Bowman: 49ers defense ‘playing coverages completely different'

Share

The 49ers’ offense is not alone in making major changes this offseason.

[RELATED: Kelly's new 49ers offense quicker, simpler, 'kind of genius']

Linebacker NaVorro Bowman said last week there is little carryover to the 49ers’ new scheme under first-year defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil.

“(It’s) definitely not similar,” Bowman said. “That’s the hard part of being a vet. I’ve had several defensive coordinators, and coverages. I’ve played certain ways. And in this scheme, we’re playing coverages totally different.

“And I’m having a hard time getting those things out of my head. But that’s why we’re here together early, trying to get those things right. The scheme is very linebacker-friendly, and I like it a lot.”

Bowman, who led the 49ers last season with a career-high 154 tackles, did not specify the changes in the defending the pass game from the team’s most-recent 3-4 systems under coordinators Vic Fangio and Eric Mangini.

“We’re doing a lot of different things than what I’ve been used to over the seven years I’ve been playing,” Bowman said.

The 49ers' pass defense ranked 27th in the league last season, surrendering 261.2 yards per game in Mangini's scheme. The 49ers ranked fifth in the NFL under Fangio in 2014, allowing an average of 220.7 yards passing.

While he continues to learn the new defensive system, Bowman said he is enjoying the quick-paced practices that new coach Chip Kelly brought to the 49ers.

“I have a lot of respect for him, the way he approaches everything, him being up-front and understanding the work we need to get done in the time frame he has scheduled out throughout the week,” Bowman said.

“And he’s stood by that. Whenever the clock goes off, no matter what’s going on, we move on to the next play. And that’s what you want, just the guys running around doing what (they’re) asked to do. The tempo’s been great, getting guys into shape. I’m really enjoying it.”

Contact Us