Why is everyone bad mouthing Dont'a Hightower?

[Sciz]

So does Spikes also only belong in a 3-4? He's lighter than Hightower, but it's not like he's got extra athleticism to show for it.

 

[BradyFTW!]

So does Spikes also only belong in a 3-4? He's lighter than Hightower, but it's not like he's got extra athleticism to show for it.

It's definitely where he belongs, but he's proven that he can play--with some notable limitations--in a 4-3 (which I think is the point you're going for). That pretty much sums it up in my eyes. You can afford to have one of Spikes and Hightower on the field, and if Spikes walks this offseason and Hightower assumes his role, I think he'll be fine. Having both in there just doesn't work, and I think the Patriots realize that. Before the defensive line was annihilated by injuries, Spikes wasn't playing much.