San Francisco linebacker NaVorro Bowman, one of the two remaining starters from the defense the Falcons faced in the NFC Championship game after the 2012 regular season, believes that it was time for a change at quarterback.

“We’re just really going about it like there needed to be a change,” Bowman said. “We are accepting it.”

The 49ers are 2-6 and have dropped six of their past seven games. The losing prompted first-year coach Jim Tomsula to bench quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who guided the team to three NFC title games and a Super Bowl, in favor of Blaine Gabbert.

Bowman believes the move could provide the 49ers with a boost.

“It’s been a long season,” he said. “We are just trying to get some type of jolt. Maybe this is it. We just have to come together as one team and try to get (one) ‘W’ at a time.”

Bowman, a three-time first-team All-Pro pick, missed all of last season after suffering a gruesome left knee injury. He’s rounding back into form and has 82 tackles.

“It was a long road,” Bowman said. “Glad to be back. I’m still working toward getting back to the level that I was at. So far, so good. I’m just blessed to be back on the football field.”

Bowman said he believes the 49ers will be challenged by the Falcons’ offense.

“We just want to make sure that we are prepared enough on defense to be ready for anything,” he said.