![]() ![]() How the Patriots can replace their free agency departures at the linebacker position How they built their Team of the Decade tells the story of the Patriots’ success Patriots unveil All-Decade roster of the 2010s Lining up in numerous spots all over the front-seven and serving as the primary defensive on-field signal caller, the former first-round pick helped New England field the best scoring defense in the entire NFL.ĭont’a Hightower: Further reading Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images What did his 2019 season look like? After registering two sacks during the Patriots’ win over the Rams in Super Bowl 53 and leading a defensive effort for the ages, Hightower resumed his usual role as one of the team’s defensive leaders - he was named a captain for the third time in his career in 2019 - and most reliable players. February” due to his game-changing plays that helped the Patriots win three Super Bowls: he set up Malcolm Butler’s last-second interception by tackling Seattle Seahawks’ Marshawn Lynch short of the goal line, forced a fumble during New England’s comeback against the Atlanta Falcons when he sacked Matt Ryan, and could very well have won MVP honors for his performance against the Los Angeles Rams. The three-time team captain earned the nickname “Mr. His signature moments, however, came on the game’s biggest stage. While he has not been able to play a full season since 2013 due to a multitude of injuries - only one of the season-ending, tough (a pectoral tear in 2017) - Hightower repeatedly proved himself a difference maker for the team: he has a combined 28.5 sacks on his résumé, has recovered six fumbles and intercepted a pair of passes, and scored two touchdowns and a safety. Over his eights seasons since joining the Patriots, he has appeared in 102 regular season games as well as 16 playoff contests. Hightower also earned a starting role in his rookie year and has continuously been one of New England’s most valuable players and a team leader both on and off the field since the first day he stepped onto the field. Bringing the Alabama product on board paid immediate dividends not just because he scored a touchdown in his professional debut. What is his experience? Hightower arrived in the NFL when the Patriots traded up in the first round of the 2012 draft to select him with the 25th overall pick. Hard factsĬontract status: Under contract through 2020 (2021 UFA) Experience Today, the series continues with one of New England’s best and most experienced players. Over the course of spring and summer, just like we have in years past, we will take a look at the players fighting for those spots to find out who has the best chances of helping the Patriots keep their dynasty alive in Year One after Tom Brady. However, only 53 of them will be able to survive roster cutdowns on September 5 and ultimately make the active team. ![]() With one month to go until they are scheduled to report to training camp, the New England Patriots currently have 89 of a possible 90 players under contract.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |