The Atlanta Falcons defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Week 7, and they couldn't have done so without a breakout performance by rookie linebacker Kendal Daniels. The former Oklahoma standout finished the game with two turnovers in the fourth quarter, including a game-clinching interception of 49ers QB Brock Purdy.
Daniels exceeded expectations filling in for Divine Deablo, which is even more impressive considering he was carted off the field and taken to the hospital with a terrifying neck injury last week. The rookie returned to the field on Sunday and turned in an incredibly gutsy performance.
After the game, Daniels said he was grateful to be back out there and credited his teammates for helping him prepare to wear the green dot in place of
Deablo.
"Mentally, had to prepare different, you know," said Daniels. "Divine being out, just had to take the extra steps, study a little bit more, look over my play call, listen to 'Brich in this loud stadium, but it all played out. My team helped me, they trusted me with the green dot, so I'm just thankful."
"Somebody's gotta beat 'em"
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) October 25, 2026
Two turnovers for @KendalDaniels__ 🔥
FOX | NFL+ pic.twitter.com/4cQDQWqTkx
Daniels, a fourth-round pick out of Oklahoma, won a starting job out of training camp and has continued to improve each week. While Sunday's performance was the rookie's best yet, he gave all of the credit to Atlanta's offense and special teams.
"It took everybody," said Daniels. "Special teams, offense, defense, you know, we're just leaning on each other. You know, I might have made the pick, but the offense went out there and scored so many points, special teams got them pinned down there
The Falcons are surely grateful to have drafted the budding star linebacker, but Daniels sounded equally happy to be in Atlanta after the game.
"I'm just thankful that I got drafted to this team."
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons rookie LB Kendal Daniels on game-winning INT vs. 49ers
