FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- New England Patriots linebacker Elandon Roberts' emerging role as a fullback on offense has been a hot-button topic in recent weeks, and it reached a new level Sunday when Roberts caught a 38-yard pass for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins.
The play came with 4:35 remaining in the third quarter and with the Patriots in need of a spark.
Roberts aligned offset to the right in the offensive backfield and released into a pass route to the right side -- the weak side of the formation. No Dolphins defender was close to him as Patriots quarterback Tom Brady lofted a pass in his direction.
5️⃣4️⃣0️⃣@TomBrady moves into second place all-time in passing TDs with a pass to linebacker Elandon Roberts! #GoPats
— NFL (@NFL) December 29, 2019
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It wasn't an easy catch as Roberts had to turn his body back to the line of scrimmage, catching the ball over his head at the 31-yard line, before breaking one tackle and running untouched down the right sideline for the score.
The only other defensive player to catch a TD from Brady was Mike Vrabel (10 receiving touchdowns, including playoffs), according to ESPN Stats & Information data.
Roberts is the 77th different player to catch a touchdown from Brady, extending Brady's NFL record (Vinny Testaverde, 70).