FOXBOROUGH — There wasn’t supposed to be much left in the linebacker room after the season-ending injury to Dont’a Hightower. But on Sunday against the Dolphins, Elandon Roberts, Kyle Van Noy and the rest of the group were impressive, playing a sizable role in the 35-17 win over Miami.
Roberts had a pair of sacks and Van Noy added another one, providing a spark for the New England defense. In all, the Patriots had seven sacks and three takeaways against the Dolphins, a game where New England held an opposing offense to just one touchdown for the fifth consecutive week. It was also the seventh consecutive game where the Patriots allowed just 17 points or less.
For a team that had just 17 sacks in the first 10 games of the season, seven sacks in one game is extraordinary. How did it all come about?
It's easier to play defense if you know your opponent is suddenly one dimensional. And when the Dolphins fell behind by multiple scores in the second half, it was clear they had to throw to get back into the game.
"Anytime you can get ahead in the game -- most of the second half, probably middle of the third quarter -- the last third of the game (is) a lot of passing, a lot of pass rush with the lead," explained Bill Belichick. "So it gives you an opportunity to rush the passer better.
"Guys did a good job. We had contributions from a lot of different players, got some pressure from our linebackers, from our secondary and from our defensive linemen." he added. "But yeah, I think being ahead in the game certainly helps the pass rush."
"You jump up early, but at the same (time), you (have to) play sound defense," said Roberts. "The NFL is about situations, and you can’t relax when it comes to anything. You have to keep it going."
At the linebacker spot, their most impressive sequence came on consecutive plays in the fourth quarter when they finished with back-to-back sacks. On first down, Roberts came flying up the middle on a delayed blitz. Quarterback Matt Moore simply had the misfortune to be standing on the train tracks when Roberts came blasting through the station.
“I just wanted to be out there to make a play for the team,” Roberts said of the play, a 10-yard sack. “If it happens like that, I’ll take it.”
Roberts 2nd sack of the day pic.twitter.com/qoHF6jqiXW
— '03 Kliff Kingsbury (@fearthe_beard11) November 26, 2017