Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith spoke with reporters on Thursday about preparing for Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos. Smith knows that it doesn't take much for Manning to make a defense pay for its mistakes:
The most important thing is we have to play sound technique and make sure we're in the right place. If you're in the wrong place by a half yard you're going to pay for it. He has a good understanding of how you're trying to defend him. If you give him pre-snap reads he's going to know where to go with the football
Smith knows that the key to staying with a Manning-led offense is to take advantage of the drives and opportunities that the offense will have:
It's important because if they're playing efficiently and moving the football you may have to match them drive for drive. That's the beauty of the game. Sometimes it's going to be that way and the offense will have the upper hand. Other games the defense will hold the upper hand.
The Falcons play the Broncos on Monday Night Football, broadcast on ESPN with kickoff scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET.
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