Jessie Bates III went on record after the Buccaneers blew out the Falcons and made quite the confusing statement about the success Bucky Irving and Co. had on the ground.
You won't see many performances like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers put on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons
.
In fact, the last time something happened like that was over 50 years ago and it'll probably be another 50, or more, years until it happens again.
The Buccaneers absolutely manhandled the Falcons, rushing for a franchise-record 324 yards in a 16-0 win on Sunday. Bucky Irving and Co. ran wild all day long, but arguably the most impressive part of the victory is Baker Mayfield didn't complete a single pass throughout the entire game.
It's because Bucky Irving and the rushing attack dominated from the first snap of the game until the end. It was as clear as day, but Falcons Pro Bowl safety Jessie Bates III didn't see it that way, at all.
"I'm not sure about the stats, I have to watch the film. I thought we did a good job until
the fourth quarter," Bates told reporters after the game
. "The first three quarters I really thought we contained, and I think that fourth quarter it really got out of hand. …
"… They run these duo runs that's supposed to hit downhill, and you gotta cover every single gap with No. 7 (Bucky Irving). Like I said, I thought we did a good job containing them up until a couple big runs that he had. Much respect to those guys and we will see them again."
Football players have a ton of pride, there's no doubt. So it makes sense, to an extent, that Bates would try and preserve whatever amount of pride he had left after the shellacking.
But he is completely off-base, here. And delusional.
The Buccaneers already had 229 rushing yards and touchdown (excluding Baker Mayfield's rushing numbers) by the time the fourth quarter rolled around. Bucky Irving had over 100 yards at halftime and 173 yards and a touchdown through three quarters. Kenny Gainwell had 56 yards on the ground, himself.
How in the world does anyone think that's "containing" the Buccaneers' rushing attack? The Bucs were also already up 16-0 before the final 15 minutes of the game.
When Bates watches the tape, I'm sure he'll want his words back. Hell, I'm sure the entire Falcons defense wants Sunday afternoon back after getting plowed over all day long.
Either way, the numbers and the tape don't lie: The Buccaneers dominated the Falcons on the ground on Sunday. All day long.
And there's no way of talking yourself out of that, no matter which sideline you're on.
This article was originally published on A to Z Sports. Read the full story here: Falcons' Pro Bowler makes delusional statement about Bucky Irving and the Buccaneers rushing attack after embarassing loss
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