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Section 415

The San Francisco Standard

The Standard's sports insiders take you on-site, on the road and behind-the-scenes with the 49ers, Giants, Warriors, and Valkyries. Essential listening for Bay Area sports fans. New episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

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Thursday · 24 min
Steve Kerr wants to 'reimagine' the offense. What will that actually look like?
Before leaving Sept. 28 for training camp in Hawaii, coach Steve Kerr told reporters the Warriors needed to “reimagine” their offense. Golden State didn’t make any marquee free-agent or trade additions and hopes top draft pick Yaxel Lendeborg and a teamwide commitment to reducing turnovers will lead to better results after a 37-45 season. How drastic are the changes? On the “Section 415” podcast, The Standard’s Danny Emerman joins host Kerry Crowley after spending 10 days watching the Warriors’ practices and preseason games. Emerman details the keys to Golden State’s “five-out” approach, how new depth pieces will change Kerr’s rotation options, and why the Warriors are interested in wrapping up extension negotiations with guard Brandin Podziemski. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:56 Inside Warriors training camp in Hawaii 01:43 How does Steve Kerr want to reinvent the offense? 05:29 Draymond Green's new offensive role 07:11 Yaxel Lendeborg: How has he looked in preseason? 11:27 Lendeborg's projected role 13:37 Will Brandin Podziemski get extended? 19:16 Will the Warriors improve on last season? 20:56 Outro and credits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tuesday · 24 min
49ers vs Seahawks preview: Can Brock Purdy get revenge in Seattle?
After throwing two touchdown passes in the 49ers’ 24-14 win Sunday over the Broncos, Brock Purdy leads the NFL in touchdown passes, passer rating, and Total QBR. Purdy is the first NFL quarterback since Peyton Manning in 2005 to go the first four games of a season without being sacked. He has used his legs to escape pressure in the backfield and scramble for first downs. Now Purdy faces his toughest test yet. On the “Section 415” podcast, The Standard’s David Lombardi joins host Kerry Crowley to break down the 49ers’ matchup with the reigning Super Bowl champion Seahawks, whose defense allows the fewest yards per game in the NFL. The two discuss how Seattle will challenge Purdy, what fullback Kyle Juszczyk’s injury means for the 49ers’ offense, and what to expect in Sunday’s NFC West showdown. Chapters: 0:00 Intro: 49ers start 4-0, Seahawks up next 1:27 Efficient, mistake-free offense fueling 49ers hot start 2:52 Week 5 preview: Purdy vs. Seattle's top-ranked defense 6:31 How Brock Purdy hasn't been sacked all season 10:06 Kyle Juszczyk's injury and how Kyle Shanahan will adjust without him 14:01 Mike Evans' effectiveness despite battling injury 18:19 Shanahan vs. McDonald: the NFL's best chess match 20:57 Wrap-up and credits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
October 1 · 23 min
The worst Giants' season ever?
The Giants’ nightmare season is finally over, and every member of the organization is eager to look forward. But Buster Posey and Zack Minasian can’t make any transactions to improve the roster until the World Series ends, so it’s worth evaluating what went wrong, why this year’s team underperformed expectations, and whether the Giants can make meaningful changes. On the “Section 415” podcast, John Shea joins host Kerry Crowley to discuss whether the 2026 season is the worst in team history, how it compares to other awful seasons, and why the Giants should spend next year devoted to developing young talent. John and Kerry also discuss Willy Adames’ future at shortstop, Casey Schmitt’s 2027 role, and whether Posey can shed salary by trading one of the team’s highest-paid players. Chapters: 00:00 Intro: A 97-loss season ends 00:36 Where 2026 ranks among the worst Giants seasons 02:41 Why this season feels worse than 2017 05:33 Should the Giants punt on 2027? 10:49 Willy Adames' future at shortstop 17:25 Should Devers, Adames or Chapman get traded? 19:50 Outro and credits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
September 29 · 24 min
'Win or Die': Inside Natalie Nakase's and the Valkyries' playoff mentality
The Golden State Valkyries won their first WNBA playoff game in dominant fashion. Spurred by a 37-point second quarter, the Valks set a franchise record for points in a 104-80 win Sunday over the Dallas Wings at Chase Center. Six players hit multiple 3-pointers, including reserves Tiffany Hayes and Kaitlyn Chen, who were among five Valkyries to finish with at least 10 points. Golden State’s 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series means coach Natalie Nakase’s team can advance to the WNBA semifinals with a road win Wednesday. What does the Valkyries’ Game 1 dominance mean for their playoff outlook? The Standard’s Jane Kenny joins host Kerry Crowley on the “Section 415” podcast to share her takeaways from Sunday’s postseason opener and to preview Game 2. Chapters: 0:00 Intro: Valkyries win their first-ever playoff game 0:30 The Chase Center environment 1:23 What sparked the historic 37-11 second quarter 3:20 Tiffany Hayes' bench spark 5:03 Ceci Zandalasini's breakout performance 9:13 Kaitlyn Chen's crucial contributions 11:59 Why was Natalie Nakase critical of the Valks in her postgame presser? 14:20 How will Paige Bueckers and the Wings adjust for Game 2? 16:55 Cheryl Reeve wins Coach of the Year over Nakase. Was it deserved? 21:02 Outro & credits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
September 25 · 16 min
Despite criticism, Kalshi isn’t deterred from partnering with the Giants
Shortly after the San Francisco Giants announced a partnership with prediction market platform Kalshi in August, the team posted to X a highlight of a play that boosted its win probability. It was met with immediate backlash. Nearly all of the more than 300 replies were negative. These comments and criticisms haven't discouraged Kalshi. On the “Section 415” podcast, Kalshi’s head of sports partnerships, Adam Barrick, joins host Kerry Crowley to discuss the criticism from Giants fans, why the platform is eager to continue its partnership with the team, and how Kalshi thinks about the ethical dilemmas players face when their teams agree to partner with prediction markets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
September 22 · 22 min
Brock Purdy dominated against Miami. Has he reached elite QB status?
After quarterback Brock Purdy exited a press conference following the 49ers’ 35-13 win Sunday over the Dolphins, Fred Warner stepped up to the podium and said, “MVP.” Running back Christian McCaffrey described Purdy as “special” and said he’s tired of answering questions about whether he’s surprised by his teammate’s excellence. On the “Section 415” podcast, David Lombardi joins host Kerry Crowley to discuss how Purdy has evolved, how the quarterback impressed teammates during training camp, and what a slew of injuries at wide receiver means for Purdy’s operations moving forward. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 0:48 From training camp, Purdy looks improved this season 2:10 The three weaknesses Purdy has fixed 5:02 PhD-level football: How has Purdy improved his play? 11:09 Can the 49ers overcome WR injuries? 14:34 Who steps up at wide receiver? 17:30 Kyle Juszczyk, the wild card to the 49ers offense 19:09 Wrap-up and credits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
September 22 · 26 min
Inside the 49ers’ changing power structure
The 49ers might not look different this season, but changes that have taken place at the top of the organization mean the franchise’s power structure is shifting. Jed York’s move to Ohio earlier this year means the owner is no longer at team headquarters on a daily basis. His August arrest triggered an NFL investigation and will likely result in a suspension, which will prevent him from having contact with team personnel. Paraag Marathe, the former president of 49ers Enterprises and executive vice president of football operations, left the team in August to focus on the organization’s European soccer clubs, Leeds United and Rangers FC. On the “Section 415” podcast, Tim Kawakami joins Kerry Crowley to discuss how these changes affect CEO Al Guido, GM John Lynch, and coach Kyle Shanahan, and how they could shape the team’s approach to the Nov. 10 trade deadline. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:02 Jed York moves to Ohio, Al Guido steps up as CEO 02:48 Are the 49ers more likely to make a win-now trade? 05:43 What the 49ers lose with Paraag Marathe departing 11:11 Paraag Marathe & Jed York's partnership 17:36 Kawakami on the 49ers' relationship with national media 20:11 Contracts to watch: Bosa, Evans, McCaffrey, and beyond 23:24 Wrap-up and credits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
September 15 · 19 min
Natalie Nakase returns a champion. Can she lead the Valkyries to WNBA glory?
The WNBA playoffs haven’t started yet, but Natalie Nakase is already a champion. The Valkyries coach spent the last two weeks in Berlin as an assistant under Kara Lawson as the U.S. beat France to win the FIBA Women’s World Cup. Nakase returns to a Valkyries team that was split up during the FIBA break, as several players — including Gabby Williams, Janelle Salaun, and Cecilia Zandalasini — had starring roles with national teams, while others — including Veronica Burton, Kaila Charles, and Kiah Stokes — stayed in the Bay Area and practiced. On the “Section 415” podcast, reporter Jane Kenny joins host Kerry Crowley to discuss the Valkyries’ playoff outlook, how Nakase’s rotation will change during the postseason, and how recent practices differed without the coach. 00:00 Intro 01:20 Gabby Williams' impressive FIBA run and her Valkyries return 05:01 Playoff schedule, rotations, and possible opponents 09:11 Is this Valkyries season more impressive than last year? 11:36 Inside Valkyries practices while Nakase was away in Berlin 14:53 Chase Center playoff anticipation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
September 11 · 18 min
How the 49ers became Australia’s favorite NFL team
When the NFL announced its Global Markets Program in 2022, the Los Angeles Rams were awarded international marketing rights to Australia, where the franchise could build brand awareness and fandom. Four years later, the Rams served as the “home” team for their season opener, but the crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground was overwhelmingly supportive of the 49ers. After arriving in Australia last week, the 49ers worked to connect with the local community, hosting events featuring franchise legends and team personnel. The Rams, on the other hand, flew in 28 hours before kickoff to avoid jet lag, limiting their time to drum up support among fans still deciding which team to cheer for. On the “Section 415” podcast, The Standard’s David Lombardi joins host Kerry Crowley after spending a week in Melbourne interacting with Australians, learning about their desire to embrace the NFL, and watching the stadium transform into a pro-49ers crowd. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
September 8 · 27 min
Who really owns the Giants?
The San Francisco Giants were supposed to move to Florida. That was the expectation in 1992, when owner Bob Lurie agreed to sell the team to a group that planned to relocate it to St. Petersburg. National League owners voted 9-4 to reject the sale, and 18 San Francisco-area investors stepped in with a $100 million bid to buy the Giants. The Giants haven’t changed hands since then, but the ownership group looks dramatically different now than it did when the sale was completed in 1993. On the “Section 415” podcast, John Shea joins host Kerry Crowley to discuss how ownership has evolved, which individuals hold the most power, and how an influx of money in recent years has changed the franchise. 00:00 Intro 01:31 Meet David Jenkins, the Giants' colorful top shareholder 03:42 The near-move to Tampa & genesis of the Giants' ownership circle 07:42 Why did John Shea pursue a story about ownership? 13:59 The new private equity owners v. "old money" owners 19:46 Larry Baer, Peter Magowan, and building a winner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
September 8 · 26 min
The Calgorithm put Cal football back on the map. Now are they ready for primetime?
It’s been 20 years since Cal last won 10 games, but expectations are soaring again in Berkeley after the Bears hired coach Tosh Lupoi and retained starting quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele. With former NFL coach Ron Rivera entering his second season as GM and a highly regarded transfer class set to make an immediate impact, Cal fans are as optimistic as they’ve been since Aaron Rodgers was handing off to Marshawn Lynch during the Jeff Tedford era. On the “Section 415” podcast, Cal football digital reporter Greg Silver joins host Kerry Crowley to preview a Bears season that begins Saturday against UCLA. 0:00 Intro 0:27 Who is Tosh Lupoi, Cal's new head coach? 5:34 Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele's rising stardom 10:33 Cal's transfer portal strategy and playmakers to watch 16:07 Expectations for this season 20:44 The Calgorithm, College GameDay in Berkeley, and the hype surrounding Cal football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
September 1 · 27 min
The SF Giants' Kalshi partnership reflects a troubling trend in sports
The San Francisco Giants were one of five MLB teams last week that announced partnerships with Kalshi, a prediction market platform that calls itself the “world’s next-generation financial exchange.” On the “Section 415” podcast, independent journalist Joon Lee joins host Kerry Crowley to discuss why teams have embraced partnerships with sportsbooks and prediction markets, the dangers these partnerships pose to fans, and how players feel about them. 0:00 Intro: The Giants-Kalshi partnership 2:24 The explosion of sports betting 5:05 What's the difference between prediction markets and sports betting? 11:35 Harassment from angry bettors & the toll on athletes 16:13 The long-term concerns of the sports gambling boom 19:29 Is there a path to responsible sports betting regulation? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
August 27 · 26 min
Andrew Luck, and the superstar-to-executive pipeline
As the Stanford football GM, Andrew Luck oversees more than 100 players. The odds of any of them having a better college career than Luck are miniscule. In San Francisco, Buster Posey, president of baseball operations for the Giants, manages the 26-man roster and is responsible for a farm system that includes more than 150 prospects. There’s little chance anyone in the organization will enjoy a more successful career than he did. So why do they embark on this challenge? On "Section 415," Danny Emerman joins Kerry to discuss his profile of Andrew Luck, and the phenomenon of superstars who become executives in Bay Area sports. 00:00 Intro 00:28 Andrew Luck's uphill battle at Stanford 04:46 The duality of Andrew Luck 06:57 Buster Posey's difficulties running the Giants 11:41 Why role players often make better executives than superstars 19:24 Is the Bay Area uniquely full of athlete-executives? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
August 24 · 13 min
Jed York's arrest: What we know about the 49ers owner
Jed York’s arrest Sunday in East Palestine, Ohio, is the latest, most significant development in a 49ers offseason shaped by turmoil. With fewer than three weeks until the start of the season, the owner on Monday pleaded no contest to charges of disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools. The disorderly conduct charge was amended from an initial charge of engaging in prostitution. On the “Section 415” podcast, David Lombardi joins host Kerry Crowley to discuss the NFL’s potential discipline for York, prior instances of owners facing allegations of wrongdoing, and how the arrest will shape public perception of York. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
August 21 · 27 min
Mike Krukow is retiring. How will the Giants replace him?
No one can replace Mike Krukow, but the Giants must hire a new color commentator anyway. Krukow, a former Giants pitcher who has worked as the team’s primary TV analyst for more than 30 years, will retire at the end of this season. His partner in the booth, play-by-play voice Duane Kuiper, will continue broadcasting and told The Standard’s John Shea he hopes to be included in discussions as the Giants consider how to replace Krukow. 00:00 Intro 00:30 Krukow's storied broadcasting career and legacy 10:05 Who would replace Mike Krukow? 18:47 Could Kruk and Kuip enter the Baseball Hall of Fame together? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
August 17 · 25 min
49ers training camp: Which rookies are impressing?
Kyle Shanahan doesn’t like to depend on rookies, but the 49ers may have no other choice this year. After receiver Ricky Pearsall suffered a season-ending PCL injury, top draft pick De’Zhaun Stribling is set to play an important role in Shanahan’s offense. Beyond Stribling, which other rookies have impressed during training camp, and which players must make improvements before they earn the trust of the coaching staff? On the “Section 415” podcast, David Lombardi joins host Kerry Crowley to discuss the most significant preseason developments and the rookies most likely to provide immediate help. 0:00 Intro 0:26 Stribling's impressive preseason debut 2:44 Stribling's potential role in the 49ers offense 5:20 Jaden Dugger flashes on defense 7:43 Gracen Halton's flashes, Alfred Collins disappoints 13:05 CB depth chart after injuries 16:54 Kurtis Rourke's leg up on QB3 spot 21:54 Credits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
August 14 · 26 min
The Warriors had an underwhelming offseason. What's in store for next season?
A quiet Warriors offseason has led to loud reactions from disappointed fans. Many Golden State supporters believe the team hasn’t done enough to surround superstar Steph Curry with talent. GM Mike Dunleavy and owner Joe Lacob have pushed back on that assertion and are pointing to the February trade deadline as an opportunity for the franchise to take its next big swing. “We have multiple ways to get better during the season, which is something we’ve done the last few years,” Dunleavy said Tuesday. On the “Section 415” podcast, Danny Emerman joins host Kerry Crowley to discuss recent comments from Dunleavy and Lacob and the 2026-27 Warriors schedule, as well as the death of basketball pioneer and franchise icon Don Nelson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
August 11 · 25 min
Golden State Valkyries playoff push: Preparing for the final stretch run
The Golden State Valkyries have won 12 of their last 14 games and are inching closer to securing their second consecutive playoff berth. Preparing for the postseason, however, is a tricky challenge for coach Natalie Nakase and her staff. The WNBA will pause its schedule for nearly three weeks in September so players and coaches can participate in the FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin. How will Nakase manage each player’s workload ahead of the tournament? What will Golden State’s rotation look like when the WNBA schedule resumes? On the “Section 415” podcast, reporter Jane Kenny joins host Kerry Crowley to discuss the difficult decisions the Valkyries’ leaders are navigating as they prepare for a playoff run. 0:00 Intro 0:27 Valkyries riding a hot streak into September 1:28 FIBA World Cup break looming near the end of the season 3:25 Golden State's second-unit advantage 6:11 Tiffany Hayes turns back the clock 8:01 Behind Janelle Salaün's journey to Golden State 11:59 Kiah Stokes' emergence as a defensive anchor 15:28 Projecting the playoff rotation 20:03 The case for Natalie Nakase as Coach of the Year Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
August 7 · 20 min
Inside San Francisco's women's sports boom
Five years ago, the Bay Area didn't have a women's pro sports team. Now, the Golden State Valkyries are the first $1 billion women's sports franchise and the region has been transformed into a capital of opportunity. In a special episode of "Section 415," host Kerry Crowley spoke with Valkyries president Jess Smith and San Francisco Signal president Stephanie Martin on the factors driving the local boom and how they're approaching the process of building franchises from the ground up and handling the inevitable challenges along the way. 0:00 Intro 1:20 Why Jess Smith bet on San Francisco and the Valkyries 3:06 Why Stephanie Martin is betting on pro volleyball in San Francisco 6:51 Behind building the Valkyries' brand identity 9:02 Building the Signal's brand and name 12:20 Facing challenges & preparing for growth and adversity 14:13 Jess's vision for women's sports in 5-10 years 16:06 Stephanie's vision for The Signal and pro volleyball's future 17:59 Credits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
August 4 · 23 min
Analyzing the San Francisco Giants' dizzying trade deadline
Buster Posey hasn’t come close to building a winning team. But the Giants’ president of baseball operations has successfully traded major league players off disappointing clubs for promising prospects who could play pivotal roles in the future. Posey’s dramatic deadline selloff Monday made a bad 2026 team even worse, but it also helped the Giants stockpile pitching prospects who should be able to contribute when the team is better positioned to contend. On the “Section 415” podcast, John Shea joins host Kerry Crowley to discuss Posey’s dizzying deadline and how the sacrifices the organization made in trading Luis Arráez, Robbie Ray, Heliot Ramos, and others could pay off in 2027 and beyond. 0:00 Intro 0:51 Inside the Giants clubhouse as trades went down 4:14 Marcelo Mayer: The most intriguing deadline pickup 9:06 Buster Posey refuses to call this a rebuild. But it's a rebuild. 13:11 Should the Giants trade Logan Webb? Kerry and John debate. 17:54 Kent and Bonds reunite in the farm system 20:06 Credits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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