Falcons’ Divine Deablo Impresses in Debut Despite Narrow Loss to Buccaneers
The Atlanta Falcons faced a tough season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, falling 23-20 in a closely contested matchup. Despite the disappointing result, linebacker Divine Deablo made a significant impact in his first game with the team, showcasing his potential as a key defensive player.
Deablo’s Standout Performance
In a game where the Falcons’ offense struggled to find its rhythm, Deablo emerged as a defensive force. He was active throughout the contest, recording six total tackles, including one tackle for loss, one quarterback hit, and a half-sack. Additionally, he defended a pass intended for Pro Bowl wide receiver Mike Evans, coming tantalizingly close to securing an interception.
Head coach Dean Pees praised Deablo’s performance, highlighting his effectiveness in both run support and pass coverage. “He did such a nice job in those things, whether it be run fits or in the passing game,” Pees remarked. “He definitely affected the pass when he had a chance to rush in there and did some really good things as well. So he’s as advertised, and he did a nice job for us today.”
A Promising Addition to the Roster
The Falcons signed Deablo to a two-year, $14 million contract, which included a $6 million signing bonus and $7.6 million guaranteed. After spending his first three NFL seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders, Deablo quickly earned the nickname “Avatar” from fellow linebacker Kaden Ellis, a nod to his impressive range and athleticism.
“That’s a great way of describing him,” Pees noted. “He has significant range; he plays with great length. His vision and key diagnosis in the box has looked absolutely outstanding in practice. We’ve been able to watch him in coverage; he moves easily, he is an elite mover. He’s shown me some things in his ability to pressure the passer, and he’s been really impressive in both the run game and in coverage.”
Defensive Grades Reflect Deablo’s Impact
According to Pro Football Focus, Deablo’s performance was among the best on the field, earning him a defensive grade of 76.0, making him the second-highest graded Falcon behind linebacker Arnold Ebiketie. Rookie safety Xavier Watts also made an impression, finishing with a grade of 72.8. Their strong performances highlight a promising defensive unit that the Falcons can build upon as the season progresses.
As the Falcons prepare for their next challenge against the Minnesota Vikings, Deablo’s contributions on the defensive side of the ball will be crucial. With the season still young, his ability to adapt and excel in high-pressure situations will undoubtedly be a focal point for the team moving forward.
