The Atlanta Falcons are set to welcome back linebacker Divine Deablo, who has been sidelined with a fractured forearm since Week 7. Head coach Raheem Morris confirmed on Monday that Deablo will be designated to return from injured reserve, a move that comes as the Falcons face a daunting five-game losing streak.
Since Deablo’s injury during the match against the San Francisco 49ers, the Falcons have struggled significantly, failing to secure a victory. The linebacker expressed the emotional toll of being absent from the field. “It was rough. Especially when I was watching at home, some away games. You know, you want to be out there helping your team,” he reflected.
Deablo’s contributions to the Falcons’ defense have been considerable. He has emerged as one of the league’s top performers, currently ranked as the fourth-highest graded linebacker by Pro Football Focus (PFF) with a season grade of 86.0. He has excelled in coverage, nearly achieving his first career interception multiple times, while already surpassing his previous career high with four pass breakups in just six games.
Impact of Deablo’s Absence on the Falcons’ Defense
The Falcons’ defensive struggles have been particularly evident in their run defense since Deablo’s injury. Over the five games he has missed, the team has allowed an alarming number of rushing yards: 174, 141, 110, 323, and 67. The absence of Deablo has created vulnerabilities, particularly in the ground game, as evidenced by the overwhelming 323 rushing yards allowed in one game. In that same contest, quarterback Bryce Young exploited the weakness, throwing for nearly 450 yards and three touchdowns.
With Deablo sidelined, linebacker J.D. Bertrand has stepped in but has struggled with his performance. His PFF grades in the last three games against the Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, and Indianapolis Colts were notably low, at 28.8, 48.1, and 44.2, respectively. In coverage, Bertrand faced significant challenges, with quarterbacks completing 88.9%, 75%, and 50% of their passes targeted at him.
Deablo’s return is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the Falcons’ defense. His combination of speed, power, and leadership is crucial at a time when the team is striving to regain its footing. Deablo sees himself as a leader on the field, stating, “Oh, I love it. I feel like if somebody asks me a question, I’m grateful to answer. I feel like if we’re all on the same page, all 11 will be a great defense.”
As the Falcons prepare for future matchups, Deablo’s presence will be vital in stabilizing a defense that has faced significant challenges in his absence. With his return, Atlanta fans hope to see a resurgence in the team’s performance as the season progresses.
