Atlanta Falcons Welcome Back Defensive Star Divine Deablo
The Atlanta Falcons are poised to receive a significant boost as linebacker Divine Deablo is set to make his return from the injured reserve. This promising news was revealed by head coach Raheem Morris on Monday afternoon, providing a glimmer of hope amidst a day filled with injury concerns.
Deablo’s Return Timeline
Morris confirmed that Deablo will be designated to return from injured reserve, which grants the team a 21-day window to activate him. Optimistically, he hinted that Deablo could be back on the field for Sunday’s crucial matchup against the New Orleans Saints. “Assuming everything goes well, he should be back playing,” Morris stated, clearly indicating the team’s eagerness to reintegrate the linebacker into their defensive scheme.
Impact of Deablo’s Absence
Deablo’s journey to recovery comes after a challenging stint on the sidelines due to a fractured forearm, an injury he sustained during the second quarter of the Falcons’ Week 7 defeat to the San Francisco 49ers. Prior to his injury, Deablo was a pivotal figure in Atlanta’s defense. Over the first six games of the season, he recorded 24 tackles, half a sack, a fumble recovery, and four pass breakups. His influence extended beyond these statistics, as the Falcons ranked among the league’s top defensive units.
In Deablo’s absence, the defense has struggled significantly. The Falcons had yet to concede a 100-yard rusher, receiver, or a 200-yard passer before his injury; however, they have since faced a decline in performance. Opposing offenses have averaged an additional 7.8 points, 97 passing yards, and 49 rushing yards per game without Deablo, contributing to the team’s disappointing five-game losing streak.
Adjustments in Deablo’s Absence
To fill the void left by Deablo, the Falcons adopted a committee approach, utilizing players such as JD Bertrand, Ronnie Harrison, DeMarcco Hellams, Josh Woods, and even Billy Bowman Jr. Although this strategy has yielded mixed results, defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich expressed optimism regarding the development of these players. “I felt like there has been steady improvement from all those guys,” Ulbrich noted. “The more they get to play, the more opportunities they have, the better they’ve performed.”
Harrison has stepped up in recent games, playing the majority of defensive snaps against Carolina, but the Falcons remain hopeful for Deablo’s swift return to the lineup, which could potentially stabilize their struggling defense.
As the Falcons gear up for their upcoming clash, the anticipation surrounding Deablo’s return is palpable. His presence on the field could redefine the dynamics of Atlanta’s defense and reignite their campaign as they seek to turn their fortunes around.
