"As the San Francisco 49ers came out after Atlanta's field goal and NBC broadcaster Mike Tirico informed the NFL world that Divine Deablo had left the game, my heart sank. Immediately, Kyle Shanahan started running plays and throwing routes directly where fill-in second-year linebacker JD Bertrand was. So, when a third-down pass to Jauan Jennings careened off Jennings' hands and into the waiting arms of linebacker Kaden Elliss, an immediate smile went to my face."
"With Divine Deablo officially out of the game with an injured forearm, the Falcons' defense needed to find ways to continue attacking a San Francisco front that wanted to run the football down Atlanta's throat. Alas, they failed to do so, but Elliss making a big play was a reminder that he can do so, and how important he'll be if the Falcons are without Deablo for any length of time."
"Other than the important part of keeping his 100-yards-from-scrimmage streak intact, Atlanta had not really utilized Bijan Robinson in the first half. However, as Atlanta took the field in the third quarter, they made it a priority to get the ball in the hands of their Offensive Player of the Year candidate. On their six-play, 52-yard touchdown drive, Robinson touched the ball four times for 27 yards, including a hard-fought 10 yards to finally bring the Falcons into the end zone."
Divine Deablo exited with an injured forearm, forcing Atlanta to adjust linebacker depth and rely on backups like JD Bertrand and Kaden Elliss. San Francisco immediately targeted Bertrand with runs and routes, and Elliss intercepted a third-down pass after Jauan Jennings failed to secure the catch. The Falcons' defense could not consistently stop the 49ers' run game. Atlanta prioritized Bijan Robinson in the third quarter, featuring him four times on a six-play touchdown drive and preserving his 100-yards-from-scrimmage streak. Atlanta's passing success rate improved from 24th in first halves to 11th in second halves and first in fourth quarters. Injuries to receivers, including Ray-Ray McCloud III, increased reliance on Drake London and Kyle Pitts.
Read at The Falcoholic
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