GLENDALE, Ariz. -- A subdued NaVorro Bowman was visibly taken back by the San Francisco 49ers performance in their 47-7 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.

But the team captain and All-Pro linebacker provided an assertive response when asked about San Francisco's mindset heading home to prepare for a matchup against the Green Bay Packers.

"The great thing about it is you have another game next week," Bowman said. "And it's not how you start, it's how you finish."

Bowman led the team in tackles on Sunday with nine, but the 49ers allowed 40 points for the second straight week. Previously, San Francisco hadn't done that since 2006.

"I believe we had a great week of practice, but you have to come ready to play," Bowman said. "We didn't and it showed."

Although Colin Kaepernick's four turnovers put the defense in unfavorable situations, Bowman didn't want to use that as justification for Arizona's successes.

"We as a defense have to go out there every single play and defend the end zone," Bowman said. "Once we put the helmets on, there are no excuses. You have to be ready."

Midway through the game on Sunday, Bowman came up slowly after tackling Chris Johnson. The linebacker told reporters that the running back rolled up on his knee but that he felt fine postgame.

"No damage," said Bowman, who is playing this year after missing all of 2014 recovering from knee surgery. "It's a good thing. That's the trial that I've been telling you guys about. You can't simulate football until you go out there and play games.

"Expectations are high for me, but I understand what's going on with my body. I'm just giving it 100 percent every day. Those little tweaks and aches are going to come. I have to get back up and keep going.

The same thing goes for the 49ers if they want to recover from two straight losses.