The Jason Ross Show - December 27, 2012
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With quarterback Carson Palmer out for the final game with cracked ribs, competition begins in earnest for the starting quarterback job between backups Matt Leinart and Terrelle Pryor. Indications are that Pryor will get more than three plays, but the bulk of the playing time will go to Leinart. The Raiders were also shut out of the Pro Bowl for the first time since 2003.
After losing last week to the Seattle Seahawks, the San Francisco 49ers failed to lock up the NFC West. The first team goal of 2013 was to win the division, and they can still do so with a win in the season finale against the Arizona Cardinals. Both the offense and defense have struggled for the last game and a half, however it's the defense that not only needs to play much better, but should also have no problem carrying San Francisco into the playoffs, with momentum at their back.
Mario Manningham limped through the locker room on crutches, holding a towel around his waist while trying to keep his head high and sport a smile.
The one thing that no team can control is injuries. This year San Francisco has been healthy for the most part, but as the season winds down their luck has changed. If they hope to finish the season strong they will need to overcome a few key injuries, which will be difficult, but far from impossible.
With the Raiders mired in another losing season, now is the time for quarterback Terrelle Pryor to get his chance to prove to his coaches and the fans what he can do. The Raiders are guaranteed a top five pick in the upcoming NFL draft so there's nothing to lose by playing him. In fact, a loss by the team only helps to ensure a better draft pick.
Who says tailgate food has to be bad for you? With this tasty snack, your fellow football fans will be happy for the remaining room around their waistlines.
Patrick Willis has become the face of the San Francisco 49er franchise. He is the middle linebacker on a team know for its defensive prowess. As his teammates have stepped up their level of play, he has been able to focus more on his position, and the result is a top tier defense. Willis has also made an impact off the field where he remains involved in the community and is someone who realizes that he is in a position to help those around him.
Raiders rookie receiver Rod Streater has the tools to be the star of the future. He impressed in two straight games vs. Cleveland and Denver where he had 196 yards receiving on seven catches including a touchdown. Streater was undrafted and has made an impact after an impressive minicamp and training camp.
The Oakland Raiders lost again to fall to 4-11 Sunday. Oakland quarterback Carson Palmer was injured during the game and the team didn't play any better with backup QB Matt Leinart. Few positives can be found after the Raiders lost their 10th straight game in the Eastern time zone.
The rematch between the two best NFC West teams was not the nail biter that it was hyped to be. The game figured to be a low scoring, physical struggle, but instead saw Seattle continue their hot streak, as the Seahawks handed San Francisco by far their worst defeat of the season.
No apparel is Raider worthy if isn't emblazoned with silver and black.
'Banjo Man' and Club 49 are among tailgating fixtures at Candlestick.
The Sunday Night NFC West match-up between San Francisco and Seattle will be physical. The last time the two teams met it was deemed one of the most physical games of the season. With a lot riding on this game for both teams, the rematch figures to be just as brutal. To make matters worse, both teams are beat up, and the 49ers could be without a key player.
The Raiders once again will be without Richard Seymour. The veteran defensive tackle hasn't played since November 4 with lingering knee and hamstring injuries. Safety Tyvon Branch is questionable with an ankle injury. For the Panthers, running back Jonathan Stewart might play for the first time since week 12. He's been out with a high ankle sprain.
After indulging in the traditional hot and meaty offerings from a tailgate grill, there is little space left for a heavy dessert. Here's a light option that hits the right spot.
The 5-9 Carolina Panthers are playing some of their best football. Since starting off 2-8, the team has won three of its last four games, led by the 2011 Offensive Rookie of the Year and 2010 Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton. The Raiders are in for a tough challenge.
The match-up between the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks will feature two teams in the same division that are almost identical in their formula for success. The last time they met it was a physical game that came down to the wire, and since then both teams have only gotten better. Sunday will determine if the Seahawks have caught up to the 49ers, or if they still are not quite on the level of the defending NFC West Champs.
