South Atlanta News

Jessie Bates III named NFC Defensive Player of the Week

Sep 18, 2024

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — With the clock ticking down in a one-point game, Jessie Bates III anticipated Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts' intentions and disrupted them effectively.

Bates intercepted a pass intended for Eagles receiver Devonta Smith, thwarting Philadelphia's chance to kick a game-winning field goal on Monday Night Football.

This performance, along with his overall contribution in the Falcons' 22-21 win in Week 2, earned him the NFC Defensive Player of the Week award.

"It felt great, I didn't care who had it. It didn't matter if it was me or (Justin Simmons) or even if it was a sack fumble, anything, I just want to win," Bates said after the Monday night victory. "I know how much we sacrifice throughout the week, week in and week out. For us to come out with a win is big time."

The safety recorded 12 tackles — one for a loss — two pass breakups and the game-sealing interception on Monday. One of his defended passes prevented Smith from catching a touchdown pass. Bates was the only player in the NFL to record an interception and at least two pass breakups in Week 2, according to NFLGSIS weekly leaders.

This marks the third time Bates has received this honor while playing for the Falcons; he was named defensive player of the week twice last season following notable performances against the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints.

As Bates continues his seventh season in the NFL, he has accumulated 21 interceptions. He notched a career-high six interceptions in 2023, his first season with Atlanta. Previously, Bates spent five seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals who drafted him in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Bates capped off his first year in Atlanta with Pro Bowl and All-Pro second-team selections. This season is also starting strong for him.

"Jessie going out there making those type of plays for us is very important," Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said. "It's the reason he's here. It's the reason our ownership went out there and put all the money into it... It's really able to put us in position to go out there and win football games — and he's just a big part of it."