The Atlanta Falcons, competing for the top position in the NFC South against their fierce rivals, desperately needed a win on Sunday.
Safety Jessie Bates did everything he could to make that happen.
Propelled by a scintillating 92-yard interception return from Bates to open the scoring, the Falcons bested the New Orleans Saints, 24-15, in Week 12.
“I’ve seen 22-motion, and it’s simply film study, and all the extra meetings that we do, all our coaches with the cut-ups,” Bates said after the game in a scrum. “I give all the props to them, and it’s just me just checking gangster and making the play. It’s a play that they ran, they’ve shown on film, and I took advantage of it and got my fourth one, for a touchdown, too. So very special moment for me, for sure.”
As he noted, Bates now has four interceptions on the season to go with two forced fumbles and a team-high 85 tackles. He’s been a boon for the Falcons, who signed him as a free agent this season.
With Derek Carr and the Saints driving in the first quarter to potentially build on a 3-0 lead, Bates swooped in from center field and, in stride, picked off a Carr pass. He raced untouched along the sideline for the pick-six — the first for Bates since his rookie season and the longest for the Falcons since 2008, per NFL Research. It certainly didn’t put the game away, but it gave Atlanta a lead it wouldn’t relinquish on the day and kick-started a sensational outing for Bates.
“He got down the sideline, and then Zach Harrison making those blocks, it takes everybody, but great play,” Falcons coach Arthur Smith said. “And then Jessie’s play punching the ball out, and hell, that was kinda a turning point in the game.”
The ex-Cincinnati Bengals star recorded a game-high 12 tackles, showcasing his agility and skill all over the field. He also forced a crucial fumble, broke up a pass, exerted pressure on the quarterback twice, and was only targeted once in coverage, according to Next Gen Stats. He allowed only a one-yard catch.
Bates commented on the team’s need to win Sunday, stating, “After the bye week, everyone had to revive and reset.”
The significance of the Falcons’ victory, their first since their Oct. 22 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, cannot be overstated. Atlanta, who had a bye week before Sunday’s game, had suffered three consecutive losses prior to this win.
Atlanta has returned to the winning column and is leading the NFC South standings, thanks to a rapid 92-yard return.
Smith said, “It’s just one game, but we desperately needed that win.”
