San Francisco 49ers linebacker Navorro Bowman, who’s coming back from a serious knee injury, spoke with the Atlanta media on Wednesday.
Here’s what he had to say:
Q: What’s the state of 49ers? Are you guys hoping the change at quarterback will energize the team?
A: We're are just really going about it like there needed to be a change. We are accepting it and just riding around blank. It's been a long season. 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 a W at time.
Q: How are you doing physically?
A: It was a long road. 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.
Q: What do you see from Matt Ryan and the Falcons this year?
A: I see a lot of things. They are game-plan specific. We just want to make sure that we are prepared enough on defense to be ready for anything. You know that there is a possibility that this can turn into a no-huddle game. We want to be ready for that also. They are doing a great job. We just have to be ready for them.
Q: What do you see from the Falcons’ run game and running back Devonta Freeman?
A: He's just doing a good job of finding creases and getting the ball up field fast. That's been a thing for them, trying to get that going who that it opens up the passing game. I think we see that and understand that. It will be our job to defend the run and see if we can make them one dimensional."
Q: How do you all try to take Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones away?
A: Really, the coaches have been doing a really good job with coming up with a scheme for him. We understand his talents and capabilities. We have to make sure that we keep our eye on him at all time.
Q: How close are the 49ers to being competitive?
A: There are some good things and some bad things out there on film. When we eliminate those bad things, we know that it's not going to be perfect. But when we eliminate those bad things and don't give things, that will make us a better team. That's what (coach Jim Tomsula) means when he says we're close to do that. As long as we keep working and stay positive in the locker room. Don't pay attention to all of the outside talk and I think we'll be fine.
Q: How has Blaine Gabbert looked in practice?
A: Blaine has been doing a heck of a job, practicing well and being a leader. He's been in the league for awhile, so I'm sure he'll approach this thing in a professional manner. We're behind him as a team.
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