Falcons’ Jessie Bates pokes fun at Bo Nix’s lengthy college career ahead of Sunday’s fixture

Falcons Jessie Bates issues challenge to Broncos QB Bo Nix claiming he doesn't need much tape to lock him down when they face on Monday.

Falcons’ Jessie Bates pokes fun at Bo Nix’s lengthy college career ahead of Sunday’s fixture

Jessie Bates and Bo Nix (Image via IMAGO/X)

Bo Nix surprised many by quickly adapting to Sean Payton’s system at the Denver Broncos. That’s no concern for Atlanta Falcons cornerback Jessie Bates.

The All-Pro defensive back who never shies away from picking his battles chose Nix as his next target. The Falcons will travel to Mile High as the underdogs to play the Broncos on Monday, but it matters little to Bates as once the whistle blows, it’s anybody’s game.

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Bates and the other Falcons defenders will need to keep a tight leash on Nix. However, the rookie quarterback’s short stats may pose a problem. During Friday’s presser, reporters asked the defensive back whether tape comprising just ten NFL games is sufficient to devise a plan against Nix.

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Ten games, [usually, that’s] enough film to really see a quarterback’s strengths or weaknesses or what they like to do. [There’s] kind of multiple years where we can go back and watch what he does… We’ve been watching him in college for, you know, the past five or six years, however long it was.

Jessie Bates said. (HT/Raphael Haynes of the 3-Point Conversion)

Someone off-camera joked that it was ten years in college for Nix. The entire room chuckled at the comment.

He’s not [like] a rookie quarterback. He seems like he’s a graduate student, almost.

Bates added.

Bo Nix spent five years in college playing for the Auburn Tigers and then the Oregon Ducks. In comparison, Falcons’ rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (24) spent six years in college for the Indiana Hoosiers and Washington Huskies.

Bo Nix has impressed his peers with stellar performances throughout his rookie season

It’s not easy for a rookie quarterback to come in gel in the NFL, which is much faster and more physical compared to the college football scene. Payton scouted Nix because of his arm talent, awareness on the field, and ability to make decisions based on the situation.

Falcons CB Jessie Bates pokes fun at Broncos QB Bo Nix's lengthy college career ahead of Monday night fixture
Bo Nix (Image via IMAGO)

Every single one of those traits was on display when the Broncos played the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, in Week 11. Nix completed 22 passes from 30 attempts for 215 yards and 2 passing touchdowns. The Broncos only lost the game because of a late blocked field goal from Kansas City.

After the final whistle, several Chiefs players, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes and star tight end Travis Kelce, congratulated him for his performance.

Kelce further showered praise on the Broncos QB during Wednesday’s episode of New Heights.

Bo Nix, holy sh**. That guy was fu**ing ripping it out there yesterday. Playing some good fu**ing football, man.

Travis Kelce said.

Nix later responded by saying,

That kind of stuff is awesome. That’s a fortunate part of playing the game and competing against these guys that have been doing it on the stage for so long.

Bo Nix said via Broncos Wire.

So far, Nix has 1968 passing yards for 10 touchdowns and 6 picks from 206 completions. He also ran the ball 61 times for 290 yards and scored 4 rushing touchdowns. Despite being the favorites, the 5-5 Broncos will find it hard to beat the 6-4 Falcons.