WATCH: Jessie Bates Gets First Interception in Falcons Debut
Welcome to the NFL, Bryce Young - and welcome to Atlanta, Jessie Bates III.
Young, the Carolina Panthers' rookie quarterback making his debut Sunday inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium, started three of three for 28 yards on his first professional drive, which ended after the Falcons forced a stop on fourth down inside the red zone.
But Young's inexperience reared its ugly head on the second drive, as he was called for a delay of game before being intercepted over the middle by Bates III, giving Atlanta the ball inside Carolina's 20 yard line.
Here's a look at the play ...
Young, drafted No. 1 overall out of the University of Alabama, saw why the Falcons made Bates the fourth highest-paid safety in the NFL this spring with a four-year, $64 million contract.
The 26-year-old Bates arrived in Atlanta with the reputation of being a ballhawk, having recorded at least three interceptions in four of his five seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals.
In his first quarter as a Falcon, Bates starred, recording a team-high four tackles and adding the interception of Young.
Better yet, the buzz surrounding Bates has extended to his off-field impact, as he's been highly regarded for his leadership and was named one of Atlanta's five captains.
Now, Bates continues to impress - this time on Sunday, when the Falcons really needed his presence as Atlanta's offense was struggling to find momentum.
The Falcons made a heavy investment in Bates, and thus far, he's delivering - while helping introduce Young to the highs and lows of the sport's highest level.
