When NaVorro Bowman voiced his complaints after the 49ers’ 26-23 loss to the Indianapolis Colts last Sunday, it was easy to quickly jump into the veteran linebacker’s camp. Yet, 49ers broadcaster Ted Robinson told Fitz & Brooks that he believes Bowman’s situation is being misinterpreted.
“Bowman played 50-something snaps and I think there’s been a gross mischaracterization of that, in that he wasn’t benched,” Robinson said. “He played over 50 snaps.”
If Bowman played only a few minutes against the Colts, that’s one thing, but in reality, he saw a good amount of time against Indianapolis. With the 49ers’ second consecutive overtime loss, defensive coordinator Robert Saleh rotated the defense in a way that gave a handful of defenders ample time to rest throughout the game.
Consequently, Bowman was held to only five tackles in his limited playing time. He is accustomed to playing through the entire game and in this case, did not take lightly being sidelined against the Colts.
“It would be like Steve Kerr saying, ‘Instead of playing Iguodala 40 minutes, we’re going to play him 32 because I think those 32 minutes will be better.’ It’s a reduction, there’s not question about that, but it makes the snaps that Bowman plays better,” Robinson said. “I don’t think there’s any secrets to that.”
Robinson believes Saleh’s strategy was meant to keep the defensive front fresh throughout the game. Saleh would rather see quality snaps from Bowman rather than send him on the field for every snap.
“I don’t see what happened on last Sunday as stunning,” Robinson said. “It was different yes, but stunning? No.”
To listen to the full interview check out the podcast below, and skip to 4:50 for Robinson on the Bowman.