Falcons safety Jessie Bates III isn’t one to shy away from a little friendly fire. Ahead of the Atlanta Falcons’ Week 11 showdown against the Denver Broncos, Bates took a cheeky shot at QB Bo Nix.
The smack talk may be lighthearted, but you can bet Atlanta’s ready to bring the heat. Week 11 just got a little spicier — let’s see who has the last laugh when the Falcons face off with the Broncos.
Jessie Bates III Keeps It Light, Respects Bo Nix’s Challenge
Bates isn’t holding back when it comes to preparing for Nix. With just 10 games of NFL film on Nix, Bates believes it’s enough to spot his tendencies and weaknesses — but the real twist comes in how the 27-year-old views the QB’s extensive college career.
“I mean, 10 games is usually, that’s enough film to really see a quarterback’s strengths or weaknesses,” Bates said. “[There’s] multiple years where we can go back and watch what he does.”
It’s clear Bates respects the challenge the Broncos’ QB presents, but he sees the situation from a unique angle. “It’s almost sometimes a good thing when you don’t have that much [film], you’re not overthinking what this quarterback is capable of.”
DAMN: #Falcons safety Jessie Bates spoke about preparing for #Broncos rookie QB Bo Nix…
“WE’VE BEEN WATCHING HIM IN COLLEGE FOR THE PAST… 10 YEARS”
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) November 15, 2024
The Wake Forest Demon Deacons product’s words add an interesting wrinkle. The Falcons’ defense only has 10 games of Nix’s NFL tape to break down, but they’ve been watching him for years. Nix’s five years of college football split between Auburn and Oregon have made him an almost veteran presence, at least by college standards.
“We’ve been watching him in college for the last five or six years, however long it was … 10 years [he repeats from a crowd member’s statement]. He’s not a rookie quarterback, it seems like he’s a graduate student, almost.”
Bates may have a laugh about the 24-year-old’s college years, but he’s not sleeping on the rookie’s NFL rise. “He’s doing a good job … running their offense at a high level,” he said.
Despite Bates’ playful jabs about Nix’s college longevity, it’s clear that the Falcons are taking this rookie seriously. With Bates leading a seasoned defense, Week 11’s matchup promises to be a battle of minds.
Nix Stuns Chiefs, Earns Patrick Mahomes’ Praise in Week 10
Nix is shaking up the NFL, and even Patrick Mahomes is giving him a shoutout. After nearly leading the Broncos to a stunning Week 10 win over the undefeated Chiefs, Mahomes couldn’t hold back, telling coach Sean Payton they “got one.”
The Heisman Trophy finalist was cool under pressure, throwing 22-of-30 for 215 yards and two TDs, including the near-game-winning drive.
Patrick Mahomes told Sean Payton the Broncos “got one” with Bo Nix.
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) November 13, 2024
In his first season, the rookie’s stats are impressive: 63.6% completion, 10 TDs, six interceptions, 290 rushing yards, and four rushing TDs, keeping Denver at 5-5. With performances like these, Nix is proving he’s not just a flash in the pan, he’s the real deal.