Falcons’ Investment in Divine Deablo Shines Bright in Debut
The Atlanta Falcons are already witnessing promising returns from their recent acquisition, linebacker Divine Deablo, despite a tough loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Crucial Moments Seal the Game
In a thrilling finish, the Falcons faltered against the Buccaneers, allowing Baker Mayfield to execute a game-winning drive capped by a 25-yard touchdown pass to Emeka Egbuka with just over a minute left on the clock. This late-game misstep overshadowed an otherwise commendable effort from a revamped Falcons defense that showcased five new starters and a mix of emerging talent.
Despite the setback, the Falcons’ defense held the Buccaneers to a mere 260 yards, a testament to their potential. The performance of Deablo, who joined the team on a $14 million contract this past March, was particularly notable. Last season with the Las Vegas Raiders, he recorded 106 tackles, and his arrival in Atlanta has been highly anticipated by players and coaching staff alike.
High Hopes for Deablo’s Impact
From the moment he stepped onto the practice field, Deablo’s athletic prowess was evident. Linebacker Kaden Elliss remarked on Deablo’s exceptional physical attributes, dubbing him “the avatar” for his impressive length and agility. Head coach Raheem Morris humorously likened Deablo’s movement to the inflatable tube men often seen outside car dealerships, emphasizing his unique physicality. Standing at 6-foot-3 and a quarter inches with 33-inch arms, Deablo’s build is formidable, especially when compared to offensive tackle Jake Matthews, who has slightly shorter arms at 33 and a third inches.
Deablo himself has been vocal about his contributions to the Falcons’ defense. “Speed and physicality,” he stated, pinpointing his primary goals for the season. “I think that’s my two main goals this year, just keep bringing the speed and be everywhere.”
A Standout Performance
In his debut, Deablo delivered on those intentions, providing a glimpse into what he can bring to the team this season under defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. He was a force on the field, making his presence felt in various ways:
Run Defense: Deablo recorded a tackle for loss, showcasing his ability to disrupt plays in the backfield.
Tackling: He tied for the team lead with six tackles, demonstrating his effectiveness in stopping opposing players.
Pass Rush: He notched a half-sack and generated a quarterback hit, contributing to four pressures that kept the Buccaneers’ offense on its toes.
Coverage Skills: Deablo nearly intercepted a pass and executed a crucial breakup against Mike Evans, preventing what could have been a significant gain for Tampa Bay.
In essence, Divine Deablo was omnipresent on the field, making his mark in multiple facets of the game.
As the Falcons move forward, they will look to build on the strengths that Deablo and their new defensive unit have exhibited, hoping to turn potential into performance as the season progresses.
