OWINGS MILLS, Md. – What kind of marks did Chris Borland give himself for his first NFL game?

“Up and down,” said the inside linebacker from Wisconsin. “It could have been better.”

Borland, a third-round draft pick, was very active in the San Francisco 49ers’ 23-3 loss to Baltimore on Thursday night. He was near the play often, but finished with one defensive tackle and one tackle on special teams.

Borland has had a good training camp and is pushing Michael Wilhoite, who had a good game Thursday night, to replace NaVorro Bowman in the first half of the season as Bowman recovers from a torn ACL. Earlier in camp, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said one of Borland’s best attributes – his instincts – were getting him into trouble at times in camp.

Borland said he wants to improve his pre-snap work for the 49ers’ second preseason game next Sunday at Levi’s Stadium against Denver.

"I was pressing to make plays too much,” Borland said. “I want to be calmer as we move on.”