Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 357
September 15, 2024
Willie Mays’ words at Cepeda’s celebration of life put a ribbon on emotional year for SF Giants
SAN FRANCISCO — The words of Willie Mays graced the shores of McCovey Cove one last time Sunday afternoon.
In a fitting ribbon on an emotional year for the Giants organization, that saw the death of two lions of the game within two weeks of each other, Mays’ prepared remarks headlined the hourlong celebration of life for his former teammate, Orlando Cepeda, who died just 10 days after Mays this summer.
The ceremony preceded the Giants’ series finale against the Padres, a 4-3 loss in 10 innings, and would have delighted Cepeda with a live band, dancers and dozens of his closest friends and family in addition to a slate of speakers that included fellow Hall of Famers Tony Oliva and Juan Marichal.
Oliva, a Twins legend hailing from Cuba, told the story of meeting Cepeda for the first time as a rookie at an exhibition game in New York in 1963 and said, “From that moment Orlando Cepeda never forgot me.” Marichal, his teammate in San Francisco from 1960-66, added, “Orlando wasn’t just a tremendous athlete, he was a beacon of generosity and kindness. His love was infectious, his wisdom profound and his loyalty unwavering.”
But the most powerful — and least expected — moment of the afternoon was Mays’ message from the afterlife, delivered by emcee Mike Krukow.
Before his death, Mays got word of Cepeda’s deteriorating health and wanted to make sure he had a chance to honor his friend, even if he couldn’t be there.
“How do you say goodbye to a little brother?” Mays’ letter read, in part, sharing their first meeting, in 1954, when Cepeda was a teenage batboy for a winter ball team in Puerto Rico, and going on to form a 70-year bond. “Some said it was one of the best winter teams ever put together, and there was this big kid hanging around. They called him the ‘Baby Bull,’ after his father, Pedro Cepeda, ‘The Bull.’ … Four years later, he’d be my Giants teammate.
“You already know his successes, his records, his numbers. He’s an MVP-winning Hall of Famer, but to me he was like family. While he was looking up to me, I was watching out for him. He made his own way, but he will always be my little brother. You always look out for your little brother, even after they grow.
“So long, kid. — Willie Mays“
Giants manager Bob Melvin was a budding 5-year-old fan when Cepeda was traded to St. Louis in 1966 and took in the ceremonies from the top step of the dugout, a similar perch to where he stood in a suit and tie three months ago for the celebration of Mays’ life.
Mays died at age 93 on June 18, two days before the Giants were set to play in his hometown of Birmingham, Alabama. What was already going to be a special evening at Rickwood Field took on even more significance. Upon returning home, they honored Mays in a pregame ceremony then held their first celebration of life July 8.
The news of Cepeda’s death at age 86 came June 28, while the organization was still processing the passing of another icon.
“The Willie thing, that hit us for a while,” Melvin said before the game. “It made sense that there was a little bit of a gap before the Cepeda stuff today. But I think similarly, we’re going to feel it again today, how much these guys have meant to the organization.”
Asked if his team has felt more of an emotional toll this season than typical, Melvin said, “For sure, especially here, guys that are from the area…
“Even some of our players who might not know as much about the history of the organization do now. With the Rickwood game on top of that, and then the Orlando passing, these guys are probably getting up to speed about what these guys meant and how much they meant to baseball and the Bay Area in general.”
The festivities coincided with Fiesta Gigates, one of Cepeda’s favorite days each year, as well as the league-wide Roberto Clemente Day.
Heliot Ramos, who wore No. 21 in honor of the fellow Puerto Rican, described a “tough” season from his locker after their 8-0 loss Saturday night.
“I feel like offensively sometimes we’re hot and the pitching is not working. Sometimes the offense is not working. That’s the frustrating part,” he said. “That’s where the emotions come in. Because we want to be better as a team. We don’t know the feeling, but we want to know what it’s like to win a championship.”
Clemente’s eldest granddaughter, Christina, was also on-hand to honor Mike Yastrzemski as the Giants’ nominee for the award named after her grandfather given annually to the MLB player who “best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual’s contribution to his team.”
Cepeda “loved to be around people,” Oliva said, and his reach touched Dusty Baker, Spanish-language broadcasters Erwin Higueros and Tito Fuentes, as well as the third generation of the Clemente family. “To me,” Christina said, “he was a godfather, an uncle and a father figure.”
Baker was an up-and-coming rookie with Atlanta when he first met Cepeda in the twilight of his career but said, “He taught me about everything in life” and eventually developed a relationship with his four sons, who were tapped to throw the ceremonial first pitches.
Barry Bonds, Matt Williams, Ron Wotus and Marvin Benard lined up behind home plate, where Cepeda’s signature white fedora was emblazoned on the grass above his No. 30, and received four strikes.
“I’m Uncle Dusty to them,” Baker said in his speech, “and they’re family to me.”
NotableDonovan Walton, of all people, ended the Giants’ scoreless streak with a solo home run to lead off the sixth inning that tied the score at 1. San Francisco had gone 32 consecutive innings since last scoring a run, in the eighth inning of Wednesday’s 13-2 win over the Brewers.
The drought went down as the fourth-longest in franchise history, trailing only the 1916 Giants (39 innings), 1976 Giants (35 innings) and 1992 Giants (33 innings).
It was Walton’s first home run and RBI in the major leagues since June 5, 2022, when he hit a grand slam in a 5-1 win over the Marlins.
Related ArticlesSan Francisco Giants | Melvin calls out SF Giants for ‘instructional league’ play after third straight shutout loss San Francisco Giants | After rapid rise to Triple-A, when could SF Giants see first-round pick Bryce Eldridge in the big leagues? San Francisco Giants | SF Giants mathematically eliminated from NL West in Logan Webb’s shortest start since May 5 San Francisco Giants | SF Giants’ Farhan Zaidi explains how past offseasons will inform their actions this winter San Francisco Giants | Birdsong bounces back in big way, but SF Giants still can’t beat BrewersHeliot Ramos tied the score at 2 and forced extra innings with an even rarer feat, becoming the first right-handed hitter to ever reach McCovey Cove on the fly with an opposite-field solo shot to lead off the ninth inning against Robert Suarez. Only 74 right-handed hitters had ever gone deep to right field in the history of Oracle Park before Ramos, Jerar Encarnacion and the Brewers’ Jackson Chourio all did so this home stand.
They proved only to be moral victories, however, as Fernando Tatis Jr. deposited Tyler Rogers‘ first pitch of the eighth inning over the left-center field wall for a go-ahead, pinch-hit home run and the Padres plated two runs in the 10th against Camilo Doval.
The Giants (72-78) finished 1-5 on the six-game home stand to fall six games below .500, matching a season-worst.
Up nextThe Giants travel to Baltimore, where they are off Monday before beginning their final road trip of the season — a 10-game swing through three cities — Tuesday against the Orioles. LHP Blake Snell (3-3, 3.52), RHP Hayden Birdsong (3-5, 4.74) and RHP Logan Webb (12-10, 3.53) are lined up to get the ball in the three-game series.
Kurtenbach: Want to beat the 49ers? Just follow the Vikings’ blueprint
Great coaches don’t just win games; they expose the opposition in the process.
That has been Kyle Shanahan’s modus operandi for nearly two decades as an offensive play-caller in the NFL.
But on Sunday in Minneapolis, Shanahan wasn’t the one winning the X’s and O’s battle.
No, it was the Vikings’ play-callers, head coach Kevin O’Connell and defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who looked like masterminds in the 49ers’ 23-17 loss.
“I think he had a very good game plan against us,” George Kittle said of Flores.
“You can feel it when you’re playing a really good coach who knows what they’re doing,” Nick Bosa said of O’Connell, who worked under Shanahan in Cleveland and in his first year running the 49ers.
Indeed, you can. And Sunday’s loss has the Niners feeling spun.
The NFL is a copycat league. What works for one team in one game will be replicated by the entire league a week later.
And if you can put on tape a scheme that can beat the reigning NFC champions, you can bet your top and bottom dollar that the rest of the league will try to do the same thing when they play the 49ers.
Yes, the coaching mismatch on Sunday was so significant—the Vikings’ game plan so illuminating—that it likely created a blueprint for the rest of the league to replicate.
The Niners couldn’t handle what the Vikings threw their way Sunday. They better get used to seeing it a lot more in the coming weeks.
Worse yet, the 49ers knew what was coming, at least when their offense was on the field.
Last year, quarterback Brock Purdy couldn’t handle the chaos Flores calls for in the Vikings’ defense — a scheme that loads up the line of scrimmage before the snap with linemen, linebackers, and even safeties. You don’t know if any, or all, are coming at you until the ball is snapped.
Purdy might have finished the game with a nice, gaudy stat line — 28 of 36 for 318 yards and a touchdown, but he had two turnovers (a lost fumble and interception) and was sacked six times. The Vikings forced mistakes, particularly in key situations, and it left the Niners looking like a shell of the offense that was No. 1 in the NFL last season.
Even Purdy’s success was hard-earned. He had to complete some passes inside absurdly tight windows, often challenging two, three, or even four defenders.
It wasn’t a formula for sustainable success, and it showed in the final scoreline.
The NFL’s player-tracking data showed that Purdy completed 8 percent more passes than expected—an elite number.
Even so, the result was a total quarterback rating of 41 out of 100. That’s downright awful — the third-worst mark of his career.
The Niners’ 24-year-old quarterback has played 16 regular-season games against NFC opponents. His only two losses have been to Flores’ Vikings.
Flores has Purdy’s number.
And now the rest of the league has access to it, too.
Purdy has six career losses in games he has finished healthy, and three have come against a “chaos” defense — the two versus Flores, plus last year’s Christmas debacle against Mike Macdonald’s Ravens defense, the worst game of Purdy’s career (7.3 QBR).
Macdonald is now the Seahawks’ head coach.
You want to beat Purdy? Load up the line of scrimmage. Not only does it leave Purdy confused, but it stresses the 49ers’ offensive line, which outside of left tackle Trent Williams has serious pass-blocking issues. Purdy was lucky to be sacked only six times Sunday as the Vikings consistently put center Jake Brendel on the ground and spun left guard Aaron Banks.
Shanahan said the Niners lost the game because of “football things.”
Football things like consistently submitting to the aggression of the Vikings’ defense on third and fourth down Sunday. The Niners were 3-for-13 on such plays, killing drives, turning the ball over and giving the Vikings a win that was much more comfortable than the final scoreline suggests, as Minnesota was a yard away from taking a 27-7 lead in the third quarter.
“They have a very good blitz scheme, caused a lot of confusion,” Shanahan said of Flores’ defense. “They mix it up a ton, and we made some mistakes that cost us.”
“Obviously, with their disguises and stuff, it can be tough,” Purdy said. “They do a good job of making it look like one thing, and it was another. … They did a lot. That’s on us. That’s on me.”
The Niners weren’t much better on defense on Sunday, either.
If Shanahan is considered a top-of-the-line offensive mind, then O’Connell, who shares his scheme, also shares that perch. With Kirk Cousins, Josh Dobbs, Nick Mullens, some guy named Jaren Hall, and now Sam Darnold, he has posted a 22-14 record in three seasons, with consistently impressive offenses.
The Vikings’ formula for success is the same as the Niners’: Attack the weak.
On Sunday, the Niners’ weak points were weak-side linebacker De’Vondre Campbell and safeties Ji’Ayir Brown and George Odum.
The play of the game was a 97-yard passing touchdown from Darnold to All-Pro Justin Jefferson. It was a tactical mismatch from the snap, with Odum defending the best receiver on the planet 1-on-1 and Brown, who was caught flat-footed for a touchdown last week, playing as the single high safety, the last line of defense.
Jefferson beat Odum down the field with ease. A run-fake from Darnold caught Brown flat-footed again. A beautiful 55-yard rainbow throw over the coverage resulted in the second-longest touchdown from scrimmage in Vikings history.
The Vikings’ second touchdown, coming after a Purdy interception, was a 10-yard pass that put Brown in a state of confusion again.
They were shockingly simple plays; they just attacked the weak to the tune of 14 points.
Related ArticlesSan Francisco 49ers | Sam Darnold got aggressive to beat the 49ers and Brock Purdy at their own game San Francisco 49ers | What the 49ers said after losing to the Vikings San Francisco 49ers | 49ers Studs and Duds: Brock Purdy, Kyle Shanahan outfoxed by the chaotic Vikings San Francisco 49ers | Instant analysis of 49ers’ mistake-filled 23-17 loss at Vikings San Francisco 49ers | Live 49ers updates: Purdy, Niners face Vikings, former backup DarnoldAnd whereas the Niners couldn’t do anything on third down, Darnold and the Vikings converted 7-of-12 on Sunday. How? They attacked Campbell, who has lost more than a step from his All-Pro days, and the weak points in the 49ers’ zone defense.
Darnold was rather pedestrian on Sunday: He had a lower QBR than Purdy (35.6).
But he came through with “football things” in the big moments thanks to his head coach and offensive coordinator, who was masterful in the win.
If not for middle linebacker Fred Warner, who turned in one of the best performances at the position you’ll ever see (a sack, an interception, nine tackles, and a forced fumble at the San Francisco 1-yard line), this game would have been a blowout.
The Niners are still one of the NFL’s elite teams, but with that status comes a bullseye. Everyone is trying to knock this team down from its perch.
In back-to-back seasons, the Vikings have now shown the rest of the league how to do it.
“We had to learn the hard way,” Purdy said of Sunday’s performance.
And it likely won’t be long until they’re tested again.
Emmys 2024 red carpet: See photos of what the stars wore for the show
Who’s ready for TV’s biggest night?
Hollywood’s primetime stars are on the red carpet for the 2024 Emmys.
Here’s what celebrities wore for the illustrious event:
Lily Gladstone attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Reese Witherspoon attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Jennifer Aniston attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Viola Davis attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Sofía Vergara attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Nicola Coughlan attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Ayo Edebiri attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Jeremy Allen White attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Meryl Streep attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Karen Pittman attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Paul Rudd attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Maya Rudolph attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Da’Vine Joy Randolph attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Laura Dern attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Kali Reis attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Sarah Paulson attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Sheryl Lee Ralph attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Elizabeth Debicki attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Ricky Martin attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Brie Larson attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Stephen Nedoroscik attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Janelle James attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
(L-R) Rita Ora and Taika Waititi attend the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Kristen Wiig attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Selena Gomez attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Reba McEntire attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Nava Mau attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
(L-R) Susan Downey and Robert Downey Jr. attend the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Shaquita Smith attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
(L-R) Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna attend the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Christine Baranski attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
(L-R) Jean Smart and Kaitlin Olson attend the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
(L-R) Jimmy Kimmel and Molly McNearney attend the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Tyler James Williams attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
(L-R) Jon Hamm and Anna Osceola attend the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Hannah Einbinder attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Niecy Nash-Betts attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Kadiff Kirwan attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Jessica Gunning attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
(L-R) Nakata Kurumi and Tadanobu Asano attend the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Bowen Yang attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Abby Elliott attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
(L-R) Idris Elba and Sabrina Elba attend the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Mindy Kaling attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Seth Meyers attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
(L-R) Gisele Schmidt and Gary Oldman attend the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Amber Chardae Robinson attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
(L-R) Stephen Colbert and Evelyn McGee-Colbert attend the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Carrie Coon attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
(L-R) Billy Crudup and Naomi Watts attend the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Jodie Foster attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Quinta Brunson attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
(L-R) Carson Daly and Siri Pinter attend the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Hiroyuki Sanada attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Connie Britton attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Lisa Ann Walter attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Matt Bomer attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Gina Torres attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
(L-R) Sam Richardson and Nicole Boyd attend the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Martin Short attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
(L-R) Saoirse Ronan and Jack Lowden attend the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Greta Lee attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Lamorne Morris attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Eiza Gonzalez attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Harvey Guillén attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Anna Sawai attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Richard Gadd attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Moeka Hoshi attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Chris Perfetti attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Ramy Youssef attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Dakota Fanning attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Alan Cumming attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
RuPaul attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Aja Naomi King attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Katie Aselton attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
(L-R) Skye P. Marshall and Kathy Bates attend the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Steve Martin attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Keltie Knight attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Dan Levy attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Ilona Maher attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Zuri Hall attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Aaron Moten attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Padma Lakshmi attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
(L-R) Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Justin Mikita attend the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Robin Roberts attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
(L-R) Bobby Berk and Emily Hampshire attend the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Jelly Roll attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Local books: Couple combines forces to conjure a paranormal romance
They thought they were writing a ghost story. In a way, they were, set on Scenic Road along the Carmel coast, in a cottage where she had lived as a little girl. Over the ensuing years, every time she and her own young family would come to visit during the holidays, they’d drive by the quaint cottage, which would conjure childhood memories and she would remember how wonderful it was.
Invariably, the house would have a “For Rent” sign out front and she would wonder why someone didn’t clamor to live in that Carmel cottage full-time, to sit by the sea and sip something from a stem, to watch children build sandcastles, dogs dart in and out of the surf and search for the “signature green flash” as the sun dipped into the horizon.
“It’s got to be because the house has become haunted,” she decided.
Courtesy photoSurely there was a story there, and perhaps she and her husband should write it. From then on, Lizette Boyer and Gregory Meuers engaged in speculation on how this haunting had occurred, allowing their imaginations to drive the storyline. They read books by other mystery writers — “Writing Mysteries” by Sue Grafton (2002), and others by Sarah Addison Allen, Raymond Chandler, Brunonia Barry, William Kent Kruger, Tony Hillerman, and Alice Hoffman — and then felt ready to write their ghost story.
Except their editor, Joyce Krieg of Pacific Grove, clarified that the pair was writing, not a ghost story, but a “paranormal romance.” Unlike a ghost story, typically a work of fiction or drama that includes a ghost or the suggestion of its presence, a paranormal romance focuses on romantic love and includes elements beyond the norm or outside the range of scientific explanation. Hence the ultimate title of their book, “Cottage of Whispers and Reflections: A paranormal romance in Carmel-by-the-Sea.” (July 2024)
The story arc goes something like this: The protagonist is living a fairly normal life, until her husband dies in a tragic accident, curiously exposing her to a paranormal life. This introduces the tension in the story, when she is forced to deal with the alchemy of the normal and the paranormal, as her life is changing. The denouement arises once the protagonist is offered a second chance at love … or does it?
“The paranormal plays a part in how her relationship develops, as our heroine learns to live in a world of duality,” Boyer said. “The story explores a lot of key literary qualities, among them superstition, vision, the male-female dynamic, love lost and gained — perhaps it’s nothing new except for a twist.”
As they wrote, the couple discovered additional guiding ideas that helped them develop their particular plot, like consciousness, the entanglement of the past, present, and future, and the sense that all is one and everything has a spirit.
Boyer and Meuers worked well together as they generated ideas, established the plot and storyline, and began to develop their characters. Then they conjured up a fortuitous event in the middle of the story, built it to a climax and worked to resolve any issues or inconsistencies en route to a satisfying conclusion. Which can mean so many things.
“Issues were bound to arise,” said Meuers, “while juggling psychic phenomenon, addiction, rehabilitation, redemption, renewal, love, near-death experiences, vivid dreams, and free will. At times, ‘the muse’ would take its sweet time guiding us until the story took shape, and we were ready to refine it and draw our conclusion.”
Coming into the literary culture of CarmelLizette Boyer and Gregory Meuers met in Anchorage, Alaska in 1980, at a Memorial Day Party. Some 22 months later, the couple were married on the Monterey Peninsula, where her family lived, in the Sacred Heart Chapel at the Carmel Mission, on the only available day that season, Friday the 13th. The couple interpreted it as a positive sign for the life they would build together.
She held a job as a biologist for the Army Corps of Engineers, while he taught special education in Anchorage. Both jobs required a lot of writing, yet the only part that prepared them to eventually write a novel, she says, was having to choose their words wisely.
“We’ve always been avid readers across many genres,” said Boyer, “and, at one point, Gregory found joy in writing poetry and short stories. It was through this that he realized he was good at guiding an idea to fruition on the page.”
After raising two children, a son and a daughter, the couple retired, ultimately into a home in Seaside they had purchased as an investment in 1992.
“A lot of our story took shape as we walked along one beach or another,” Meuer said. “Lizette wanted the story to flow back and forth through time, so we used her parents’ lives in the 1960s as a starting point for our two characters. Looking into the history of Carmel-by-the-Sea, especially the Bohemians, gave us a lot of ideas, from its founding up to the 1960s.”
Designing their story was sort of like building a jigsaw puzzle, says Meuer, without a picture for a guide. Once they had their frame, they filled it in as ideas were turned into events, which were developed into storylines around their characters.
“Ultimately,” said Meuer, “we think our protagonist blossomed and had quite the adventure, becoming the agent of our exploration into the theme of romance, paired with our paranormal plot.”
“Cottage of Whispers and Reflections: A paranormal romance in Carmel-by-the-Sea” is available at River House Books at The Crossroads Carmel and via Amazon.
What the 49ers said after losing to the Vikings
The 49ers struggled on key plays and paid for it Sunday, losing 23-17 to the Vikings in Minnesota.
San Francisco was just 2-of-10 on third down and 1-of-3 on fourth down, failing on consecutive fourth-and-short attempts in the first half after a blocked punt had already yielded a Minnesota field goal.
The fourth-down failures sandwiched a 97-yard touchdown pass from Sam Darnold to star wideout Justin Jefferson that put the 49ers behind the 8-ball in the second quarter. They never did catch up.
Playing from behind, Brock Purdy finished the day 28-of-36 passing for 319 yards, a touchdown to George Kittle and an interception on an ill-advised throw in the third quarter. He was also sacked six times.
Jordan Mason rushed 20 times for 100 yards and a touchdown while Deebo Samuel had eight catches for 110 yards and only two carries for minus-10 yards.
Here’s what the 49ers had to say after the game:
Kyle Shanahan
On the performance:
It’s too sloppy on our part: The two turnovers on offense, struggling on third down on both offense and defense, special teams with the blocked punt — it’s the same as a turnover to us. It was disappointing. We can play a lot better than that, but I tip my hat to them. They’re part of the reason.
On Jefferson’s long touchdown:
Just beat a man in coverage and they launched the throw and got it past the middle-third safety, which made it a house call.
On third-down trouble:
They were good on third down all day. We had our opportunities with those turnovers that they got, but they made some big plays.
On whether there was a letdown:
There was no emotional letdown, nothing like that. Attribute it to not doing well on third down. We didn’t stop the run very well and the blocked punt — things like that, football things.
On how he felt after scoring in the fourth quarter:
Once we were able to get that turnover, go down and score and make it a one-possession game, I felt real good. We got them in some third downs I think we had an advantage in, but it made some big third-down plays, kept the chains moving and finished with with the field goal.
On the outlook for McCaffrey:
Nobody knows. We’re dealing with tendonitis, so there’s not one person who knows. He doesn’t know, we don’t know. We can take it day by day. You know, by putting him on IR, it’s at least four weeks so that’ll give him some time to rest and kind of protect him from himself.
On Darnold’s strong game:
Didn’t surprise me. We knew we were out for a challenge. Sam is a hell of a quarterback. He’s got a lot of arm talent and we also knew just scrambling-wise, he was going to be a different challenge today. And he got us on a couple scrambles, too. He’s done that his whole career.
George Kittle
On the game:
I think our standards are higher than what we put on tape today. It’s back-to-back weeks we’ve started out like this, with two not-great drives to start off. So as an offense, we have to start better than that and not just have to rely on our defense.
On slow starts
Not converting on third down. It’s not like we were third-and-13. They were manageable and we just didn’t covert. That’s hard. Then we go into the red zone and don’t get a touchdown on fourth down. That was a sick play actually between Sam and JJ to go 97 yards; it was not fun to watch but it was cool. But it’s hard when you don’t score and they score two plays later.
on Minnesota mystique:
It’s a great matchup between Coach Flores, their D-coordinator, and coach Shanahan. When you have multiple turnovers and can’t convert on third downs, it is what it is. It’s a wonderful atmosphere. I love playing here. Fans are fantastic. They’re very noisy. They love their player, love their team.
On missing McCaffrey:
Christian is the offensive MVP for a reason. He was in the MVP voting for a reason. He had 20-plus touchdowns for a reason, because he does it all in the pass game, in the run game. It’s really fun because Deebo and him are interchangeable, where you have Christian running routes and then all of a sudden you put a Mike linebacker on him and Deebo is in the backfield, and you have no idea what you’re going to get. It just gives us another dimension.
He didn’t do OTAs, he didn’t do really much of training camp, and he’s still voted a captain. So there’s the impact that you guys can see. He has an incredible impact on this team. Just him being around, he boosts everyone’s confidence. But I mean, we won last week. I think we had opportunities to find a way to win today and we just didn’t.
There’s things we can’t do without Christian.
On Fred Warner
He leads the defense, always has the energy, he’s everything you want as a 49er. The way he plays is the standard for a defense, and he does a good job calling guys out when they don’t play the standard he expects.
Nick Bosa
On the loss:
It’s a wake-up call, but we know why it happened and there’s a lot to fix.
On his ankle:
I got rolled up really, really bad. Thankfully, I’m good. I was a little scared.
On third-down struggles:
It’s a big part of the game, third down. That’s why we have a whole day based on third down. It’s how this league is, and we failed.
Brock Purdy
On the third downs:
When first and second down aren’t positive plays and, you know, just trying to move the ball and then you got to rely on third down with their scheme and obviously their disguises and stuff, it can be tough. They did a good job making it look like one thing and it was another, and different types of blitzes and stuff or just dropping out. It’s on me to move the ball, be efficient on first and second down and get us into third-and-manageable and then convert on third down.
On defenses approach without McCaffrey
Being able to drop back into zone and not having to put two guys on a running back out of the backfield like Christian. For me to sit here and say without Christian on the field, they did this or that, it’s hard to say. It’s a tip of the cap to Brian Flores.
on Aiyuk
He looks pretty good. It’s not like I’m dropping back and saying, ‘B.A. is not what he’s been like.’ I don’t think like that at all. It’s me going through my reads and he’s been where he needs to be. There are probably a couple of routes in certain looks we could have both been better, but that’s early-season stuff. We’ll continue to get better together with our connection. For four quarters, B.A. grinded and competed.
On the loss:
Just because you got really good players and really good scheme doesn’t mean the other team is going to give it to you. Have to go out and earn it. So we’ve had to learn that the first two games this season.
On the fourth-and-goal that fell incomplete:
We thought we could score on that drive and I love the aggressiveness by Kyle going for it, fourth and one. They had a zero blitz. You know, one guy just came free, which in our past protection that’s just how it is and they got a hand on it, a tipped ball, so it was a good defensive play on them. I was just trying to give (Jauan Jennings) a shot. That was where the ball was supposed to go against man. I thought I had it. The ball got tipped.
Fred Warner
On the interception:
I know my teammates rely on me to make those types of plays so it’s just another day.
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On that last drive, we had every opportunity to go take the game back, give the ball back to the offense and have a chance to win the game. It’s not good enough. I think that’s back-to-back weeks where we’re not playing good enough on third down. We got to clean it up.
On taking his time on the ground after his interception return:
It was a combination of fatigue and 71 laying a nice hit on me for sure.
On the loss and where to improve:
We’ve got so much talent in that room, we’re always going to play hard, but it’s about playing smarter. We got to protect the football, obviously. We got to take it away on defense, special teams, we can’t give up that blocked punt and then defensively the game plan, when we say we got to stop the run and we got to be great on third down and we don’t do either of those things, it’s going to be a long day.
49ers Studs and Duds: Brock Purdy, Kyle Shanahan outfoxed by the chaotic Vikings
U.S. Bank Stadium is a glass house of horrors for the 49ers.
Back-to-back seasons, the Niners have visited Minneapolis to play the Vikings.
And in back-to-back seasons, they’ve now lost.
Sunday’s 23-17 failure was littered with poor play from San Francisco and excellent coaching and execution from the Vikings, who should have run away with this game, if not for the opportunistic play of Niners’ linebacker Fred Warner.
It’s a gut-check game for the 49ers, who play the Rams in L.A. in Week 3.
Here were the studs and duds of a dud of a contest.:
STUDSRelated ArticlesSan Francisco 49ers | Sam Darnold got aggressive to beat the 49ers and Brock Purdy at their own game San Francisco 49ers | Kurtenbach: Want to beat the 49ers? Just follow the Vikings’ blueprint San Francisco 49ers | What the 49ers said after losing to the Vikings San Francisco 49ers | Instant analysis of 49ers’ mistake-filled 23-17 loss at Vikings San Francisco 49ers | Live 49ers updates: Purdy, Niners face Vikings, former backup DarnoldFred Warner • LB
» His performance on Monday night was one of the finest you’ll ever see from a linebacker.
Sunday’s performance was even better.
Warner’s interception and forced fumble were the only reason the Niners had any chance in this game. He was truly unbelievable against the Vikings.
It’s not enough to just call him an All-Pro. He’s a Hall of Fame player.
Jordan Mason • RB
» Another exceptional game for the player who was a third-string running back at the start of training camp. The system helps, yes, but you can’t teach that kind of power, vision, and burst. He’s a special player.
Deebo Samuel • WR
» As quarterback Brock Purdy looked like Jimmy Garoppolo on Sunday, he found Deebo Samuel again and again. Eight catches for 110 yards, with a couple of otherworldly catches. With Christian McCaffrey out, Samuel has to be the primary option in the 49ers’ offense.
George Kittle • TE
» Whatever was in that IV he received, I want some.
Kittle was immense as a blocker and pass catcher on Sunday, going for 76 yards and a touchdown on seven catches. He’s still the best in the game, and the 49ers looked lost when he wasn’t on the field.
Nick Bosa • DE
» A menace, even against solid tackle play. He registered two sacks in the game and was great against the run, again. If only there was someone opposite him that could take advantage of his hard work.
DUDSBrock Purdy • QB
» The offensive line did him few favors, and he had some big-time throws in this game, but he was anything but incisive in this contest and was forcing the ball into coverage again and again.
The Vikings’ consistent and dynamic pressure on the defenisve line had the young quarterback flustered. He’s now 0-3 against the two defensive coordinators known for that kind of defense — Minnesota’s Brian Flores and then-Baltimore DC (now Seattle head coach) Mike MacDonald.
I imagine many more defensive coordinators will be trying to replicate those attacks in the weeks and months to come. It’s on Purdy to prove he can beat it. With two picks (I count the second turnover as an interception), he didn’t Sunday.
Kyle Shanahan and Nick Sorensen • HC and DC
» The Niners’ offensive and defensive coordinators were outfoxed by their counterparts on Sunday. It’s on the players to execute, yes, but it took simply too long for the Niners’ offense to realize that the Vikings’ corners were susceptible to simple whip routes. Meanwhile, the Niners’ defense had bad personnel calls in big spots, and it flipped a game that shouldn’t have been close, if not for Fred Warner.
Ji’Ayir Brown • FS
» Caught with his hand in the cookie jar, again. Last week, Brown’s hesitation at the safety position resulted in a free-play Allen Lazard touchdown.
This week, it was even more calamitous as Justin Jefferson scampered 97 yards — the final 50 on the ground — to the end zone.
The 49ers are trying to shift back to a Cover 3 system. That requires a free safety with outstanding instincts, as he is the singular last line of defense. Brown might have that kind of potential, but through two games, he hasn’t shown the ability, and a great quarterback (Aaron Rodgers) and offensive coordinator (Kevin O’Connell) have attacked it to six points of success.
This will be a trend week-in, week-out.
George Odum • SS
» Yes, the 49ers’ other safety, who stood no chance when matched up one-on-one with Jefferson on the 97-yard touchdown, but was also part of a disastrous troika that allowed a first-quarter blocked punt.
Was it any surprise that rookie Malik Mustapha saw playing time from the second quarter onwards?
Jake Brendel • C
» He was really good in the run game, but he is being owned in pass protection. And there’s no nuance to that statement — he’s ending up snap after snap sitting on the ground. It’s untenable.=
Aaron Banks • LG
» The only people who truly know what the protections are on the offensive line are the players on the field and the coaches with headsets. Actually, scratch that first part, because there were multiple occasions on Sunday where it appeared that Banks was running a different play than the rest of the Niners’ offensive line.
Unless San Francisco’s front five suddenly became an avant-garde unit, Banks was missing assignments. His block to the right, leaving the B gap open, on the 49ers’ near-goal line fourth-down attempt in the first half (which failed to convert) allowed pressure into Purdy’s face, rushing a throw that Andrew Van Ginkel was able to bat down on the edge.
De’Vondre Campbell • LB
» If Kevin O’Connell wasn’t putting the Niners’ safeties in a blender, he was attacking Campbell, who did little to discourage him from the notion. If Fred Warner wasn’t the best linebacker in the game, this would have loomed much, much larger in the game.
Leonard Floyd • DE
» Did you notice him? I only did because I’m a sicko who watches to see if the Niners can get a defensive end to set an edge. Floyd was only able to do that because he was consistently getting stood up by the Vikings (admittedly strong) tackles. It’s time for more Yetur Gross-Matos in all situations.
Instant analysis of 49ers’ mistake-filled 23-17 loss at Vikings
MINNEAPOLIS – Mistakes mounted from one quarter to the next, from the 49ers’ special teams to their pass coverage to an offense lacking punch without Christian McCaffrey.
For their eighth straight visit, the 49ers lost to the host Minnesota Vikings, a 23-17 decision that came after a flirtatious fourth-quarter comeback attempt.
“It was too sloppy on our part,” coach Kyle Shanahan said. “Two turnovers on offense, struggling on third down on offense and defense, special teams with a blocked punt is like a turnover. It was disappointing.”
The 49ers last won here in 1992, when Steve Young was at quarterback. Now, they are 1-1 for the fourth time in coach Kyle Shanahan’s eight seasons, unable to match the 2-0 starts that propelled their Super Bowl seasons in 2019 and ’23.
The 49ers play their first NFC West opponent next Sunday when they visit the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium, where the 49ers have a much better history; the 49ers have won all four regular-season visits since SoFi opened in 2020, although they did lose the 2021 season’s NFC Championship Game.
Minnesota simply made more big plays this game than the 49ers – in all three phases.
All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner made a bevy of plays to at least keep the 49ers close, from grabbing a first-half interception to forcing a goal-line fumble, as well as a tackle for loss, a third-down pass breakup and a fumble-forcing sack.
“That’s what gave us a chance,” Shanahan said of Warner’s two takeaways.
Warner didn’t bathe in teammates’ praise of his efforts, instead summing up their outing by saying: “Too many ‘My bads,’ too many ‘I’ll be better next time.’ Me included. We have to play more together as a team, play smarter football. The rest will take care of itself.”
Shanahan lamented the 49ers’ woes on third downs. Their offense converted 2-of-10 third-down plays, and 1-of-3 on fourth down. Defensively, the 49ers allowed the Vikings to convert on 7-of-12 third-down opportunities.
A day after putting McCaffrey on injured reserve because of Achilles tendinitis, the 49ers got solid production for a second straight start from Jordan Mason, but their offense clammed up too often and Brock Purdy committed a pair of second-half turnovers.
The 49ers’ closing quarter made things interesting despite some questionable choices. On third-and-1 from the 4-yard line, rather than call for a carry from 100-yard rusher Jordan Mason, the 49ers attempted a pass that was nearly intercepted before Deebo Samuel snagged the bobbling ball and allowed for a short field goal with 1:12 remaining.
After Jake Moody’s field goal, though, the Vikings recovered an onside kick and iced the game.
A fourth-and-goal throw from the 2-yard line in the first quarter backfired even more. That ended a scoreless 93-yard drive as Purdy’s was tipped at the line and fell short of Jauan Jennings’ grasp. Minnesota took that momentum and ran away toward a home-opening win.
“We felt we could have scored. I loved the aggressiveness by Kyle going for it,” Purdy said. “They had a blitz. One guy came free and, in our pass protection, that’s just how it is, and he tipped the ball. I was trying to give JJ a shot. That is where the ball is supposed to go in man (coverage). Thought I had it.”
Two plays later, that football soared through the air for 50 yards on the fly as Sam Darnold unleashed a pass from his own end zone and hit Justin Jefferson for a 97-yard touchdown past safeties Ji’Ayir Brown and George Odum to make it 10-0.
Darnold, Purdy’s backup last season, unleashed a second touchdown pass for a 20-7 lead in the third quarter. That 10-yard lob to Jalen Nailor came on a coverage snafu between Charvarius Ward and Brown. On the preceding snap, Purdy threw his first interception of the season.
The Vikings nearly made it a three-score ballgame until Warner rushed to the rescue, punching the ball from Aaron Jones’ grasp at the 2-yard line, with Isaac Yiadom recovering at the 1. A touchdown run by Mason capped the ensuing 12-play, 99-yard drive with 10:16 remaining.
Minnesota responded with a 14-play drive that took 6:46 off the clock and ended with a field goal to make it a two-score game.
The 49ers’ special teams had two terrible plays, starting with a blocked punt on their second series that led to a field goal and a 3-0 deficit. The 49ers escaped another turnover when rookie punt returner Jacob Cowing botched a fair catch at the 10-yard line before Yiadom recovered.
Mason finished with 100 yards on 20 carries for a strong encore from his starting debut in Monday’s season-opening win over the Jets. But the 49ers got no rushing help elsewhere, aside from Purdy’s 12 yards on two scrambles; Samuel lost 10 yards on two carries, and rookie Isaac Guerendo was stopped for no gain on his first and only career carry.
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Jefferson racked up 133 yards on four catches before leaving with a quadriceps injury, which occurred on the same play Nick Bosa appeared to get dinged.
Purdy spread the ball around with his completions to Samuel (eight catches, 110 yards), Kittle (seven catches, 76 yards, touchdown), Brandon AIyuk (four catches, 43 yards), Jauan Jennings (two catches, 37 yards), Eric Sauber (two catches, 26 yards), and Kyle Juszczyk (three catches, 19 yards).
McCaffrey must miss at least three more games, and it’s unknown if he’ll require more time. “Nobody knows. We’re dealing with tendinitis. Not one person knows,” Shanahan said. “He doesn’t know. We don’t know. IR is four weeks and gives him time to rest and protect himself.”
Horoscopes Sept. 15, 2024: Tom Hardy, clear a path to stardom
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Prince Harry, 40; Tom Hardy, 47; Tommy Lee Jones, 78; Oliver Stone, 78.
Happy Birthday: Welcome change. Do everything you can to look at life through new and exciting lenses. Learn all you can, and be open and ready to take advantage of opportunities to use your skills and experience in a futuristic manner. Forward-thinking will help you clear a path to stardom and leadership. Be aggressive, and turn this year into one to remember. Your numbers are 9, 15, 24, 29, 35, 42, 44.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Playing games will lead to trouble. An open and honest approach when dealing with personal domestic issues will help you navigate any challenging situations. Arguing won’t solve problems, but persistent improvement and finishing what you start will keep you out of trouble. Romance is favored. 4 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Take a moment to acknowledge what others do, say and contribute. The gesture will parlay into opportunities you least expect. Beneficial and purposeful gestures will offer positive alternatives to how you move forward. Sharing your costs with someone reliable will lead to optimal choices. 2 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Look for personal opportunities to grow mentally, emotionally and professionally. Flaunt your attributes, and someone will take note of your contributions. Networking or participating in an event will encourage better relationships with friends, associates or potential employers. Romance is in the stars. 5 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Sign up for something different. A unique encounter will have a stabilizing effect on what you choose to do next. Let your intuition, knowledge and communication skills help you maneuver your way while deciphering what’s fact or fake. Protect your health, wealth and reputation. 3 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Put feelers out to see what everyone thinks or plans to do next. Your interest will help you gain a seat at whatever table you choose. Personal growth and new acquaintances will lead to opportunities and options that exceed expectations. Live in the moment and enjoy the ride. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Take the initiative to market what you offer, and challenge anyone trying to take over or disrupt your plans. A strong attitude will encourage others to do their best to help you reach your goal. Reject excessive behavior, and savor detail and precision. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Broaden your circle of friends by participating in interest groups, travel or educational pursuits. A change will positively impact how you live and pursue opportunities. Pour your energy into gathering information and taking the initiative to follow your heart. Romance is on the rise. 5 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Discipline and hard work will pay off. Stretch your imagination, and you’ll come up with an idea that generates cash, contracts and proposals that go beyond your wildest dreams. Let your creative imagination unfold and deal with challenges directly; you’ll discover skills you didn’t know you had. 2 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Refuse to let anyone take advantage of you. Put yourself and your ideas first, stick to a plan you can afford and finish what you start. Someone you meet will show an interest in what you are doing. Keep your secrets to yourself until you have everything in place. 4 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Carry the torch and light the way. Your enthusiasm will be infectious. Consider the response and weed out what doesn’t work. Let knowledge and wisdom be your guide, offer facts and figures, and don’t worry about those who fall by the wayside. Surround yourself with quality rather than quantity. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Put things in perspective. You’ll accomplish the most if you demand the freedom you require to reach your goal. The less interference you encounter, the easier and more cost-efficient your tasks will be. A social event, reunion, physical challenge or competition will favor you. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Simplify any situation that poses a problem. Sticking to what you can afford and saying no to temptation or indulgent behavior will spare you from being forced to dig yourself out of a situation you can easily avoid. Don’t take unnecessary risks. Choose peace and love over chaos and discord. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are thorough, forceful and deliberate. You are aggressive and organized.
1 star: Avoid conflicts; work behind the scenes. 2 stars: You can accomplish, but don’t rely on others. 3 stars: Focus and you’ll reach your goals. 4 stars: Aim high; start new projects. 5 stars: Nothing can stop you; go for gold.
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September 14, 2024
High School football: PCAL standings
Pacific Coast Athletic League
Gabilan Division
Alvarez (2-1), 0-0
Aptos (2-1), 0-0
Hollister (2-1), 0-0
Palma (2-1), 0-0
Monterey (1-1), 0-0
Salinas (1-1), 0-0
Soquel (1-2), 0-0
Friday’s games
Alvarez 47, Rancho San Juan 0
Clovis 41, Salinas 14
Yuma Catholic 21, Palma 7
Aptos 25, Watsonville 0
Hollister 35, Oak Grove 0
Soquel 27, Valley Christian 10
Bye: Monterey.
Mission Division North
North County (2-1), 0-0
St. Francis (2-1), 0-0
Alisal (1-2), 0-0
Monte Vista (1-2), 0-0
Scotts Valley (1-2), 0-0
Watsonville (1-2), 0-0
Seaside (0-2), 0-0
Thursday’s game
Alisal 7, Sequoia 0
Friday’s games
St. Francis 28, Greenfield 21 OT
Aptos 25, Watsonville 0
Carlmont 48, Monte Vista 28
Saturday’s games
Sobrato 7, North County 6
San Lorenzo Valley 14, Scotts Valley 7
Bye: Seaside.
Mission Division South
Carmel (3-0), 0-0
Greenfield (2-1), 0-0
King City (2-1), 0-0
North Salinas (2-1), 0-0
Pacific Grove (2-1), 0-0
Soledad (1-2), 0-0
Rancho San Juan (0-3), 0-0
Thursday’s games
King City 43, Marina 7
Pacific Grove 48, Gonzales 14
Friday’s games
Alvarez 47, Rancho San Juan 0
St. Francis 28, Greenfield 21 OT
Carmel 38, Miramonte 28
Saturday’s games
Branham 19, Soledad 13
North Salinas 40, Santa Cruz 7
Santa Lucia Division
San Lorenzo Valley (3-0), 0-0
Harbor (1-1), 0-0
Stevenson (1-1), 0-0
Gonzales (1-2), 0-0
Pajaro Valley (1-2), 0-0
Marina (0-3), 0-0
Santa Cruz (0-3), 0-0
Thursday’s games
King City 43, Marina 7
Pacific Grove 48, Gonzales 14
Friday’s game
Denair 44, Pajaro Valley 23
Saturday’s games
Stevenson 48, George Washington 0
San Lorenzo Valley 14, Scotts Valley 7
North Salinas 40, Santa Cruz 7
Bye: Harbor.
Pro Soccer: Union kept playoff hopes alive with a tie in Vegas
LAS VEGAS — As the minutes of a record scoreless drought pile up, so does a winless streak that has been extended into its third month.
Yet, Monterey Bay F.C. is clinging to a pulse in its push for a postseason spot after playing Las Vegas to a scoreless draw Saturday in the desert.
Producing its first point in the standings since August 24, the Union (7-13-8) remain just two points out of the eighth and final playoff spot in the United Soccer League Championship Western Conference.
Monterey Bay F.C. still has six matches remaining in the regular season, five of them against teams in front of them in the Western Conference, including Orange County, who it will host next Saturday at Cardinale Stadium.
Despite not having won a home match since June 22, the Union are 4-4-6 at Cardinale Stadium. Ironically, their last win came on the road in Pittsburgh on July 6.
Having failed to produce a goal in their last four matches, the Union have now gone 362 minutes with scoring, the longest scoring drought in team history, and are nine matches into their winless streak.
The Union are still looking for their first win under new coach Jordan Stewart, who is 0-2-3 since taking over for Frank Yallop six weeks ago.
Las Vegas, which sits comfortable in the sixth slot with 40 points, had dropped four of its previous five meetings with Monterey Bay F.C., including a 3-1 loss earlier this year.
Goalie Carlos Herrera recorded his second shutout between the pipes for the Union, whose defense has kept eight teams out of the goalies box this year.
Monterey F.C., however, has failed to produce a goal in 13 of its last 21 matches on the pitch.
Since starting the season 4-1-1, the Union have gone just 3-12-7 and are the third worst scoring team in the USL with 24 goals. They remain among the Top 10 on the USL in defense.
Forward Christina Volesky made his first start since returning to the Union two weeks ago. Volesky is the team’s all-time leader in goals and assists. The team, however, didn’t have current goals leader Tristan Trager in the lineup because of a leg injury.
