Harrison Smith praised by Broncos QB Peyton Manning

The Minnesota Vikings are getting ready to take on the Denver Broncos and there is an odd amount of love being passed around between the two teams. It’s an odd transaction of niceties

Aug 29, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Minnesota Vikings free safety Harrison Smith (22) in game action against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Minnesota won 28-14. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

First, we heard about quarterback Peyton Manning showing his appreciation of Mike Zimmer defenses, and now he’s giving praise to one of the most underrated safeties in the NFL, Harrison Smith.

The former first round draft pick back in 2012 has a reputation as being a hard hitter and a smart defender. And that reputation has reached the Bronco’s quarterback, who had this to say about Smith in a recent article on Vikings.com:

"“[Harrison Smith] seems to be the guy that’s kind of the quarterback of the defense, kind of gets them lined up so they give him a lot of responsibility. He’s a big guy, great size, has got really great cover skills. It’s why they’re not afraid to put him out there and let him cover by himself.”"

Respect is a two-way street between Harrison Smith and Peyton Manning. Growing up in Tennessee, Smith is well aware of

"“I’ve obviously seen him play a lot, especially with growing up in Knoxville, but I’ve also watched him on film. I just try to see what they’re doing. He obviously knows how to get them in the best play to defeat what we’re doing on defense, making his checks and stuff with the o-line. That’s one thing we’ve got to be aware of. He’s obviously been doing this for a long time and is going to be a Hall of Famer. As a defensive back, you always want to play against the best.”"

Smith will have the opportunity to play against one of the best in the NFL when he faces off against a Peyton Manning led Denver Broncos offense on Sunday. While this game isn’t getting a prime time attention (heck, it’s not even on tv in Michigan), it could be a major match-up between two tough teams looking to make noise.

Next: Minnesota Vikings 2015 Game By Game Previews

More from The Viking Age

Home/Minnesota Vikings News