Bowers leads all rookie receivers in receptions and yards.
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Jessie Bates III felt like he had his worst game against the Minnesota Vikings in last week.
The Falcons' secondary gave up five touchdowns to the Vikings, the most it allowed all year along with 318 passing yards the second-most of the season. After reviewing the tape, the Falcons safety said there were a lot of fires he could have put out, and he takes the blame for that.
"Sometimes this game can humble you very fast," Bates said. "You can be the top of this stat list and you have one bad week, you can be in the middle of the pack, at the bottom of the pack, whatever it is. So, as a leader being able to reiterate, 'don't get bored with this stuff, because things change.'"
Bates said the high-powered Vikings' passing attack, which ranks seventh in the league with 238.2 yards per game, tested the Falcons' defensive backs. Falcons assistant head coach/defense Jerry Gray likened the performance to Space Jam. The secondary was in position to make plays, but their powers were taken away.
Atlanta looks to bounce back against another prolific receiver in Bowers in Week 15. The first-year tight end leads all rookies in receiving yards (933) and receptions (87). He is No. 5 overall in yards amongst NFL receivers.
"He's one of a kind. He's doing a good job in the run game, blocking, and then he's doing a good job of playing receiver when he wants to play receiver," Bates said. "He's done a really good job of coming in and putting his mark on the league, and they've done a really good job of getting him the ball and opportunities to make big plays. You always got to know where he's at, and I'm excited to go against him for sure."
