Dont'a Hightower owns up to early struggles but expects improvement

FOXBOROUGH — Obviously, it's no secret to anyone who has watched the Patriots' defense the first two weeks that Dont'a Hightower has not been his usual impactful self. Actually, you could say that for most of training camp and the preseason as well.

But the good news for New England football fans is the linebacker told BostonSportsJournal.com on Friday he's hopeful his play will rebound as he gets more healthy.

"That’s where I’m at," he said after practice. "It’s football. There are going to be ups and downs in the games just like everybody else, but I’ve just got to string my good days together and hope and practice and anticipate and expect the best, whether I’m feeling good or feeling bad. Just like everybody else."

After a solid — if quiet — Week 1 against the Texans, Hightower struggled in coverage, pursuit, and tackling in last week's loss to the Jaguars. He was obviously dealing with a right knee injury that has flared up from time to time the past couple of seasons. It was most evident on this play:



Hightower also had issues in the running game — an area where he normally excels.



And Hightower's frustrations with his own play — he was obviously not 100 percent — bubbled over on this final third-down conversion by the Jaguars, which ended the game. Hightower had a chance to make the play and, physically, he just couldn't do it.



"I’m just going to have to continue to execute and get better and just build off it," Hightower said. "It’s still early in the season, so there are going to be missed tackles and things like that. But, like you said, I know I’m better than that. And I’ve just got to go out and continue to play better. I had a good week of practice this week, so that’s all I can do — control what I can control.

"First week, played good. Second week, (I) dipped down. So, hopefully, this week I’m looking to shoot back up."

Hightower was accurate in his assessment. Against the Texans, I had him for two plus plays in the first half vs. Houston and zero mental or physical errors. So, overall, a solid game.

Against the Jaguars, he had three plus plays, but five minus plays — three in coverage and two big missed tackles (20-yard run, final third down).

"I think he’s playing well. I think he’s doing everything we’re asking him to do," said de facto defensive coordinator Brian Flores. "This guy is selfless, he’s a team guy.

"As far as play time (66 percent), we’re just trying to ... it’s early in the season. We’re trying to get different guys involved. He is obviously a part of that, and as the season progresses, his role may or may not change, and it’s based on the team we’re playing, the best fit we see for specific down-and-distance or situation."

It should be noted Hightower hasn't been listed on the injury report, which isn't unusual considering he has been a full participant in practice.

"It’s just something I’m going to have to deal with," Hightower said of his right knee. "That’s really it. It will come and go, but I’m trying to deal with it and keep doing what I’ve been doing. It will go up and it will go down. Hopefully, we’ll continue to stay on top of it.

BSJ medical expert Dr. Jessica Flynn said Hightower's comments are in line with an injury that will need to be managed.

"It sounds like a chronic knee injury that he will have to manage to keep playing football," she said. "It can flare up from time to time, like you saw on the film. But as you saw this week in practice he didn’t miss any time for it. I do think there’s a chance he’ll get better this season. Being away as long as he was (with a torn pectoral muscle last season), I sure hope he can regain his step."

Will we see Hightower back with his full powers this season?

"I’m working at it and planning on it, big dog," he said.