I am not an AE but I am selling (doing founder-led sales) in a noisy space. I like to ask questions to understand a prospects' needs and what they're looking to do -- that the competitor they mentioned do. I think it's completely okay that you don't immediately have good knowledge of that competitor; it's more important that you can clearly explain to a prospect what is your approach/solution philosophy and your point of view on how you can help them solve their problems --- and ask questions to the prospect to see if they align with your approach to solving their problem.