The San Francisco 49ers defense was expected to be a highlight in 2016 for a team that is in a rebuilding process. It got off to a great start in Week 1, but has struggled the last two weeks. They return home with a chance to reset and get back on track.
The defense has its share of leaders, including Eric Reid, Antoine Bethea, and others, but NaVorro Bowman is the veteran heartbeat of this team. He has been a critical component since entering the starting lineup in 2011, but the retirements of Justin Smith and Patrick Willis thrust him firmly into a leadership role.