Watts’ interceptions came in each of the Falcons’ wins. He picked off Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy in Week 2 and then Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota in Week 4. Watts’ interception in Minnesota sealed Atlanta’s victory in the fourth quarter. His interception against Washington prevented the Commanders from scoring off a deep ball in the end zone when Atlanta had a two-possession lead.
“Shoot, you’re talking about the Rookie of the Week and definitely put himself in contention for Rookie of the Year,” Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich said on Sept. 11. “He played that type of game (against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers). You saw just the exceptional ball skills, instinct, feel that he has. Now we’ve just got to refine it and just keep working with him.
“The beauty of X — and I’m getting to know him as we go here — he just feels like a guy that will never be satisfied. He’s just going to keep pushing to get better. Guys have a little success early on. Sometimes that’s dangerous. They kick their feet up and they believe, ‘I got it.’ And I don’t feel that from him at all.”
Overall, Watts has totaled 23 tackles, 17 of which were solo. He has also had four pass breakups.