Active: Elandon Roberts (NE) Inactive: Demarcus Ayers (PIT) Injured Reserve: Sebastian Vollmer (NE) Practice Squad: Derrick Mathews (GB)
Elandon Roberts: Roberts made 2 solo tackles in the New England 36-17 win over Pittsburgh to send the Patriots to the Super Bowl. It was his effort during a goal line stand that is considered part of the turning point of the game by the Boston writers:
When the ball was snapped, Roberts slammed into the Pittsburgh line. Valentine shot through almost untouched and found himself in the backfield. With Williams cutting away from him, Valentine engulfed the running back and dragged him down for a 3-yard loss. The next down, Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw an incomplete pass and the Steelers, held inches from paydirt, were forced to kick a field goal.
No idea why Ayers was made inactive for this game as, from all pregame reports, he was in line to play and the decision came as a surprise.
1st. What a fabulous feeling it must feel like for âDocâ Oâshea to have his sonâs team practicing at our facilities for the SB and also coached here. 2nd. The coming home of one player Vollmer who helped build what we have now, a rookie, Roberts who played a key role in our NY6 bowl win. Welcome home guys.
3rd. Why did they combine Big 10 and the ACC.
4th. Notice the AAC ahead of the Big12. Nice. Throw that at some of our recruits if they are worried about exposure.
Every time I pull for Seabass and Elandon but I still canât stand the Patriots. Bad memories against my SAN DIEGO chargersâŠno longer my Team. Yes, who cares.
The truth is that you only have very few N.F.L. clubs that get to the top year after year. It is no coincidence.
Not every club can have the class that the 49ers used to have.
"When I walked into the locker room, it was like, âWow, Iâm back home,â " he said. âAt the same time, Iâm not going to reminisce too long because ⊠Iâm here on a business trip.â
But while the focus is on the Atlanta Falcons, Roberts admitted that playing in his first Super Bowl in his backyard is special.
âIt does feel great to be back in Houston,â he said. âItâs definitely what everybody who plays the sport dreams about. To come home and do it is even more of a blessing. I canât put it into words.â
