Jessie Bates Admits Frustrating Reason Behind Disappointing Season

The Cincinnati Bengals defense has struggled in back-to-back losses to the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns, surrendering 37.5 points (31st) and 436.0 total yards per game (31st) during that span.

Fourth-year safety Jessie Bates has been at the center of these defensive woes. He's struggled throughout the year, allowing a 108.8 passer rating and 75.0 completion percentage against, including 232 receiving yards allowed in eight games. That number already surpassed his total of 178 yards allowed in 2020.

Bates recently admitted to a frustrating reason why his play has taken a downturn in 2021.

When asked about the situation, Bates admitted that his lack of a new contract this offseason was a big reason why.

"I think it kind of goes into everything. I feel like I'm at a better headspace now than I was at the beginning of the season. So caught on to proving the wrong people right, and the main thing I should be focusing on is proving the right people right as far as my coaches, my teammates, my family and not worry about all of the other stuff."

- Jessie Bates

Bates also went on to assure fans that the situation is going "to work out," and that he's "got to be better."

The Bengals were unable to agree to an extension with Bates this past offseason as the young safety plays the final year of his rookie deal. On the year, Cincinnati ranks bottom-10 in completion percentage against (67.3%) and passing yards allowed per game (260.3).

Cincinnati takes on the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 11, a game in which the Bengals are 1-point road favorites on FanDuel Sportsbook.

Sign up for FanDuel Sportsbook today and get your first bet risk free for up to $1,000!

Adam Taylor McKillop is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Adam Taylor also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username atmckillop. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.