Falcon Report

Improving Falcons Defense Will Be 'Really Fun', Says Jessie Bates III

Jessie Bates III became one of the league's highest-paid safeties when he signed with the Atlanta Falcons. Now, along with his teammates, he looks to help become one of the best defenses in the NFL.
Jeremy Brener|
Improving Falcons Defense Will Be 'Really Fun', Says Jessie Bates III
Improving Falcons Defense Will Be 'Really Fun', Says Jessie Bates III

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Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons added in all three levels of the defense this offseason, signing defensive tackle David Onyemata, linebacker Kaden Elliss and defensive back Jessie Bates III.

The three of them are expected to join a defense looking to take a big stride in its first year under new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen.

Bates had the chance to meet Onyemata and Elliss for the first time as teammates recently in Atlanta, and it only intensified his excitement for signing with the Falcons.

"I think it looks really good," Bates said. "The guys that come in, the new guys usually get a lot of attention, but I think you look at what’s already here and being able to add on pieces and pieces that complement each other, it’s going to be really fun to do.”

Onyemata and Elliss have experience playing with one another under Nielsen in New Orleans, but Bates' infusion into the defense should only elevate its potential.

Bates III, 26, was an All-Pro in 2020 and had a strong year playing under the franchise tag this past year. Across 16 regular season games, he recorded 71 tackles, eight passes defended and four interceptions.

The 6-1, 200-pound Bates III has nabbed at least three interceptions in four of his five seasons and is widely viewed as a rangy ballhawk who can patrol centerfield as a single-high free safety.

With his help, along with Onyemata, Elliss and the rest of the defense, the Falcons hope to have one of the league's best units in 2023.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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