Manuel: Defense must have ‘cleats in the dirt and be ready to go’ against Rodgers

Falcons defensive coordinator Marquand Manuel has a unique perspective of Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

The former defensive back played with Rodgers and the Packers during the 2006 season and faced him everyday in practice.

“He’s a tremendous athlete,” Manuel said.

He plans to have his unit ready for the Packers’ high-octane offense and Rodgers knack for catching teams switching personnel and his hard cadence at the line of scrimmage.

“Every single play we have to get our cleats in the dirt and be ready to go,” Manuel said.

About the Author

D. Orlando Ledbetter

D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq is the award-winning Atlanta Falcons beat writer for the newspaper, has been on the staff since 2003. Every day D. Orlando strives to provide inside in the Falcons and the NFL. He finds the most joy in providing insight into the team, the coaching moves, the offseason business moves, the draft and the games.

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