New England Patriots Review: Grading 5 players to watch in Week 17

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 29: A view of a New England Patriots helmet on the bench during the game between the New England Patriots and the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

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New England Patriots Elandon Roberts (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Elandon Roberts with the play of the game

The linebacker/fullback was a player to watch going into the game and he didn’t disappoint.

Elandon Roberts was predicted to have a couple key blocks in the running game and an active participant on the defensive side with at least five tackles.

Well, defensively he only had one combined tackle, but on the offensive side he did have a key block on the Sony Michel touchdown run that tied the game 10-10. But he awakened the Gillette Stadium stunned crowed with this 38-yard touchdown reception that had Miami Dolphins defenders shaking their head:

Anyone who knows Patriots coordinator Josh McDaniels had to know he had a play like this chalked up in his back pocket, but no one was expecting it from that distance and at that point of the game.

While obviously ecstatic at the time following his first career NFL touchdown, Elandon Roberts was more concerned about the team losing the game and that first-round bye. Like a true competitor, the end result of the game is what truly mattered.

Grade: A-

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