Patriots’ linebacking revolves around Dont’a Hightower
Dont’a Hightower’s fourth-quarter strip sack of Matt Ryan is often cited as the play that turned the tide in the Patriots’ favor in Super Bowl LI.
However, another big Hightower hit might have been just as important in that 34-28 comeback victory over the Falcons.
It came on the first play of the second half, with Atlanta holding a 21-3 lead.
Hightower, as instinctive a player as there is in the NFL, was lined up on the right edge. The linebacker sidestepped his block at the snap and met running back Devonta Freeman head-on 3 yards deep in the backfield. Hightower popped up and wagged his finger toward the crowd as if to say, “This one isn’t over.”
The play sent a message that the Patriots weren’t done and helped set the tone for one of the most improbable comebacks in NFL history.
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