NFL Preview 2014

NFL Kickoff A PUBLICATION OF THE BAY AREA NEWS GROUP

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NFL Kickoff

THE NFL THE 49ERS

One man, one mission Colin Kaepernick defies the stereotypes of a young, brash, tattooed athlete and shows true leadership on the field and in the locker room. He fell one win short last season. He has one goal this season. PAGE 16

In Seattle, cueing up an encore

THE RAIDERS

Seeking a Raider reboot

Richard Sherman and the Seahawks feel they can buck the recent trend and make it two in a row.

All the pieces are in place for just that. PAGE 36

Matt Schaub is coming off a miserable season with the Houston Texans, but bouncing back is nothing new for him.

Will he find success as the Raiders’ latest reclamation project? PAGE 26

Vintage Woodson Charles Woodson is as at home in his Napa Valley vineyards as he is on the field in Oakland. PAGE 10 Mark Purdy on a big year for the league. PAGE 5

Season schedule. PAGE 20

Season schedule. PAGE 30 Power rankings, schedules for NFC, AFC. PAGE 44

Tim Kawakami. PAGE 21

Marcus Thompson II. PAGE 31 Rookies to watch, coaches on the hot seat. PAGE 54

A deeper look. PAGES 22-24

A deeper look. PAGES 32-34 How to salvage your fantasy season. PAGE 58 COVER ILLUSTRATION BY ALBERTO SEVESO ||| ILLUSTRATIONS ON THIS PAGE BY LUKE WILSON

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The NFL

In the Bay Area, we are indeed ready for some football

JOSIE LEPE/STAFF

A

s usual, the NFL has made minor rules changes this season.

For example, defenders can no longer grab the jerseys of offensive players, even for an instant.

Plus, the clock now doesn’t stop on sacks. There are a few others.

Yet in the Bay Area, as we all know, there is one major NFL rule that never changes: The NFL rules. Period.

Here in Northern California, we consider ourselves an urbane, erudite, advanced and superior part of the country because ... well, because we are. Yet when it comes to professional football, the urbanity and sophistication get turned on their heads and drink cheap warm beer. We become gridiron-worshiping geeks just like the rest of America.

And so it will be again in the upcoming 2014 season. You can find proof of this on the ground and in the air.

On the ground, the 49ers’ new Levi’s Stadium is sold out for all eight regular-season home games despite tickets that are so costly, they are FDIC insured. In Oakland, Raiders followers are pumped up about their team’s free-agent-infused team and probably already are lining up along 66th Avenue with their Commitment To Tailgate Charcoal And Ice Chests.

In the air, NFL games remain among the highest-rated television shows. The last time I collated information about the

MARK PURDY

Jacob Smith, 6, of Vacaville, cheers on his team as they head to the locker room for halftime of the first football game at Levi’s Stadium. most watched events in any sport on Bay Area TV sets, 12 of the top 25 were NFL games — including two in which neither the Raiders nor 49ers were involved. The World Series and NBA playoffs could not compete. In fact, a 49ers exhibition outdrew the NCAA men’s basketball championship game and all the A’s playoff games.

When NFL commissioner Roger Goodell showed up for the Levi’s Stadium ribbon-cutting ceremonies in July, he was treated like a visiting head of state. The audience hung on Goodell’s every word for approval

as he pronounced the stadium worthy of his most magnificent league.

“It reflects the greatness of this region,” the commissioner said, nodding toward the empty stadium behind him. “The only thing missing is the 49er Faithful.

They’ll be coming soon.”

His words sounded more like a royal decree than a prediction.

Time to come clean and confess the truth. Goodell’s league dominates our lives. This summer, I saw a video clip of an Oakland City Council meeting that was being addressed by a member of the public named “Dr.

Death,” a Raiders fan in full regalia that included thick face paint and several fake knives sticking into his silver hard hat. “Dr. Death” was making an earnest point to the council members, who were nodding in agreement as if it were perfectly normal for a knife-hatted and face-painted man to lecture them on tax revenue implications of ancillary stadium development.

But it’s not just us. It’s the entire nation. The NFL, by forging business partnerships with all four major broadcast networks and many Internet sites, burrows its way into our everyday lives like no other American entity. It’s nearly impossible to watch any entertainment program on CBS, NBC, Fox or ABC/ESPN without seeing an NFL promotional spot.

You can’t call up a Web page without a Fantasy Football popup ad luring you into signing up and drafting Johnny Manziel.

Even us sophisticates in the Bay Area are not immune to these machinations. We consume the product ravenously. But let’s face it. There’s a reason. It’s because the NFL usually backs up the machinations by giving us six months of compelling and confectionery sights to consume.

This season will be no exception. Be ready to devour these plot lines: n The 49ers are going to create early drama. There is CONTINUED ON PAGE 68

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The Kickoff

About this magazine

Staff

Keep up online

A top-shelf NFL market deserves a top-shelf NFL product, whether it’s a team on the field or a guide to the season.

Executive Sports Editor: Bud Geracie

Follow your teams on our NFL page at www.mercurynews.com/nfl and by keeping up with our reporters online and on Twitter:

Managing Editor, Presentation: Tiffany Grandstaff

With stories and schedules and rosters and predictions, this section is something you might want to keep around for a while, maybe on an easy-toreach shelf.

Enjoy.

Bud Geracie Executive Sports Editor Bay Area News Group

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NFL Editor: Mark Conley Visuals Editor: Tim Ball Photo Planning Editor: Jami Smith Copy Editors: Sherman Turntine, Kristen Crowe, Randy Sumimoto, Jaime Welton Writers: Daniel Brown, Jerry McDonald, Cam Inman, Steve Corkran, Jimmy Durkin, John Hickey, Mark Purdy, Tim Kawakami, Marcus Thompson II

CAM INMAN 49ers beat reporter cinman@bayareanewsgroup.com mercurynews.com/blogs/49ers Twitter: @CamInman JERRY MCDONALD Raiders beat reporter jmcdonald@bayareanewsgroup.com ibabuzz.com/oaklandraiders Twitter: @Jerrymcd STEVE CORKRAN Bay Area NFL reporter scorkran@bayareanewsgroup.com Twitter: @CorkOnTheNFL

DAVID J. PHILLIP/ASSOCIATED PRESS

This special section was produced, start to finish, right here in the Bay Area by writers and editors and photographers who know your teams — not by people from another part of the country who think they know your teams.

We’ve been with the 49ers and the Raiders from the start, from mini-camp to training camp, from Napa and Santa Clara — even Oxnard and Baltimore — every day of every year.

The Kickoff

Their fantasy lives Athletes gambling on athletes? Well, not exactly.

No need to launch any leaguewide investigations here. Pro athletes are as nutty for fantasy football as the rest of America, and that should surprise nobody. After all, these are professional competitors. With lots of down time.

We checked in with players from several Bay Area teams — the 49ers and Raiders were excluded — and here’s what they had to say about their fantasy lives.

Hunter Pence GIANTS RIGHT FIELDER

How long have you played fantasy football?

Around 5 years.

Ever won your league?

Yeah, I think I’ve won two leagues.

Scavenge the waiver wire or sit back and be patient?

I’m a waiver wire junkie.

Best player you ever drafted?

Either LeSean McCoy or Maurice Jones-Drew.

The draft pick you wish you could have back?

David Wilson last year.

Who do you hope to pick first in 2014?

LeSean McCoy. What’s the most number of leagues you’ve played in at once?

Three, and that was too many. I’ve made a rule of only two.

Do you generally play with your teammates?

Yeah, a lot of teammates.

KARL MONDON/STAFF

Any of your teammates ever try to rip you off in a trade?

Oh yeah. The first year I ever played, Woody Williams. He traded me this awesome running back that just got hurt and I didn’t realize it. I think it was Priest Holmes. He traded me (Larry) Fitzgerald and that running back for Reggie Bush and Plaxico Burress.

But Fitzgerald ended up going off, so it was pretty good for me. After that, I got on the waiver wire and picked up some running backs that did really good and I ended up making the playoffs. Because of that trade, I got really fired up.

READ MORE LOCAL ATHLETES’ FANTASY HABITS ON PAGE 62

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The Kickoff

Owning it Who are Jed York and Mark Davis? Few outside their inner circles really know.

As professional sports owners go, these two largely prefer to fly quietly under the radar.

York became much more of a Bay Area public face during the massive fundraising and construction effort for Levi’s Stadium, and he even stood next to troubled linebacker Aldon Smith in a postgame locker room this past September to announce that Smith would be heading to rehab.

Davis isn’t the center of attention, as his father was.

The team media guide doesn’t even carry biographical information on him.

But Davis has become more outspoken about the team’s need to get back to its “Just Win, Baby” ways and has made some bold moves, including firing a coach (Hue Jackson)who had had some success and a PR director (Zak Gilbert) who, in Davis’ eyes, allowed an unflattering story about his father to be written.

It’s not a lot, by design, but here’s what we do know about these two NFL scions:

Jed York

Mark Davis

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

OAKLAND RAIDERS

Age: 34 Hometown: Youngstown, Ohio College: Notre Dame (B.A., finance and history)

YORK: ASSOCIATED PRESS. DAVIS: RAY CHAVEZ/STAFF

Family biz: Football. John York and Denise DeBartolo York took over the 49ers for Jed’s uncle Eddie DeBartolo and worked Jed into the business upon graduation.

Marital status: Married to Danielle Belluomini (son Jaxon) Hobbies: Playing cards (prefers poker, wants to learn bridge), traveling, fishing, self-described foodiein-training, “and winning,” he added.

Age: 59 Hometown: Alamo College: Chico State, Boston University and USC (economics, with a history minor) Family biz: Football. Al Davis remains the only person in NFL history to serve as an assistant coach, head coach, general manager, commissioner and owner.

Marital status: Single Hobbies: Golf and the Raiders What he drives: Corvette (weekends), Dodge Caravan (everyday vehicle)

What he drives: Lexus Random fact: Serves on Tipping Point board with Ronnie Lott Famous quote: “There is no conspiracy. I pulled the plug.” — sarcastic post on Twitter in regards to Super Bowl XLVII power outage

Random fact: Served as wide receiver Cliff Branch’s agent in 1980 Famous quote: “The one thing I know is what I don’t know. That’s why I hire the people that do.”

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The Kickoff

SOMMELIER OF THE SECONDARY Charles Woodson takes his wine label as seriously as his second stint with the Raiders.

And wine country is taking note.

BY DANIEL BROWN PHOTOGRAPH BY JANE TYSKA

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PAGE 11

The Kickoff

NAPA

E JOSE CARLOS FAJARDO/STAFF

ven as the superstar face of his own wine label, Charles Woodson likes to mix things up with the vineyard’s special-teamers. He and a Raiders strength coach once arrived for harvest time at 5 a.m. on the team’s day off, each of them wielding shears and snipping grapes off the vine. “We’re just plugging away one bunch at a time, and all of a sudden you see this wave of guys — whoosh! — blowing through this vineyard,” the eighttime Pro Bowl selection recalled. “We might have gotten three bunches off the vine by the time they finished the whole row.”

Woodson tells this story with a glass of the finished product in his left hand, a 2008 cabernet sauvignon. This is his wine, his wine bar, his way of winding down. The defensive back sits in a corner booth of the Cult Following in downtown Napa so freshly removed from the Raiders practice field that he’s still dressed in shorts and a silver-and-black windbreaker.

TwentyFour wines, named in honor of Woodson’s jersey number in Oakland, originated in 2001. It is an unusual pairing, the kid from small-town Ohio and the masters of the Napa Valley, but Woodson has found his niche with a well-reviewed cab that sells for $112 a bottle.

“He’s really well thought of up here in the wine country,” said Carmen Policy, the former

49ers executive who has his own acclaimed Casa Piena label. “A lot of people around here really roll their eyes, ‘Oh, great, another celebrity who wants to put their name on the label.’ But Charles is serious about wanting to produce a quality wine and about understanding the process.”

W

oodson, 37, enters this season on a one-year contract with the Raiders and, though he has said he has no plans to retire, it’s easy to speculate that 2014 will put the cork in his Hall of Fame career.

Woodson is two years removed from his last Pro Bowl selection and is one of only three players still active from the 1998 draft (Peyton Manning and Matt Hasselbeck are the others).

Whenever he does decide to

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The Kickoff

hang ’em up, retirement sure looks inviting. He strolled into Cult Following about 20 minutes after practice, found a comfortable chair and a server who, without being asked, handed him a glass of the 2008 — always the 2008.

The vineyard is down the road, about 25 miles on the St. Helena Highway, to Calistoga.

From those 12 acres, Woodson expects to produce 1,200 cases of cabernet and 1,000 cases of sauvignon blanc this year.

The patch of land sits below the towering spectacle of Sterling Vineyards — all 1,200 acres of it — and the shadow serves as a reminder that Woodson is still just a role player here.

“You know that little cap on your bicycle that keeps the air in?

That’s how small we are compared to the rest of the wineries in the world,” said Rick Ruiz, the director of operations for TwentyFour Wines.

Ruiz, a convivial Napa native who learned his craft at the Robert Mondavi Winery, keeps an eye on the reds and whites while Woodson is busy with football.

The two agree on everything about wine — except for how they met. Woodson said it was through a promotional event at Raiders camp; Ruiz said it was in the tasting room at Mondavi, after he spotted the Heisman Trophy winner drinking a bottle he had worked on.

Woodson concedes the tiebreaker when Ruiz argues that he is much more likely to remember the day he met Charles Woodson than the other way around.

Either way, the friendship began in 2001, when Woodson was in his fourth season in the NFL — and still a fledgling rookie when it came to wine. He lacked versatility.

“When I started trying wine, I started drinking merlot, and SEE WOODSON ON PAGE 60

THE GRAPE ESCAPE Several notable sports figures have created second careers as Northern California winemakers. Among them:

Mario Andretti

World champion racing driver

Carmen Policy

Former 49ers executive

Name of winery: Andretti Winery Location: Napa Types of wine: Pinot grigio, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, Super Tuscan, moscato Quote: “Wine, to me, is one of the beautiful things in life because, quite honestly, I don’t think you can thoroughly enjoy a good meal without appropriate wine paired with it.” – Andretti, to www.christies.com www.andrettiwinery.com

Name: Casa Piena Location: Yountville Type of wine: Cabernet sauvignon Quote: “Here, you’re not really staring down your competition, because when they do well, it enhances the entire region.” www.casapiena.com

Rich Aurilia, Dave Roberts

Tom Seaver

Former Giants

Name: Red Stitch Wine Location: Napa Valley Types of wine: Cabernet sauvignon-malbec blend, pinot noir Quote: “Really, we are competing more with ourselves.

Not to make a better product year in and year out, but to keep the standard of what we make.” – Aurilia, to the Napa Valley Register www.redstitchwine.com

Name: Seaver Vineyards Location: Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley Type of wine: Cabernet sauvignon Quote: “I’m a single-focus guy. Pitching. The vineyard.

I’m the worker. I pick up crap. Trim the vines a little. I did that yesterday for 12 hours, worked all my muscles and slept like a baby.” – to SportsonEarth.com www.seavervineyards.com

Dick Vermeil Jeff Gordon

NASCAR driver

Hall of Fame pitcher

Former NFL coach

Name: Jeff Gordon Cellars Location: Napa/Sonoma Type of wine: Chardonnay, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, rosé, red blend.

Quote: “I had an epiphany when I traveled to London and had a bottle of Batard-Montrachet. That’s when I thought, ‘Wow!’” – Gordon to the San Francisco Chronicle www.jeffgordonwine.com

Name: Vermeil Wines Location: Calistoga Types of wine: Cabernet sauvignon, red blends, cabernet franc, syrah, charbono, zinfandel, whites, rosé Quote: “We’re getting good grades, but basically our philosophy is if the wine tastes good to you, it’s good wine. We’re not wine snobs.” – to the Napa Valley Register www.vermeilwines.com

Randy Lewis

Charles Woodson

Race car driver

Name: Lewis Cellars Location: Vineyards in Calistoga, St. Helena, Rutherford, Oak Knoll and Russian River Valley Types of wine: Cabernet sauvignon, merlot, syrah, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc.

Quote: “In a way, this is my Indy 500. That’s why I want to do so well [with wine], because I never won the Indy.”

– Lewis, to Wine Spectator www.lewiscellars.com

Raiders defensive back

Name: TwentyFour Wines Location: Calistoga Types of wines: Cabernet sauvignon, sauvignon blanc Quote: “A lot of the people in the wine industry will tell you the same thing: This is not something you get into for a quick turnaround. That’s not going to happen.”

– Charles Woodson www.twentyfourwines.com

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The Kickoff

History in the making On Dec. 7, for the only time in the 2014 NFL season, Raiders fans and 49ers fans will be tuned into the same game: their own.

The Bay Area teams have met just 12 times in their history, a history that dates to the 1970 merger of the AFL and NFL. This will be the first regular-season meeting since 2010, and the first in Oakland since 2002. And there will be one more tie that binds.

The autumn wind is a Harbaugh?

Harbaugh has adopted the Davis mantra — “Just win, baby” — in a way that would have made the longtime Raiders patriarch proud.

It’s not impossible to envision the 49ers coach accepting an invitation to light the torch that burns in Davis’ honor, as long as it’s not on Dec. 7, the day the 49ers and Raiders play in Oakland.

“Mr. Davis is a titan and pillar of the game,” Harbaugh said when Davis died in 2011. “I had the pleasure and honor to know him and to work for him. And to me, he is the greatest. The autumn wind will always be a Raider.”

Davis had hired Harbaugh to be his quarterbacks coach in 2002. After two years, Harbaugh left to become head coach at the University of San Diego. When he told Davis, who had used college ball as a career launching pad, Davis cracked: “Yeah, but that was at USC, not USD.” As it turned out, USD was a launching pad for Harbaugh.

Three years there, with a 29-6 record. Then to Stanford, where he inherited a 1-11 program and in four years made it 12-1. Now with the 49ers, where his first three seasons have all led to the conference championship game.

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The geniuses Bill Walsh, the Hall of Fame coach for the 49ers (pictured at left with Al Davis), got his start with the Raiders.

While working as an assistant at Stanford in 1966, the Raiders hired him as the Raiders’ running back coach. Al Davis was serving as commissioner of the American Football League then — John Rauch was coach — but he was still pulling the strings with the Oakland franchise. He was determined to make sure the Raiders would not stray from perfecting the vertical passing game created by Sid Gillman.

According to Lowell Cohn, who wrote a book with Walsh, Walsh was moonlighting. He would coach at Stanford, then drive to Oakland and learn the ways of the Raiders.

“Walsh called it ‘Star Wars compared to everyone else in football,’ ” Cohn wrote. “Al Davis had taken Gillman one step further.

And here was Walsh, who had never played as a professional, had never been exposed to football at this level, drinking in this knowledge.”

DAVIS AND WALSH: ASSOCIATED PRESS. HARBAUGH: LIPO CHING/STAFF

It wasn’t happenstance that Jim Harbaugh invoked the famous words of Al Davis two days in a row as the 49ers prepared for the NFC championship game at Seattle last January.

The Kickoff

The games they played

Hall of fame crossover

Rivalry or not?

On Dec. 7 in Oakland, the Raiders and the 49ers will meet for only the 13th time, and the first time in the regular season since 2010. The series so far:

A flood of players found their way from the 49ers to the Raiders late in their career, but none more significant than the three who represent both teams in the Pro Football Hall of Fame: Jerry Rice, Ronnie Lott and Rod Woodson.

When teams don’t meet regularly, and high stakes aren’t in play, it’s hard for a rivalry to develop.

Regrettably, the most memorable 49ers-Raiders moments in recent years have played out violently between rival fans — or at least game attendees — during preseason matchups.

Altogether they won seven Super Bowl rings, all as 49ers. Rice and Woodson came close in 2002 with the Raiders.

DEC. 20, 1970

SEPT. 29, 1991

49ers 38, Raiders 7

Raiders 12, 49ers 6

AT OAKLAND COLISEUM

AT L.A. COLISEUM

John Brodie (above left) threw three TD passes and Jimmy Johnson had a pick-six of a Daryle Lamonica pass, one of nine Raiders turnovers in the regular-season finale.

Ronnie Lott, in his first game against the 49ers after being left unprotected in free agency, had to be summoned to the losing locker room to calm down Charles Haley after the Steve Young-led offense produced no TDs.

RICE WITH RAIDERS: NICK LAMMERS/STAFF. RICE WITH 49ERS: GETTY IMAGES. OTHERS: ASSOCIATED PRESS (2)

OCT. 27, 1974

Raiders 35, 49ers 24

SEPT. 5, 1994

AT CANDLESTICK PARK

49ers 44, Raiders 14

Ken Stabler vs. Tom Owen. The 49ers threw in five turnovers, just to make sure.

NOV. 4, 1979

Raiders 23, 49ers 10 AT OAKLAND COLISEUM

AT CANDLESTICK PARK In season opener, on Monday Night Football, Jerry Rice scored three times to pass Jim Brown for No. 1 on the all-time TD list with 127.

The game served as a launching pad to the 49ers’ last Super Bowl-winning season.

OCT. 8, 2000

Cliff Branch caught a pair of TDs from Ken Stabler, and Mark van Eeghen rushed for 88 yards and a third touchdown as the 49ers fell to 1-9 in their first season under Bill Walsh.

Raiders 34, 49ers 28 (OT)

SEPT. 12, 1982

Raiders 23, 49ers 17

Rich Gannon and Tim Brown connected on seven passes for 172 yards and two TDs, including the game-winner in overtime.

AT CANDLESTICK PARK

NOV. 3, 2002

In their first game as the Los Angeles Raiders, they rode Marcus Allen’s 116 yards and a fourth-quarter rally to win.

49ers 23, Raiders 20 (OT)

SEPT. 22, 1985

49ers 34, Raiders 10

AT CANDLESTICK PARK

AT OAKLAND COLISEUM

AT L.A. COLISEUM

OCT. 8, 2006

49ers 34, Raiders 20

Raiders 9, 49ers 3 AT CANDLESTICK PARK Raiders sacked Joe Montana four times (one sack was by current Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie). Superstar backfield of Bo Jackson and Marcus Allen combined for 32 carries and 143 yards, helping set up three Chris Bahr FGs.

“I played for (a) man who helped build this league: Mr. Al Davis,” Lott said. “He built the AFL, and dominated it for many years with the Silver & Black. But in my mind, there has been no greater owner … that’s right … than Mr. Eddie DeBartolo. He set the highest standard, and has raised the bar for all the other owners to reach.”

Other notables who played for both teams: Jim Plunkett, Bill Romanowski, Charlie Garner, Roger Craig, Randy Moss, Tom Rathman, Jeremy Newberry, Riki Ellison, Joe Nedney, Dana Stubblefield, Andre Carter, Nnamdi Asomugha, Kevin Gogan, Kwame Harris, Jamie Williams, Ted Washington, Marquez Pope and Dave Waymer.

The last one, at Candlestick Park in August 2011, resulted in two men being shot in separate parking lot incidents. It also resulted in a longstanding exhibition tradition — the teams had met 11 straight years in the preseason — being cancelled by the teams.

49ers receiver Stevie Johnson, a San Francisco native, doesn’t take that aspect of the Dec. 7 matchup in Oakland for granted.

“With 49ers-Raiders, the only thing I say is I hope everyone enters and exits safe,” he said. “As a kid, you see stories of what happens in the parking lot with fans. On the field, football will be football.

When humans hurt each other, it’s ignorant.”

Jerry Rice, below, wore No. 80 for both the Raiders and 49ers.

If anyone were feeling an on-field rivalry, it would be new Raiders cornerback Tarell Brown who, along with Carlos Rogers, left the 49ers as a free agent in the offseason to join the Raiders.

Jose Cortez kicked the winning FG, atoning for a miss at the end of regulation. Terrell Owens caught 12 passes for 191 yards.

Jim Plunkett was sacked nine times by the 49ers, four times by Dwaine Board. Raiders defensive end Howie Long, furious with the 49ers’ cut-blocking scheme, had words with 49ers offensive line coach Bobb McKittrick after the game.

NOV. 13, 1988

Lott, in his Hall of Fame induction speech in 2000, paid homage to both teams, but left no question where his heart lay.

Ronnie Lott, one of three players in the Hall of Fame who represent both the Raiders and the 49ers.

AT CANDLESTICK PARK Randy Moss caught his 100th TD, but Raiders QBs Andrew Walter and Marques Tuiasosopo also connected four times with 49ers defensive backs. Three of the interceptions were made by Walt Harris.

OCT. 17, 2010

49ers 17, Raiders 9 AT CANDLESTICK PARK 49ers entered game 0-5, but got 149 yards from Frank Gore — and the Raiders QB was Jason Campbell.

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The 49ers

One man’s mission Colin Kaepernick is the NFL’s most cutting-edge quarterback — and also its most polarizing

C

olin Kaepernick’s playful smile faded as each pass whistled past its target. The 49ers quarterback was attempting to be the first to swish a football into a butterfly net in the right corner of the end zone during a training camp drill.

It is, of course, that nightmarish sector of the field where the 49ers’ past two seasons have ended on throws by Kaepernick. Three incomplete passes headed for Michael Crabtree in the waning moments of Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans. And in the final moment of last season, another throw to Crabtree in the right corner was tipped by Richard Sherman for an interception that sealed the NFC Championship loss against bitter rival Seattle.

It is enough to make Kaepernick’s steely focus even more intense. And enough for league experts

BY CAM INMAN ILLUSTRATION

BY LUKE WILSON

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PAGE 17

Scrambling is nothing new for Colin Kaepernick, making his way here against the Carolina Panthers in last season’s divisional playoff.

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tive fire do. He hasn’t seized the big moment yet, but all the bigmoment experience he has stored in less than two full seasons scares the heck out of defensive coordinators.

“People don’t talk enough about how the guy is an absolute competitor and battler,” one coordinator said on the condition of anonymity. “This guy’s a bad-ass.

This guy’s going to battle you to the end.”

When it was all over in Seattle last January, Kaepernick already was one step ahead of his critics.

“I didn’t play good enough to win,” he said. “I turned the ball over three times. I cost us that game.”

Some won’t be convinced Kae-

pernick, 26, is trustworthy as a clutch performer until those final chapters have different endings.

Sports Illustrated’s Peter King wrote in his pre-camp rankings that if he trusted Kaepernick as much as Seattle’s Russell Wilson, the 49ers would have been his No. 1 team and the Seahawks No. 3, instead of vice versa.

“If you talk to someone with a pure-passing pedigree, they won’t trust Kap yet,” said Trent Dilfer, an ESPN analyst and former 49ers quarterback. “If you talk to a new-school guy that likes dynamic athletes that outweigh traditional passers, he’ll trust him.”

“His teammates trust him,” said Bill Polian, an ESPN analyst

and former Indianapolis Colts president. “Who cares if the nation trusts him? He’s not running for office.”

T

here is plenty for his teammates and coaches to believe in. Kaepernick’s face is routinely the first they see upon arrival at their Santa Clara facility in the morning and the last they see when leaving at night. And he is fresh off signing a team-friendly six-year contract extension where his value (potentially $126 million) is tied to the 49ers’ success, per his request.

“The thing about Colin is he’s not afraid to work. He’s a bulldog,” general manager Trent Baalke said.

NHAT V. MEYER/STAFF

to wonder if Kaepernick is the guy who can lead the 49ers to their first Super Bowl title in 20 years.

He is the NFL’s most cuttingedge quarterback — and also its most polarizing.

“There were people, from the time he took over for Alex Smith, that were looking for him to fail and wondering when that’s going to be,” said John Madden, the Hall of Fame former coach and broadcaster. “I look and don’t think it ever is going to be.”

The doubt about Kaepernick’s potential to become one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks seems to be dissipating. His passing stats might not impress people, but his work ethic and competi-

ROB CARR/GETTY IMAGES

The 49ers

More is expected from last year’s 30th-ranked passing attack, and Kaepernick has prepared himself to take advantage of a deeper receiving corps and to capitalize during moments when the stakes are raised.

“Lately we’ve worked on a lot of red-zone throws,” wide receiver Anquan Boldin said.

“That’s something we put emphasis on.”

Kaepernick also is embracing his role as a vocal leader. When young tailback Jewel Hampton got into a minor scuffle in camp, Kaepernick pulled him aside for counsel afterward. When linebacker Aldon Smith emerged from a dominating drill, Kaepernick was there to exchange a subtle high-five.

“Sometimes he’ll speak up in meetings and give his expectations for landmarks and locations of the ball,” wide receiver Brandon Lloyd said. “He’ll have the floor in the meeting and he’ll discuss what he sees and what he expects out of the plays.”

Kaepernick’s love of “Kaepernicking,” where he kisses the biblical tattoos on his right biceps after a touchdown run, has led some outsiders to question whether he is more me-first than team-first. But look closely when his teammates find the end zone and you’ll see a smiling Kaepernick in full sprint to congratulate them.

Kaepernick recently acknowledged that he believes stereotypes dictate the way he is perceived.

“Between the tattoos, the way I dress, the way I talk, people don’t think it should go together with being a franchise quarterback or somebody leading a team or representing the organization,” he told Bleacher Report.

Yet long before “Kaepernicking” was a thing and people wondered if he was spending too much time savoring his newfound celebrity at award shows and on magazine covers, there were crit-

DEEP PASSING ACCURACY Last season’s NFL leaders in accuracy on throws of 20 yards or longer: Player Att. Comp. Drops Yds TDs Int Acc.% 1. Russell Wilson (Sea) 60 27 2 922 9 5 48.3 2. Peyton Manning (Den) 83 38 2 1,299 12 5 48.2 3. Geno Smith (NYJ) 60 26 2 830 4 7 46.7 3. Mike Glennon (TB) 45 18 3 673 7 1 46.7 5. Colin Kaepernick (SF) 57 21 5 683 6 2 45.6 5. Jay Cutler (Chi) 57 24 2 829 5 5 45.6 SOURCE: PROFOOTBALLFOCUS.COM

THIRD-DOWN PROWESS Last season’s NFL leaders in third-down passing: Player Att. Comp. Yds. 1. Kellen Clemens (STL) 81 50 709 2. Colin Kaepernick (SF) 123 87 1,098 3. Philip Rivers (SD) 156 101 1,368 4. Ryan Fitzpatrick (TEN) 97 59 818 5. Drew Brees (NO) 164 106 1,417 SOURCE: NFL

TD 5 7 9 7 13

INT 0 2 3 2 6

Rtg. 110.6 104.3 103.8 103.4 103.1

“Between the tattoos, the way I dress, the way I talk, people don’t think it should go together with being a franchise quarterback.”

ics. They wondered if the secondround draft pick out of Nevada could move from a pistol offense to a West Coast system. If his windup throwing motion needed an overhaul. If he would rely too much on his ability to run.

As Kaepernick started slowly last season — one 200-yard passing game from Week 2 to 11 — the line of questioning centered on whether he could go through progressions and read defenses.

Dilfer drew Kaepernick’s ire for his pointed criticism, but now is quick to note how the young quarterback has improved.

“He’s really worked hard on (progressions) and you can tell,” Dilfer said. “We talked at the Super Bowl. … Kap has a burning desire to be great. That’s a big deal.”

SEE KAEPERNICK ON PAGE 66

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PAGE 19

The 49ers

WEEK 1

WEEK 7

WEEK 13

Sept. 7 at Dallas Cowboys

Oct. 19 at Denver Broncos

Nov. 27 vs. Seattle Seahawks

Never in their 33-game storied rivalry have these teams opened a season against each other. Tony Romo keyed the 49ers’ loss in Week 2 of 2011. (1:25 p.m., FOX)

It’ll be the second meeting of the season for the last two Super Bowl runners-up, but this one is for real. Denver won an exhibition at Levi’s Stadium. (5:30 p.m., NBC)

Could be a Happy Thanksgiving if NaVorro Bowman is back from a knee injury. The 49ers beat the Seahawks in the last four Candlestick pairings. (5:30 p.m., NBC)

WEEK 2

WEEK 8

WEEK 14

Sept. 14 vs. Chicago Bears

(Bye week)

Dec. 7 at Oakland Raiders This is only the 49ers’ fourth regular-season game ever at Oakland, the most recent of which was an overtime victory in 2002. (1:25 p.m., FOX)

WEEK 3

WEEK 9

WEEK 15

Sept. 21 at Arizona Cardinals

Nov. 2 vs. St. Louis Rams

Dec. 14 at Seattle Seahawks

In their last meeting, Phil Dawson made a walk-off field goal to send the 49ers victorious into the postseason.

(1:05 p.m., FOX)

The Rams spoiled the 49ers’ Candlestick Park debut with a 20-13 decision in 1971. They’ll have already faced off in Week 6 before this matchup. (1:05 p.m., FOX)

Don’t be surprised if this gets “flexed” to prime time, as it did in Week 16 of 2012. Brutal losses have come with the 49ers’ last three visits to Seattle. (1:25 p.m., FOX)

WEEK 4

WEEK 10

WEEK 16

Sept. 28 vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Nov. 9 at New Orleans Saints

Dec. 20 vs. San Diego Chargers

Chip Kelly’s offense, which averaged second-most yards in 2013, needs an encore performance from quarterback Nick Foles (a 119.0 passer rating). (1:25 p.m., FOX)

If Ahmad Brooks sacks Drew Brees and forces a fumble with the game on the line, look for a mysterious flag (see: 23-20 loss on Nov. 17, 2013). (10 a.m., FOX)

The 49ers haven’t hosted a Saturday night game since 2007. The Chargers will be making their second visit to Levi’s Stadium, after an exhibition game. (1:30 p.m., CBS)

WEEK 5

WEEK 11

WEEK 17

Oct. 5 vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Nov. 16 at New York Giants

Dec. 28 vs. Arizona Cardinals

Alex Smith returns to face his original team for the first time. He thrived last season, helping the Chiefs reach the playoffs under new coach Andy Reid. (1:25 p.m., CBS)

This is the 49ers’ only East Coast appearance. The last time they visited the Giants, in October 2008, Mike Nolan was fired as coach the next day. (10 a.m., FOX)

Left tackle Jared Veldheer, formerly of the Raiders, could be blocking against Aldon Smith. The 49ers won the final five encounters at Candlestick. (1:25 p.m., FOX)

WEEK 6

WEEK 12

Oct. 13 at St. Louis Rams

Nov. 23 vs. Washington

The 49ers were 1-2 last season before winning 35-11 at St. Louis to start a season-saving, five-game win streak.

(5:30 p.m., ESPN)

Robert Griffin III makes his Bay Area debut, looking to avenge last year’s home loss in which he was sacked six times and passed for 118 yards. (1:25 p.m., CBS)

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PHOTOS (3): GETTY IMAGES

It’s the first regular-season game at Levi’s Stadium — the final official opening of the place? — and the Bears have been perfect guests recently. (5:30 p.m., NBC)

The 49ers

For these 49ers, a chance to write their own history book SANTA CLARA

J

oe Staley walked off the practice field recently, looked straight up at the 49ers’ sleek new stadium looming close by and tried to be as diplomatic as possible.

He had a point to make. Staley is good at making strong points, and clearly the 49ers are elated to be moving from one era to the next — literally a short walk now.

But the players also know that there are some emotional landmines ahead involving Lombardi trophies, Hall of Fame moments and the sentimental heft of a 49ers dynasty gone by.

“I don’t know if I should say this,” the 49ers’ eighth-year left tackle said before proceeding anyway, with a shrug.

“I mean no disrespect to past eras; they’ve accomplished a ton of stuff here. And the fans have been great.

“But I’m very excited about establishing a new era, our own memories.”

Playing at Candlestick Park was all about “The Catch,” Bill Walsh’s playbooks, five Super Bowl titles and being measured against the glory of the past.

Moving to Levi’s Stadium means a new stage for a new generation of talented players who maybe have grown a little weary of the constant comparisons.

Staley and the rest of the 49ers — from Jim Harbaugh to Colin Kaepernick and through

TIM KAWAKAMI

the rank and file — are more than ready to start up at Levi’s Stadium this season and leave the Candlestick days behind.

Yes, that includes all the memories, the dynasty chatter and the shadow of everything great that used to be.

“One of the things that I got sick and tired of hearing, especially during those (bad) years,” Staley continued, “when I was a rookie and all the way up till Coach Harbaugh got here ... before we started winning, it was how great the ’80s were and how great those teams were and you need to go see this guy and talk about winning. ...

“That pissed me off. I think myself and a lot of guys who went through that (bad) era really want to create our own identity.

Because we take a lot of pride in what we do.

“But at the same time, those teams won five Super Bowls. And we haven’t done anything like that. We have the opportunity here with the new stadium, new team, we’ve got core guys who can do something.”

The new stadium is the switch-over for this franchise, no doubt.

It is the largest achievement in Jed York’s ownership reign — and something his beloved uncle Eddie DeBartolo Jr. could never accomplish, after years of trying to redo or upgrade Candlestick (while DeBartolo was winning titles).

The stadium is a glitzy symbol for a new 49ers age, it is already providing the York family with millions upon millions in revenue, and it is all their own.

But these 49ers know that the only way to make a truly clean and permanent break from Candlestick and the ’80s is to win a Super Bowl or two while at Levi’s in the 2010s.

That’s the only way to do it.

“From my perspective, it would give you an opportunity to create your own history,” general manager Trent Baalke said recently of the Levi’s debut season.

“Candlestick — the memories of Candlestick, all the great games that were played in there and all the players that were a part of it, they’ll never forget that.

“Our players will never forget the (January 2012 playoff) game against New Orleans — the guys who went through that. They’re never going to forget that last game in Candlestick, against Atlanta, not only because it was the last game, but how we won that game, how it ended.

“This is an opportunity to start their own traditions, build their own memories, build their own history and make it part of the organization’s history.”

Of course, there’s a gaudy museum at Levi’s honoring the team’s rich history and achievements.

There are significant tributes to Walsh, Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Steve Young, Ronnie Lott, Eddie D., and the rest.

But the focus of this $1.3 billion stadium is on the new horizons and new goals — the 49ers have made it clear that this stadium is not a nostalgia tour.

It’s a new thing. And they want to win new Super Bowls.

“Very excited about the new stadium,” Kaepernick said at the start of camp. “I think it’s an opportunity for us to start our own legacy. There was a lot of tradition, a great legacy at Candlestick, and this is an opportunity for us to really make this our home and start something new.”

For Staley & Co., that means keeping the past laurels up on the pedestal, but also leaving them behind while the new 49ers try to add more trophies. In their own way.

“They’ve created a lot of great memories for this era and this franchise,” Staley said. “We see those trophies in our locker room all the time.

“But like I said, we take a ton of pride for what we do, and we want to be known for our own era, our own identity, so that 20 years from now, they can say, ‘You need to look up Joe Staley and see what he did well.’ ” Then Staley laughed at the image he had just described — a team 20 years from now haunted by the achievements of Staley.

Maybe it was because he almost couldn’t believe he had said what he did, but also because he and his teammates would dearly love for it to come absolutely true.

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PAGE 21

The 49ers

Keys to the season

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

SPECIAL TEAMS

Five who must shine

Five who must shine

Two aces

Michael Crabtree, WR

Patrick Willis, LB

C.J. Spillman

Crabtree, above, is entering last year of rookie contract, coming off 2013 season delayed by Achilles rehab.

Already in his eighth season, this perennial Pro Bowler must compensate for NaVorro Bowman’s early absence.

One of the league’s premier gunners led the 49ers with 19 special teams tackles in 2013.

An eight-catch rookie season was too uneventful for a second-round pick.

The pressure will be on linebacker Patrick Willis.

Chris Culliver, CB He’s projected to have his first starting role after missing 2013 because of an ACL tear in training camp.

Colin Kaepernick, QB

Justin Smith, DT

More will be expected, especially from a pass-accuracy perspective, in his second full season as the starter.

He won’t say if his 14th season will be his finale, but a surgically repaired shoulder could help him finish strong.

Stevie Johnson, WR

Antoine Bethea, S

The presumptive No. 3 receiver needs to revert to his 1,000-yard form.

Donte Whitner’s replacement needs to exercise his veteran leadership for an overhauled secondary.

Mike Iupati, G

Aldon Smith, OLB

Entering last year of rookie contract, and coming off soso season that ended with fractured leg.

A tumultuous offseason and potential suspension will cast spotlight on him and his $9.75 million option in 2015.

PAGE 22 ||| NFL KICKOFF ||| BAY AREA NEWS GROUP

Bubba Ventrone Recovered a muffed punt last season in New Orleans.

GETTY IMAGES (2)

Vance McDonald, TE

The 49ers

OFFENSE

MILESTONES WITHIN REACH

The setup

10,000

Run-oriented attack typically enlists two wide receivers and two tight ends, or one tight end and a fullback. More three-receiver sets are expected for Colin Kaepernick, whose running ability gets unleashed in the playoffs.

Frank Gore is 33 yards shy of becoming the 29th member of the 10,000yard rushing club.

DEFENSE

635

The setup

Rushing yards Colin Kaepernick needs to become 20th on the 49ers’ all-time rushing list, passing Jeff Garcia.

Known for their linebackerdominant, 3-4 scheme. They go to four-man pass rush, often in nickel package. Cornerbacks stay on respective sides and don’t shadow specific wideouts.

BIG GAMES

8½

Sept. 14, vs. Chicago The home opener of Levi’s Stadium on Sunday Night Football. Enough said.

Oct. 5, vs. Kansas City Alex Smith returns to the Bay Area leading a very good Chiefs team.

THEARON W. HENDERSON/GETTY IMAGES

Oct. 19, at Denver The past two Super Bowl runnersup square off with much to prove.

Nov. 27, vs. Seattle Thanksgiving dinner with their hated rivals at Levi’s? Big, big, big.

Dec. 14, at Seattle Back to CenturyLink Field, where it all came to a crashing halt for the 49ers last season.

POTENTIAL SECRET WEAPON

HIGH HOPES

Bruce Ellington, above

If they overachieve …

The rookie wideout could be summoned for his downfield threat as the fourth active receiver on game days and could also factor into the return game.

The 49ers will celebrate their first Super Bowl championship in 20 years, which isn’t so much of an overachievement but a realistic expectation.

IN THE HOT SEAT

WHAT THE NATION IS SAYING

Greg Roman

USA Today

The offensive coordinator could parlay an increased output into a long-awaited head coaching job. Or that could backfire since more is expected from an offensive perspective than in any of his past three seasons.

“Kaepernick is still ascending. The receiving corps is improved. The offensive and defensive fronts remain among the NFL’s best. If Willis’ intuition is right ... they haven’t run out of chances to achieve the ultimate goal.”

Sacks needed

by Justin Smith to pass Dana Stubblefield for most by a 49ers defensive tackle.

Smith has 38 ½ sacks; Stubblefield has 46 ½.

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PAGE 23

The 49ers

Projected roster Pos. Height Weight

Exp.

College

2

Blaine Gabbert

QB

6-4

235

4

Missouri

3

Bruce Ellington

WR

5-9

197

R

South Carolina

6

Andy Lee

P

6-2

180

11

Pittsburgh

7

Colin Kaepernick

QB

6-4

230

4

Nevada

9

Phil Dawson

K

5-11

200

16

Texas

Because this edition went to press before the Aug. 31 deadline for final cuts, this is our projected 53man roster.

(Linebacker NaVorro Bowman is on the physically unable to perform list and is not expected to return until midseason or later.)

No. Player

Pos. Height Weight

52

LB

6-1

240

8

Mississippi

54 Nick Moody

LB

6-1

236

2

Florida State

55

Ahmad Brooks

LB

6-3

259

9

Virginia

57

Michael Wilhoite

LB

6-0

240

3

Washburn

59 Aaron Lynch

LB

6-6

249

R

South Florida

63 Tony Jerod-Eddie

DT

6-5

301

3

Texas A&M

66 Marcus Martin

C

6-3

320

R

USC

67

G/C

6-3

308

4

Appalachian State

68 Adam Snyder

G

6-6

325

10

Oregon

71

Jonathan Martin

T

6-5

312

3

Stanford

Patrick Willis

Exp.

College

11

Quinton Patton

WR

6-0

204

2

Louisiana Tech

13

Stevie Johnson

WR

6-2

207

7

Kentucky

15

Michael Crabtree

WR

6-1

214

6

Texas Tech

20 Perrish Cox

CB

6-0

190

4

Oklahoma State

21

Frank Gore

RB

5-9

217

10

Miami

22 Chris Cook

CB

6-2

212

5

Virginia

74

Joe Staley

T

6-5

315

8

Central Michigan

23 LaMichael James

RB

5-9

195

3

Oregon

75

Alex Boone

G

6-8

300

5

Ohio State

24 Antoine Bethea

S

5-11

206

9

Howard

77

Mike Iupati

G

6-5

331

5

Idaho

25

DB

5-10

193

R

Northern Illinois

78

Joe Looney

G

6-3

315

3

Wake Forest

26 Tramaine Brock

CB

5-10

197

5

Belhaven

81

Anquan Boldin

WR

6-1

220

12

Florida State

27

S

6-0

199

6

Marshall

83 Demarcus Dobbs

TE/DT 6-2

275

4

Georgia

28 Carlos Hyde

RB

6-0

230

R

Ohio State

84 Brandon Lloyd

WR

6-0

200

11

Illinois

29 Chris Culliver

CB

6-0

199

4

South Carolina

85 Vernon Davis

TE

6-3

250

9

Maryland

35 Eric Reid

S

6-1

213

2

Louisiana State

89 Vance McDonald

TE

6-4

267

2

Rice

36 Dontae Johnson

CB

6-2

200

R North Carolina State

91

DT

6-3

290

8

Florida

43 Craig Dahl

S

6-1

212

7

North Dakota St.

92 Quinton Dial

DT

6-5

318

2

Alabama

46 Derek Carrier

TE

6-4

241

2

Beloit

93 Ian Williams

NT

6-1

305

4

Notre Dame

47

LS

6-4

234

2

UCLA

94 Justin Smith

DT

6-4

285

14

Missouri

48 Will Tukuafu

FB

6-4

293

4

Oregon

95 Tank Carradine

DT

6-4

273

2

Florida State

49 Bruce Miller

FB

6-2

248

4

Central Florida

96 Corey Lemonier

LB

6-3

255

2

Auburn

50 Chris Borland

LB

5-11

248

R

Wisconsin

99 Aldon Smith

LB

6-4

265

4

Missouri

51

LB

6-2

250

6

Grand Valley St.

Jimmie Ward

C.J. Spillman

Kevin McDermott

Dan Skuta

PAGE 24 ||| NFL KICKOFF ||| BAY AREA NEWS GROUP

Daniel Kilgore

Ray McDonald

JOSE CARLOS FAJARDO/STAFF

No. Player

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PAGE 25

PAGE 26 ||| NFL KICKOFF ||| BAY AREA NEWS GROUP

The Raiders

Searching for a way to reboot Matt Schaub has overcome his share of setbacks. His debut with the Raiders is one more fresh start.

A

s the boos cascaded into the parents section of Scott Stadium in Charlottesville, Va., the parents of Virginia junior quarterback Matt Schaub winced.

The Cavaliers were en route to a season-opening loss to Colorado State when Marques Hagans, a 5-foot-8 runner/passer and home state product from Alexandria, replaced Schaub to provide a spark in a 35-29 defeat.

The reaction stung Dale Schaub, perhaps even more than it hurt his son, who had gone into the 2002 season as the presumptive starter.

“For a moment there I thought, ‘Oh, boy, this is never going to get off the ground,’ ” the dad said.

Virginia coach Al Groh picked Hagans to start the second game against Florida State, but he checked in on Schaub during the week of practice. Schaub

BY JERRY MCDONALD ILLUSTRATION

BY LUKE WILSON

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PAGE 27

Matt Schaubtakes the field in a preseason game against the Lions.

PAGE 28 ||| NFL KICKOFF ||| BAY AREA NEWS GROUP

three touchdown passes in the third quarter. Virginia lost 40-19, but Schaub made good on his promise.

By season’s end, Schaub was the Atlantic Coast Conference player of the year and Virginia finished 9-5 with a 48-22 victory over West Virginia in the Continental Tire Bowl.

As he reboots his career with the Raiders after a precipitous fall with the Houston Texans, Schaub guarantees maximum effort and meticulous preparation.

He will need both as he becomes the 18th starting quarterback since the Raiders last had a winning season in 2002.

The Virginia experience, Schaub believes, was crucial in

his development and serves as evidence that he can put one bad season in Houston behind him.

“It was a lot of adversity for a 20-year-old kid,” said Schaub, now 33. “As I went through my career, through my time in the NFL, I draw back on that time a lot. A lot of players don’t bounce back from something like that.”

O

ne of the NFL’s most efficient passers from 2007 through 2012, Schaub was culprit and scapegoat as a Houston team with Super Bowl dreams crashed to a 2-14 record.

In Week 1, Schaub brought the Texans back from a 28-7 thirdquarter deficit for a 31-28 victory over the San Diego Chargers

— the biggest comeback in franchise history. He then threw the winning touchdown pass in a Week 2 overtime victory over the Tennessee Titans.

Six weeks later, his name had become synonymous with the term “pick six.” Schaub threw interceptions that were returned for touchdowns in four consecutive games — an NFL first.

Although the team was crumbling around him, Schaub became the social media lightning rod for an angry fan base as the Texans disintegrated with 14 consecutive defeats. He lost his job to Case Keenum, but was back on the field for the bitter end after Keenum was sidelined by a thumb injury.

ANDA CHU/STAFF

calmly recounted the conversation in a recent interview while sitting on a bench after a Raiders training camp practice.

“We were going up the steps to practice and he asked me, ‘How are you doing?’ ” Schaub said. “I said, ‘Good, Coach. The next time you give me a chance, you’re not going to take me out ever again.’ ” It was a rare moment of bravado from someone whose nature was to be mature, methodical and deliberate, organized to the point of being obsessive. It also was prescient.

When the Cavaliers fell behind in Tallahassee, Groh turned to Schaub, who completed 19 of 25 passes for 247 yards and threw

The Raiders

“Man, I can’t even explain what that whole team was going through,” said Raiders defensive tackle Antonio Smith, Schaub’s teammate for five seasons in Houston. “Everything changed.

Everybody’s demeanor was off. It was bad times.”

If the bad times have left an indelible scar on Schaub, it isn’t perceptible to the naked eye. He has thrown himself into learning a new offense, bonding with his new teammates, and winning them over with his work ethic and mental acuity.

Given more control in terms of changing plays at the line of scrimmage than he had in Houston, Schaub has quickly mastered a new system.

“He knows the protections and the coverages. He knows what the problems are and how to get us out of a bad play,” center Stefen Wisniewski said. “He looks really good passing the ball and he’s accurate, but his brain is probably his best asset, in my opinion.”

Laurie Schaub, Matt’s wife of six years, said her husband is embracing his fresh start since he was traded to the Raiders on March 21.

“He’s just had this joy about him, and I think it’s a new beginning,” Laurie Schaub said. “He has more responsibility, which he’s excited about. He’s got new teammates that seem so eager and ready to win. He’s ready to prove himself and stand behind this team and make things happen.”

DOUG DURAN/STAFF

S

chaub’s discipline when it comes to study and preparation were evident even in high school.

A rail-thin sophomore at 6-foot-3, 165 pounds, Schaub starred in football, basketball and baseball at East High School in West Chester, Pa. Loading up on strombolis and hoagies and hitting the weights, Schaub got up to 180 pounds and blossomed

90-PLUS STREAKS NFL quarterbacks who have a passer rating of 90.0 or above for three consecutive seasons: Player Team Seasons Years Peyton Manning Colts, Broncos 10 2004-Present Steve Young 49ers 8 1989-1998 Tony Romo Cowboys 8 2006-Present Drew Brees Saints 6 2008-Present Ben Roethlisberger Steelers 5 2009-Present Matt Schaub Texans 5 2008-2012 Tom Brady Patriots 4 2009-2012 Brett Favre Packers 4 1994-1997 Joe Montana 49ers 3 1983-1985 Rich Gannon Raiders 3 2000-2002 Philip Rivers Chargers 3 2008-2010 Kurt Warner Rams 3 1999-2001

Darren McFadden takes a handoff from Schaub, who has quickly mastered a new system in Oakland.

heading into his junior year.

“He was always the first one in the weight room, sometimes opening the building,” said Joe Carroll, his football coach at East.

“He was a very good student, and that carried over into the film room.”

Rather than spend his lunch period being the big man on campus, Schaub often watched film with Carroll while eating strombolis prepared by his mother, Debbie.

Recruited to Virginia by George Welsh, Schaub was a redshirt his first season and played sparingly as a freshman. By his sophomore year, Schaub was splitting time with Bryson Spinner, who eventually transferred to Richmond.

Groh, who replaced Welsh, SEE SCHAUB ON PAGE 67

BAY AREA NEWS GROUP ||| NFL KICKOFF |||

PAGE 29

The Raiders

WEEK 1

WEEK 7

WEEK 13

Sept. 7 at New York Jets

Oct. 19 vs. Arizona Cardinals

Nov. 30 at St. Louis Rams

MetLife Stadium is the Raiders’ home away from home.

It’s their third game there since last Nov. 10. Lost to Giants and Jets last year. (10 a.m., CBS)

It will be up to Jared Veldheer to prevent rookie outside pass rusher Khalil Mack from getting to quarterback Carson Palmer. (1:25 p.m., FOX)

When the Rams visited Oakland in 2010, Darren McFadden carried 30 times for 145 yards in a 16-14 win for the Raiders. (10 a.m., CBS)

WEEK 2

WEEK 8

WEEK 14

Sept. 14 vs. Houston Texans

Oct. 26 at Cleveland Browns

Dec. 7 vs. San Francisco 49ers

Quarterback Matt Schaub had six good years for Houston and one bad one. He won’t say it, but he wants this one bad. (1:25 p.m., CBS)

There appears to be a good chance the starting QB at this point in the season will be Johnny Manziel, making it infinitely more interesting. (1:25 p.m., CBS)

The 49ers beat the Raiders in Oakland 23-20 in 2002 to even the Raiders’ record at 4-4. They won seven of the next eight; eventually the AFC title. (1:25 p.m., FOX)

WEEK 3

WEEK 9

WEEK 15

Sept. 21 at New England Patriots

Nov. 2 at Seattle Seahawks

Dec. 14 at Kansas City Chiefs

Since the last Raiders victory in 2002, Tom Brady has led the Patriots to an average of 37 points per game in three wins. (10 a.m., CBS)

If the Raiders are at or near .500, facing the defending Super Bowl champions on the road will be their validation game. (1:25 p.m., CBS)

The Chiefs snapped a five-game win streak for the Raiders at Arrowhead last season, stealing three Terrelle Pryor passes and prevailing 24-7. (10 a.m., CBS)

WEEK 4

WEEK 10

WEEK 16

Sept. 28 vs. Miami Dolphins

Nov. 9 vs. Denver Broncos

Dec. 21 vs. Buffalo Bills

One of the most brutal road stretches in NFL history comes to a close with a jolly ol’“home” game at Wembley Stadium in London. (10 a.m., CBS)

Fish in a barrel? Peyton Manning has completed 81.3 percent of his passes for 1,288 yards, 11 TDs and one interception as a Bronco vs. the Raiders. (1:05 p.m., CBS)

Assuming both teams are continuing playoff droughts, the big topic will be the possibility of the Raiders playing their last game in Oakland. (1:25 p.m., CBS)

WEEK 5

WEEK 11

WEEK 17

(Bye week)

Nov. 16 at San Diego Chargers

Dec. 28 at Denver Broncos

The only defensive player on the roster who has won a game in San Diego as a Raider is strong safety Tyvon Branch in 2010. (1:05 p.m., CBS)

By this time, the fate of Dennis Allen and Reggie McKenzie should be clear. If double-digit losses, it could be a new regime for a new city in 2015. (1:25 p.m., CBS)

WEEK 6

WEEK 12

Oct. 12 vs. San Diego Chargers

Nov. 20 vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Chargers QB Philip Rivers is 12-4 lifetime against the Raiders and has completed better than 70 percent of his passes in four of the last six meetings. (1:05 p.m., CBS)

The last time Jamaal Charles was in Oakland, he caught eight passes for 195 yards and four TDs and rushed for a fifth TD. (5:25 p.m., NFL Network)

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The Raiders

Raiders have some pieces, but need a foundation

JANE TYSKA/STAFF

E

ven if the Raiders hold their own against a brutal schedule, that is just the initial hurdle. Even if all the veterans they have collected pan out, they are only a bridge.

The Raiders still have plenty of work to do before harboring championship-contending hopes.

The biggest task remaining is identifying — and going out and getting — the players who will push the team to the next level.

Who is going to be the face of the franchise when they move into a new stadium — wherever that is? Who will make up the core group of players that will make the Raiders a factor for a good five-year stretch?

The Raiders have some pieces that will fit nicely down the line.

Fullback Marcel Reece and center Stefen Wisniewski come to mind. They are going to need more foundational pieces, some game changers who can compete with the elite of the NFL. Rookie Khalil Mack is one.

“He’s a freak … he’s going to be hell,” defensive tackle Pat Sims said on the team’s website.

That is what made the 2014 draft such a success for general manager Reggie McKenzie. The Raiders had to get a core piece, and Mack, who many thought had top-pick talent, fell into their laps.

But that lets you know where the Raiders stand from a future perspective. If you had to pick one guy to carry the torch mov-

MARCUS THOMPSON II

The Raiders have a lot of hopes resting on the shoulders of Khalil Mack (52) — more, perhaps, than should be heaped upon a rookie. ing forward, it is a guy who has yet to play a snap.

Presuming he pans out, who will join him among the core that makes the playoffs a normality and not a fantasy? That is what the Raiders have to figure out.

And that is what should really make the difference in whether this regime stands.

Derek Carr could be the quarterback of the future. However, that won’t be determined for some time, if things go according to plan. The Raiders want the rookie second-round pick to watch and learn first while Matt Schaub steadies the ship.

A few other rookies dripping with talent will get a chance.

Guard Gabe Jackson, defensive tackle Justin Ellis, cornerback T.J. Carrie and safety Jonathan Dowling could end up being special, but that is hardly bankable.

Will Andre Holmes be a star receiver? Is there any hope that D.J. Hayden stays on the field long enough to become a mainstay in the secondary? Who will be the dominant pass rusher required these days?

What is the ceiling for linebacker Sio Moore, tight end Mychal Rivera and running back Latavius Murray — second-year

players with intriguing talent?

The question marks are seemingly endless. The answers need to come quickly.

The Raiders need some marquee players to emerge from their young crop. Depending on who those are, they will have to get some difference-makers — in future drafts and on the freeagent market.

October will mark the threeyear anniversary of Al Davis’ death. The new era of Raiders football is still in need of a foundation. And it’s still uncertain if McKenzie and coach Dennis Allen are apt to build it.

The rebuilding process has gone well to this point. The likes of Schaub, Justin Tuck and Donald Penn should help raise the consistency of production. The Raiders should come out of this season with a raised bar, and six to eight wins to show for it.

Ideally, this crew of OGs can get the Raiders into the playoffs in 2015, ending a postseason drought and setting the stage for the next level.

When that time comes, the Raiders need some players to hand it off to. As much as it is about respectability, this season is about finding the gems to build on.

Read Marcus Thompson II’s blog at blogs.mercurynews. com/thompson. Contact him at mthomps2@bayareanewsgroup. com. Follow him at Twitter.com/ ThompsonScribe.

BAY AREA NEWS GROUP ||| NFL KICKOFF |||

PAGE 31

The Raiders

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

SPECIAL TEAMS

Five who must shine

Five who must shine

Two aces

Rod Streater, WR

Khalil Mack, LB

Taiwan Jones

Streater, above, made big strides in one year. Next stop?

The first Raiders 1,000-yard receiver since Randy Moss.

Drafted at No. 5 for a reason; Dennis Allen hasn’t been shy about comparing him to Von Miller as a pass rusher.

Earned a contract extension for his ability as a gunner on special teams.

The Raiders consider him one of the best kick coverage players in the NFL.

Matt Schaub, QB Needs to seize control, keep the chains moving and produce touchdowns for the Raiders to have any shot.

Maurice Jones-Drew, RB Rededicated himself in the offseason. Given Darren McFadden’s injury issues, he could carry a big load.

Coach Dennis Allen, above, expects big things from Khalil Mack.

Tyvon Branch, SS His presence will upgrade the position and should make Charles Woodson’s life easier.

Jon Condo Tarell Brown, CB Arrived with a one-year deal and is the Raiders’ top cover corner. Will face some of the NFL’s top passing games.

Donald Penn, LT

Justin Tuck, DE

Can help Raiders fans forget the loss of Jared Veldheer in free agency by giving Schaub time to pass.

Is out to prove he’s as good as ever and he’ll be on fulltime duty at end, but moving inside in nickel situations.

Mychal Rivera, TE

Pat Sims, DT

Is adept at getting open, and Schaub excels at finding tight ends to keep offensive drives alive.

Is the Raiders’ top interior run-stopper and will be counted on to tie up blockers.

PAGE 32 ||| NFL KICKOFF ||| BAY AREA NEWS GROUP

A two-time Pro Bowl player whose value was never more apparent than the 2012 regular season opener when he went out with a concussion.

STREATER: NHAT V. MEYER/STAFF. ALLEN: GETTY IMAGES

Keys to the season

The Raiders

MILESTONES WITHIN REACH

OFFENSE

The setup

14

Coordinator Greg Olson returns to a power blocking scheme and a hybrid passing attack tailored to the strengths of Matt Schaub, such as more rollouts and bootlegs like those he ran successfully in Houston.

With one defensive touchdown, Charles Woodson moves past Rod Woodson and Darren Sharper for the most defensive scores of alltime. They are tied at 13.

DEFENSE

The setup Allen and coordinator Jason Tarver use a 4-3 base defense, but are multiple in terms of looks, playing both man and zone defenses and not always employing a four-man line. Pass rushers will come from everywhere.

4,793: Running back Darren McFadden has 3,713 yards rushing, seventh in franchise history. With 1,080 yards, he could move all the way up to fourth past Napoleon Kaufman (4,792).

BIG GAMES

Sept. 7 vs. N.Y. Jets Regular season opener. How fast can they put the new team together?

Nov. 2 at Seattle A chance to measure themselves against the current standard, visiting the Super Bowl champs on the road.

NHAT V. MEYER/STAFF

Nov. 9 vs. Denver Hopelessly shredded by Peyton Manning the last two seasons, a rebuilt defense gets a chance to show it can compete with the NFL’s all-time best regular season passer.

Dec. 7 vs. 49ers The biggest home game of the year against the crossbay rival 49ers.

POTENTIAL SECRET WEAPON

HIGH HOPES

Darren McFadden, above

If they overachieve ...

The running back has been so ineffective for the past two seasons that almost no one expects anything from him. The addition of Maurice Jones-Drew to keep him fresh and in good health could make for a comeback story.

A 9-7 record that would put them on the fringe of the playoff race, with a possibility at a wild card, would be dramatic progress. Even 8-8 would be solid growth.

WHAT THE NATION IS SAYING

ON THE HOT SEAT

Dennis Allen Head coach has the lowest winning percentage in franchise history for those who made it to 32 games. Owner Mark Davis wants progress. Allen needs seven wins.

USA Today 3-13. Best thing the influx of over-the-hill vets can do is change culture. Carr, Mack promise brighter days ahead.

BAY AREA NEWS GROUP ||| NFL KICKOFF |||

PAGE 33

The Raiders

Projected roster Pos. Height Weight

4

Derek Carr

QB

6-3

214

R

Fresno State

7

Marquette King

P

6-0

192

3

Fort Valley State

8

Matt Schaub

QB

6-5

235

11

Virginia

10

Greg Jenkins

WR

6-1

208

2

Alabama State

11

Sebastian Janikowski PK

6-1

258

15

Florida State

14

Matt McGloin

QB

6-1

210

2

Penn State

15

Greg Little

WR

6-2

220

4

North Carolina

17

Denarius Moore

WR

6-0

190

4

Tennessee

18

Andre Holmes

WR

6-4

210

3

Hillsdale

20 Darren McFadden RB

6-1

218

7

Arkansas

21

5-7

210

9

Maurice Jones-DrewRB

Exp.

College

Because this edition went to press before the Aug. 31 deadline for final cuts, this is our projected 53man roster.

No. Player

Pos. Height Weight

53 Nick Roach

MLB

6-1

234

8

Northwestern

55

OLB

6-1

240

2

Connecticut

56 Miles Burris

OLB

6-2

240

2

San Diego State

57

DE

6-2

265

8

Michigan

LS

6-3

245

8

Maryland

6-3

307

4

Penn State

Sio Moore

LaMarr Woodley

59 Jon Condo 61

Stefen Wisniewski C

Exp.

College

66 Gabe Jackson

G

6-3

336

R

Mississippi State

67

Kevin Boothe

C-G

6-5

325

9

Cornell

69 Khalif Barnes

G-T

6-6

321

10

Washington

70 Tony Bergstrom

G-C

6-5

310

3

Utah

UCLA

71

Menelik Watson

T

6-5

315

2

Florida State Utah State

22 Taiwan Jones

CB

6-0

197

4

Eastern Washington

72

Donald Penn

T

6-4

340

9

23 Tarell Brown

CB

5-11

190

8

Texas

73

Matt McCants

T

6-5

309

2 Alabama-Birmingham

24 Charles Woodson

FS

6-1

210

17

Michigan

75

Shelby Harris

DE

6-2

288

R

Illinois State

27

CB

6-0

195

10

Auburn

77

Austin Howard

G

6-7

330

5

Northern Iowa

28 Latavius Murray

RB

6-3

225

2

Central Florida

78

Justin Ellis

DT

6-2

334

R

Louisiana Tech

32 Jeremy Stewart

RB

5-11

215

3

Stanford

80 Rod Streater

WR

6-3

200

3

Temple

29 Brandian Ross

SS

6-1

191

3

Youngstown State

81

TE

6-3

245

2

Tennessee

33 Tyvon Branch

SS

6-0

210

7

Connecticut

86 David Ausberry

TE

6-4

258

4

USC

35 Chimdi Chekwa

CB

6-0

194

3

Ohio State

89 James Jones

WR

6-1

200

8

San Jose State

38 TJ Carrie

CB

6-0

204

R

Ohio

90 Pat Sims

DT

6-2

310

6

Auburn

39 Keith McGill

CB

6-3

211

R

Utah

91

DE

6-5

265

10

Notre Dame

6-3

190

R

Western Kentucky

92 Stacy McGee

DT

6-3

310

2

Oklahoma

41

Carlos Rogers

Jonathan Dowling S

Mychal Rivera

Justin Tuck

45 Marcel Reece

FB

6-1

255

5

Washington

94 Antonio Smith

DT

6-3

290

10

Oklahoma State

49 Jamize Olawale

FB

6-1

240

2

North Texas

95 Kaelin Burnett

LB

6-4

240

3

Nevada

50 Kaluka Maiava

LB

6-0

230

5

USC

98 C.J. Wilson

DE

6-3

300

5

East Carolina

52

OLB

6-3

252

R

Buffalo

Khalil Mack

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MYCHAL RIVERA TOUCHDOWN (OPPOSITE): JOSIE LEPE/STAFF

No. Player

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PAGE 35

PAGE 36 ||| NFL KICKOFF ||| BAY AREA NEWS GROUP

The NFL

They walked the talk But can the Seahawks repeat as champs? They have all the right pieces in place, but history is not on their side.

E

ven their Super Bowl ring asks the big question. It’s right there on the band, engraved in white gold under the score of last year’s triumph, “Sea 43-Den 8.”

That’s where it says, “What’s Next?”

The answer could be a profound one for a team as young, brash and talented as the Seattle Seahawks.

They have a long way to go to establish a dynasty, but they have a start — they have the “D.” Seattle allowed the fewest points in the NFL (231) and also led the league in total defense (273.6 yards per game), passing defense (172 yards per game), takeaways (39), interceptions (28) and turnover differential (+20 turnover).

It sounds funny asking Richard Sherman if he can repeat himself. The All-Pro cornerback talks more than a county fair auctioneer. But he backed it up

BY DANIEL BROWN ILLUSTRATION

BY LUKE WILSON

BAY AREA NEWS GROUP ||| NFL KICKOFF |||

PAGE 37

a year ago, including with his memorable end zone coverage of the 49ers’ Michael Crabtree to end the NFC championship game.

It should be no surprise then that Sherman embraces the idea of some back-to-back yakety-yak.

He recently told the NFL Network that Seattle’s 2014 season could be even better than 2013’s.

“We’re a lot more experienced. There are a bunch of young guys,” he said. “Last year,

Richard Sherman knocks down a pass intended for Michael Crabtree in the end zone in the NFC title game.

PAGE 38 ||| NFL KICKOFF ||| BAY AREA NEWS GROUP

you forget, Russell (Wilson) was a second-year quarterback — going into his third year, there’s going to be a lot of growth for him.

“I’m going into my fourth, Earl (Thomas) and Kam (Chancellor) are going into their fifth, Bobby Wagner going into his third, we’ve got some young guys coming up on the D-line that are going to do some things, Mike Bennett and Cliff Avril, another year of experience. Jermaine Kearse, I think, is going to have a

big year. Guys are elevating their game to another level.”

W

hat’s next?

It’s an enticing question for a team that, by one measure, rode the youngest roster ever to win a Super Bowl.

Seattle had an adjusted-value weighted age of 26.4 years per player, according to Football Outsiders.

Using that formula, the next youngest teams to reach or win

the big game — the 1971 Miami Dolphins (26.4 years), the 1981 49ers (26.5 years) and the 1974 Pittsburgh Steelers (26.6 years) — all went on to establish longterm dominance.

That’s what the Seahawks are hoping for, having assembled the nucleus of a team that could stick around for awhile.

“One of the things that happens every so often is teams have a big fallout after they win the Super Bowl,” coach Pete Carroll

SHERMAN: JOSE CARLOS FAJARDO/STAFF. OPPOSITE PAGE: JAMIE SQUIRE/GETTY IMAGES

The NFL

Quarterback Russell Wilson is at the center of the fray following the Seahawks’ 43-8 dismantling of the Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII. BAY AREA NEWS GROUP ||| NFL KICKOFF |||

PAGE 39

said, exactly one day after wining the Super Bowl. “We’re not in that situation.”

For recent Super Bowl winners, the answer to “what’s next?” has been “a big letdown.”

The last back-to-back champions were the New England Patriots in 2003 and ’04.

Since then, no Super Bowl champ has won so much as a single playoff game the following year. In fact, three of the past five Super Bowl winners — Bal-

Cam Chancellor (with ball) celebrates his fourthquarter interception in the NFC title game.

PAGE 40 ||| NFL KICKOFF ||| BAY AREA NEWS GROUP

timore (2012), the New York Giants (2011) and Pittsburgh (2008) — missed the playoffs completely.

“Maybe because they get pressured by all the questions about it?” safety Earl Thomas grumbled when a reporter asked him about Super Bowl hangovers after a recent preseason game.

The Seahawks have a chance to break the skid, in part because their cornerstone players are so young. Quarterback Russell Wil-

son, now 25, became the fourth quarterback to win a Super Bowl in his first or second season in the league, joining Kurt Warner, Tom Brady and Ben Roethlisberger.

He is 24-8 as a regular-season starter for a .750 winning percentage, and that trails only Tom Brady (.775) among active quarterbacks with 10 or more starts. (Colin Kaepernick ranks third, 17-6, .739).

“He’s so special,” Carroll said

of Wilson. “He’s just a tremendous competitor. And he’s going to keep going. There are records this guy is going to continue to knock off.”

W

ilson owes much of his winning percentage to a historically potent supporting cast. With the Seahawks’ smothering defense and a Marshawn Lynch-led running game,

SEE SEAHAWKS ON PAGE 64

THIS PAGE: NHAT V. MEYER/STAFF. OPPOSITE PAGE: ROBB CARR/GETTY IMAGES

The NFL

Marshawn Lynch celebrates his Super Bowl XLVIII victory with his mom, Delisa. Lynch, a former star at Cal, scored a touchdown in Seattle’s win.

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PAGE 41

The NFL

T

he early part of the preseason included a surge of illegal contact penalties, and Raiders cornerback Carlos Rogers thinks it all goes back to last Feb. 3, 2014: Seattle 43, Denver 8.

“I think it all stems from Peyton (Manning) in the Super Bowl,” Rogers said. “The Seahawks were getting real physical and Denver didn’t score enough points. The league doesn’t like that. So that was an emphasis this year.”

According to ESPN, there were 27 illegal contact penalties in the NFL’s first 17 preseason games, remarkable in that the foul was called only 37 times throughout the entire 2013 regular season.

Illegal contact and defensive holding have always been in the books, but officials warned players during their training camp tour that the rules would be more strictly enforced.

In previous years, grabbing the jersey of an offensive player wasn’t a foul unless it was ruled to have impeded the offensive player.

This season, any jersey grab will result in an automatic flag.

Vic Fangio, the 49ers’ defensive coordinator, hopes officials aren’t going overboard with the points of emphasis.

“You hate to think that these guys have it so drilled into their head that they’re seeing ghosts out there now, too,” Fangio said.

BY JERRY MCDONALD AND CAM INMAN

PAGE 42 ||| NFL KICKOFF ||| BAY AREA NEWS GROUP

You can still bring a man down by his jersey, as Denver’s Al Louis-Jean did here to the 49ers’ Devon Wylie in a preseason game, but you better keep your hands to yourself before he has the ball.

The NFL is now placing a new emphasis on defensive holding and illegal contact penalties.

“We were called for a penalty where a guy did noting wrong, nothing from a technical standpoint or a rules standpoint, but he was called for a penalty. We hope that stuff gets cleaned up by the time the regular season comes.”

Raiders coach Dennis Allen said there will be a period of adjustment while players learn how games will be called — both over the entire season and within the game itself.

“It’s like a pitcher in baseball or a batter having to adjust to an umpire’s strike zone,” Allen said.

“They’re not all exactly the same.

They don’t call it exactly the same way.”

Raiders cornerback Chimdi Chekwa, who got an illegal contact penalty in the preseason opener against Minnesota, said, “I’m very curious to see how they call it when the regular season starts.”

While another point of emphasis will be flagging receivers for pushing off, Raiders cornerback Tarell Brown expects the defense to get most of the penalties.

“You’ve got to play the game and not be concerned about the flags,” Brown said. “It’s going to be the referee’s discretion as to whether you’re holding them or if they’re pushing off.

“But it’s an offensive league.

You get a dominant defense like Seattle was last year and how physical they were, they had to change the rules.”

WYLIE: CAL SPORT MEDIA VIA AP. REFEREES (2) GETTY IMAGES

The new order: Yank on a jersey?

This season, expect a flag.

The NFL

Other rule changes ■ Offensive players rolling up on the side of a defender’s legs to throw a cut block will now be called for clipping.

Previously, only the back of a defender’s legs were protected.

■ The game clock will no longer stop on a sack that is outside of two minutes in either half.

Points of emphasis ■ The replay review process will include consultation with senior league officials at NFL headquarters, who will be monitoring all games in real time.

■ The recovery of a loose ball in the field of play is now reviewable.

■ Dunking the ball over the goal post will now be an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

■ Hands to the face will not need to be prolonged or pinning the opponent’s head back in order to be a penalty.

Any forcible contact to an opponent’s face can be considered a penalty.

■ Any abrupt movements by offensive linemen are subject to a false-start call, such as a center looking between his legs before a shotgun snap and then jerking his head back into the upright position.

■ Contact with a receiver beyond the 5-yard bump zone with the QB in the pocket will be deemed illegal contact. Even the slightest restriction is likely to be called defensive holding.

■ On the offensive side, players blocking more than one yard downfield, such as on a screen pass or quick flip to the flat, before the pass is touched by a receiver will be called for offensive pass interference.

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PAGE 43

The NFL

1. Seattle LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 13-3

Coach Pete Carroll, general manager John Schneider, quarterback Russell Wilson and a stifling defense make the Seahawks as likely to repeat as Super Bowl champion as any team in recent memory. This team has no question marks entering the season and is blessed with perhaps the league’s best defense, a well-balanced offense, home-field advantage and unparalleled depth.

Sept. 4 Green Bay Sept. 14 at San Diego Sept. 21 Denver Sept. 28 Bye Oct. 6 at Washington Oct. 12 Dallas Oct. 19 at St. Louis Oct. 26 at Carolina Nov. 2 Oakland

Drew Brees must deal with two key losses to his Saints offense: Darren Sproles and Lance Moore.

Nov. 9 N.Y. Giants Nov. 16 at Kansas City Nov. 23 Arizona Nov. 27 at S.F. Dec. 7 at Philadelphia Dec. 14 S.F. Dec. 21 at Arizona Dec. 28 St. Louis

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2. 49ers

3. New Orleans

4. Philadelphia

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 12-4

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 11-5

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 10-6

The 49ers added WRs Stevie Johnson and Brandon Lloyd, CB Chris Cook and S Antoine Bethea in free agency and DB Jimmie Ward and C Marcus Martin in the draft after they jettisoned CBs Carlos Rogers and Tarell Brown, C Jonathan Goodwin and SS Donte Whitner. None of this matters unless they find a way to beat the Seahawks.

Quarterback Drew Brees wants to play until he’s 45. It might take Brees that long to get back to a Super Bowl if the Saints keep letting valued players such as RB Darren Sproles and WR Lance Moore get away. They did score direct hits by drafting speedy WR Brandin Cooks and signing veteran S Jairus Byrd.

Chip Kelly now knows that his highflying offense works in the NFL. The return of WR Jeremy Maclin from a knee injury and the addition of RB Darren Sproles should mask the loss of No. 1 WR DeSean Jackson.

Kelly next needs to find a way to get comparable results from his leaky defense before the Eagles take full flight.

Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 13 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2

at Dallas Chicago at Arizona Philadelphia Kansas City at St. Louis at Denver Bye St. Louis

Nov. 9 at New Orleans Nov. 16 at N.Y. Giants Nov. 23 Washington Nov. 27 Seattle Dec. 7 at Oakland Dec. 14 at Seattle Dec. 20 San Diego Dec. 28 Arizona

Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Oct. 30

at Atlanta at Cleveland Minnesota at Dallas Tampa Bay Bye at Detroit Green Bay at Carolina

Nov. 9 S.F. Nov. 16 Cincinnati Nov. 24 Baltimore Nov. 30 at Pittsburgh Dec. 7 Carolina Dec. 15 at Chicago Dec. 21 Atlanta Dec. 28 at Tampa Bay

Sept. 7 Jacksonville Sept. 15 at Indianapolis Sept. 21 Washington Sept. 28 at S.F. Oct. 5 St. Louis Oct. 12 N.Y. Giants Oct. 19 Bye Oct. 26 at Arizona Nov. 2 at Houston

Nov. 10 Carolina Nov. 16 at Green Bay Nov. 23 Tennessee Nov. 27 at Dallas Dec. 7 Seattle Dec. 14 Dallas Dec. 20 at Washington Dec. 28 at N.Y. Giants

STACY REVERE/GETTY IMAGES

NFC power rankings

The NFL

Julio Jones

Matt Forte

ATLANTA FALCONS

CHICAGO BEARS

5. Atlanta LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 4-12

GETTY IMAGES (3)

The Falcons get back WR Julio Jones from a season-ending foot injury and first-round draftee Jake Matthews to help revamp a shaky offensive line. However, there’s still the need to replace retired TE Tony Gonzalez, find an every-down running back and add some fire to a toothless defense.

Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 18 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2

New Orleans at Cincinnati Tampa Bay at Minnesota at N.Y. Giants Chicago at Baltimore Detroit Bye

Nov. 9 at Tampa Bay Nov. 16 at Carolina Nov. 23 Cleveland Nov. 30 Arizona Dec. 8 at Green Bay Dec. 14 Pittsburgh Dec. 21 at New Orleans Dec. 28 Carolina

Aaron Rodgers gains a target in Davante Adams, but Green Bay’s defense must step up for it to truly contend.

6. Green Bay

7. Carolina

8. Chicago

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 8-7-1

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 12-4

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 8-8

Rookie WR Davante Adams gives QB Aaron Rodgers another inviting option in the passing game, which he needs after losing WR James Jones and TE Jermichael Finley. In reality, the Packers are going only as far as their defense takes them.

Signing the likes of over-the-hill DE Julius Peppers isn’t enough.

It’s a stretch to envision rookie WR Kelvin Benjamin making Panthers fans forget about mainstay Steve Smith anytime soon. Yet, the Panthers need Benjamin and others to play at a high level from the outset if they are to build upon last season’s surprising run.

Coach Marc Trestman showed that the jump from the Canadian Football League to the NFL wasn’t too much for him last season. He is hoping that the arrival of veteran DEs Jared Allen, Lamarr Houston and Willie Young gives the Bears a defense that complements an explosive offense led by QB Jay Cutler, RB Matt Forte and WRs Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery.

Sept. 4 at Seattle Sept. 14 N.Y.Jets Sept. 21 at Detroit Sept. 28 at Chicago Oct. 2 Minnesota Oct. 12 at Miami Oct. 19 Carolina Oct. 26 at New Orleans Nov. 2 Bye

Nov. 9 Chicago Nov. 16 Philadelphia Nov. 23 at Minnesota Nov. 30 New England Dec. 8 Atlanta Dec. 14 at Buffalo Dec. 21 at Tampa Bay Dec. 28 Detroit

Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Oct. 30

at Tampa Bay Detroit Pittsburgh at Baltimore Chicago at Cincinnati at Green Bay Seattle New Orleans

Nov. 10 at Philadelphia Nov. 16 Atlanta Nov. 23 Bye Nov. 30 at Minnesota Dec. 7 at New Orleans Dec. 14 Tampa Bay Dec. 21 Cleveland Dec. 28 at Atlanta

Sept. 7 Buffalo Sept. 14 at S.F. Sept. 22 at N.Y.Jets Sept. 28 Green Bay Oct. 5 at Carolina Oct. 12 at Atlanta Oct. 19 Miami Oct. 26 at New England Nov. 2 Bye

Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 27 Dec. 4 Dec. 15 Dec. 21 Dec. 28

BAY AREA NEWS GROUP ||| NFL KICKOFF |||

at Green Bay Minnesota Tampa Bay at Detroit Dallas New Orleans Detroit at Minnesota

PAGE 45

The NFL

9. Detroit LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 7-9

Offensive-minded Jim Caldwell replaced Jim Schwartz as coach, WR Golden Tate was signed away from the Seahawks as a complement to all-world receiver Calvin Johnson and the Lions selected tight end Eric Ebron in the first round.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford has every reason to be giddy, but Lions fans still must be wondering how the Lions defense is going to stop teams from scoring.

Sept. 8 N.Y. Giants Sept. 14 at Carolina Sept. 21 Green Bay Sept. 28 at N.Y.Jets Oct. 5 Buffalo Oct. 12 at Minnesota Oct. 19 New Orleans Oct. 26 at Atlanta Nov. 2 Bye

Calvin Johnson returns for another season with Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford.

Nov. 9 Miami Nov. 16 at Arizona Nov. 23 at New England Nov. 27 Chicago Dec. 7 Tampa Bay Dec. 14 Minnesota Dec. 21 at Chicago Dec. 28 at Green Bay

PAGE 46 ||| NFL KICKOFF ||| BAY AREA NEWS GROUP

10. St. Louis

11. Arizona

12. Dallas

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 7-9

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 10-6

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 8-8

The Rams play in the league’s toughest division. Adding impact players such as OL Greg Robinson, DT Aaron Donald and RB Tre Mason gives them ample reason to think that they are getting closer to being on a par with the 49ers and Seahawks. Defensively, the Rams feature ends Chris Long and Robert Quinn, as talented as any end duo in the league. It’s time for QB Sam Bradford to prove his worth.

They were the lone team to beat the Seahawks in Seattle last season, proving they can beat the league’s best team even in adverse conditions. They also know this: Three of their six losses were by three points and they came within one win of making the playoffs. QB Carson Palmer and WR Larry Fitzgerald aren’t getting any younger. The window is closing.

Owner Jerry Jones admits that he came close to drafting QB Johnny Manziel in the first round of this year’s draft. Instead, he is all-in once again, not only with QB Tony Romo, but with coach Jason Garrett despite three straight 8-8 seasons.

This can’t end well, especially if Manziel flourishes in Cleveland.

Sept. 7 Minnesota Sept. 14 at Tampa Bay Sept. 21 Dallas Sept. 28 Bye Oct. 5 at Philadelphia Oct. 13 S.F. Oct. 19 Seattle Oct. 26 at Kansas City Nov. 2 at S.F.

Nov. 9 at Arizona Nov. 16 Denver Nov. 23 at San Diego Nov. 30 Oakland Dec. 7 at Washington Dec. 11 Arizona Dec. 21 N.Y. Giants Dec. 28 at Seattle

Sept. 8 San Diego Sept. 14 at N.Y. Giants Sept. 21 S.F. Sept. 28 Bye Oct. 5 at Denver Oct. 12 Washington Oct. 19 at Oakland Oct. 26 Philadelphia Nov. 2 at Dallas

Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30 Dec. 7 Dec. 11 Dec. 21 Dec. 28

St. Louis Detroit at Seattle at Atlanta Kansas City at St. Louis Seattle at S.F.

Sept. 7 S.F. Sept. 14 at Tennessee Sept. 21 at St. Louis Sept. 28 New Orleans Oct. 5 Houston Oct. 12 at Seattle Oct. 19 N.Y. Giants Oct. 27 Washington Nov. 2 Arizona

Nov. 9 at Jacksonville Nov. 16 Bye Nov. 23 at N.Y. Giants Nov. 27 Philadelphia Dec. 4 at Chicago Dec. 14 at Philadelphia Dec. 21 Indianapolis Dec. 28 at Washington

LEON HALIP/GETTY IMAGES

NFC power rankings

The NFL

Eli Manning

Doug Martin

NEW YORK GIANTS

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

13. Washington LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 3-13

GETTY IMAGES (3)

Robert Griffin III no longer wears a knee brace or worries about aggravating the injury that required surgery last offseason and limited his effectiveness last season. Having WR DeSean Jackson to throw to makes life even easier for Griffin.

That’s fine and dandy for first-year head coach Jay Gruden, but where is the help for a defense that allowed an average of 29.9 points per game last season?

Sept. 7 at Houston Sept. 14 Jacksonville Sept. 21 at Philadelphia Sept. 25 N.Y. Giants Oct. 6 Seattle Oct. 12 at Arizona Oct. 19 Tennessee Oct. 27 at Dallas Nov. 2 at Minnesota

Nov. 9 Bye Nov. 16 Tampa Bay Nov. 23 at S.F. Nov. 30 at Indianapolis Dec. 7 St. Louis Dec. 14 at N.Y. Giants Dec. 20 Philadelphia Dec. 28 Dallas

Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III will attempt to improve on his team’s dismal 3-13 record last season.

14. N.Y. Giants

15. Minnesota

16. Tampa Bay

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 7-9

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 5-10-1

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 4-12

Longtime coach Tom Coughlin endorsed an offensive scheme change in hopes of breathing life into aging quarterback Eli Manning, who struggled with his accuracy and had a league-high 27 passes intercepted last season. The change might do Manning some good, but the Giants’ issues are too wideranging to expect much from them this season.

First-year coach Mike Zimmer arrives with a defensive pedigree.

Good thing, too, since his Vikings surrendered a league-high 480 points last season. If that’s not enough, he also has to figure out whether Christian Ponder, Matt Cassel or rookie Teddy Bridgewater is the best option at QB. In other words, the most rushing yards is the only title Adrian Peterson has a chance of seeing this season.

Lovie Smith is back with the Buccaneers for a second go-round, only this time as the head coach. The cupboard isn’t bare, as the Buccaneers get back RB Doug Martin from injury, CB Alterraun Verner in free agency and WR Mike Evans and TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins through the draft. Hope is returning to Tampa, albeit slowly.

Sept. 8 at Detroit Sept. 14 Arizona Sept. 21 Houston Sept. 25 at Washington Oct. 5 Atlanta Oct. 12 at Philadelphia Oct. 19 at Dallas Oct. 26 Bye Nov. 3 Indianapolis

Nov. 9 at Seattle Nov. 16 S.F. Nov. 23 Dallas Nov. 30 at Jacksonville Dec. 7 at Tennessee Dec. 14 Washington Dec. 21 at St. Louis Dec. 28 Philadelphia

Sept. 7 at St. Louis Sept. 14 New England Sept. 21 at New Orleans Sept. 28 Atlanta Oct. 2 at Green Bay Oct. 12 Detroit Oct. 19 at Buffalo Oct. 26 at Tampa Bay Nov. 2 Washington

Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 21 Dec. 28

Bye at Chicago Green Bay Carolina N.Y.Jets at Detroit at Miami Chicago

Sept. 7 Carolina Sept. 14 St. Louis Sept. 18 at Atlanta Sept. 28 at Pittsburgh Oct. 5 at New Orleans Oct. 12 Baltimore Oct. 19 Bye Oct. 26 Minnesota Nov. 2 at Cleveland

Nov. 9 Atlanta Nov. 16 at Washington Nov. 23 at Chicago Nov. 30 Cincinnati Dec. 7 at Detroit Dec. 14 at Carolina Dec. 21 Green Bay Dec. 28 New Orleans

BAY AREA NEWS GROUP ||| NFL KICKOFF |||

PAGE 47

The NFL

1. Denver LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 13-3

The additions of CB Aqib Talib, LB DeMarcus Ware and S T.J. Ward more than offsets the loss of WR Eric Decker, CB Champ Bailey and RB Knowshon Moreno. More impressive, the Broncos got better all the way around, especially on defense, and get back from injury OT Ryan Clady and LB Von Miller.

Every team is chasing the Broncos until further notice.

Sept. 7 Indianapolis Sept. 14 Kansas City Sept. 21 at Seattle Sept. 28 Bye Oct. 5 Arizona Oct. 12 at N.Y.Jets Oct. 19 S.F. Oct. 23 San Diego Nov. 2 at New England

Everyone is chasing the Broncos at this point, including Tom Brady, above, and New England.

Nov. 9 at Oakland Nov. 16 at St. Louis Nov. 23 Miami Nov. 30 at Kansas City Dec. 7 Buffalo Dec. 14 at San Diego Dec. 22 at Cincinnati Dec. 28 Oakland

PAGE 48 ||| NFL KICKOFF ||| BAY AREA NEWS GROUP

2. New England

3. Kansas City

4. Indianapolis

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 12-4

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 11-5

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 11-5

Coach Bill Belichick bolstered an already loaded roster with CBs Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner, as well as WR Brandon LaFell, in an attempt to close the gap on the Broncos and the NFC’s top teams. Any team with Belichick as its coach and Tom Brady as its quarterback must be considered a serious Super Bowl contender.

The Chiefs lost starting offensive linemen Branden Albert and Jon Asamoah to free agency and weren’t quite as active in adding players as they were last year in coach Andy Reid’s first season.

That’s how confident Reid is in the Pro Bowl-laden roster he inherited and turned into a playoff team last season, his first with the Chiefs.

The Colts shifted their focus to bolstering the defense and added LB D’Qwell Jackson and DT Arthur Jones. The offense remains in good hands with Andrew Luck at quarterback and a healthy Reggie Wayne at wide receiver. Running back Trent Richardson remains a huge question mark after two seasons of uninspired play.

Sept. 7 at Miami Sept. 14 at Minnesota Sept. 21 Oakland Sept. 29 at Kansas City Oct. 5 Cincinnati Oct. 12 at Buffalo Oct. 16 N.Y.Jets Oct. 26 Chicago Nov. 2 Denver

Nov. 9 Bye Nov. 16 at Indianapolis Nov. 23 Detroit Nov. 30 at Green Bay Dec. 7 at San Diego Dec. 14 Miami Dec. 21 at N.Y.Jets Dec. 28 Buffalo

Sept. 7 Tennessee Sept. 14 at Denver Sept. 21 at Miami Sept. 29 New England Oct. 5 at S.F. Oct. 12 Bye Oct. 19 at San Diego Oct. 26 St. Louis Nov. 2 N.Y.Jets

Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 20 Nov. 30 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 21 Dec. 28

at Buffalo Seattle at Oakland Denver at Arizona Oakland at Pittsburgh San Diego

Sept. 7 at Denver Sept. 15 Philadelphia Sept. 21 at Jacksonville Sept. 28 Tennessee Oct. 5 Baltimore Oct. 9 at Houston Oct. 19 Cincinnati Oct. 26 at Pittsburgh Nov. 3 at N.Y. Giants

Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 21 Dec. 28

Bye New England Jacksonville Washington at Cleveland Houston at Dallas at Tennessee

ROB CARR/GETTY IMAGES

AFC power rankings

The NFL

Philip Rivers

Jadeveon Clowney

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

HOUSTON TEXANS

5. San Diego LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 9-7

GETTY IMAGES (3)

The Chargers made some noise last season, including a road victory over the Bengals in the playoffs.

They were very quiet in the offseason, though, with the addition of cornerback Jason Verrett the notable exception. That’s not the way to close the considerable gap between them and the Broncos.

Sept. 8 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 23 Nov. 2

at Arizona Seattle at Buffalo Jacksonville N.Y.Jets at Oakland Kansas City at Denver at Miami

Nov. 9 Bye Nov. 16 Oakland Nov. 23 St. Louis Nov. 30 at Baltimore Dec. 7 New England Dec. 14 Denver Dec. 20 at S.F. Dec. 28 at Kansas City

Andy Dalton (handing off to Giovani Bernard above) has the confidence of his coaches, but a playoff victory would help.

6. Cincinnati

7. Baltimore

8. Houston

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 11-5

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 8-8

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 2-14

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis and first-year offensive coordinator Hue Jackson are convinced that Andy Dalton is the long-term solution at quarterback, despite mounting evidence to the contrary. The first step for Dalton validating their faith in him is delivering a playoff victory.

The Ravens claim that they are over the Super Bowl hangover that dogged them all last season. A rejuvenated Ray Rice — he averaged only 3.1 yards rushing last season — and the addition of WR Steve Smith from the Panthers and LB C.J. Mosley and DT Timmy Jernigan via the draft gives one reason to think there’s something behind all the talk.

The Texans aren’t your ordinary team coming off a miserable 2013.

This is a team that just lost its way last season, due to horrendous play

by QB Matt Schaub and injuries to RB Arian Foster and WR DeAndre Hopkins. The return of Foster and Hopkins and the addition of DE Jadeveon Clowney and QB Ryan Fitzpatrick figures to make coach Bill O’Brien look like a great hire.

Sept. 7 at Baltimore Sept. 14 Atlanta Sept. 21 Tennessee Sept. 28 Bye Oct. 5 at New England Oct. 12 Carolina Oct. 19 at Indianapolis Oct. 26 Baltimore Nov. 2 Jacksonville

Nov. 6 Cleveland Nov. 16 at New Orleans Nov. 23 at Houston Nov. 30 at Tampa Bay Dec. 7 Pittsburgh Dec. 14 at Cleveland Dec. 22 Denver Dec. 28 at Pittsburgh

Sept. 7 Cincinnati Sept. 11 Pittsburgh Sept. 21 at Cleveland Sept. 28 Carolina Oct. 5 at Indianapolis Oct. 12 at Tampa Bay Oct. 19 Atlanta Oct. 26 at Cincinnati Nov. 2 at Pittsburgh

Nov. 9 Tennessee Nov. 16 Bye Nov. 24 at New Orleans Nov. 30 San Diego Dec. 7 at Miami Dec. 14 Jacksonville Dec. 21 at Houston Dec. 28 Cleveland

Sept. 7 Washington Sept. 14 at Oakland Sept. 21 at N.Y. Giants Sept. 28 Buffalo Oct. 5 at Dallas Oct. 9 Indianapolis Oct. 20 at Pittsburgh Oct. 26 at Tennessee Nov. 2 Philadelphia

Nov. 9 Bye Nov. 16 at Cleveland Nov. 23 Cincinnati Nov. 30 Tennessee Dec. 7 at Jacksonville Dec. 14 at Indianapolis Dec. 21 Baltimore Dec. 28 Jacksonville

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PAGE 49

The NFL

9. Pittsburgh LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 8-8

The purge of aging, on-the-decline players such as S Ryan Clark and LB LaMarr Woodley continued this offseason. Younger players such as RB LeGarrette Blount, S Mike Mitchell and WR Lance Moore arrived via free agency, along with a cache of draft prospects. You can’t keep the Steelers down for long.

Sept. 7 Cleveland Sept. 11 at Baltimore Sept. 21 at Carolina Sept. 28 Tampa Bay Oct. 5 at Jacksonville Oct. 12 at Cleveland Oct. 20 Houston Oct. 26 Indianapolis Nov. 2 Baltimore

Nov. 9 Nov. 17 Nov. 23 Nov. 30 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 21 Dec. 28

No pressure, Johnny Football.

Manziel may not start right off the bat for Cleveland, but his chance will come soon.

at N.Y.Jets at Tennessee Bye New Orleans at Cincinnati at Atlanta Kansas City Cincinnati

PAGE 50 ||| NFL KICKOFF ||| BAY AREA NEWS GROUP

10. Miami

11. Buffalo

12. Cleveland

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 8-8

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 6-10

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 4-12

The more the Dolphins change, the more they seem to remain the same: a team stuck in the mud and going nowhere. It isn’t for lack of trying, though. This year, they brought in OT Branden Albert and RB Knowshon Moreno in an attempt to bolster the offense. There still are too many holes to fill to expect much from this team.

The Bills paid a king’s ransom to move up to get WR Sammy Watkins. General manager Doug Whaley is like Bills fans in that he wants a winning team now. Losing star LB Kiko Alonso to an offseason knee injury is the first sign that Whaley and fans likely will endure another long winter waiting for something that isn’t going to come.

For the first time in a long time, people outside of Ohio care about the Browns. Such is the magnetism of rookie QB Johnny Manziel. Brian Hoyer is the projected starter, per first-year coach Mike Pettine, but get your popcorn ready, because it won’t be long before Manziel is back where he wants to be: in the spotlight, with the ball in his hands and running the show.

Sept. 7 New England Sept. 14 at Buffalo Sept. 21 Kansas City Sept. 28 at Oakland Oct. 5 Bye Oct. 12 Green Bay Oct. 19 at Chicago Oct. 26 at Jacksonville Nov. 2 San Diego

Nov. 9 at Detroit Nov. 13 Buffalo Nov. 23 at Denver Dec. 1 at N.Y.Jets Dec. 7 Baltimore Dec. 14 at New England Dec. 21 Minnesota Dec. 28 N.Y.Jets

Sept. 7 at Chicago Sept. 14 Miami Sept. 21 San Diego Sept. 28 at Houston Oct. 5 at Detroit Oct. 12 New England Oct. 19 Minnesota Oct. 26 at N.Y.Jets Nov. 2 Bye

Nov. 9 Kansas City Nov. 13 at Miami Nov. 23 N.Y.Jets Nov. 30 Cleveland Dec. 7 at Denver Dec. 14 Green Bay Dec. 21 at Oakland Dec. 28 at New England

Sept. 7 at Pittsburgh Sept. 14 New Orleans Sept. 21 Baltimore Sept. 28 Bye Oct. 5 at Tennessee Oct. 12 Pittsburgh Oct. 19 at Jacksonville Oct. 26 Oakland Nov. 2 Tampa Bay

Nov. 6 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 21 Dec. 28

at Cincinnati Houston at Atlanta at Buffalo Indianapolis Cincinnati at Carolina at Baltimore

MARK DUNCAN/ASSOCIATED PRESS

AFC power rankings

The NFL

Kendall Wright

Blake Bortles

TENNESSEE TITANS

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

13. Tennessee LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 7-9

GETTY IMAGES (3)

The Titans are hopeful that firstyear coach Ken Whisenhunt can get them over the hump and back to relevance after several seasons of mediocrity under Mike Munchak.

Whisenhunt thinks he can get the Titans there without recent mainstays Chris Johnson and Kenny Britt. He isn’t the first one to arrive in Nashville with dreams of making it big.

Sept. 7 at Kansas City Sept. 14 Dallas Sept. 21 at Cincinnati Sept. 28 at Indianapolis Oct. 5 Cleveland Oct. 12 Jacksonville Oct. 19 at Washington Oct. 26 Houston Nov. 2 Bye

Nov. 9 at Baltimore Nov. 17 Pittsburgh Nov. 23 at Philadelphia Nov. 30 at Houston Dec. 7 N.Y. Giants Dec. 14 N.Y.Jets Dec. 18 at Jacksonville Dec. 28 Indianapolis

Jets coach Rex Ryan has a new quarterback to high-five in Mike Vick ... but there’s still little to celebrate here.

14. N.Y. Jets

15. Raiders

16. Jacksonville

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 8-8

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 4-12

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 4-12

The Jersey Shore Jets remain more of a reality show than an NFL franchise, only this season QB Mike Vick has taken over for the displaced Mark Sanchez as a cast member.

How long until Vick takes over for projected starter Geno Smith?

Coach Rex Ryan still is talking big things for a team that hasn’t won more than eight games since 2010.

Hey, at least they won’t be boring.

It’s a make-or-break, win-or-moveon season for head coach Dennis Allen after back-to-back 4-12 finishes. He’s going to need veterans such as Matt Schaub, James Jones, Maurice Jones-Drew, Justin Tuck and LaMarr Woodley to perform as well as they did in their primes if the Raiders are to make a big enough leap to satisfy antsy owner Mark Davis.

The Jaguars are committed to quarterback Chad Henne ... for now.

The fans are committed to wanting rookie Blake Bortles to take over for Henne. If nothing else, second-year coach Gus Bradley has the Jaguars headed in the right direction.

Sept. 7 Oakland Sept. 14 at Green Bay Sept. 22 Chicago Sept. 28 Detroit Oct. 5 at San Diego Oct. 12 Denver Oct. 16 at New England Oct. 26 Buffalo Nov. 2 at Kansas City

Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Dec. 1 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 21 Dec. 28

Pittsburgh Bye at Buffalo Miami at Minnesota at Tennessee New England at Miami

Sept. 7 at N.Y.Jets Sept. 14 Houston Sept. 21at New England Sept. 28 Miami* Oct. 5 Bye Oct. 12 San Diego Oct. 19 Arizona Oct. 26 at Cleveland Nov. 2 at Seattle

Nov. 9 Denver Nov. 16 at San Diego Nov. 20 Kansas City Nov. 30 at St. Louis Dec. 7 S.F. Dec. 14 at Kansas City Dec. 21 Buffalo Dec. 28 at Denver *—in London

Sept. 7 at Philadelphia Sept. 14 at Washington Sept. 21 Indianapolis Sept. 28 at San Diego Oct. 5 Pittsburgh Oct. 12 at Tennessee Oct. 19 Cleveland Oct. 25 Miami Nov. 2 at Cincinnati

Nov. 9 Dallas Nov. 16 Bye Nov. 23 at Indianapolis Nov. 30 N.Y. Giants Dec. 7 Houston Dec. 14 at Baltimore Dec. 18 Tennessee Dec. 28 at Houston

BAY AREA NEWS GROUP ||| NFL KICKOFF |||

PAGE 51

The NFL

GETTY IMAGES (2)

Brady vs. Rodgers?

A Super Bowl rematch?

Ten games you can’t miss SEPT. 4

OCT. 5

Green Bay at Seattle

Kansas City at 49ers

Golden Tate isn’t around to pull off a last-second, final-play touchdown as he did in 2012. The Seahawks are the defending Super Bowl champs, but Aaron Rodgers is sure to make things interesting. (5:30 p.m.)

Alex Smith gets his first shot at the team that dumped him in favor of Colin Kaepernick. He surely will downplay it, but it will be an emotional day for Smith, who remained local until selling his Los Gatos home in June. (1:25 p.m.)

SEPT. 14

NOV. 2

Houston at Raiders

Denver at New England

All eyes are on Oakland quarterback Matt Schaub. If he plays well with Jadeveon Clowney and J.J. Watt giving chase, the Raiders have reason to believe he can move on from a dismal showing last season. If he struggles, the Derek Carr watch will be on. (1:25 p.m.)

Savor this one because Peyton Manning and Tom Brady aren’t going to play many more times. This will be the 16th meeting between the slam-dunk Hall of Famers, with Brady holding a 10-5 advantage. Peyton won the last one, last year, to go to the Super Bowl. (1:25 p.m.)

SEPT. 21

NOV. 23

Washington at Philadelphia

Tampa Bay at Chicago

Chip Kelly, say hello to DeSean Jackson. The brazen wide receiver returns to Philly for his first game against the team that drafted him in 2008 and jettisoned him in the offseason despite a career year. (10 a.m.)

First-year Bucs coach Lovie Smith brings his squad into Soldier Field, a place he once reigned as Bears coach. The defensive-minded Smith no doubt will have a few wrinkles for Bears quarterback Jay Cutler. (10 a.m.)

SEPT. 21

NOV. 27

Denver at Seattle

Seattle at 49ers

Seven months later, we get the Super Bowl rematch. The Broncos were manhandled by the Seahawks on a neutral field in February. Things won’t be any easier with the 12th Man weighing in. (1:25 p.m.)

We’re forced to wait almost three months for a renewal of this rivalry and a rematch of the NFC championship game. The payoff will be the nightcap of a Thanksgiving Day tripleheader — and 17 days later, they meet again. (5:30 p.m.)

SEPT. 29

NOV. 30

New England at Kansas City

New England at Green Bay

Tom Brady plays at Arrowhead Stadium for the first time since 2005, when the Chiefs were a playoff-bound team. This just might be an AFC playoffs preview. (5:30 p.m.)

PAGE 52 ||| NFL KICKOFF ||| BAY AREA NEWS GROUP

It doesn’t get much better than watching Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers go toe-to-toe, at a time when weather might be a huge factor and playoff implications are beginning to crystallize. (1:25 p.m.)

The NFL

Talking points: Five stories to keep an eye on this season Can Peyton & Co. bounce back?

JAMIE SQUIRE/GETTY IMAGES

After being so thoroughly dominated by the Seahawks in the Super Bowl, how do Peyton Manning and his Denver teammates respond to that 43-8 beatdown?

That blowout fueled talk of whether the window was closing too fast on Denver before Manning retires, especially given the way the Broncos cruised through the regular season and AFC playoffs.

Manning has bounced back from crushing defeats in the past. As he did each of those times, he’s going to face incessant questioning about the way the previous season ended.

Can the Seahawks repeat as champions?

Will Michael Sam have an on-field impact?

Can Johnny Manziel focus on the field?

Will Harbaugh contract talk quiet down at all?

They would become the first team to do so since the 2004 New England Patriots. It’s always fashionable to think that the defending Super Bowl champion is a clear-cut favorite. Yet, that rarely happens.

The Seahawks seem to have everything going for them and look primed to repeat. They don’t have any lingering issues that threaten team chemistry. They return almost all of their key players. They boast perhaps the league’s best defense and home-field advantage.

The Rams rookie linebacker (left) garnered plenty of attention for being the SEC’s Co-Defensive Player of the Year at Missouri. Soon thereafter, he revealed that he is gay. The Rams selected Sam in the seventh round of the NFL draft in May, which made him the first openly gay active player in league history. How Sam performs as an NFL football player will be watched closely since few so-called experts agreed on his talent leading up to draft day.

The Browns rookie quarterback finally seems to have received the message from owner Jimmy Haslam and first-year coach Mike Pettine that it’s time to scale back his penchant for partying and concentrate his energies on becoming a starting NFL quarterback. Still, in this age of social media and Manziel’s history of finding the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, Johnny Football figures to find a way to make news this season for reasons other than his on-field talents.

Not likely. 49ers owner Jed York said he and Jim Harbaugh agreed to put off contract talks until after this season ends. That won’t do anything to end the speculation about whether Harbaugh deserves an extension that makes him the league’s highest-paid coach, whether York is ready to let Harbaugh walk if the 49ers fail to win the Super Bowl, or whether Harbaugh is ready for a new challenge and bolts on his own accord.

BAY AREA NEWS GROUP ||| NFL KICKOFF |||

PAGE 53

The NFL

And five coaches on the hot seat

Hey, Rook!

Five to watch

Mike Smith ATLANTA FALCONS

Went from a sexy pick to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl last season to a team in a season-long free-fall, finally crash-landing at 4-12. Getting Julio Jones back will help.

Jason Garrett DALLAS COWBOYS

How many more 8-8 seasons can owner Jerry Jones endure? Garrett has provided three straight. He better improve or watch Jones hunt for his next Jimmy Johnson or Barry Switzer.

Rex Ryan NEW YORK JETS

QUARTERBACK, CLEVELAND BROWNS ||| Love him or hate him, Johnny Football is must-see TV. It won’t be long before new

coach Mike Pettine snatches the keys back from Brian Hoyer and hands them to Manziel. Then the high-wire performance will begin.

Michael Sam

Sammy Watkins

Dennis Allen

LINEBACKER, ST. LOUIS RAMS

WIDE RECEIVER, BUFFALO BILLS

OAKLAND RAIDERS

The hard part is over for the NFL’s first openly gay player.

Now comes the part where Sam has to make the Rams’ 53-man, opening day roster and play well enough for everyone to view him as an integral part of the Rams defense, rather than as a distraction.

The Bills paid a huge bounty to move up, believing Watkins is a player capable of changing the complexion of a game every time he touches the ball. If so, Bills fans should at least have reason to watch games beyond November.

Owner Mark Davis has been patient, but the honeymoon is over.

Allen needs much more than the four victories the Raiders managed in each of his first two seasons.

Khalil Mack

Joe Philbin

LINEBACKER, OAKLAND RAIDERS

MIAMI DOLPHINS

It has been a long time since the Raiders had a dominating presence on defense, and they haven’t had a reliable pass-rush threat since Derrick Burgess left after the 2008 season. In Mack, the Raiders feel as if they have the linchpin of their defense for years to come.

Last year’s slight progress got overshadowed by the bullying scandal. All eyes will be on how well the Dolphins perform in Philbin’s third season.

Jadeveon Clowney DEFENSIVE END, HOUSTON TEXANS

Viewed by some as a once-a-generation player, along the lines of Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor. But the Texans will settle for Clowney becoming a consistent disruptive force. Playing opposite J.J. Watt, the Texans’ pass rush should give opposing quarterbacks nightmares.

PAGE 54 ||| NFL KICKOFF ||| BAY AREA NEWS GROUP

The Bills moved up in the draft to nab wideout Sammy Watkins.

MANZIEL: ASSOCIATED PRESS. WATKINS: GETTY IMAGES

Johnny Manziel

Few thought Ryan would survive last season after the Jets finished 8-8, their third straight non-winning season on the heels of back-toback playoff appearances. Yet there he is, brash as ever.

The NFL

GETTY IMAGES (2)

March to a milestone: History is within reach

18

3

851

73

9

6

75

Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning’s 18th touchdown pass in 2014 would make him the alltime career leader. Brett Favre holds the record with 508.

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (above) is just three touchdown passes away from eclipsing Joe Montana’s postseason record of 45.

Tom Brady also is well within reach of hitting the 50,000-yard mark passing for his career.

He needs 851 yards to become the sixth player to reach the milestone.

Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson needs 73 receptions to reach 1,000 for his career.

He can pass Randy Moss and move into 10th place alltime with 56 receptions.

Cardinals linebacker John Abraham is nine sacks away from passing Hall of Famer Michael Strahan for fifth place alltime. Abraham enters this season with 133.5 sacks, ninth-most in league history.

Raiders safety Charles Woodson has 56 interceptions – tied for 17th-most alltime – during his 17-year NFL career.

He needs six this season to move into a tie for ninth place with Dick LeBeau and Dave Brown.

Texans punter Shane Lechler is 13th all-time with 1,102 punts. He has a realistic shot at passing Chris Gardocki for fifth place (1,177) by season’s end.

Andre Johnson is 73 receptions shy of 1,000 total in his career.

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PAGE 55

The NFL

Weekly TV schedule Plan the games you’ll watch each week. For each team’s season schedule, turn to Pages 44-51.

WEEK 1

WEEK 4

WEEK 7

WEEK 10

WEEK 13

WEEK 16

THURS., SEPT. 4 Green Bay at Seattle 5:30 p.m. NBC

THURS., SEPT. 25 N.Y. Giants at Washington 5:25 p.m. CBS

THURS., OCT. 16 N.Y. Jets at New England 5:25 p.m. CBS

SUN., SEPT. 7 Raiders at N.Y. Jets 10 a.m. CBS 49ers at Dallas 1:25 p.m. FOX Indianapolis at Denver 5:30 p.m. NBC New Orleans at Atlanta 10 a.m.

Minnesota at St. Louis 10 a.m.

Cleveland at Pittsburgh 10 a.m.

Jacksonville at Philadelphia 10 a.m.

Cincinnati at Baltimore 10 a.m.

Buffalo at Chicago 10 a.m.

Washington at Houston 10 a.m.

Tennessee at Kansas City 10 a.m.

New England at Miami 10 a.m.

Carolina at Tampa Bay 1:25 p.m.

SUN., SEPT. 28 Miami vs. Raiders at Wembley Stadium 10 a.m. CBS Philadelphia at 49ers 1:25 p.m. FOX New Orleans at Dallas 5:30 p.m. NBC Green Bay at Chicago 10 a.m.

Buffalo at Houston 10 a.m.

Tennessee at Indianapolis 10 a.m.

Carolina at Baltimore 10 a.m.

Detroit at N.Y. Jets 10 a.m.

Tampa Bay at Pittsburgh 10 a.m.

Jacksonville at San Diego 1:05 p.m.

Atlanta at Minnesota 1:25 p.m.

SUN., OCT. 19 Arizona at Raiders 1:25 p.m. FOX 49ers at Denver 5:30 p.m. NBC Atlanta at Baltimore 10 a.m.

Tennessee at Washington 10 a.m.

Seattle at St. Louis 10 a.m.

Cleveland at Jacksonville 10 a.m.

Cincinnati at Indianapolis 10 a.m.

Minnesota at Buffalo 10 a.m.

Miami at Chicago 10 a.m.

New Orleans at Detroit 10 a.m.

Carolina at Green Bay 10 a.m.

Kansas City at San Diego 1:05 p.m.

NY Giants at Dallas 1:25 p.m.

THURS., NOV. 6 Cleveland at Cincinnati 5:25 p.m. NFL Network

THURS., NOV. 27 Chicago at Detroit 9:30 a.m. CBS Philadelphia at Dallas 1:30 p.m. FOX Seattle at 49ers 5:30 p.m. NBC

THURS., DEC. 18 Tennessee at Jacksonville 5:25 p.m. NFL Network

MON., SEPT. 8 NY Giants at Detroit 4:10 p.m. ESPN San Diego at Arizona 7:20 p.m. ESPN

MON., SEPT. 29 New England at Kansas City 5:30 p.m.

ESPN Bye: Cincinnati, Cleveland, Denver, St. Louis, Arizona, Seattle

WEEK 2

SUN., NOV. 9 49ers at New Orleans 10 a.m. FOX Denver at Raiders 1:05 p.m. CBS Chicago at Green Bay 5:30 p.m. NBC Kansas City at Buffalo 10 a.m.

Miami at Detroit 10 a.m.

Dallas at Jacksonville 10 a.m.

Tennessee at Baltimore 10 a.m.

Pittsburgh at N.Y. Jets 10 a.m.

Atlanta at Tampa Bay 10 a.m.

St. Louis at Arizona 1:25 p.m.

N.Y. Giants at Seattle 1:25 p.m.

SUN., NOV. 30 Raiders at St. Louis 10 a.m. CBS Denver at Kansas City 5:30 p.m. NBC Washington at Indianapolis 10 a.m.

Tennessee at Houston 10 a.m.

Cleveland at Buffalo 10 a.m.

San Diego at Baltimore 10 a.m.

N.Y. Giants at Jacksonville 10 a.m.

Cincinnati at Tampa Bay 10 a.m.

New Orleans at Pittsburgh 10 a.m.

Carolina at Minnesota 10 a.m.

Arizona at Atlanta 1:05 p.m.

New England at Green Bay 1:25 p.m.

SAT., DEC. 20 San Diego at 49ers TBD CBS Philadelphia at Washington TBD NFL Network SUN., DEC. 21 Buffalo at Raiders 1:25 p.m. CBS Seattle at Arizona 5:30 p.m. NBC Minnesota at Miami 10 a.m.

Baltimore at Houston 10 a.m.

Detroit at Chicago 10 a.m.

Cleveland at Carolina 10 a.m.

Atlanta at New Orleans 10 a.m.

Green Bay at Tampa Bay 10 a.m.

Kansas City at Pittsburgh 10 a.m.

New England at N.Y. Jets 10 a.m.

N.Y. Giants at St. Louis 1:05 p.m.

Indianapolis at Dallas 1:25 p.m.

MON., OCT. 20 Houston at Pittsburgh 5:30 p.m. ESPN Bye: Philadelphia, Tampa Bay

MON., NOV. 10 Carolina at Philadelphia 5:30 p.m. ESPN Bye: Indianapolis, Minnesota, New England, San Diego, Washington, Houston

WEEK 5

WEEK 8

WEEK 11

WEEK 14

MON., DEC. 22 Denver at Cincinnati 5:30 p.m. ESPN

THURS., SEPT. 11 Pittsburgh at Baltimore 5:25 p.m. CBS

THURS., OCT. 2 Minnesota at Green Bay 5:25 p.m. CBS

THURS., OCT. 23 San Diego at Denver 5:25 p.m. CBS

THURS., NOV. 13 Buffalo at Miami 5:25 p.m. NFL Network

THURS., DEC. 4 Dallas at Chicago 5:25 p.m. NFL Network

WEEK 17

SUN., SEPT. 14 Houston at Raiders 1:25 p.m. CBS Chicago at 49ers 5:30 p.m. NBC Miami at Buffalo 10 a.m.

Jacksonville at Washington 10 a.m.

Dallas at Tennessee 10 a.m.

Arizona at N.Y. Giants 10 a.m.

New England at Minnesota 10 a.m.

New Orleans at Cleveland 10 a.m.

Atlanta at Cincinnati 10 a.m.

Detroit at Carolina 10 a.m.

St. Louis at Tampa Bay 1:05 p.m.

Seattle at San Diego 1:05 p.m.

N.Y. Jets at Green Bay 1:25 p.m.

Kansas City at Denver 1:25 p.m.

SUN., OCT. 5 Kansas City at 49ers 1:25 p.m. CBS Cincinnati at New England 5:30 p.m. NBC Chicago at Carolina 10 a.m.

Cleveland at Tennessee 10 a.m.

St. Louis at Philadelphia 10 a.m.

Atlanta at N.Y. Giants 10 a.m.

Tampa Bay at New Orleans 10 a.m.

Houston at Dallas 10 a.m.

Buffalo at Detroit 10 a.m.

Baltimore at Indianapolis 10 a.m.

Pittsburgh at Jacksonville 10 a.m.

Arizona at Denver 1:05 p.m.

N.Y. Jets at San Diego 1:25 p.m.

SUN., OCT. 26 Raiders at Cleveland 1:25 p.m. CBS Detroit vs. Atlanta at Wembley Stadium 6:30 a.m. FOX Green Bay at New Orleans 5:30 p.m. NBC St. Louis at Kansas City 10 a.m.

Houston at Tennessee 10 a.m.

Minnesota at Tampa Bay 10 a.m.

Seattle at Carolina 10 a.m.

Baltimore at Cincinnati 10 a.m.

Miami at Jacksonville 10 a.m.

Chicago at New England 10 a.m.

Buffalo at N.Y. Jets 10 a.m.

Philadelphia at Arizona 1:05 p.m.

Indianapolis at Pittsburgh 1:25 p.m.

SUN., NOV. 16 49ers at N.Y. Giants 10 a.m. FOX Raiders at San Diego 1:05 p.m. CBS N. England at Indianapolis 5:30 p.m. NBC Minnesota at Chicago 10 a.m.

Houston at Cleveland 10 a.m.

Philadelphia at Green Bay 10 a.m.

Seattle at Kansas City 10 a.m.

Atlanta at Carolina 10 a.m.

Cincinnati at New Orleans 10 a.m.

Tampa Bay at Washington 10 a.m.

Denver at St. Louis 10 a.m.

Detroit at Arizona 1:25 p.m.

SUN., DEC. 7 49ers at Raiders 1:25 p.m. FOX New England at San Diego 5:30 p.m. NBC Pittsburgh at Cincinnati 10 a.m.

St. Louis at Washington 10 a.m.

N.Y. Giants at Tennessee 10 a.m.

Carolina at New Orleans 10 a.m.

N.Y. Jets at Minnesota 10 a.m.

Baltimore at Miami 10 a.m.

Indianapolis at Cleveland 10 a.m.

Tampa Bay at Detroit 10 a.m.

Houston at Jacksonville 10 a.m.

Buffalo at Denver 1:05 p.m.

Kansas City at Arizona 1:05 p.m.

Seattle at Philadelphia 1:25 p.m.

SUN., DEC. 28 Raiders at Denver 1:25 p.m. CBS Arizona at 49ers 1:25 p.m. FOX Carolina at Atlanta 10 a.m.

Cleveland at Baltimore 10 a.m.

Dallas at Washington 10 a.m.

Indianapolis at Tennessee 10 a.m.

Detroit at Green Bay 10 a.m.

Jacksonville at Houston 10 a.m.

San Diego at Kansas City 10 a.m.

N.Y. Jets at Miami 10 a.m.

Chicago at Minnesota 10 a.m.

Buffalo at New England 10 a.m.

Philadelphia at N.Y. Giants 10 a.m.

Cincinnati at Pittsburgh 10 a.m.

New Orleans at Tampa Bay 10 a.m.

St. Louis at Seattle 1:25 p.m.

MON., SEPT. 15 Philadelphia at Indianapolis 5:30 p.m.

ESPN

MON., OCT. 6 Seattle at Washington 5:30 p.m. ESPN Bye: Raiders, Miami

MON., OCT. 27 Washington at Dallas 5:30 p.m. ESPN Bye: 49ers, N.Y. Giants

MON., NOV. 17 Pittsburgh at Tennessee 5:30 p.m. ESPN Bye: Dallas, N.Y. Jets, Jacksonville, Baltimore

MON., DEC. 1 Miami at N.Y. Jets 5:30 p.m. ESPN

MON., DEC. 8 Atlanta at Green Bay 5:30 p.m. ESPN

WEEK 3

WEEK 6

WEEK 9

WEEK 12

WEEK 15

THURS., SEPT. 18 Tampa Bay at Atlanta 5:25 p.m. CBS

THURS., OCT. 9 Indianapolis at Houston 5:25 p.m. CBS

THURS., NOV. 20 K.C.at Raiders 5:25 p.m. NFL Network

THURS., DEC. 11 Ariz. at St. Louis 5:25 p.m. NFL Network

SUN., SEPT. 21 Raiders at New England 10 a.m. CBS 49ers at Arizona 1:05 p.m. FOX Pittsburgh at Carolina 5:30 p.m. NBC San Diego at Buffalo 10 a.m.

Dallas at St. Louis 10 a.m.

Washington at Philadelphia 10 a.m.

Houston at N.Y. Giants 10 a.m.

Minnesota at New Orleans 10 a.m.

Tennessee at Cincinnati 10 a.m.

Baltimore at Cleveland 10 a.m.

Green Bay at Detroit 10 a.m.

Indianapolis at Jacksonville 10 a.m.

Denver at Seattle 1:25 p.m.

Kansas City at Miami 1:25 p.m.

SUN., OCT. 12 San Diego at Raiders 1:05 p.m. CBS N.Y. Giants at Philadelphia 5:30 p.m. NBC Chicago at Atlanta 10 a.m.

Jacksonville at Tennessee 10 a.m.

Baltimore at Tampa Bay 10 a.m.

Denver at N.Y. Jets 10 a.m.

Detroit at Minnesota 10 a.m.

New England at Buffalo 10 a.m.

Carolina at Cincinnati 10 a.m.

Pittsburgh at Cleveland 10 a.m.

Green Bay at Miami 10 a.m.

Dallas at Seattle 1:25 p.m.

Washington at Arizona 1:25 p.m.

THURS., OCT. 30 New Orleans at Carolina 5:25 p.m. NFL Network

SUN., NOV. 23 Washington at 49ers 1:25 p.m. FOX Dallas at N.Y. Giants 5:30 p.m. NBC Cleveland at Atlanta 10 a.m.

Tennessee at Philadelphia 10 a.m.

Detroit at New England 10 a.m.

Green Bay at Minnesota 10 a.m.

Jacksonville at Indianapolis 10 a.m.

Cincinnati at Houston 10 a.m.

N.Y. Jets at Buffalo 10 a.m.

Tampa Bay at Chicago 10 a.m.

Arizona at Seattle 1:05 p.m.

St. Louis at San Diego 1:05 p.m.

Miami at Denver 1:25 p.m.

SUN., DEC. 14 Raiders at Kansas City 10 a.m. CBS 49ers at Seattle 1:25 p.m. FOX Dallas at Philadelphia 5:30 p.m. NBC Pittsburgh at Atlanta 10 a.m.

Washington at N.Y. Giants 10 a.m.

Miami at New England 10 a.m.

Houston at Indianapolis 10 a.m.

Jacksonville at Baltimore 10 a.m.

Green Bay at Buffalo 10 a.m.

Tampa Bay at Carolina 10 a.m.

Cincinnati at Cleveland 10 a.m.

Minnesota at Detroit 10 a.m.

N.Y. Jets at Tennessee 1:05 p.m.

Denver at San Diego 1:05 p.m.

MON., SEPT. 22 Chicago at N.Y. Jets 5:30 p.m. ESPN

MON., OCT. 13 49ers at St. Louis 5:30 p.m. ESPN Bye: Kansas City, New Orleans

PAGE 56 ||| NFL KICKOFF ||| BAY AREA NEWS GROUP

SUN., NOV. 2 St. Louis at 49ers 1:05 p.m. FOX Raiders at Seattle 1:25 p.m. CBS Baltimore at Pittsburgh 5:30 p.m. NBC Tampa Bay at Cleveland 10 a.m.

Arizona at Dallas 10 a.m.

Philadelphia at Houston 10 a.m.

N.Y. Jets at Kansas City 10 a.m.

Jacksonville at Cincinnati 10 a.m.

San Diego at Miami 10 a.m.

Washington at Minnesota 10 a.m.

Denver at New England 1:25 p.m.

MON., NOV. 3 Indianapolis at N.Y. Giants 5:30 p.m. ESPN Bye: Atlanta, Buffalo, Chicago, Detroit, Green Bay, Tennessee

MON., NOV. 24 Baltimore at New Orleans 5:30 p.m. ESPN Bye: Pittsburgh, Carolina

MON., DEC. 15 New Orleans at Chicago 5:30 p.m. ESPN

The NFL

NFL Picks: See how you stack up against our expert team TIM KAWAKAMI

MARK PURDY

DANIEL BROWN

MARCUS THOMPSON II

MARK CONLEY

NFC West champion

NFC East champion

NFC North champion

NFC South champion

NFC wild cards

NFC title game

AFC West champion

AFC East champion

AFC North champion

AFC South champion

AFC wild cards

AFC title game

Super Bowl 49

49ers

N.Y. Giants

Chicago

New Orleans Seattle, Green Bay

49ers over Chicago

Denver

New England

Baltimore

Indianapolis

Cincinnati, Miami

New England over Baltimore

49ers over New England

49ers record: 10-6

Raiders record: 8-8

NFL MVP: Aaron Rodgers

First coach fired: Jason Garrett (Dallas)

Derek Carr’s 1st start: Wk. 10 49ers-at-Raiders winner: 49ers

NFC West champion

NFC East champion

NFC North champion

NFC wild cards

NFC title game

AFC West champion

AFC East champion

AFC North champion

AFC South champion

AFC wild cards

AFC title game

Super Bowl 49

Seattle

Philadelphia Green Bay

Seattle over New Orleans

Kansas City

New England

Cincinnati

Indianapolis

Denver, Baltimore

Indianapolis over Baltimore

Seattle over Indianapolis

NFC South champion

New Orleans 49ers, N.Y. Giants

49ers record: 10-6

Raiders record: 8-8

NFL MVP: Andrew Luck

First coach fired: Jason Garrett (Dallas)

Derek Carr’s 1st start: Wk. 14 49ers-at-Raiders winner: 49ers

NFC West champion

NFC East champion

NFC North champion

NFC wild cards

NFC title game

AFC West champion

AFC East champion

AFC North champion

AFC South champion

AFC wild cards

AFC title game

Super Bowl 49

Seattle

Philadelphia Green Bay

Seattle over Green Bay

Denver

New England

Pittsburgh

Indianapolis

Cincinnati, San Diego

New England over San Diego

New England over Seattle

NFC South champion

New Orleans 49ers, Chicago

49ers record: 10-6

Raiders record: 5-11

NFL MVP: Aaron Rodgers

First coach fired: Jason Garrett (Dallas)

Derek Carr’s 1st start: 2015

49ers-at-Raiders winner: 49ers

NFC West champion

NFC East champion

NFC North champion

NFC wild cards

NFC title game

AFC West champion

AFC East champion

AFC North champion

AFC South champion

AFC wild cards

AFC title game

Super Bowl 49

Seattle

Philadelphia Green Bay

New Orleans over Seattle

Denver

New England

Cincinnati

Indianapolis

Baltimore, Houston

Indianapolis over Denver

Indianapolis over Saints

NFC South champion

New Orleans 49ers, Chicago

49ers record: 11-5

Raiders record: 7-9

NFL MVP: Andrew Luck

First coach fired: Jason Garrett (Dallas)

Derek Carr’s 1st start: Wk. 6

49ers-at-Raiders winner: 49ers

NFC West champion

NFC East champion

NFC North champion

NFC wild cards

NFC title game

AFC West champion

AFC East champion

AFC North champion

AFC South champion

AFC wild cards

AFC title game

Super Bowl 49

Seattle

Philadelphia Chicago

New Orleans 49ers, Green Bay

Seattle over 49ers

Denver

New England

Cincinnati

Indianapolis

Kansas City, Pittsburgh

Indianapolis over Denver

Seattle over Indianpolis

49ers record: 10-6

NFC South champion

Raiders record: 6-10

NFL MVP: Russell Wilson

First coach fired: Mike Smith (Falcons)

Derek Carr’s 1st start: Wk. 12 49ers-at-Raiders winner: 49ers

BAY AREA NEWS GROUP ||| NFL KICKOFF |||

PAGE 57

The NFL

It’s not too late to do a little fantasizing Your fantasy draft didn’t go as well as you’d hoped? Here’s how to salvage the season. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

Keep an eye on these guys

Michael Vick

Doug Martin

Stevan Ridley

QUARTERBACK, NEW YORK JETS

RUNNING BACK, TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

RUNNING BACK, NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Let Rex Ryan say all he wants about Geno Smith, but Vick is the superior player and is destined to take over at some point.

Oakland native got waylaid by the dreaded sophomore jinx and a season-ending injury. Healthy again with something to prove.

Has a penchant for fumbling, but LeGarrette Blount is gone and Shane Vereen has yet to establish himself as an every-down back.

Jeremy Maclin

Josh McCown

Toby Gerhart

WIDE RECEIVER, PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

QUARTERBACK, TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

RUNNING BACK, JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Averaged big numbers from 2009 to 2012, then suffered a season-ending knee injury in training camp last season. More valuable now with DeSean Jackson gone.

Parlayed his fill-in performance in Chicago into a starting job with the Bucs, who added Mike Evans to the Vincent Jackson-led receiving core.

Jags aren’t long on talent, so they might have little choice but to keep giving the ball to the Stanford product who finally steps out from Adrian Peterson’s shadow.

Hakeem Nicks

Cecil Shorts

Gavin Escobar

WIDE RECEIVER, INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

WIDE RECEIVER, JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

TIGHT END, DALLAS COWBOYS

Caught 56 passes for the Giants last season — zero for touchdowns. But now he has pass-happy quarterback Andrew Luck.

Battling through a hamstring injury he sustained in camp. With Justin Blackmon suspended, the Jags’ main options are Shorts and rookie Marqise Lee.

Cowboys prefer to use the former San Diego State Aztec in the slot. And at 6-foot-6 and 250 pounds, he’s a huge target. If Cowboys feature him, he could be valuable.

Maurice Jones-Drew

Tre Mason

Dan Carpenter

RUNNING BACK, OAKLAND RAIDERS

RUNNING BACK, ST. LOUIS RAMS

PLACE KICKER, BUFFALO BILLS

Worked out like a madman in hopes of regaining fantasy stud form. Could easily outperform injury-prone Darren McFadden.

Zac Stacy and Daryl Richardson are listed ahead of the rookie, but he has the ability to supplant both. Was also a fine kick returner at Auburn.

Carpenter is a good kicker, but Buffalo’s offense needs to move the chains to put him in position to show it. If he’s given the chances, he’s a good pickup.

PAGE 58 ||| NFL KICKOFF ||| BAY AREA NEWS GROUP

GETTY IMAGES (6)

These players weren’t certain to be drafted (particularly in eight-team leagues), but they are worth watching the first few weeks:

The NFL

Cut bait on these guys These players are likely to have been drafted, but they may prove their unworthiness within the season’s first month:

Ray Rice

Mark Ingram

Nick Foles

RUNNING BACK, BALTIMORE RAVENS

RUNNING BACK, NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

QUARTERBACK, PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Experienced a precipitous drop off in production last season; a two-game suspension will only add to the frustration.

Sure, Darren Sproles bolted via free agency, and Ingram is in a contract year. But this is Pierre Thomas’ team now.

Unless Chip Kelly proves he’s the next Pete Carroll or Jim Harbaugh, Foles becomes a prime candidate for the sophomore jinx.

Le’Veon Bell

Trent Richardson

Frank Gore

RUNNING BACK, PITTSBURGH STEELERS

RUNNING BACK, INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

RUNNING BACK, SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Figures to lose carries with the addition of LeGarrette Blount. Only averaged 3.5 yards rushing and recorded no receiving TDs last season.

Richardson struggled with the Cleveland Browns before they traded him to the Colts, where he played even worse.

He’s 31. He has 2,518 touches in his career. Carlos Hyde is waiting in the wings — and maybe Marcus Lattimore, too.

Eli Manning

Shonn Greene

Nick Folk

QUARTERBACK, NEW YORK GIANTS

RUNNING BACK, TENNESSEE TITANS

PLACE KICKER, NEW YORK JETS

Best seasons are behind him, and he doesn’t have as many talented players around him to help out as in years past.

Underwent two recent knee surgeries; battling freeagent signee Dexter McCluster and rookie Bishop Sankey for playing time.

91.7 percent success rate on FGs last season was 13.0 percent higher than his career rate. Could easily dip back down.

Roddy White

Ben Tate

Defense

WIDE RECEIVER, ATLANTA FALCONS

RUNNING BACK, CLEVELAND BROWNS

BUFFALO BILLS

Last season, he posted his fewest receptions, yards and touchdowns since 2006. Julio Jones’ return from injury doesn’t bode well for White.

Fancied himself a No. 1 back when he backed up the Texans’ Arian Foster. The Browns will find out that he’s not.

Doesn’t look like a team that will do a lot of scoring. The more a defense is on the field, the better chance it has of breaking down.

— STEVE CORKRAN, MIKE LEFKOW

BAY AREA NEWS GROUP ||| NFL KICKOFF |||

PAGE 59

WOODSON FROM PAGE 13

that’s all I had,” Woodson said.

“I would go to dinner, and I’d see people drinking wine, and if I ordered anything, it would just be a merlot.”

“Merlot. Merlot. Merlot,” Ruiz said, still exasperated. “It got to the point where I told him, ‘Charles, you’re missing some of the best things in the world by only drinking merlot.’ ” It took about six months of pestering, but Woodson eventually expanded his game. That was a turning point. Soon, Woodson wanted to know everything about the process — from the agriculture to the economics to the marketing — and started to impress Ruiz, 44, with his knack for pairing the right wines with any dish.

“Initially what drew me to it was that it seems to be a culture here in the valley, and there always seems to be a family atmosphere around wine,” Woodson said. “People are truly into it. They come to the restaurant, they have their own bottle.

They bring it in as a conversation piece.

“It was a culture. And I was interested in the whole deal. What is this all about?”

For kicks, they made a single barrel for charity — merlot, of course — starting in 2004. But a funny thing happened on the way to the glass: It was delicious.

“That’s when we realized that we should start getting serious,” Ruiz said.

With Gustavo A. Gonzalez, who also began his career at Mondavi, aboard as the winemaker, TwentyFour Wines had its release party in 2009, when they shared their ’05, ’06 and ’07 vintages.

Among the early converts was Scott Lewis, the proprietor at V Wine Cellar, who said that Woodson’s creation now ranks among the best cabs from the region, a conversation that in-

Amy Jabin works the bar at Cult Following in Napa.

Charles Woodson opened the wine lounge in March.

cludes Outpost, Melka Wines and Policy’s Casa Piena.

“Sometimes, with these vanity projects, people don’t always put in the time and effort into making something great,” Lewis said.

“But Charles is like Carmen in that he put in his due diligence when it came to getting something to his liking. He’s not a flash in the pan.”

Woodson’s beloved ’08, for example, offers briar notes and black fruits. The oak is integrated but not overdone, as with so many luxury Napa reds. It’s a big wine with firm tannins, but not saddled with the uber-ripe fruit that has become the industry standard.

“What I’m trying to do as a winemaker is reflect Charles’ taste, what he wants,” Gonzalez said. “The reason we picked the vineyard we did is because it was the one most capable of producing his style.”

I

n creating his own label, Woodson joined a deep roster of other sports figures that have made a name in the wine business, such as Tom Seaver, Dick Vermeil, Rich Aurilia, Jeff

PAGE 60 ||| NFL KICKOFF ||| BAY AREA NEWS GROUP

Gordon and Ernie Els. All along, Woodson has retained the charity element.

With every bottle sold, Woodson donates $10 to the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital at his alma mater, the University of Michigan.

At the time of the original release party, Woodson was in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he spent seven seasons monitoring his vineyard via text messages and emails back home. Ruiz also made frequent visits to Packers country, and the two delighted in converting cheeseheads into wine snobs. The wine events had fun with food pairings. (Handy tip: A bratwurst goes best with a red.)

Ruiz recounted those ambassador trips while standing amid the rows at TwentyFour vineyards on a soft summer morning.

He plucked from a vine and held a single grape in the palm of his hand.

“This thing right here has built us a friendship with people for life. We have so many friends in the Midwest,” Ruiz says. “So now our thing is, we’re trying to get those kinds of friendships with the Bay Area people. One Raider fan at a time, we want to

come toward them.”

When Woodson returned to Oakland last season, he resumed trying to pair his reds and whites with the Silver & Black. TwentyFour Wines set up a tent in the parking lot on game days in an attempt to make Woodson’s wine the drink of choice at tailgate parties — the Raiders Libation.

At first, nobody bothered to look up.

“Even the cops looked at us like we were from Mars,” Ruiz said. “And by the third home game, everybody was our new best friend. People started to realize that you can drink a Coors Light every day of the week. It’s not very often you can taste a 2007 Calistoga Cabernet from Charles Woodson’s vineyard, especially because we were limited in our production.”

There is no winery to visit, but the public can meet at the vineyard by appointment. For now, Woodson steers people toward Cult Following, the wine bar on First Street in downtown Napa.

Next up are tentative plans for a Woodson wine tasting room to open in September, another place to toast one of the greatest careers ever put together by a defensive back. Woodson enters this season needing one more interception return for a touchdown to tie Rod Woodson’s NFL record of 12. (Charles and Rod Woodson are not related.)

Charles Woodson’s 909 career interception return yards also rank second among active players, behind Ed Reed’s (1,590).

Once he is done picking off passes, Woodson can really focus on picking off those grapes. He will savor retirement soon, but he sees no reason to wait for the good life.

“I like to call my wines ‘anytime wines,’ ” he said. “You just want to sit and open up a bottle and watch ‘The Blacklist’ on a Monday night? Open it up, and it’s very easy. It’s very approachable.”

JANE TYSKA/STAFF. OPPOSITE PAGE: NHAT V. MEYER/STAFF

The NFL

Charles Woodson will have plenty to keep him busy after his football career is over, with a successful winery and two young sons at home.

BAY AREA NEWS GROUP ||| NFL KICKOFF |||

PAGE 61

The NFL

FANTASY FROM PAGE 7

Sergio Romo

Javier Lopez

Tommy Wingels

GIANTS RELIEVER

GIANTS RELIEVER

SHARKS FORWARD

How long have you played fantasy football?

How long have you played fantasy football?

Have you ever won your league?

Probably about 7-8 years.

Off and on since 2007.

What was the prize?

Have you ever won your league?

Have you ever won your league?

Cash.

No. I’ve been in the championship game twice and the playoffs maybe half the time.

Scavenge the waiver wire or sit back and be patient?

Two different times.

What was the prize?

One of them was the big league one. One was here and, yeah, it was pretty good (smiling).

Scavenge the waiver wire or sit back and be patient?

I look on the waiver wire quite a bit.

I’m active and I’m active in trading as well. I’m not afraid to do a little dealing here and there.

“Brian Wilson was good for trying to pull off some sneaky onesided trades.”

JAVIER LOPEZ, ABOVE, ON HIS FORMER TEAMMATE

Best player you ever drafted?

Chris Johnson.

The draft pick you wish you could have back?

Last year, Doug Martin. Second pick overall. I had a feeling he was going to go off.

Who do you hope to pick first in 2014?

LeSean McCoy or Jamaal Charles.

What’s the most number of leagues you’ve played in at once?

Four.

Do you generally play with your teammates?

Scavenge the waiver wire or sit back and be patient?

Definitely a waiver wire look. Most of the leagues I play in you don’t have to pay in extra for waiver claims, so always scouring the waiver wire but I try to set up the roster the best I can going forward.

Best player you ever drafted?

Robert Griffin III his rookie year. I am a (Washington) fan, so RGIII was a sneak attack pick at the time.

Obviously he played really well for us. Runner up for that would also be Beast Mode (Marshawn Lynch).

The draft pick you wish you could have back?

Michael Vick (in 2012). I ended up trading him, so it wasn’t that bad.

Who do you hope to pick first in 2014?

I don’t want to give away my trade secrets. My philosophy this year, which it normally isn’t, is to take a quarterback with my first pick.

I play here and I’ll play one with family or friends. Typically I’m in two.

What’s the most number of leagues you’ve played in at once?

Any of your teammates ever try to rip you off in a trade?

Always. Probably all of them, to be honest. They’ll see if you’ll bite.

Probably myself, too, in all reality.

I try to sneak one by a guy or two every now and then.

Scavenge.

I play with a bunch of old teammates and college teammates.

Any of your teammates ever try to rip you off in a trade?

Both old teammates Patrick Sharp (Chicago) and Tom Gilbert (Montreal) are terrible fantasy players, so they try and pull off bogus trades all season.

Best player you ever drafted?

Calvin Johnson.

Draymond Green

The draft pick you wish you could have back?

WARRIORS FORWARD

Never make mistakes with my draft picks.

Who do you hope to pick first in 2014?

LeSean McCoy. What’s the most number of leagues you’ve played in at once?

One.

Adam Burish SHARKS WINGER

How long have you played fantasy football?

Seven years.

Have you ever won your league?

Yes, twice.

What was the prize?

How long have you played fantasy football?

The first time I played was last year, and it was amazing!!!

Have you ever won your league?

I came in fifth place my first year.

Scavenge the waiver wire or sit back and be patient?

I like to do a little of both depending on the bye weeks because I made a mistake and drafted players with the same bye week last year.

Best player you ever drafted?

Calvin Johnson with the first pick last year.

The draft pick you wish you could have back?

Andre Johnson, simply because I didn’t have a QB. Who do you hope to pick first in 2014?

Just two.

Cash, a cool trophy, and photo book to document your time with the trophy.

Do you generally play with your teammates?

Scavenge the waiver wire or sit back and be patient?

What’s the most number of leagues you’ve played in at once?

Always with teammates for the most part, and then there’s one back home with some college buddies.

Scavenge hard!

Two.

Best player you ever drafted?

Do you generally play with your teammates?

Any of your teammates ever try to rip you off in a trade?

Yeah, countless times. There were some sneaky trades with Mark DeRosa. Brian Wilson was good for trying to pull off some sneaky onesided trades.

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Yes.

Do you generally play with your teammates?

Aaron Rodgers — best player, best team.

Who do you hope to pick first in 2014?

Aaron Rodgers.

What’s the most number of leagues you’ve played in at once?

Three.

Calvin Johnson or Peyton.

I played in a league with Franchise (Steph Curry) last year.

Any of your teammates ever try to rip you off in a trade?

LOL. No.

The NFL

Josh Donaldson

Stephen Vogt

Sean Doolittle

A’S THIRD BASEMAN

A’S CATCHER

A’S PITCHER

How long have you played fantasy football?

How long have you played fantasy football?

How long have you played fantasy football?

My first time was 2010

This is my 11th year.

Five times.

Have you ever won your league?

Have you ever won your league?

Have you ever won your league?

Once, in 2011

Three times, but not with these guys. This is my first year in this league. My wife has been in the same league and has won four times. In five years. She’s good.

No, I’ve had a couple of second places.

What was the prize?

Almost to a fault I tend to sit back.

This year I want to be more active, make a few more trades.

What was the prize?

I don’t remember, but I was still in the minors, so it wasn’t a lot of money.

Scavenge the waiver wire or sit back and be patient?

I’ve always had a lot of big pickups on the waiver wire. Last year I had two big pickups, Keenan Allen and Knowshon Moreno.

JOSH DONALDSON

Best player you ever drafted?

Jamaal Charles, in his rookie year.

I followed him a lot and he became my favorite player.

DONALDSON AND VOGT: PATRICK TEHAN/STAFF. DOOLITTLE: GETTY IMAGES

The first league dates back to college, the entry fee was $20, so first place wasn’t much

Best player you ever drafted?

Scavenge the waiver wire or sit back and be patient?

I had Peyton Manning last year, and he had a pretty good year.

It’s kind of a mix for me. Every draft I’ll take three or four guys I know will be my waiver guys.

Who did you pick first in 2014?

Best player you ever drafted?

The draft pick you wish you could have back?

Adrian Peterson, coming back from surgery. He had a great year.

It was last year, David Wilson, the second pick. He had a neck injury, didn’t play and I don’t think he’ll play again.

The draft pick you wish you could have back?

Shaun Alexander, the year after he was the MVP. I took him with the first overall pick and he didn’t do much.

Who did you pick first in 2014?

It was a hard one. I took Alabama Crimson Tide running back Eddie Lacy (Packers). It was hard because I went to Auburn.

Who did you pick first in 2014?

LeSean McCoy. STEPHEN VOGT

What’s the most number of leagues you’ve played in at once?

Scavenge the waiver wire or sit back and be patient?

What’s the most number of leagues you’ve played in at once?

Adrian Peterson.

What’s the most number of leagues you’ve played in at once?

Three.

Do you generally play with your teammates?

Yes, and with friends back home.

Any of your teammates ever try to rip you off in a trade?

Absolutely. I remember Seth Smith lowballing me, coming in with some weak offers. It always goes on. Coco is already talking about trying to get a trade going.

Four.

Three.

Do you generally play with your teammates?

Do you generally play with your teammates?

With them for the first time this year. I’ve done it with the same group from college for 11 years.

And we have a family league, four couples, eight teams. It’s a competitive family.

Yes Any of your teammates ever try to rip you off in a trade?

Yeah, Coco (Crisp) does every year.

Somehow he manages to talk me into it. He’s bad. I’m not dealing with him any more.

Any of your teammates ever try to rip you off in a trade?

This is my first year. I don’t know yet.

SEAN DOOLITTLE

BAY AREA NEWS GROUP ||| NFL KICKOFF |||

PAGE 63

SEAHAWKS FROM PAGE 40

it’s not as if the quarterback is carrying the load. Writer Doug Farrar, in a thorough analysis for Football Outsiders, noted that no team has thrown fewer passes over the past two seasons than the Seahawks.

Still, Wilson is adept at picking his spots. The Seahawks gained 1,500 yards on deep passes last year, seventh-best in the league. (The 49ers were 22nd with 1,112 yards.)

Wilson also has 52 career touchdown passes, making him one of only three quarterbacks in league history to top 50 in his first two seasons. The others

With extra scrutiny paid to downfield contact, the Seahawks are preparing to see more scenes like this at CenturyLink.

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are Dan Marino (68) and Peyton Manning (52).

The defense, meanwhile, will try to ensure that any Seahawks points serve mostly to run up the score. Sherman and Thomas signed lavish contract extensions in the offseason, highlighting a unit that stays mostly intact.

Seattle did bid farewell to some key players during free agency, including leading receiver Golden Tate (who signed with the Detroit Lions), starting right tackle Breno Giacomini (New York Jets), starting defensive ends Red Bryant and Chris Clemons (both released, then picked up by the Jacksonville Jaguars) and former starting cornerbacks Brandon Browner (New

England Patriots) and Walter Thurmond (New York Giants).

Their biggest challenge for the so-called “Legion of Boom” will be avoiding a blizzard of yellow flags. Seattle committed an NFLworst 9.1 flags per game (including declined and offsetting).

Now, with an added emphasis from officials on downfield contact, Seattle defenders expect extra scrutiny on their already controversial coverage. Former New York Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride famously said in December that the Seahawks defense had “perfected the art” of defensive holding.

To prepare for the new look, referees are at all Seahawks

practices throwing flags on every illegal contact penalty.

“We understand where the game is going, and we adapted to the rule change,” Thomas told USA Today. “You just practice it, and it becomes second nature.

We’ve been in practice, trying to keep our hands clean in one-onones.

“Every chance we get, we want to help this team in a positive way. We definitely don’t want to penalize this team.”

It helps, of course, that the Seahawks are 15-1 at CenturyLink Field over the past two seasons.

The place is famously noisy.

Is it enough produce an echo in 2014?

THIS PAGE: JAY DROWNS/GETTY IMAGES. OPPOSITE PAGE: JOHN FROSCHAUER/ASSOCIATED PRESS

The NFL

Seattle’s CenturyLink Field has set the Guinness World Record for Loudest Crowd Roar at an Outdoor Stadium.

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PAGE 65

The NFL

Polian said Kaepernick improved late last season, citing his secondary reads and passing to underneath receivers.

“He’s going to get better simply by having more opportunities to learn defenses and how to manipulate them,” Polian said.

For perspective, consider Kaepernick’s 639 career regular-season passes. That ranks 45th among quarterbacks in this summer’s training camps. Leading the way are Peyton Manning (8,452), Drew Brees (6,799) and Tom Brady (6,586). Even Seattle’s Wilson has more attempts (800) dating to his 2012 rookie season.

Only Philadelphia’s Nick Foles got more out of his completions than Kaepernick last season, according to FootballPerspective.com, which used statistical analysis factoring in yards-percompletion, the league average and attempts.

And Kaepernick tied for the fifth-best accuracy percentage last season on passes of 20 yards or longer, according to ProFootballFocus.com.

A

n offseason that brought in veteran receivers Stevie Johnson and Lloyd, as well as rookie Bruce Ellington, is bound to open up the 49ers’ passing game. Boldin re-signed rather than hit free agency, Crabtree has looked hungry entering his final season under contract, and tight end Vernon Davis (13 touchdown catches in 2013) opted to cut short his contract holdout.

“When he gets all the parts and gets his receivers going, he’ll be fine,” Madden said.

Expectations were tempered early last season while Crabtree missed the first 11 games recovering from Achilles surgery. Kaepernick’s completion percentage slipped from 62.4 in 2012 to 58.4.

Even with Crabtree back in the lineup, that percentage dipped to 54.9 in three playoff games.

It’s always a scene, but never more than when you’re preparing for a Super Bowl. Media crowded Kaepernick as the 49ers prepared to face the Ravens in 2013.

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But, Madden points out: “He’s not going to be one of the guys with a high percentage, because he’s going to take more chances.”

Dilfer agreed, adding: “Kap’s not in a system where he’s going to throw 65 to 68 percent. It’s a run-first offense, where they set up the big play off the run. He’s very accurate down the field.

He’ll become more efficient when he sees more looks and then will make better decisions.”

There were plenty who questioned Kaepernick’s off-field decision-making in the offseason after he was named in a Miami police investigation in April. The incident was initially referred to as a “sexual-assault case”

by TMZ.com and other media outlets, even though no crime or sexual action was alleged and no charges were filed.

“As I said from Day 1, I would never do the things that were made up about me,” Kaepernick said via Twitter. “ I’m glad this issue is resolved. It’s time for football.”

Kaepernick had been in Miami to work out before the 49ers’ offseason program. Boldin and wide receiver Quinton Patton took part in those sessions, not just to break a sweat, but to help Kaepernick refine his timing on passes.

“He has a big-time arm that, on quick in-throws, he can get the ball to featured guys pretty easily,” said the defensive coordinator who wished to remain anonymous. The coordinator also downplayed Kaepernick’s progression-reading woes.

Roger Theder, a former Cal coach who tutored Kaepernick in his Pitman High-Turlock days before the 49ers drafted him in 2011, likes what he sees from his former pupil, both technically and mentally.

“Colin stands tall, has a narrow base, throws really well, turns his shoulder really well,” Theder said. “And he’s got that great work ethic.”

To make play calls easier and cut down on play-clock woes, coaches simplified this season’s playbook, so much so that coach Jim Harbaugh described Kaepernick’s expertise as “auto-correct” mode.

This is the job Kaepernick craved since he was a kid helping the Turlock Vikings win trophies as a quarterback and safety. He has been a relentless competitor ever since, said his father, Rick, who linked that trait to a motivational poster that hung next to his bed.

“The power to win must come

from within,” read the poster, featuring one player trying to break a tackle to dive for the goal line.

Asked about it after a 49ers practice, Kaepernick said the poster “was just another reminder that if you’re going to do something, the biggest factor is you. ‘How much do you want it?

How much work are you willing to put in to accomplish it?’ … It made it that much easier to wake up and say, ‘OK, if I want this, I’m going to go after it.’ ” Those words came shortly after an extra workout on an otherwise deserted practice field.

A couple hours earlier, he had been practicing with his fellow quarterbacks. Of course it was Kaepernick who first nailed a fade pass into that butterfly net.

“I look at guys and ask how would I like to coach against them,” Madden said. “He’d be a pain in the butt. He has the arm, athletic ability, he can move in the pocket, he can run with the ball, he can run fast with the ball.

“I think he’s great, not just with the things he does, but what he is capable of doing.”

For more, see Cam Inman’s Hot Read blog at blogs.mercurynews. com/49ers. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/CamInman.

DAN HONDA/STAFF

KAEPERNICK FROM PAGE 19

The NFL

SCHAUB FROM PAGE 29

and offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave marveled at Schaub’s ability to understand football strategy and then execute it with teammates.

“In my two years around him, I never felt like he was surprised by anything that took place on the field,” Musgrave said. “But a lot of people can study their little hearts out and still not be able to process what they see. Matt had the ability to think quickly, make a decision and also be an elite athlete.”

Ryan Sawyer, a wide receiver at Virginia and a roommate of Schaub’s, said when he returned to his room it was normal to find Schaub watching game film.

“He absorbs information very fast,” Sawyer said. “The average guy will take hours to grasp a concept that doesn’t take him very long.”

As a senior, Schaub missed two games because of a separated shoulder early in the season, but still had an excellent statistical year, completing 69.7 percent of his passes for 2,952 yards, 18 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

BOB LEVEY/GETTY IMAGES

D

rafted in the third round by the Atlanta Falcons in 2004, Schaub was the fifth quarterback selected, behind first-round picks Eli Manning, Philip Rivers, Ben Roethlisberger and J.P. Losman.

It was a dream come true that Schaub had pushed to the back of his mind, as even his family and closest friends can’t remember him ever saying his goal was to play in the NFL. “It was instilled in him, ‘One step at a time. You prepare, you do the best at the level you’re playing, and if you do well enough you’ll have the ability to move on,’ ” Dale Schaub said. “He was never a guy who said, ‘I want to be like Dan Marino or John Elway.’ ” In three seasons as the backup

Matt Schaub’s stint with the Texans quickly went downhill, for both the quarterback and the franchise.

to Michael Vick, Schaub started only two games, but played well enough that Houston agreed to swap its eighth pick of the 2007 draft for the Falcons’ 10th pick and also send second-round picks in 2007 and 2008 to make Schaub its starter.

The attention to detail and organization are a family trait, according to his older sister.

“Every day you control your day and try not to let the day control you,” said Lindsay Schaub, a branch bank manager in the West Chester area. “You’re always early, and you never get asked more than once to do something. In fact, you try and anticipate what you should be doing so you just go do it.”

Dale Schaub, a retired manager in the rail business with Conrail and Norfolk Southern, believes in structure and organization. Richie Boyd, a friend of Schaub’s since the third grade, said, “If you were there on a Saturday, his dad has been up since 5 in the morning and he’d have the lawn cut, everything hedged, and he’d have done 15 things before noon.”

Carroll noticed that in high school, Matt Schaub was not only disciplined, but also aware of the

team dynamic, innately understanding which players to push, which ones to pat on the back and which ones to leave alone because they were so hard on themselves.

Boyd, who played football at Delaware and is now the offensive coordinator at Garnet Valley High in Pennsylvania, said Schaub’s penchant for early arrival paid dividends in learning about his teammates.

“If we had practice at 4:45, we were showing up at 4:40, just doing what we could to get ready,” Boyd said. “Matt would be there at 4, dressed, ready to go and watching every player come in. He could see how you moved, what you did, how you interacted with everyone else. It allowed him to be on a different level than we were.”

Boyd said Schaub was so organized that passengers in his car were lectured if they didn’t replace CDs in alphabetical order.

S

chaub still wants things neat and structured.

“I think the way to really irritate him is to mess up his sock drawer just a little bit,” Laurie Schaub said. “That would get un-

der his skin more than anything else.”

The father of three girls — Madison is 4 and twins Makayla and Mackenzie are 21⁄2 — Schaub has learned to cede some control and has even left for work some days with glitter on his clothes.

“I will say it’s softened him a little bit to have three girls,” Laurie Schaub said. “He always says, ‘I can gain the trust and control of 50-plus men on the playing field, but I come home and I’ve lost complete control of the women in my life.’ ” Schaub and his wife have a son on the way, and if he’s anything like his old man, he will exhibit a thirst for competition early. Boyd said he and Schaub spent countless hours in their youth playing pool, pingpong, Madden football video games and one-on-one basketball. They played online chess against each other while in college.

More than 20 years later, Schaub still is a competitive person in his own understated way.

During training camp, he spied Smith and teammate Justin Tuck playing pool in the recreation area.

“I asked them to let me know when the JV game was over,” Schaub said. “They started chirping back, so I grabbed some food, came back, cleaned them up for five games in a row and walked away.”

Smith felt as if he had been hustled, but looked at it as a positive sign that Schaub was back in his element.

“It’s just my opinion, but I think overthinking things can hinder you in a way,” Smith said.

“Now he’s had a chance to cool down, be himself, getting back his old mojo. His confidence is back.

His presence is back.”

For more on the Raiders, visit the Inside the Oakland Raiders blog at ibabuzz.com/oaklandraiders.

Follow Jerry McDonald on Twitter at twitter.com/Jerrymcd.

BAY AREA NEWS GROUP ||| NFL KICKOFF |||

PAGE 67

PURDY FROM PAGE 5

a good chance they will break slowly out of the gate because of a suspension to linebacker Aldon Smith for his DUI arrest and the injury rehabilitation of linebacker NaVorro Bowman. Losses early won’t be disastrous, but they will cause later games to be even more crucial. n The Raiders are going to be better than people expect. Their roster, for the first time in a long while, actually resembles a real NFL team with the addition of free agent veterans James Jones and Justin Tuck. New quarterback Matt Schaub has a point to prove after his curious dissolution in Houston last season. Don’t expect a playoff trip. But expect more than five or six victories. n Colin Kaepernick, who is the most fascinating Bay Area sports personality at the moment, will be scrutinized with every move he makes as the 49ers’ quarter-

Brandon Lloyd has his eye on a deep pass from quarterback Colin Kaepernick, but couldn’t make the catch in front of Denver Broncos defensive back Aqib Talib in the 49ers’ first preseason game at Levi’s Stadium.

PAGE 68 ||| NFL KICKOFF ||| BAY AREA NEWS GROUP

back. It’s easy to forget he’s still just 26 years old. Teams have figured out what he does not like to do and the types of passes he finds more difficult — such as those touch throws that drop in neatly over a linebacker — but Kaepernick seems to understand he isn’t perfect.

He wants to be better in every phase of the game. It will be interesting to watch him work on refining his technique as everybody in the Bay Area discusses the positives and negatives of ... his tattoos. n Dennis Allen, the Raiders’ coach, is in his third season with a hot seat that will become scalding unless he shows his team can improve week to week. n The Sunday to end all Sundays in Sunday history of Sunday football will, of course, occur on Dec. 7 when the 49ers play the Raiders at O.co Coliseum. Just preparing you for the hype. n The 49ers will continue to

fight the evil Seattle Seahawks for the NFC West title, with the first of two matchups set for Thanksgiving Day at Levi’s Stadium. Which is fitting. Because the pilgrims, as we all have studied in the history books, staged the original Thanksgiving meal with the local Native American tribes in a luxury suite catered by celebrity chef Michael Mina. n On the national scene, the ongoing narratives will be provided by the usual cast of characters, including Peyton Manning in Denver and Tom Brady in New England and all the rest. But watch out for Indianapolis (and former Stanford) quarterback Andrew Luck to rise as high in the Goodell Firmament as those other two big names by December. Just a hunch. n The football team in Washington will continue to receive deserving grief for clinging to the nickname that no politician in Washington would ever say

to the face of a 6-year-old Native American kid. And, no, we won’t mention it in the pages of this newspaper, either. n At least one underrated team in each conference will jump out of nowhere and get on a roll into the playoffs. The choices here, strictly on a hunch basis, are Detroit and Tennessee.

It should all keep us occupied quite splendidly until that big day in February, when the season will end and we can take a quick breath and get back to our measured Bay Area perspective.

And then, the next day, we will wake up to start losing even more perspective about the 2015 season — which, of course, will end at Levi’s Stadium in Super Bowl 50. I’m sure we will be extra erudite and sophisticated when that arrives.

Contact Mark Purdy at mpurdy@ mercurynews.com or 408-9205092.

D. ROSS CAMERON/STAFF

The NFL

BAY AREA NEWS GROUP ||| NFL KICKOFF |||

PAGE 69

The End Zone

A tale of two venues The Bay Area is one of just two legitimate two-team markets in the NFL. The 49ers and Raiders have shared the landscape, on and off, for more than six decades. But could this be their last co-habitational hurrah?

The 49ers, of course, are reveling in their fancy new Santa Clara digs while planning for the Bay Area’s first Super Bowl party since 1985. Meanwhile, the Raiders have sworn off thoughts of being second-class citizens at Levi’s Stadium and seem to be facing reality: They may never get the new stadium they need here, meaning a move back to Los Angeles or even less Bay Area-ish markets — like, gasp, San Antonio — is inevitable.

It’s enough to make one a bit nostalgic. Levi’s may have the shiny new surfaces, but the Coliseum will remain the clear leader on the history scoreboard for years to come. Here’s a look:

Opened: 2014 Cost: $1.3 billion Capacity: 68,500 (expandable to 75,000) Cheapest beer: $10.25 Cheap seats: $85 per-game average (after purchase of a $2,000 seat license)

both a green roof and solar panels; enjoy a $336 8-ounce steak at Michael Mina’s new restaurant.

Biggest football moments: None yet.

Biggest non-football moment: San Jose Earthquakes win inaugural Levi’s game 1-0 over the Seattle Sounders.

Best seats: $375 per-game average (after purchase of an $80,000 seat license)

Biggest dates on schedule: Thanksgiving Day, 49ers vs.

Seahawks; Feb. 21, Sharks vs. Kings in NHL Stadium Series; March 29, WrestleMania 31; Feb. 7, 2016, Super Bowl 50.

Notable features: Design places two-thirds of fans in the lower bowl; believed to be the first stadium with

PAGE 70 ||| NFL KICKOFF ||| BAY AREA NEWS GROUP

O.co Coliseum Opened: 1966 Cost: $25.5 million (1995-96 renovation cost $200 million) Capacity: 53,200 (expandable to 64,200) Originally: Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Cheap seats: $35 Best seats: $160 Cheapest beer: $9.75 Notable features: The Black Hole (Paging Dr. Death); Mount Davis, a 10,000-seat upper-deck addition built during 1995 expansion that

brought Raiders back from L.A. (The term was derisively coined by A’s fans who could no longer see a beloved view of the East Bay hills.)

Previous naming rights: Network Associates, McAfee, Overstock.com Famous for: Being the last stadium used for both football and baseball; sewage backing up into dugouts.

Biggest football moments: 1974 AFC playoff win over the Dolphins known as the “Sea of Hands”; the 1968 Heidi Game between the Raiders and Jets; 15 playoff victories.

ILLUSTRATIONS BY BRETT AFFRUNTI

Levi’s Stadium

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PAGE 71

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THE 2015 C-CLASS 4MATIC®

It is the unexpected fusion of breakthrough intelligence and groundbreaking acceleration. The all-new C-Class features a more

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a large multimedia screen and an intuitive touchpad that actually reads your handwriting — controlling navigation, climate, music, social media and more. The 2015 C-Class. Prepare to be amazed with the simple press of a finger and the push of an accelerator.

Visit one of your local Bay Area Mercedes-Benz dealers today.

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PAGE 72 ||| NFL KICKOFF ||| BAY AREA NEWS GROUP