Hightower

[Ring 6]

I haven't read through all of the Colts game comments, but I have not seen any on Hightower.
He was an absolute BEAST, especially in the first half.
Collins took a lot of the spotlight in the second half, but Hightower played Championship caliber LBs Saturday.

Also, although it should probably warrant its own thread, there was a wrinkle in the defense that I havent seen recently.
The DE on the TE or slot side, flexed out and jammed the TE or slot. Often it was Ninkovich because of alignment, but Jones did as well when it was to his side.
I think this is an indication that BB felt the timing of the Colt offense relied heavily on those routes. I saw no special attention to Hilton.

 

[Sicilian]

I really think Hightower's struggles during parts of the season were in large due to his sudden shift in role. I remember when Mayo was made a captain in his sophomore year, he looked slower to me, because I think he was spending more time thinking, trying to get the defense's aligned. I believe the same thing happened to Hightower. Once he had the dot, it became less instinct and more mental. As he settles in, he looks faster, more decisive. Hopefully that trend continues.

 

[dales804]

I really think Hightower's struggles during parts of the season were in large due to his sudden shift in role. I remember when Mayo was made a captain in his sophomore year, he looked slower to me, because I think he was spending more time thinking, trying to get the defense's aligned. I believe the same thing happened to Hightower. Once he had the dot, it became less instinct and more mental. As he settles in, he looks faster, more decisive. Hopefully that trend continues.

On that note, Hightower himself has recently said he was trying to do too much and it was causing his play to suffer. Since, he's taken a step back and just tried to "do his job."

Dont'a Hightower on Brandon Spikes & his own comeback - ESPN Boston

 

[meatface]

I really think Hightower's struggles during parts of the season were in large due to his sudden shift in role. I remember when Mayo was made a captain in his sophomore year, he looked slower to me, because I think he was spending more time thinking, trying to get the defense's aligned. I believe the same thing happened to Hightower. Once he had the dot, it became less instinct and more mental. As he settles in, he looks faster, more decisive. Hopefully that trend continues.

yeah, he's just a second year Pro and suddenly they made him one of the leaders of the defense mid season. Its a lot to take on but he has adjusted admirably.

 

[SacPete1]

Great observation. I have seen them chip with the DE on the TE before and agree that it is likely to disrupt timing.
I think we'll be seeing that this Sunday depending on how J.Thomas lines up.

Hightower has played really well the past 4 games or so. He'll be a focal point on that shotgun run Denver will be running against the nickel D.

 

[everlong]

I made a comment about it in another thread but really Hightower seemed to turn the corner the last 3 games of the regular season and the Indy game he really shined. I think some of the criticism early in the year was justified but I think a lot of it was having to take over Mayo's role which it took Mayo a long time to perfect. He's still not somebody I want one on one in coverage but he's an important cog.