CBS Sports’ most valuable Falcons player for 2023 season

Despite the 7-10 season and Arthur Smith losing his job, there were bright moments in the Falcons’ 2023 campaign.

Though Bijan Robinson didn’t really live up to his 8th overall billing, Matthew Bergeron certainly did. The second-round pick stepped in as a rookie and started every single game, improving throughout the season.

Sticking with the 2023 draft class, DeMarrco Hellams and Clark Phillips III emerged as reliable starters. They had their fair share of troubles but were encouraging overall. The Falcons also saw an undrafted free agent show he was capable of stepping up as Nate Landman slotted in for the injured Troy Andersen.

The free agent class was equally, if not more successful. Terry Fontenot hit on every single acquisition really, not just the free agents. Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree led the defense with 6.5 sacks, Kaden Elliss proved to be a rock in the middle of the defense, and Jonnu Smith enjoyed a career resurgence.

David Onyemata was the Falcons best defensive lineman, but the gem of the free agent class and the MVP of the team was Jessie Bates.

From CBS Sports:

Jessie Bates III headlined a strong Falcons defense in 2023 after inking a four-year, $64.02 million deal last offseason. The defensive back was impactful out of the gate, notching two interceptions in his Atlanta debut. That kicked off a season that would result in Bates getting a second-team All-Pro nod along with a Pro Bowl selection. He led the team with 132 tackles and six interceptions and was tied for the most pass breakups (11) and forced fumbles (three).

It’s not even debatable. Jessie Bates was by far the Falcons most valuable player. He earned All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors, setting career marks across the board with three forced fumbles, six interceptions, and 128 tackles.

Even more impressively, Bates was responsible for a couple of Atlanta’s wins, including the first matchup against the Saints, accounting for two red zone turnovers, including a pick-six. Against the Panthers in the season opener, Bates forced three turnovers that netted 17 points.