Friday, Oct. 18, 2024 | 2 a.m.
The Las Vegas Raiders are at a crucial juncture in their season, with head coach Antonio Pierce navigating the challenges of injuries and player performance as the team heads into Week 7. Following a disappointing 32-13 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Raiders find themselves on a two-game losing streak. However, amidst the difficulties, there’s a silver lining emerging in the form of the recent performance of linebacker Divine Deablo, who returned from injury in a significant way against the Steelers.
One of the standout aspects of the game was Coach Pierce’s evolving sideline strategy. His entourage has trimmed down over recent weeks, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. This adjustment seems to have positively influenced the coaching dynamics, especially for players like Deablo. Historically, Pierce has remained closely aligned with the linebacker corps, often found standing alongside fellow coach Mike Caldwell during defensive series. The duo’s experience as former NFL players translates into a collaborative teaching style, which Deablo benefited from while he recovered from an oblique injury.
“There’s a lot of coaching throughout the game and things that we’re talking about,” Pierce noted, highlighting the importance of communication and mentorship, especially for a young player like Deablo. His performance against the Steelers showcased the benefits of those interactions, evidenced by his impactful game statistics—one sack, two tackles for loss, and a near interception that was sadly negated by a penalty. His burst of energy and effectiveness on the field really resonated with the rest of the team.
Deablo himself expressed a sense of fulfillment in returning to the field. “It felt really good to be out there with my guys,” he said. His sentiment echoes the collective hope within the Raiders’ locker room; they desperately need him to maintain this level of performance as the linebacker position has become a bit of a revolving door due to injuries. With his explosiveness and capability to make plays, he is indeed a player that the Raiders cannot afford to lose again.
As they look ahead to their matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, the Raiders are still grappling with the reality of limited linebacker depth. Eichenberg has shown promise as a rookie but has also displayed a rawness that comes with youth and inexperience. Meanwhile, Luke Masterson’s season-ending injury has placed further strain on the team’s linebacker rotation. There is growing concern about whether the younger players can step up and support the already thin linebacker crew.
“It might have been rash to assume any of the developing options could have filled in for Deablo without any drop-off,” analysts point out. Indeed, Deablo’s role has been critical in the team’s defensive strategy, especially given that he represents an adaptable option who can cover both run and pass effectively. His background as a former defensive back at Virginia Tech has made him particularly adept at handling coverage responsibilities, something the Raiders desperately need, particularly given their current struggles with their passing defense.
As Deablo shone on Sunday, edge rusher Maxx Crosby noted the spirited performance reverberating through the team. “He was flying around, balling, had a smile on his face.” These positive vibes not only uplift the morale of the defense but also set a standard that younger players need to aspire to. The Raiders’ recurring defensive issues are evident, but Deablo’s presence offers a chance for improvement. His coverage skills, especially over the middle of the field, could help tighten up a Raiders defense that currently ranks low in efficiency against passing plays.
However, Deablo himself remains critical of their overall performance. He pointed out some self-inflicted wounds in their run defense, attributing the problems to missed assignments and a lack of cohesion among the players. “I feel like some of the guys are doing their own thing, and we just have to make sure we’re one of 11 pieces,” he articulated. His self-awareness and leadership will be essential as the team works to refine their defensive strategies moving forward.
As the Raiders gear up for their upcoming game against the Rams, all eyes will be on Deablo and the linebacker corps. With Pierce leading the way, there’s a collective determination to get back to the defensive strengths they once showcased. Deablo’s performance could very well be pivotal in realizing that goal. Whether he can maintain his momentum and adapt alongside returning teammates will greatly influence the outcome of their season and ultimately the legacy that Antonio Pierce aims to build in Las Vegas.
Case Keefer can be reached at 702-948-2790 or [email protected]. Follow Case on Twitter at twitter.com/casekeefer.