Watch how Dont’a Hightower is making a huge impact for the Patriots
COMMENTARY
Patriots linebacker Dont’a Hightower played just nine snaps against the Dallas Cowboys before suffering a rib injury that took him out of the game and held him out of the next game against the Indianapolis Colts.
In Hightower’s return to the lineup against the New York Jets on Sunday, it only took him one play to make his presence felt.
By the end of the Patriots’ 30-23 win, Hightower had made 10 tackles, recovered a fumble and created pressure on Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick seven times. His role in run defense was a big reason that the Patriots were able to hold the Jets to just 89 rushing yards on 29 carries (3.1 yards per carry).
Even when Hightower wasn’t in on the play, he still found ways to make an impact.
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Hightower’s impact was evident from the Jets’ very first play from scrimmage. The Jets tried a power run to the right, behind a lead block from fullback Tommy Bohanon. The Patriots came out with eight men in the box, sending a message that they were committed to stopping the run. If the quarterback was going to beat them, he would have to do it with his arm, while under pressure.
Hightower lined up in a two-point stance at the end of the line and took on the block from Bohanon. He powered into the fullback and got him on his heels, successfully setting the edge. By getting free from the block, Hightower forced Jets running back Chris Ivory to bounce the run to the outside, where he was swarmed by linebacker Jamie Collins and safety Patrick Chung. The Patriots tackled Ivory for a four-yard loss, and forced a turnover on the very next play.
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On 1st-and-10 with 12:18 left in the first quarter, the Jets came out in an offset I-formation and the Patriots once again responded with a loaded box of defenders. This time, Hightower was in the middle of the defense. The Jets were running another power run, with left guard James Carpenter pulling to the right and Bohanon blocking out in front of running back Zac Stacy. Hightower recognized the run and attacked the gap. Both Carpenter and Bohanon tried to block Hightower, but neither was successful. The fourth-year linebacker wrapped Stacy up and dragged him backwards.
We’ve already seen Hightower burst through a gap to get into the backfield and we’ve seen him set the edge. But that’s still not the full extent of his abilities, and he showed another area of expertise later on in the first quarter.
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On 1st-and-10 with 5:05 remaining in the first quarter, the Jets came out in a pistol formation, with Fitzpatrick lined up a few yards behind center and Ivory lined up a few yards behind the quarterback. Tight end Jeff Cumberland pulled from left to right to keep Collins out of the backfield. With seven defenders against six blockers, Ivory still had to make one man miss. That man was Hightower. He did not miss there, and he would not miss a tackle at any other point in the game.
Hightower broke down in the open space behind defensive tackle Dominique Easley, who deserves credit for keeping Carpenter occupied. So, when Ivory chose to cut into the A-gap, Hightower was able to break in the same direction and tackle Ivory after a gain of just three yards. That being said, this was not an easy tackle to make. Hightower had a tough angle, and Ivory is known for his ability to break through arm tackles. Hightower would not be denied, though, and he wrestled the running back to the ground.
But if you think Hightower was only making an impact in the running game, you are sorely mistaken.
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On 3rd-and-8 with 5:39 left in the second quarter, Hightower lined up on the edge in a two-point stance next to defensive end Rob Ninkovich. In what was clearly a passing situation, the Jets came out in a shotgun formation.
Hightower rushed as, essentially, a 3-4 outside linebacker and took on right tackle Breno Giacomini, pushing the offensive lineman backward and into Fitzpatrick’s lap. He didn’t get the sack, and it’s debatable whether he even got the pressure, but his bull-rush of the tackle is evidence of his pure pass-rushing ability. And, of course, there’s the pass-rush ability he brings as a natural linebacker.
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Collins was credited with the 12-yard sack of Fitzpatrick on 3rd-and-3 with 0:58 left in the second quarter, but Hightower should probably get an honorable mention. He timed his rush perfectly and came downhill hard on Jets center Nick Mangold, pushing him to the ground. Carpenter then had to help out and knock Hightower off his feet. Still, Hightower’s forward momentum and continued effort allowed him to get his hands on Fitzpatrick’s feet, forcing the quarterback to evacuate the pocket and eventually to just eat the football and take the loss of yards before halftime.
Whether in the running game or the passing game, Hightower is consistently making his presence felt. That’s what we’ve come to expect from him in his time with the Patriots. Hightower is clearly one of the team’s most important defenders, and with a contract that’s expiring soon, the front office would be smart to budget out some money to make sure he stays with the team for a long time.
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