Raiders LB Divine Deablo is 'itching' for more in 2023

Justin Churchill — College Football & NFL Trending News Writer

Aug 24, 2023 2:49 PM EDT

The Las Vegas Raiders are an underdog in 2023. We all know that this team isn't a frontrunner to win the Super Bowl. However, that doesn't mean they can't surprise some people.

The defense is the biggest flaw on this team, as it has been well documented over the last few years: the unit isn't very good. On defense, the Raiders did make some changes, though. They added some rookies and veterans in free agency.

The roster overall is better, and they are ready to compete, especially the defense.

"I'm very excited. We've been working every day," linebacker Divine Deablo said to the media. "Fortunately, we've got a chance to work against other teams, so that was fun. But yeah, I'm very excited for the season, and I'm sure everybody else is.

Deablo, the team's best linebacker, is ready to return to the field, as is everyone else. However, his situation is a bit different. He hadn't played since Week 8 of last season when he was injured and had to be put on IR for the remainder of the 2022 season.

After just getting a little taste of football again, Deablo cannot wait any longer.

"I'm very fired up," Deablo continued. "I got like five plays in this last preseason game. I was itching for more. So, I'm excited."

The whole defense is itching for 2023. They are itching to prove everyone wrong this year. The expectations are that they will be a unit that lets the offense down that can't cover their own butts. Most people think this defense will fail to compete.

That's a fair statement, considering everything that happened last season. However, this is a new year.

"We challenge ourselves every day to stop the offense, and that's what we're going to keep doing," Deablo said.

If the defense can be at least league average, this team has a shot at competing for the playoffs. If they struggle to stop the run, can't get off the field on third down, and all the other issues they had last year, they will be right back picking in the top 10 of the NFL Draft.