Jessie Bates has had a career year in his first season in Atlanta, and has meant everything to a Falcons defense that is ranked 11th in the NFL in total defense. How has Bates been able to make such a huge impact in Year 1? Falcons defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen joined The Morning Shift Thursday and told Tiffany, Mike, and Beau the work Bates has put in to get a lot of career best results.
Coach Nielsen called Bates the "full package and ultimate pro" and that his ability to be a “coach on the field” is “as important as any play as he’s made.” "The behind-the-scenes work for Jessie has been as good as what you’re seeing on the field.”
With one regular-season game left to play Bates has a career high in interceptions (6), forced fumbles (3), and tackles (128). Bates needs one more tackle for loss to reach his career high in that stat as well. Bates is the obvious best offseason pickup for the Falcons, and he’s arguably the best free agent signing in the NFL this season.