It’s easy to look at names like quarterback Ryan Tannehill and linebacker Rashaan Evans as the Tennessee Titans continue their postseason run after a 20-13 win over the New England Patriots on the road Saturday.
But players like rookie pass rusher Derick Roberson have flown under the radar, quietly making a steady impact despite not receiving the same type of attention as some more established players.
The Sam Houston State product, who started out on the practice squad, has seen action in just four games this season.
But he has made his presence felt in each of them.
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“Vrabel told me the first week, ‘Just because you’re on the practice squad doesn’t mean you can’t get reps,’” Roberson said earlier in the season. “So, I’ve been going hard.”
And his focus and work ethic have paid dividends.
His biggest play in the team’s latest matchup came after the Patriots had an opportunity for a 38-yard gain on a passing play during their first possession of the second half, but it was called back due to a penalty.
On the following play, Roberson tackled Pats running back James White for a 4-yard loss on a third-and-15 screen pass.
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This comes after a solid performance in Tennessee’s win over the Houston Texans that secured them a place in the postseason, when Roberson finished out the game with three tackles and a sack.
In Week 16 against the New Orleans Saints, Roberson registered his first career sack in the first quarter, dropping quarterback Drew Brees for a seven-yard loss.
He tacked on another in the fourth quarter on fourth down, becoming the first Titans rookie with two or more sacks in a contest since linebacker Avery Williamson did it against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Nov. 17, 2014.
Roberson and the Titans are set to face the Baltimore Ravens on at 7:15 p.m. CST on Saturday in M&T Bank Stadium.