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I don't think he looks slow, but I do think he looks like the strongest guy on the defense outside of Wilfork (and maybe Love). When he grabs a ball carrier, they stop, in their tracks.
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The Patriots have been overachievers the past two years. It doesn't have the talent to compensate for injuries, and it wins so much because it puts in 99% effort in the regular season and plays with terrific schemes to mask its deficiencies.
But in the playoffs a good team at 99% will not beat emotional, talented teams that play at 100%. It's what happened against the Giants in 2011 and the Ravens in 2012.
I love how he never misses an opportunity to spin offensive players in the air and then slam them on the ground.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Uncle Rico
I feel like we're just scratching the surface with this guy. He's been solid, to say the least. Pretty good for a rookie in this system. I think it was Bedard who said somewhere along the line Hightower came to camp a little heavier than the Pats had expected. Excited to see what he can do with a true NFL off-season (starting Feb. 4)
Its important to remember that when he was in college, he was a middle linebacker, but we have him playing strongside. So he hasn't been able to "play at full speed" and trust his instincts - he's learning a new position. The fact that he's been productive already speaks to his talent.
...he had a ridiculously good ratio of pressures to pass rushes. In essence, he didn't rush the passer often, but he was very, very effective when he did.
Personally, I'd love to see Hightower improve a bit in coverage - he seems like he has the athleticism to, although granted that might be asking too much from someone who weighs 270 pounds. Just can't help but feel that he's only scratching the surface.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Whorod
I don't think he looks slow, but I do think he looks like the strongest guy on the defense outside of Wilfork (and maybe Love). When he grabs a ball carrier, they stop, in their tracks.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DocHoliday
Would like to see him take some snaps at DE
Yes, to all of the above....
Personally? I think Hightower and Ninkovich should rotate more often, or just flat out swap positions. I like Nink at OLB a bit more than DE, because he's good in coverage, too. I like Hightower as a guy to set the edge, and rush the passer because of his strength. But I do think his coverage skills, and open-field pursuit, is a bit lacking. Hightower is the one who is more physical and suited to the edge. Nink is smaller but has better speed and agility - and instincts - in the open field.
The was one play, against Tenn, where Hightower was lined up on the edge and NE was in a 3-4 style front for that particular play. It was a run and Hightower steered his guy, like a wheelbarrow, straight back into the lead blocker and the RB was tackled. Totally blew up the run. It was utter dominance.
Personally? I think Hightower and Ninkovich should rotate more often, or just flat out swap positions. I like Nink at OLB a bit more than DE, because he's good in coverage, too. I like Hightower as a guy to set the edge, and rush the passer because of his strength. But I do think his coverage skills, and open-field pursuit, is a bit lacking. Hightower is the one who is more physical and suited to the edge. Nink is smaller but has better speed and agility - and instincts - in the open field.
The was one play, against Tenn, where Hightower was lined up on the edge and NE was in a 3-4 style front for that particular play. It was a run and Hightower steered his guy, like a wheelbarrow, straight back into the lead blocker and the RB was tackled. Totally blew up the run. It was utter dominance.
Thing is, Ninko's natural position is DE. No coincidence his spike in production came from his position switch
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The Patriots have been overachievers the past two years. It doesn't have the talent to compensate for injuries, and it wins so much because it puts in 99% effort in the regular season and plays with terrific schemes to mask its deficiencies.
But in the playoffs a good team at 99% will not beat emotional, talented teams that play at 100%. It's what happened against the Giants in 2011 and the Ravens in 2012.
12Likes
Re: Underrated Season: Dont'a Hightower
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