 404 - Rams not found

  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...

  
• 11.09.2021

  Week 9 reaction: 49ers lack the talent to overcome mistakes against Cardinals

  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...

  
• 11.05.2021

  49ers-Cardinals preview: Can the 49ers D channel their inner pole assassin?

  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...

  
• 11.01.2021

  Week 8 reaction: Jimmy G, 49ers offense, find rhythm against banged up Bears defense

  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...

  
• 10.29.2021

  49ers-Bears preview: Chicago is terrible in all the right ways

  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...

  
• 10.26.2021

  Week 7 reaction: Welp, they lost. Now what?

  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...

  
• 10.21.2021

  49ers-Colts preview: What happens if they lose?

  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...

  
• 10.11.2021

  Week 5 reaction: Trey Lance, 49ers, come up (4th and) short against Arizona

  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...

  
• 10.08.2021

  49ers-Cardinals preview: Does San Francisco have any hope of slowing Kyler & Co.?

  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...

  
• 10.04.2021

  Week 4 reaction: 49ers fail to capitalize on early success, Trey Lance struggles in relief in loss to Seahawks

  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...

  
• 10.01.2021

  49ers-Seahawks preview: Defensive struggles make for unusual twist in NFCW battle

  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...

  
• 09.28.2021

  Week 3 reaction: In 49ers’ narrow loss, QB play was the difference

  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...

  
• 09.24.2021

  49ers-Packers preview: Aiyuk’s disappearance, an advantage in the trenches, and another test for the secondary

  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...

  
• 09.20.2021

  Week 2 reaction: 49ers defense saves ugly performance from Jimmy G & Co.

  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...

  
• 09.17.2021

  Jalen Hurts and high-flying Eagles offense will test 49ers’ defense

  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...

  
• 09.12.2021

  Week 1 reaction: 49ers survive late surge in Detroit, secure 1-0 start

  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...

  
• 09.09.2021

  Season Preview: This is what a playoff team looks like

  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...

  
• 09.01.2021

  The Final 53, Trey Lance’s development, and the 2 QB system

  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...

  
• 08.26.2021

  The HYPE Episode 2.0

  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...

  
• 08.19.2021

  My Fall Plans // The Preseason Delta Variant (Plus: Scheme Month Shot Plays)

  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...

  
• 08.12.2021

  Scheme Month: Prioritizing the pass with two-high defenses

  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-...

  
• 08.05.2021

  Scheme Month: Trey Lance and an evolved 49ers run game

  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-...

  
• 07.29.2021

  Take off your homer-colored glasses: A 49ers fantasy draft guide with Kevin Cole

  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...

  
• 07.22.2021

  Rewatch: Jerry Rice's final home game at Candlestick

  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...

  
• 07.15.2021

  I love me some me! Looking back at the T.O. Star Game

  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...

  
• 06.16.2021

  What Makes a Good Head Coach? Eric Eager from PFF joins to discuss

  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...

  
• 06.11.2021

  OTAs are OVR

  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...

  
• 05.20.2021

  49ers draft scouting reports: How do Trey Sermon and Elijah Mitchell fit in the backfield?

  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...

  
• 05.13.2021

  49ers draft scouting reports: Aaron Banks and Jaylon Moore offer polar opposite options at guard

  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...

  
• 05.06.2021

  Can a QB improve their accuracy? A look at the jump from college to the NFL; 49ers Draft Scouting Reports

  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...