2 days ago
Falcons safety Jessie Bates will get the takeaway if you don't tuck it
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III finished the 2024 NFL season ranked No. 4 in forced fumbles and No. 10 in interceptions. Peers know Bates is an elite defender and that's why the NFL top 100 slated him as the No. 92 player on their list this offseason.
Bates is a product of Lou Anarumo, who operated as the defensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals several seasons while Bates III was on the roster. Bates recorded four interceptions for the Bengals in 2022 before posting a career-high six interceptions during his first year with the Falcons in 2024.
Still, the Falcons gave up a whopping 34 passing touchdowns in 2024 and Bates will be looking to lessen that total in 2025. With teammates defensive back A.J. Terrell Jr. and Xavier Watts in his corner, Bates will be looking to create even more takeaways for the team, allowing more opportunities for the offense to put points on the scoreboard and make opponents one-dimensional.
Bates is not likely going to be a participant in Atlanta's preseason opener versus the Detroit Lions, but he can help his teammates by giving pointers on the sideline. Ultimately, with an ability to manifest takeaways and rattle opposing offenses, Bates just might be the best defensive back in the entire NFC South.
Around Falcons Wire:This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons: Jessie Bates is NFL's king of takeaways
