Falcons safeties promise better play after 'unacceptable' performance

Justin Simmons and Jessie Bates III expect Atlanta's defense to improve after Sunday's loss to the Seahawks.

Oct 21, 2024 at 08:00 AM

Amna Subhan

Digital Media Specialist

ATLANTA — The Falcons did something they hadn't done a lot of so far this season: They gave up explosive passes.

It was one of several missteps that caused the Falcons (4-3) to fall to the Seattle Seahawks, 34-14, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday.

Falcons safety Justin Simmons called the performance from his unit "not good enough." Simmons said good teams find ways to win even when they are not playing their best football. Against Seattle, Atlanta came out "flat." But, more importantly, it couldn't come up with the stops needed to combat that dip in energy.

The Falcons gave up big plays to multiple Seahawks. Quarterback Geno Smith connected with six different receivers for 207 passing yards, four of which had plays of at least 15 yards.

Seattle wide receiver DK Metcalf finished Sunday with 99 receiving yards and one touchdown; he left the game early in the fourth quarter with an injury. There was only one play from Metcalf that Simmons deemed "unacceptable," however. Trailing 10-7 with only 10 seconds remaining in the first half, the Falcons allowed Metcalf to find free space in the middle of the defense and score a touchdown just before halftime.

Simmons took his share of responsibility for the mistake on the play, and noted the importance of communication in critical moments.

"From a defensive standpoint, if we're going to win in this league, we got to have that mindset. We're going to win because we're doing our job, we're doing it at a high level. I say that with the fingers pointed at myself," Simmons said after the loss. "I always say communication on the defense always starts with the safeties, and that goes down.

"So, that's accountability on my end, making sure that I get that right, and I am going to get that right and that'll be what it is moving forward. It's going to be fixed, and next week can't come fast enough."

Jessie Bates III, Simmons' running mate at safety, also recognized the importance of that play and is eager to prove Atlanta's defense can learn from the first-half mistake.

"That's when great defenses step up, we get stops in that situation. I don't want to overreact to this loss," Bates said. "We're still in great position. Got a huge divisional game next week, and we'll be fine. We'll get better, I promise you that."

While the Falcons will take a look to see what went wrong against the Seahawks, they'll also begin preparing for a Week 8 rematch on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Falcons bring a perfect 3-0 division record into the NFC South matchup, including a thrilling overtime win against the Buccaneers in Week 5.

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The Halo Board before the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Nate Landman #53 gives the pregame speech before the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 leaves the locker room before the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Ta'Quon Graham #95 walks out from the tunnel before the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 walks out before the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 runs out of the tunnel before the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III #34 runs out of the tunnel before the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 runs out of the tunnel before the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 during the National Anthem before the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 runs with the ball during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro #98 & Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 react during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro #98 makes a tackle during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro #98 reacts during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Nate Landman #53 during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons offense lines up during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 and Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie #17 put pressure on the quarterback during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Avery Williams #26 makes a tackle during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 makes a tackle during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defense lines up during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 catches the ball during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #6 kicks off during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro #98 celebrates during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 scores a touchdown during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 scores touchdown during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive end James Smith-Williams #50 makes a sack during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #6 kicks the ball during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 carries the ball during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 runs with the ball during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro #98 reacts after a play during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie #17 and Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 react during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 carries the ball during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 makes a tackle during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive end Demone Harris #91 makes a tackle during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Avery Williams #26 during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 runs with the ball during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 catches the ball during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 scores a touchdown during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 runs to the endzone during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 celebrates scoring a touchdown during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro #98 celebrates a tackle with Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 runs down the field during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons punter Bradley Pinion #13 during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Fans during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 and Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 makes a one-handed catch during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III #34 during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Ta'Quon Graham #95 during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Mike Hughes #21 and Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 extends the ball during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Nate Landman #53 makes a tackle during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 hands the ball off to Atlanta Falcons running back Jase McClellan #30 during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive end James Smith-Williams #50 during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Zach Harrison #96 during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Casey Washington #82 runs with the ball during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 after the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris after the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Zach Harrison #96 after the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 after the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)

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The Halo Board after the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Julian Alexander/Atlanta Falcons)

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Falcons safeties promise better play after 'unacceptable' performance

Justin Simmons and Jessie Bates III expect Atlanta's defense to improve after Sunday's loss to the Seahawks.

Game Photos | Week 7 Falcons vs Seahawks

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