The Atlanta Falcons are staring down a tough Monday Night Football matchup against the 11-4 Los Angeles Rams, but inside linebacker Divine Deablo isn’t backing down. In fact, he’s embracing the challenge like a player built for the spotlight.
“It’s a huge challenge. That’s a great football team,” Deablo said.
“But hey, that’s how we like it. Monday night football - what more can you ask for?”
That mindset is exactly what the Falcons need right now. At 6-9, Atlanta’s playoff hopes are hanging by a thread, and with questions swirling around the future of head coach Raheem Morris, every snap matters - not just for the team’s postseason chances, but potentially for the direction of the franchise.
Deablo’s been a bright spot in an otherwise up-and-down season. He’s coming off a solid performance against the Cardinals, where he racked up six tackles and defended two passes. For the season, he’s up to 55 tackles and a career-high six passes defended - a testament to how well he’s adapted to his new role in Atlanta’s defense.
Originally drafted by the Raiders in the third round back in 2021, Deablo spent four seasons in Las Vegas before signing with the Falcons in 2025 on a two-year, $14 million deal. And from the jump, he’s looked like a difference-maker.
Before the season even kicked off, Morris didn’t hold back in his praise for the linebacker’s physical tools and versatility.
“He looks like an avatar,” Morris said. “Brick [Jeff Ulbrich] as the guy outside of the car dealership that’s really long that just blows.
He has significant range. He plays with great length.
His vision and key diagnosed in the box has looked absolutely outstanding in practice. We’ve been able to watch him in coverage - he does it easy, he moves easily, he is an elite mover.
He’s shown me some things in his ability to be able to pressure the passer. And he’s been really impressive in what he’s been able to do both in the run game and in coverage.”
That blend of size, speed, and instincts has made Deablo one of the more quietly impactful additions to the Falcons’ defense this year. He’s not just filling a role - he’s elevating it.
Now, with a high-powered Rams offense on deck, Deablo’s presence in the middle of the field could be critical. The Rams are coming off a tough loss to Seattle, but they’ve been one of the NFC’s most consistent teams all year. Atlanta’s defense will need to be sharp, disciplined, and aggressive - and Deablo will be at the heart of that effort.
As for Morris, he’s still focused on the bigger picture, even with uncertainty looming.
“We’re talking about our team, setting ourselves up for long-term success,” he said.
That long-term vision may hinge on how the Falcons close out the season - and how players like Deablo continue to show up in big moments. Monday night is one of them. And if Deablo’s ready to bring the smoke, the rest of the defense better be right there with him.