Atlanta banking on Bates-Watts tandem to spark more takeaways in 2026 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Atlanta Falcons believe they have one of the NFL's premier safety tandems, and veteran linebacker Divine Deablo isn't shy about saying it.
Speaking during training camp, Deablo praised the pairing of Jessie Bates III and rising star Xavier Watts, calling them the best safety duo in football. It's a bold statement, but one the Falcons hope will prove true as they enter the 2026 season with one of the league's most talented defenses.
Bates has already established himself as one of the NFL's elite defensive backs. Since arriving in Atlanta, he has consistently been the leader of the secondary, combining outstanding instincts with the ability to create game-changing turnovers.
The excitement, however, continues to grow around Watts.
#atlanta #deablo #preferred #divine
The Atlanta Falcons believe they have one of the NFL's premier safety tandems, and veteran linebacker Divine Deablo isn't shy about saying it.
Speaking during training camp, Deablo praised the pairing of Jessie Bates III and rising star Xavier Watts, calling them the best safety duo in football. It's a bold statement, but one the Falcons hope will prove true as they enter the 2026 season with one of the league's most talented defenses.
Bates has already established himself as one of the NFL's elite defensive backs. Since arriving in Atlanta, he has consistently been the leader of the secondary, combining outstanding instincts with the ability to create game-changing turnovers.
The excitement, however, continues to grow around Watts.
#atlanta #deablo #preferred #divine
1 day ago
