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.”

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. speaks to reporters after an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Kelley L Cox)

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A TSA officer checks the identification of travelers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Oct. 01, 2025 (Ben Hendren for the AJC)

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