I do recall that sequence, but in the end they chose a recently back from injury JF over Bates for the task, It appears SM/BD thought having a known entity and a starting O line player with center skills was the preferred choice over Bates, even though Bates could have taken snaps at center, It May as well have had a bit to do with the comfort and confidence of that selection for our QB, as he and JF seem to have established a very good chemistry early on...,