Veteran LB Dont'a Hightower rallying defensive teammates for possible bounceback vs. Miami

FOXBOROUGH — There was everything except Powerpoint.

After their meetings let out on Wednesday afternoon, linebacker Dont’a Hightower and a small collection of Patriots’ defenders held a get-together of their own. The talk, which started in the defensive meeting room, continued in the hallway and then wrapped up in the locker room, and included several veterans and new faces. Hightower said the extended time together was another small way to make sure every defender is taking time to understand their responsibilities.


"It's good to see what (teammates’) perceptions are while we're doing this," Hightower said. "A lot of times it will kind of help guys maybe see things or play things a lot quicker knowing what to expect and kind of what everybody else sees. Any time that all 11 guys can be on the same page and see the same thing at the same time, guys can play and react a little bit quicker."

Given the defensive play over the last two games, critics would say it’s about time. The New England defense has struggled on all three levels as the Jaguars and Lions picked up back-to-back wins against the Patriots thanks in large part to defensive breakdowns on the part of New England. As a result, it’s been a return to fundamentals for the defense, right down to the smallest of details, in hopes of the group eventually turning the corner this weekend against the Dolphins.

“I think that’s something that we’ve really taken more hands-on with trying to be a lot more detailed,” Hightower said. “We took it upon ourselves to kind of split up and spend more time on it.
“(The meeting) went on a little bit longer than we wanted it to, but really just trying to get everything down pat. When everybody knows what everyone else is doing, we’re able to play faster, so we’re trying to do everything we can to be more knowledgeable on anything that can happen.”

As for Hightower himself, the veteran’s play has been heavily scrutinized over the first three weeks of the season. A usually reliable presence when healthy, whether it’s because he’s dealing with health issues or it’s been scheme-related, it’s looked like he’s been a step behind.

"I feel I'm elevating each week," Hightower said. "Obviously, it's still early in the season. We all got a lot of work to do, but me personally, I hold myself to a higher standard than that. Had a good week. Didn't play great, but just want to continue to get better each week. And that's all I can hope for."

Bill Belichick consigliere Michael Lombardi went so far as to say Hightower should move to defensive end. Asked about the comment, Hightower gave a small smile.

“That’s not my coach. I mean, if that’s what Bill or (Brian Flores) wants to do, them we’ll handle it at that.”

Would he be open to it?

“Whatever it takes,” he replied. “I’ve never been one to not do whatever I need to do.”

Wherever he lines up going forward, Hightower is still one of the senior members of a defense that has seen better days. He sounds optimistic about what the New England defense might be able to accomplish before it’s all said and done. But at the same time, he’s a realist, and knows that the Patriots need to get things turned around sooner rather than later.

“It’s early in the season — there’s still a lot of football to go,” he said. “(But) Bad stuff (can) happen early, and if you get backed up on it too early, you’re digging yourself a hole. We know and understand that. We know there’s a lot of football going on. But we also know that we have to turn it around now. We don’t want to be looking at the end of October and saying the same things we’re saying now. So we’re just trying to attack it head-on. We’ve been here before, and the guys who have, we’re just trying to lead the way.”