Divine Deablo’s Injury Strikes Hard as Falcons Face 49ers
The Atlanta Falcons faced a challenging situation during their Week 7 clash against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday Night Football. Key linebacker Divine Deablo exited the game with a forearm injury early in the second quarter and was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the contest.
Deablo’s departure came at a crucial moment for the Falcons. Initially listed as questionable to return after heading to the locker room, his absence soon became a significant blow to the team’s defensive strategy. Following his exit, the 49ers capitalized on the weakened defense, orchestrating a 13-play, 80-yard touchdown drive that highlighted their offensive prowess.
Impact of Deablo’s Absence
The 49ers wasted no time exploiting the Falcons’ depleted defense. Christian McCaffrey, running with determination, tallied 76 rushing yards on just 13 carries, averaging an impressive 6.3 yards per attempt while helping propel San Francisco past the 100-yard mark in rushing for the game.
Deablo, who joined the Falcons through free agency this spring, has quickly become a cornerstone of the team’s defensive efforts. In the first five games of the season, he accumulated 23 tackles, a half sack, four pass breakups, and a fumble recovery. His contributions have been instrumental in positioning the Falcons as a formidable defensive unit, leading the NFL in total defense with an average of 253.4 yards allowed per game.
Defensive Coordinator’s Praise
Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich had previously expressed high hopes for Deablo, noting his impressive athleticism and instinctual play. “We saw all the traits with Divine Deablo; we saw the ability, we saw the potential,” Ulbrich stated. “But until you really get your hands on somebody, you don’t know if he’s going to actually realize that potential or that vision.”
Ulbrich emphasized Deablo’s unique skill set, describing him as a “velociraptor” on the field due to his speed and range. “What’s so unique is he can take away the dig that’s 25 yards deep and then tackle the check down for two yards,” he remarked. “It makes no sense. His range, his speed, his athleticism, but also his instinct and his intelligence. It’s been really cool to work with him.”
Looking Ahead
Losing Deablo not only impacts the current game but raises concerns about the future. The Falcons will need to navigate the rest of the contest without him, and his status in the weeks ahead will be a topic of keen interest. As one of three defensive starters sidelined, Deablo’s absence could reshape the Falcons’ defensive strategy moving forward. The team will be eager to assess the situation and adapt accordingly as they prepare for upcoming challenges in the season.
