The Atlanta Falcons have to pull off the unlikely if they want a shot at the playoffs. Their Kirk Cousins experiment went nowhere, and now some reports are suggesting the team could even cut the veteran passer. However, the team still remains within breathing distance of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the lead in the NFC South.
As a result, their last three games of the year are going to be critical. Thankfully, they have the sixth easiest schedule in the entire league, according to PFN’s metrics, beginning in Week 16 against the New York Giants. It was early in the first quarter that the Falcons went viral for a spectacular play and the iconic celebration that followed. Safety Jessie Bates III was the man of the moment as he brought back a Deion Sanders classic.
Jessie Bates III Pays Homage to Deion Sanders
An opening drive TD for Drew Lock put Atlanta on its back foot immediately. With the rookie Michael Penix Jr. getting his first start, he was able to lead his first scoring drive, albeit from a 52-yard field goal in the second quarter. However, barely three minutes later, the Falcons struck again, this time with an interception returned for six.
Just inside Atlanta territory, Lock was looking to convert on a 2nd-and-7. A quick pass just beyond the line of scrimmage to Wan’Dale Robinson was the play in mind. However, an ever-reflexive Bates sprung in from the right-hand side, intercepting the pass.
JB3. ALL. THE. WAY.#ProBowlVote x @jlbiii3
FOX | NFL+ pic.twitter.com/dm4cH1qqVs
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) December 22, 2024
With a clear field ahead of him, he rushed through skipping into the end zone to complete the pick-six. Immediately, he broke out into a dance, one that fans a little west of Atlanta might be familiar with. It was, of course, the classic Deion Shuffle, a move that Deion Sanders made famous during his flamboyant career in the NFL.
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) December 22, 2024
PFN was quick to see the reference and sent out a GIF of the very same celebration in question.
Bates for his part continues to build on another impressive campaign. While not as statistically dominant as his 2023 season when he had six interceptions to go along with 89 solo tackles, he’s been excellent so far with three interceptions and 50 solo tackles this year.
As the playoff race continues to tighten up, an uptick from Bates might be the recipe for the Falcons to sneak in as the winners of the NFC South.
