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Writer's pictureKelly Anozie

Elandon Roberts May Be The Steelers Most Important Defensive Player


Photo: Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers



The Pittsburgh Steelers currently have one of the top-ranked units in the NFL. When we think of the reasons for their success, the names T.J. Watt or Cameron Heyward generally come up in the discussion. Yet, there is one player on the roster who is their most stable and arguably their most valuable.


After nine seasons, veteran linebacker Elandon Roberts has shown little sign of slowing down. If anything, he could just be getting better. This season so far, Roberts has proven to be one of the top interior defenders in the league. At one point this past October, Roberts held both the highest run defense grade (97.1) and the highest overall grade (94.5) during a two-week period. After eight games this season, Roberts currently stands 11th on the team in tackles with 20 and is tied for fifth in tackles for loss with three.


What doesn't get acknowledged enough about Roberts' overall game is his athleticism. This was best displayed in their Week 5 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, when Roberts elevated over his teammates to make an incredible play on running back Rico Dowdle at the goal line. Though the Steelers eventually surrendered a touchdown and lost the game, it was the type of play reminiscent of the ones that were the trademark of the great Troy Polamalu.


As the team prepares for arguably the most challenging half of the season in franchise history, Roberts will be depended upon not only for his play on the field but also for his leadership. Though he is not seemingly the vocal type, Roberts has let his performance do the talking, and so far, he is doing it in a way that can help the Steelers achieve the type of success that could make them contenders in the AFC.

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