Las Vegas Raiders vs Los Angeles Chargers: 3 Raiders to watch in Week 18
Divine Deablo
The emergence of Divine Deablo late into the season is not only a breath of fresh air for a linebacking unit that has struggled outside of Pro Bowl selection Denzel Perryman but finally gives this defense some much-needed stability.
It is crazy to think the rookie is outplaying and out-snapping last season’s highly paid free agent acquisition in Cory Littleton, but this is not only the reality — but a key in the Raiders revitalizing a season that was once feared lost.
Deablo was a safety in college, so his switch over to linebacker was expected to have some growing pains, but boy were the skeptics wrong. This was apparent in his nine-tackle performance last week which led the Raiders and also kept the dangerous Colts offense in check.
Week after Week, the rookie continues to perform and show he belongs on the field on almost every snap. His play has lifted this defense, and finally gives the Raiders linebacking unit some help in the passing department, as his blazing speed allows him to provide incredible coverage and shut down the passing game.
Keep an eye on the rookie as he will look to not only add some help to the defensive line in attacking the Charger backfield but also to provide shut down coverage on the Chargers receivers and tight ends as the secondary will surely need the help with so many players out this week in this department.