The Atlanta Falcons' defense faces a big test on Monday night when they face Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos. Manning showed success in week one when he used the no huddle offense against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Falcons linebacker Sam Witherspoon says that one of the big keys for Sunday's game is to match Manning's tempo:
It's all about matching his tempo. I think it comes during the week with everyone working that way. We're going to work as if we're not going to be able to huddle. I think that'll help us once we step out there. We're going to go out there and match that tempo the best way we can
Conditioning is also going to be an important part of Sunday's game. Linebacker Mike Peterson, who played with Manning in Indianapolis as well as against him as a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars, pointed to game film of the Steelers defense where they looked visibly tired late in the game.
The Falcons may have struggled in the first half of week one, but the defense clamped down and helped secure a win against the Kansas City Chiefs. Witherspoon believes if they take the right lessons from the Chiefs victory, they will have a chance against the Broncos.
As a defense, you're giving up yardage, you're going to get a little more tired than what the offense is. They're going to be excited about the next play. We have to have the mindset, even when he gets us, we have to bounce back and be ready on the next snap and ready to play and take it one snap at a time.
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