NaVorro Bowman hopes to build on success with Raiders in 2018

ALAMEDA — NaVorro Bowman has seen enough to be hopeful of returning to the Raiders, but not so much that he can’t get better.

Considering Bowman has led the Raiders in tackles eight times in nine games and been the steadying influence in a defensive turnaround under coordinator John Pagano, that’s saying a lot.

“There’s still things that I can learn in this defense,” Bowman said Friday as the Raiders concluded preparations to face the Los Angeles Chargers in the regular-season finale. “I’m known for my instincts throughout the NFL and I haven’t been able to really use those instincts in this defense because I don’t really know it.

“I don’t know when I can take those chances. I don’t know who’s backing me up in certain calls. So if I’m able to come back next year and get a full training camp in and get used to really communicating with every single guy on the field, I’ll be able to do a lot more.”

Bowman, 29, is playing as a middle linebacker in a 4-3 defense for the first time after being an inside linebacker in a 3-4 with the 49ers for seven seasons. It was a whirlwind from the beginning, with Bowman signing on a Tuesday and starting and playing 60 of 62 snaps against the Chiefs on a Thursday.

He has rarely come off the field since, playing in 97.8 of the Raiders defensive snaps (573 out of 586) since his arrival after being released by the 49ers.

Bowman was asked not only to learn an entirely new defense, but serve as a leader and mentor to younger defenders — all on the fly. He is still processing information and concepts in a new language. For complete Oakland Raiders coverage follow us on Flipboard.

“It’s been eye-opening for me, that I’m able to take al this in, put it on my back, and still go out and execute,” Bowman said.

The playing time was a point of pride for Bowman, who was being phased out with the 49ers after serious injuries in 2012 (torn ACL and MCL) and 2015 (torn Achilles’). After his release, Bowman heard what he needed to hear from general manager Reggie McKenzie, who promised a chance to prove he could still be an every-down player.

“I’m definitely satisfied with how everything went, how they accepted me, and the coaches trusting me going out there and playing as many snaps as I played,” Bowman said.

Since coach Jack Del Rio replaced Ken Norton Jr. with Pagano, Bowman has been off the field for just two snaps in five games. Pagano said Bowman’s presence reduces anxiety, even his own.

“That calming influence even starts with me when we’re on the headset,” Pagano said. “He’s a very soft-spoken but very hard-hitting type of guy. He tries to keep everybody calm out there, to be able to focus and breathe and play the next play.”

Bowman, in turn appreciates how Pagano has done more of his teaching on the grass than in the classroom.

“He allows us to get on the field a lot more than we what we did earlier when I got here,” Bowman said. “I think that allows players to understand it a little bit more than sitting in meeting rooms, getting distracted, getting tired. When you’re able to get that extra time on the field I think it makes you a better team.”

Bowman said that in league that is as “cut-throat” as the NFL, the idea that there is no incentive to finish strong is a falsehood.

“We can’t afford to go out there with the mindset that we have nothing to play for,” Bowman said. “We’re playing for our family, we’re playing for next year. We’re playing not to put any bad film out there. I think every person on this team should have that mindset.”

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Raiders mailbag: Jack Del Rio, Derek Carr, Todd Downing and more Bowman was paid $2.6 million for 10 games and is hopeful of working out another deal for 2018 and beyond. He wants to grow Pagano, as well as bookend rushers Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin as well as younger players who hang on his every word.

“I just feel comfortable with Pags, with Jack being at the helm, Khalil and Bruce on the outside,” Bowman said. “The key and the formula to win is there, but there are always things you can get better at. I’m willing to put that work in and get better with them.” Like our Oakland Raiders Facebook page for more Raiders news, commentary and conversation.

— Defensive tackle Treyvon Hester (ankle) is out and won’t face the Chargers, while tackle Vadal Alexander (concussion) was doubtful.

Cornerback David Amerson, who has missed the last six games, was questionable but appears ready to go give it a go in the final. Also questionable was cornerback Dexter McDonald (knee). Most everyone else on the roster looks good to go.

Left tackle David Sharpe was added to the injury report with an illness and listed as questionable.

— Running back Jalen Richard was voted by select local media as the winner of the Craig Long Award, which goes to the player who best exemplifies professionalism and collaboration with the media.

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