FLOWERY BRANCH — Here’s what Falcons quarterback Michael Penix had to say about the 49ers defense:
Q: What are the characteristics of the 49ers’ defense?
A: “I feel like they’re definitely a sound defense. They don’t want to give up the big shots. I feel like that’s every defense in the league now. You don’t want to give up those big plays, so just taking what they give us. I know they are a fast-flowing defense. Those guys can run sideline to sideline.”
Q: How will they look without Fred Warner?
A: “Obviously, you’ve got Fred Warner, he’s out — just prayers up to him and what he’s going through. But, the guy that’s coming in, (Tatum) Bethune, I feel like they all can run side-to-side. They have really good lateral movement.”
Q: How do you know when to go down the field?
A: “Well, when we put in plays, I just play the play true. We know what we’re hunting up in certain looks. If we don’t get that look, and I don’t get the look that I want, I know I can check it down. We can live to see another day.”
About the Author
Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.
