Video: Dont'a Hightower highlights

I feel like Hightower has gotten a little bit overlooked because of Chandler Jones' great rookie year so far. Under the radar, the other first round pick is having quite a nice season as well.

Perhaps most impressive is how Hightower slid right into a role as a starter. With Hightower, Mayo and Spikes the Patriots could have the best linebacker corps in the league in a few years.

“My role is to hit the dude with the ball, so that’s what I’m doing,” Hightower said. “As long as I do that, then Vince (Wilfork) and (Jerod) Mayo, they’re not yelling at me. I feel like I’m doing my job. As long as we stay accountable to one another, I think we’ll be fine.”

Hightower missed a couple of weeks with a hamstring injury. He didn't play against Denver or Seattle. However, it didn't take long for him to start making an impact again as you see in the video above - his sack on Sam Bradford.

Also, it's no coincidence that Hightower's 25 tackles have helped contribute to a stout Patriots run defense (tied with the Steelers for 7th in the NFL).

Thanks to PatriotsLife's Benji for making the vid.