Falcons defensive coordinator Richard Smith could also have some influence on the team’s offensive game plan against the Broncos this week.

Smith was linebackers coach for the Broncos from 2011-2014 before joining Dan Quinn’s Falcons staff before last season. Nine of Denver’s current defensive starters were with the Broncos in 2014 so Smith can provide an intimate scouting report on that unit.

“I visited with the (offensive) coaches on that, mainly the offensive line coaches, and told them what I thought of every one of (Denver’s) players,” Smith said.

The Broncos rank first in yards allowed per play, passing yards allowed per play and sacks per pass attempt. They rank second in passing yards allowed per game, fourth in yards per game and fifth in scoring defense.

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