3 Patriots Who Will Need to Step up While Key Players Battle Flu

At 10-1, the Patriots are pushing all of the right buttons this year. They even pulled out a grueling 13-9 win over the Dallas Cowboys on a dismal rainy night in Week 12. But the weather from that game seems to have taken a toll on the health of the team as multiple key players such as Stephon Gilmore, Jaime Collins and Dont'a Hightower have all been sidelined due to the flu. While they recover, it's the job of these three guys in particular to fill in the gaps.

3. Kyle Van Noy

Hightower is undoubtedly the leader of the Patriots' defense, but as he deals with the flu, that responsibility will fall to Van Noy. Already one of the three core linebackers on this stellar defense, he now needs to shoulder a larger load while his battery mates recover from the sickness that has plagued the locker room. He's been in New England long enough to be familiar with the system, and he's had to step into this role before, so it should be no trouble for him.

2. Elandon Roberts

With Jamie Collins back in the fray, Roberts slid into a decreased role at linebacker this year. Now, though, he needs to reassert himself as a key member of this defense as Collins heals up. He has registered just one sack this year and has only logged 23 total tackles in 11 games. If the defense is to continue playing at a high level despite this rampant flu, then improvement from him is an absolute necessity.

1. JC Jackson

JC Jackson has already pieced together a stellar second-year campaign. However, with Gilmore, arguably the league's best cornerback, dealing with the flu, he needs to take the next step. The Patriots have a big game coming up against the Houston Texans, and in all likelihood it will be Jackson who needs to clamp down on superstar wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.