NFL Takeaways: 32 Truths Ahead Of Opening Day

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Dec 15, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) rushes during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. San Francisco 49ers defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 33-14. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

San Francisco 49ers

NaVorro Bowman could rescue that defense

Patrick Willis may have been the leader in the huddle for the San Francisco 49ers defense the past few years, but increasingly it was obvious their biggest playmaker was NaVorro Bowman.  When he went down in the NFC championship last year, it was a loss that rippled through the entire team.  Since then the losses have piled up from retirements to free agency.  Nobody expects this defense to be what it has been since 2011.  That is unless Bowman is the same player he was prior to the knee injury.

Early returns from the preseason are more than encouraging with three tackles and a noticeable impact around the line of scrimmage.  With him back in the middle and a fresh wave of promising young talents coming up, perhaps critics gave up that the 49ers a bit prematurely.

Next: Seattle