Jim O’Neil on Bowman: “I still see NaVorro being a big part of what we do here”

Oct 4, 2016 at 10:36 AM--


San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil spoke to the media today and shared his thoughts on the team losing the heart of the defense – ILB NaVorro Bowman. Bowman suffered a season ending torn Achilles in the 49ers' loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.

"As far as NaVorro, its' obviously a huge loss for our defense," O'Neil said. "Any defense would miss his playmaking ability, his presence on the football field. We're confident in the guys in that room to be able to step up, but I still see NaVorro being a big part of what we do here as far as his leadership abilities in the classroom with the guys and then his presence in the locker room. So he'll continue to take that role for us off the field, but he's a guy that we'll definitely miss on the field."

Who takes over the leadership role for Bowman? Who will now be the spirit of the defense? "I think Antoine Bethea is one of those guys," O'Neil answered in response to that question. "I think Quinton Dial is one of those guys in the trenches. So those were the first two that kind of jumped off for me."

Nick Bellore has been a name that has been thrown around as the player to potentially replace Bowman. Bellore is the linebacker that came in for Bowman following his injury against Dallas. O'Neil didn't want to commit to Bellore being the automatic replacement at Bowman's spot. "We'll kind of see how practice goes, but like I've said several times, if you're on the 53, we're going to need you," he said. "So it will be between Nick, Mike Wilhoite, Gerald Hodges, and Shayne Skov."

On Sunday, Bowman went down while rushing the line of scrimmage and immediate grabbed at his left ankle. He received attention from the 49ers' medical staff and eventually walked off of the field with a limp and some help from team trainers. Bowman was later carted to the team's locker room. An MRI on Monday revealed the severity of the injury.

Through nearly four games, Bowman had 35 tackles, a sack, an interception, a forced fumble, and two passes defended. Last season, he was in on 1,126 defensive snaps. 627 of those were against the pass while 499 were against the run. During that time, Bowman compiled 154 tackles – which led the league – 2.5 sacks, and two passes defended.

Through four games this season, Bowman was the team's highest rated player according to advanced statistics site Pro Football Focus.



LISTEN

Facebook Comments



More San Francisco 49ers News



CB Emmanuel Moseley signing one-year deal with Lions

By David Bonilla
Mar 14

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Detroit Lions have reached an agreement with free agent cornerback Emmanuel Moseley on a one-year, $6 million deal. That's a significant blow to the San Francisco 49ers' backfield. Moseley started 16 games for the Niners over the past two seasons. Former 49ers' CB Emmanuel Moseley reached agreement with the Lions today on a one-year, $6 million deal, per source. The deal was confirmed and negotiated by Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey.— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14,



Titans expected to sign former 49ers LB Azeez Al-Shaair

By David Bonilla
Mar 14

According to ESPN's Dianna Russini, the Tennessee Titans are expected to sign former San Francisco 49ers linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, an unrestricted free agent. The Titans are expected to sign former 49er Azeez Al-Shaair, per source— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) March 14, 2023 "I want him to go be



DE Samson Ebukam signing 3-year deal with Colts

By David Bonilla
Mar 14

The Indianapolis Colts are signing former San Francisco 49ers defensive end Samson Ebukam to a three-year deal worth up to $27 million, per ESPN's Adam Schefter and Jeremy Fowler. Ebukam is an unrestricted free agent. Former 49ers' free-agent DE Samson Ebukam reached agreement on a three-year, $27 million max deal with the Indianapolis Colts that includes over $11 million in the first year, per @JFowlerESPN and me. Cameron Foster and @chriscabott confirmed and



Titans are signing former 49ers OL Daniel Brunskill

By David Bonilla
Mar 14

The Tennessee Titans are signing former San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Daniel Brunskill, per NFL Media's Ian Rapoport. Brunskill is an unrestricted free agent. He becomes the second 49ers free agency today with which the Titans have agreed to terms. The team is also bringing in linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. The #Titans are expected to sign former


Featured

Trending News

Share 49ersWebzone