The Pittsburgh Steelers have now turn their attention to the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles are led by the NFL rush leader Saquon Barkley who just needs 483 yards to break Eric Dickerson's rushing yard record in a season. While the Steelers' defense knows that containing Barkley will be their biggest challenge, Mike Tomlin has trust not just in his defense, but in their run stopping linebacker to limit Barkley's impact.
Tomlin talked with the media before the Steelers' Week 15 matchup with the Eagles and was asked about what is it about Elandon Roberts that allows him to blow up plays and get into the backfield so easily. Tomlin said he always knew Roberts was going to be an NFL run stopping linebacker when he first met him at the University of Houston and his resume so far into his professional career shows that.
"I laugh often because I remember being at his Pro Day, Kevin Colbert and I stood in the parking lot at the University of Houston and talked to he and his parents after Pro Day for about an hour," said Tomlin. "Because we went down there on an expedition if you will, looking at a lot of things and a lot of people, but we're really enamored with this guy's demeanor, his relationship with the game, the way he played the run. We knew that guy was going to be a NFL run stopping linebacker. Almost a decade later, he's got a resume that kind of illustrates that."
Tomlin would go on to say that Roberts knows the task ahead of him. Roberts is already watching film on Barkley, knowing that if the Steelers can find ways to slow down the best running back in the league right now, they have a good shot of winning in Philadelphia.
"Obviously it's a big week for him because we play Mr. Barkley," said Tomlin. "I saw him in the building earlier, he was watching some tape. He's a professional, he understands his skill-set, he understands his role, he is good for team."
The Steelers' linebacker has made a name for himself disrupting the run game. Many may have forgotten his Troy Polamalu like tackle at the goal line against the Dallas Cowboys that forced a fumble which almost gave the Steelers the win. Roberts has been the Steelers go to guy when it comes to slowing down the run game and so far, he has proved why over his two seasons in Pittsburgh.
This matchup will be a great measuring stick for Pittsburgh as the Eagles are currently the second seed in the NFC and one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl. A win will not only add to the Steelers' impressive resume, but continue to fuel the Super Bowl contender talks that have been heating up for Pittsburgh the last few weeks.
Roberts and the defense know that they have to stop Barkley if they are going to win their Week 15 matchup. With the Eagles being their first game of their three games in 11 days, they will be looking to start it off strong with a win on the road.
Steelers' Defense Has To Show Up If They Want To Leave Philadelphia With A Win
The Steelers know that the next few weeks are massive when it comes to adding momentum heading into the playoffs. They will want to make a statement to start it off and that begins with Barkley and the Eagles. Not many teams have been able to slow down Barkley this season, but that will not stop Roberts, who is been already prepping for the star running back.
The Steelers will most likely use Roberts more than Payton Wilson as Tomlin has said in the past that the coaching staff divides up the labor to best fit their skill sets as it pertains to each game. Roberts will love to be the reason that Barkley comes short of Dickerson's record and giving the Eagles their third loss of the season.
