Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III reveals his strategy for the upcoming game against the Kansas City Chiefs, including the possibility of using both trash-talk and respect to gain an edge.
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III is known for his outspoken nature on the field, and he's not afraid to use trash-talk as a way to get an edge over his opponents. Ahead of the Falcons' Week 3 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, Bates hinted at the possibility of targeting Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce with some verbal jabs.
"Once that clock ticks, and we're in between those lines, I see red sometimes and might say some crazy stuff to him. It may involve Taylor [Swift], it may not. It's just part of the game, talking your little smack," Bates said on "The Pacman Jones Show."
Bates: Trash-Talk and Respect in Falcons-Chiefs Matchup
While Bates acknowledged that he may engage in some light-hearted trash-talk, he emphasized that it should not be taken personally. "I don't listen to much Taylor Swift, but, obviously, you gotta have respect for what she's done in her career. And then with Travis [Kelce], you gotta have some type of respect with him."
Despite his willingness to use trash-talk, Bates also expressed admiration for both Kelce and the Chiefs as a whole. He noted that he has a 3-2 record against Kansas City during his time with the Bengals and acknowledged the challenges of slowing down their prolific offense.
Bates: Trash-Talk and Respect in Falcons-Chiefs Matchup
"I think (Patrick Mahomes is) a dynamic player. You know he can play on time, and he can play off schedule and extend some plays with his feet. Him and Kelce just got that crazy chemistry where a lot of times they’re getting a lot of their yards, a lot of their success comes from after that second play starts."
Bates is a key player for the Falcons' defense, providing leadership and experience to a young group. His versatility allows him to play both safety and linebacker, and he has a knack for making big plays. In the Falcons' Week 2 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, Bates sealed the win with an interception in the final minute.
Bates: Trash-Talk and Respect in Falcons-Chiefs Matchup
While the Chiefs are 2-0 heading into their matchup with the Falcons, their offense has not been as dominant as in previous years. Kelce, in particular, has had a slow start to the season, with only four catches for 39 yards in the first two games.
The Falcons-Chiefs matchup promises to be an intriguing battle between two teams with different strengths and weaknesses. Bates' trash-talking could play a role in the game's outcome, but it's also clear that he respects both Kelce and the Chiefs as a whole. The Falcons will need to play their best game to pull off the upset, while the Chiefs will be looking to rebound from their offensive struggles and maintain their undefeated record.
Bates: Trash-Talk and Respect in Falcons-Chiefs Matchup
