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Divine Deablo is Continuing to Blossom at Linebacker

Originally posted on FanNation Raider Maven
By Ezekiel Trezevant IV | Last updated 10/13/23

When linebacker Divine Deablo was injured in week eight last season, he led the Las Vegas Raiders in tackles. It was apparent then that Deablo would be a force on the field when healthy.

Between his injury and his position change from safety to linebacker, Deablo would have to wait a full calendar year to prove he belonged professionally as a starting linebacker.

Fast forward to Monday night against the Green Bay Packers, and Deablo showed he had leaped many expected he would when the season began.

The Raiders' coaching staff prides itself on developing talent successfully. Assuming he stays on the same path, Deablo would undoubtedly be considered an example of their ability to do so.

On Monday night against the Packers, Deablo led the team with ten total tackles, six of which were solos. It marked the eighth time in his career he's made ten or more tackles.

Deablo's eight games with double-digit tackles are tied for second all-time in Raiders history for most 10-plus tackle games in a defender's first 30 games.

Deablo, while grateful to make history, is only focused on getting better.

"Hopefully I can continue and hopefully I will have the record here, soon," Deablo told Sports Illustrated. "I will just keep running to the ball and it will all come to me."

While the defense has played relatively well all season, the losses early in the season overshadowed its improved performance.

"We knew it would come; it was just about time," Deablo said. "We were patient, and we just kept working every day. Hopefully, we'll keep it up."

Deablo shared that while staying patient was difficult, the defense's performance on Monday night made the wait well worth it.

"It was getting rough, but we kept attacking practice every day and thankfully we're good," Deablo said.

Deablo is a vital part of the Raiders' defense, and a large portion of their success as a unit depends on the play of the third-year linebacker.

If Deablo can stay healthy and continue to play the way he has so far, Las Vegas' defense has the potential to be one of the best the Raiders have had in years.

The Silver and Black will stay home at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas to play the New England Patriots on Sunday, Oct. 15, at 4:05 p.m. EDT/1:05 p.m. PDT.

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This article first appeared on FanNation Raider Maven and was syndicated with permission.

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