New England Patriots: Examining mass exodus of players

By Sam Minton | Mar 20, 2020

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 04: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots looks on from the bench during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Tennessee Titans at Gillette Stadium on January 04, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

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Elandon Roberts #52 of the New England Patriots (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

Elandon Roberts

I was literally writing this and another New England Patriots linebacker left the team. Elandon Roberts is yet another player who has left New England to join the Miami Dolphins.

It seemed like 2020 would be the year that New England allows Roberts to flourish at linebacker. They definitely would have needed him.

It really is insane how many players have jumped ship to join former coaches. It’s almost like these guys didn’t like playing under Bill Belichick.

Now that Roberts is gone the Patriots defense continues to get weaker and weaker. With Tom Brady leaving they need to be on top of their game. At this pace, the Patriots would be lucky to end the season with an 8-8 record.

There is now a lot of pressure on Dont’a Hightower. He will need to have a career season and with his injury issues that is definitely not a guarantee. The Patriots can not afford Hightower to miss a game.

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As each player continues to leave some confidence goes away as well. The Patriots defense will look completely different next season. Especially the front 7 that is looking weaker than ever.

So even though Roberts doesn’t seem like an important piece he will be missed in New England.

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