The Atlanta Falcons offense came to life during Thursday night’s 36-30 win over the Tampa Buccaneers, but the defense also deserves credit for making some key stops in the second half. Safety Jessie Bates III forced a Buccaneers fumble to give the Falcons life in the fourth quarter.
While those around the NFL have mostly praised quarterback Kirk Cousins’ 509-yard, four-touchdown performance, Justin Simmons wants to make sure his defensive backfield mate gets the credit he deserves.
“Jessie is playing at [Defensive Player of the Year] level right now,” tweeted Simmons. “Want to make sure what he did on Thursday night isn’t being swept under the rug because of that outstanding ending from Red and the O.”
Jessie is playing at DPOY level right now. Want to make sure what he did on Thursday night isn’t being swept under the rug because of that outstanding ending from Red and the O.
He’s him.
Still ain’t letting him beat me in INTs this year lol 🤝🏼😂
— Justin Simmons (@jsimms1119) October 5, 2024
Simmons and Bates have been as good as advertised this season. Both players have made some big plays despite the defense’s lack of overall pass rush. Without the team’s strong defensive efforts early in the season, there’s no way Atlanta would be sitting at 3-2 and first in the NFC South.
Bates recorded the game-clinching interception in the Falcons’ Week 2 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Thus far in 2024, Bates has recorded 37 tackles (23 solo), one interception, three passes defended and two forced fumbles.
Cousins and the offense received heavy criticism early in the year but the veteran QB has knocked the rust off and is starting to let it fly again. The Falcons have another NFC South game on deck in Week 6 when they face the Carolina Panthers (1-4) on the road next weekend.
