Falcons’ Defense Roars Back in 24-10 Victory, Sparked by Divine Deablo’s Return
The Atlanta Falcons snapped a frustrating five-game losing streak with a commanding 24-10 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. The Falcons’ defense, which has been under scrutiny during their rough patch, showcased a dominant performance that left no doubt about their capability.
Defensive Dominance
The statistics tell a compelling story of the Falcons’ defensive resurgence. Atlanta’s defense recorded five sacks, six tackles for loss, seven passes defended, eight quarterback hits, a forced fumble, and an interception. They held the Saints to a mere 31% conversion rate on third downs, allowing just 10 points throughout the game. The Saints, who are tied for last in the league in scoring, struggled to move the ball against an aggressive Falcons front.
Saints quarterback Tyler Shough entered the game having been sacked only five times in his previous four starts. However, the Falcons’ defense turned the pressure dial to eleven, taking him down five times in a single outing. Remarkably, they limited New Orleans to just 10 points on 78 total plays—a clear indication of their defensive prowess.
The Impact of Divine Deablo
A significant factor in the Falcons’ turnaround was the return of linebacker Divine Deablo. With eight total tackles—six solo and two assisted—Deablo’s presence was felt all over the field. He also managed to disrupt plays with a run stop and nearly intercepted a tipped pass from Shough, all while sporting a sizable cast on his hand. His performance, which drew light-hearted commentary from the broadcast team, was nothing short of remarkable.
“Divine is fortunate in the fact that he has tremendous length, and a lot of times that length can help you overcome something like a club on your hand,” said defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich before the game. Deablo’s return reinvigorated the Falcons’ defense, which had struggled during his absence.
In four of their last five games prior to Sunday, the Falcons had allowed more than 110 rushing yards. However, they effectively stifled the Saints’ ground game, limiting them to just 79 yards at an average of 2.9 yards per carry. Deablo’s ability to diagnose plays and shoot gaps was crucial in forcing New Orleans into predictable downs, which the defense capitalized on.
A Vital Component
Deablo expressed his eagerness to contribute, saying, “You know you want to be out there helping your team. I think I just bring some speed to the table, some power… I can definitely help out.” His impact on the field is evident; the Falcons are 4-2 this season when he plays the full game, compared to 0-5 when he is sidelined.
Before he was placed on injured reserve with a fractured forearm in Week 8, Deablo was a cornerstone of a defense that ranked second overall in the NFL. Without him, Atlanta’s defense has slipped to 16th in total defense, underscoring the importance of his physicality and reliability.
“He’s the kind of player who takes no plays off,” Ulbrich noted, reflecting on the team’s earlier lapses, including a crucial 80-yard touchdown run by Jonathan Taylor a few weeks ago. “If there’s any guy that really understands how to take the extra step and put his body on somebody to ensure the tackle, it’s him.”
Looking Ahead
With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers suffering their third consecutive loss, the Falcons have found a glimmer of hope in the NFC South. Deablo’s return could be the catalyst that keeps their playoff aspirations alive. As the team moves forward, one thing is clear: Atlanta’s defense is at its best when Divine Deablo is on the field, ready to unleash his full potential.
