San Francisco 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman led the league in tackles after making a comeback from a knee injury that sidelined him for the entire 2014 season.
And he is the early front-runner to repeat for next year, too.
Bowman – and the entire 49ers’ defense – figure to have a lot more chances at making tackles next season because of Chip Kelly’s offensive philosophy. During his three seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, Kelly’s offense ran more plays than any team in the league. And they also defended more plays than another team.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
[RELATED: Cosell: Chip Kelly's defensive coordinator 'going to rank low']
Last season, the 49ers' defense was on the field for 1,081 snaps, ranking sixth-most in the league. The Eagles' defense faced a league-high 1,148 plays.
Bowman, who was selected to play in Sunday’s Pro Bowl game, told the NFL Network's "Around the NFL" on Friday that he is not concerned about the likely increase in snaps the 49ers will defend next season.
"No, I think people are blowing it out of proportion," Bowman said. "I think any defense you play in, if your offense is getting off the field quicker, then you got to get off the field quicker. You got to hold yourself to that standard."