PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Mike Tomlin mentioned him as a key player Tuesday during his pre-Eagles news conference. Not talking about a quarterback, wide receiver or even a pass rusher, it’s inside linebacker Elandon Roberts. A run-stuffer facing the best in the game.
Tomlin trusts Roberts’ ability and that goes back nearly a decade.
If you needed a reminder of how Roberts can hit, go back to the Browns game when on 4th and 1, the 30-year-old linebacker shot through and buried Cleveland running back Jerome Ford for a five-yard loss and the Steelers turned that field position into points.
He pancaked an offensive lineman in the game as well, but that’s been his reputation. Tomlin called Roberts a ‘9-on-7’ defensive player and it goes back to his days at the University of Houston. Roberts had 88 solo tackles and 19 tackles for loss as a senior and caught the eye of the Steelers head coach.
Tomlin said Tuesday he remembers being at his Pro Day in Houston, with then-GM Kevin Colbert, and talking to Elandon, along with his mom and dad, for about an hour.
“We were really enamored with this guy’s demeanor, his relationship with the game, the way he played the run,” Tomlin said. “We knew that guy was going to be an NFL run-stopping linebacker, and almost a decade later, he’s got a resume that kind of illustrated that.”
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Roberts remembered it fondly during his show on 93.7 The Fan Tuesday night from Mineo’s Pizza House in Allison Park.
“We had a great conversation,” Roberts told host Donny Chedrick. “I loved the (Steelers) organization and having Mike T. here, and what he did at my Pro Day always stuck with me. I always said if I had the opportunity that I was going to make it happen. Even when I signed here, I told Mike T., ’it took you seven years’!”
Now Tomlin is counting on his veteran linebacker, in his second year with the Steelers, to try and slow down the most productive running back in the league this year. Eagles Saquon Barkley has 1,623 rushing yards, that’s 216 yards more than Derrick Henry and 570 yards more than any other back in the NFC.
“I like the type of player he is,” Roberts said on his show on 93.7 The Fan. “He battled through adversity. Even though he’s always been one of the top backs in this league, he’s been through his injuries. New York isn’t an easy place to play, he ignored the noise.”
Tomlin said he saw Roberts in the team facility Tuesday, during an off day. Getting better.
“He’s watching some tape,” Tomlin said. “He’s a professional. He understands his skill set. He understands his role. He’s good for the team.”
“I know the task with Saquon this week,” Roberts said. “If he’s not the best back in the league, he’s definitely one or two. Our whole defense will have to dial in for this challenge.”
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“I’m thankful to have him,” Tomlin said. “He shows up in moments.”
Even if it took him a little bit before he wore black and gold.