Divine Deablo Leads Falcons Defense to Victory with Stellar Performance
The Atlanta Falcons showcased a formidable defensive effort during their Week 2 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, securing a decisive 22-6 victory on Sunday Night Football. This win brought the Falcons back to a .500 record at 1-1, and standout linebacker Divine Deablo emerged as the star of the night, earning an impressive 89.3 grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF).
Deablo’s Dominance
Deablo’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. He recorded five total tackles—four solo and one assisted—along with two defensive “stops,” a pass breakup, and a crucial fumble recovery. A defensive stop is defined as a tackle that results in a failure for the opposing offense, underscoring Deablo’s impact on the game. He was one of only two players on either team to achieve a grade above 80, with center Ryan Neuzil following closely behind at 83.6.
Offensive Line Strength
Neuzil not only contributed to Deablo’s defensive success but also excelled in the run game, achieving a game-high 85.9 run-blocking grade. His performance was instrumental in paving the way for Falcons running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier, who combined for an impressive 219 rushing yards and a touchdown. Chris Lindstrom also had a noteworthy night, boasting a 74.0 run-blocking grade—second highest among all offensive linemen in the game—and allowing just one hurry.
Robinson Shines as a Skill Player
Bijan Robinson emerged as the highest-graded skill player, amassing 168 total yards with 143 rushing and 25 receiving. After a lackluster performance in Week 1, head coach Raheem Morris emphasized the team’s commitment to running the ball, a strategy that paid off significantly in this contest.
Harrison’s Impact
Zach Harrison also made a significant contribution, notching three pressures and two sacks, including a pivotal strip sack early in the fourth quarter. This defensive play shifted the momentum in Atlanta’s favor, especially with Minnesota starting a drive near midfield while trailing by just six points.
Areas for Improvement
While the Falcons’ defense excelled, several offensive players struggled, as reflected in their PFF grades. Right tackle Elijah Wilkinson received a low score of 42.4 after allowing four pressures and a quarterback hit, along with two penalties. Cornerback A.J. Terrell’s performance was surprising; he played only the first half due to a hamstring injury but still managed to allow just 24 total yards, albeit with two receptions on three targets against him.
Veteran tackle Jake Matthews faced challenges as well, surrendering two pressures, including a sack, while his run-blocking grade of 42.8 was the lowest among both teams. Tight end Charlie Woerner had a quiet night, with no targets and a pass-blocking grade of 42.2.
Notable Performances
Other notable performances from the Falcons included running back Tyler Allgeier with a grade of 70.9, defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro at 66.9, and tight end Kyle Pitts at 66.7. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and rookie safety Xavier Watts also contributed solid performances, both finishing with grades in the mid-60s.
As the Falcons prepare for their next challenge, the contrast in performances will be a focal point for coaches as they seek to refine their offensive strategies while maintaining the defensive prowess demonstrated against the Vikings.
