Falcons Face Adversity with Divine Deablo’s Injury
The Atlanta Falcons are grappling with significant challenges as standout linebacker Divine Deablo is sidelined due to a broken arm sustained during their recent matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. This injury comes at a crucial time, as the Falcons prepare for their upcoming game against the Miami Dolphins.
Deablo, a pivotal figure in the Falcons’ defense, has been recognized as one of the best free-agent additions this season. Acquired from the Las Vegas Raiders, his dynamic play has been instrumental in propelling the Falcons to the second-best defense in the league through the first seven weeks of the season.
Impact of Deablo’s Absence
Deablo’s injury was felt immediately on the field, with the Falcons conceding a season-high 174 rushing yards and allowing the 49ers to become the first team to surpass 300 total yards against them. In his absence, second-year linebacker JD Bertrand stepped in, but defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich is now exploring a broader strategy to fill the void left by Deablo.
“It’s going to be a kind of replace-him-by-committee a little bit,” Ulbrich stated, emphasizing the unique skill set Deablo brings to the team. “He is, from an athletic profile standpoint, very DB-ish, yet from a size standpoint, very linebacker-ish.” The Falcons will likely rotate various players into Deablo’s role, incorporating defensive backs and additional linebackers to maintain defensive integrity.
Strategic Adjustments Ahead
Ulbrich is not limiting his options to just Bertrand. The coaching staff is also considering the talents of safeties DeMarcco Hellams and Jordan Fuller, along with linebacker Josh Woods and safety-turned-linebacker Ronnie Harrison. This approach is aimed at maximizing defensive versatility in the face of adversity.
“It’s a combination of all those guys,” Ulbrich noted. “We’re going to give everybody a little bit of Divine’s role. There is a competitive element this week to see who does the best and who deserves the opportunity to play a little bit more.”
While Bertrand’s performance against the 49ers raised some concerns, particularly in coverage, Ulbrich remains confident in his abilities. “He’s a very unique player… he can play MIKE, he can play WILL. He brings a toughness and a unique perspective to the game,” Ulbrich affirmed. His capacity to operate as both a starter and a backup enhances the Falcons’ defensive options.
Looking Ahead to the Dolphins and Beyond
As the Falcons gear up to face the Dolphins, who currently rank 29th in rushing offense, the team is hopeful for a favorable matchup. With the expectation of facing second and third-and-longs, Ulbrich plans to utilize more defensive backs on the field during critical downs.
After the Dolphins, the Falcons will encounter the New England Patriots, who also struggle with their rushing attack. However, the team is eagerly anticipating Deablo’s return for their international game against the Indianapolis Colts, where they will face star running back Jonathan Taylor, who leads the NFL in rushing yards and touchdowns.
Deablo has been a cornerstone of the Falcons’ defensive resurgence this season, and his return will be vital for the team as they aim to sustain the exceptional defensive performance that has characterized their season thus far.
