What About Dont’a Hightower?

By Josh Brown on January 14, 2014 • ( 0 )

Photo credit: NESN.com

Headlines everywhere after the game read “Jamie Collins Steps Up For the Patriots” and it’s deservedly so, but what about the linebacker manning the other side, who’s had himself a good three games in a row now in Dont’a Hightower? Hightower struggled in coverage this entire season, but seems to be turning it around late and when it counts.

Dont’a Hightower has quietly put together three solid efforts in a row and in two of his last three games he’s made big plays in the passing game. In the past three games, Hightower has two passes defended, an interception and 20 tackles.

A few weeks back against the Ravens, Hightower didn’t do what he was so highly criticized for by not staying shallow in coverage. Hightower drifted back and jumped up to tip the ball and it led to an interception by rookie Logan Ryan.

That interception was the first turnover of that game and it was crucial. If you recall, the Patriots were up 7-0 and that interception came on the Ravens second drive. Tom Brady and the Patriots offense then proceeded to go on a five play, 53 yard drive for a touchdown. That play gave the Patriots momentum in a game that ended in a 41-7 win.

Saturday against the Colts, Hightower had one pass defended and one interception to go along with eight tackles. The interception was made by a great play on the ball from Hightower. I’ve been as critical of him in coverage as anyone, but he maintained good coverage throughout the game. It’s also worth noting that this is just his second year in the NFL so growing pains are natural.

With the emergence of Collins, and with Hightower being serviceable in coverage, the Patriots line backing crew is shaping up to be one of its better ones in Patriots history. After a long draught at that position, the Patriots finally seem to have a few guys that can play in Hightower, Collins and Mayo.

Hightower and Collins will be put to the test in the AFC Championship game with the 6’5 Julius Thomas healthy and playing good football. Thomas has 12 touchdowns in 14 games this season and missed the Patriots-Broncos game from earlier this season.

Thomas is a big part of what the Broncos want to do in the red zone and the Patriots defense allowed touchdowns 53.85 percent of the time in the red zone this past season. They’ll have to be better than that if they want to make the Super Bowl.

Josh Brown