Like it or not

[CrownCowboy]

Bill Bates was a special teams demon, but at safety he was more heart than talent. Heath could match or surpass Bates at safety, IMO.

I'm kind of young but I never saw Bill Bates get embarrassed at safety ever like Heath did against the Saints and Lions. I never saw Bill Bates get ran over like Heath did by AP.

Granted, those are just 3 instances for Heath but Heath just isn't in Bates' class in any facet of the game and it's obvious.

With that being said, I do like his passion and work ethic. He doesn't let things bother him and he gives it his all. That's more than I can say for a lot of guys with all the talent in the world.

 

[Clove]

The only thing that those two have in common is skin color. Two totally different players.

 

[Oh_Canada]

I loved Bates, but man people are making him out to be Ed Reed.
Having said that we have no idea what Heath is just yet. The Saints game still leaves an awful taste in my mouth.

 

[Deep_South]

What I like the most about Jeff Heath really has nothing to do with the special teams at which Bill Bates excelled. I like the way Heath has shadowed receivers down field a few times, then reached across the receiver's body and knocked the ball down as it arrives, not after it is caught. Can't get enough of that.

 

[Bungarian]

Bates was a great special teams player but never a great safety. Plus team ran the ball a lot more back then so that helped him. Sadly his style of play would get him fined and or suspended today.

I remember an interview with his wife who said he would sleep walk. One night he got out of bed and tackled the dresser and broke it. She made him sleep in another room.

 

[xwalker]

Jeff Heath is the next Bill Bates

might even be better.

much like people hated cole...they are slowly coming around too.

Heath has the athleticism to become a quality starting Safety in the NFL. Bill Bates did not.

They are completely different players.

 

[JBS]

I'm surprised heath took Wilcoxs job

 

[TTexasTT]

Another cringeworthy comparison. Kinda reminds me of the all the Beasley/Welker comparisons.

 

[Nexx]

I loved Bill on Special Teams, but he was just too slow to play safety.
So, I don't know if comparing Heath to Bates is a compliment or not ...

actually the guy is pretty fast. he has short arms and cant tackle is usually his main problem.

 

[The Natural]

I'm surprised heath took Wilcoxs job

I believe Wilcox is better

 

[ShiningStar]

uh oh, a player had a decent game, hes the next best thing. Stay tuned, more will be on their way.

 

[TTexasTT]

actually the guy is pretty fast. he has short arms and cant tackle is usually his main problem.

Despite all Bates accomplishments. Like may others, this is the first thing that comes to mind when I think about him.

 

[CaptainMorgan]

I for one am not impressed at all with Heath.

 

[Future]

Another cringeworthy comparison. Kinda reminds me of the all the Beasley/Welker comparisons.

They have almost identical paying styles...

 

[TTexasTT]

They have almost identical paying styles...

lol no.

 

[Bleu Star]

Really? Do they usually use cash, check, or credit card?

They have almost identical paying styles...

 

[ElGatoGrande]

he reminds me of bill bates with more range..

let me enjoy.


the play every one hates him on.
justin durant is the one that knocked him off peterson at the goal line by the way.

he was about to shovel him into the ground on that play.

happy thanksgiving.

I admit that I haven't read every thread in this forum but I don't recall a Heath Hater movement,,, the majority of us see him for what he is, a young guy making some plays and also making mistakes. The jury is waaaay out on him, especially since he's part of the worst defense in the league. He has been in the right place at the right time on occasion, so good on 'im.

 

[DFWJC]

I don't know how Heath will turn out, but some of you are mistaking Bill Bates the safety with Bates the special teams player.
One was very average and the other was outstanding

 

[JBS]

I believe Wilcox is better

As do I. I don't know why he lost his job

 

[LOBO7]

Heath is an investment and we saw some return on that investment yesterday. Mix in some confidence and more game experience and hopefully ........... He seems to be around the ball a lot, came close to an Int Sunday while breaking up a pass.
I don't think Bates started at Saftey until later in his career, not sure though.