Most fans expect a new head coach to bring strict discipline or loud sideline commands, but veteran safety Jessie Bates III says the biggest change in Atlanta is actually quiet. The Falcons are riding high after a 29-20 win over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Oct. 25, yet the team culture has shifted in a way that defies the usual NFL script. Bates told the Pat McAfee Show that the leadership style of Kevin Stefanski and Michael Penix Jr. relies on a steady presence rather than noise.
Bates highlighted that Stefanski, a former safety himself, brings a unique understanding to the defensive side of the ball while still running the offense. “He definitely has a calming presence,” Bates said on the Pat McAfee Show, according to Yahoo Sports. This approach matters because Stefanski is not just calling plays; he is actively engaging with players who usually feel ignored by offensive-minded coaches. The veteran safety noted that the coach knows exactly what success looks like from his time as a winner in the league, which gives the whole team a clear identity to follow.
The Quarterback Connection
The surprise extends to the quarterback position, where Michael Penix Jr. has forged a deep bond with offensive coordinator Tommy Rees. While many teams struggle with chemistry early in the season, Penix and Rees have built a relationship based on open communication and mutual trust. Penix explained that Rees encourages him to speak up about the game plan, even if it means removing plays the quarterback dislikes.
This level of input is rare for a young quarterback, and it has paid off with tangible results on the field. Starting in Week 3 when Penix took over, the Falcons averaged 31 points per game, leading the NFL in that timeframe. Penix has thrown nine touchdowns against just one interception through Week 7, proving that the trust between him and Rees is translating into efficient scoring. The coordinator believes that confidence is key, stating, according to Yahoo Sports, “I never want to call a play that you don’t have full belief or confidence in.”
Defining the Team Identity
As the Falcons prepare to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Nov. 1, at Raymond James Stadium, this new identity is becoming their calling card. The team is no longer just hoping to win; they are playing with a physical style that Stefanski says is in their DNA. The upcoming game is crucial for the NFC South race, with Atlanta at 3-4 and Tampa Bay at 2-5, making every point vital for the division lead.
Bates summed up the vibe around the locker room by praising Penix’s poise and authentic personality. “He’s a dude.” Bates noted he possesses a calm presence and poise, adding that he is not always serious. This combination of a calm coach and a confident quarterback has helped the offense turn the page after a rough start to the year. With James Pearce Jr. expected to return from his eight-game suspension next week, the defense will add another layer to this growing momentum. The team looks ready to handle the pressure of a division game with a steadiness that few expected this early in the season.
