Patriots Gridiron News: Dont’a Hightower Applauds Defensive Chemistry

New England Patriots linebacker Dont’a Hightower links the team’s improvement on defense with improved chemistry.

Following an impressive 16-3 victory over the Denver Broncos Sunday, New England Patriots linebacker Dont’a Hightower checked in to the Ordway, Merloni & Fauria show on Monday to discuss the defensive improvement of the defense.

After struggling to find their identity throughout the first half of the season, the Hightower and the entire defense has turned it around. They are allowing just 16.6 points per game and have found a way to force turnovers.

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With the addition of players like Kyle Van Noy and Eric Rowe, Hightower credits the team’s turnaround to chemistry.

"“It’s just guys growing together. A lot of guys were pulled in,” he said via WEEI. “[Eric Rowe], [Kyle Van Noy] and [Shea McClellin], a lot of guys we didn’t have as much experience to work with in the past couple of years. We finally started to click and got that continuity and we’re able to count on one another without even giving a call, we have that chemistry now.”"

In holding the Broncos to just three points and basically only allowing six points to the Baltimore Ravens, the defense is starting to establish itself as a stingy one. More importantly, they are playing with emotion and a confidence they can certainly build on.

Chris Long: Veteran defensive end Chris Long is one of a few players who have yet to experience playoff experience. Following eight seasons with the Rams, Long has never more than seven games. As a member of the Patriots, has gotten his chance to win for a winning organization.

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"“It means a lot,” Long told reporters Sunday. “To me, it’s just a big team win here on the road in December against a really good team in a tough place to play. That’s what this means to me. The hat is cool and everything, but this was a great team win, and we’ve got more work to do.”"

Practice squad: The Patriots have lost practice squad linebacker Trevor Reilly. According to CSNNE.com, the Miami Dolphins have signed the former seventh-round pick to their 53-man roster.

The move opens a spot on the practice squad. Current players include offensive linemen Chris Barker, Jamil Douglas and Chase Farris, receivers Devin Lucien and DeAndrew White, defensive tackle Darius Kilgo, linebacker Trevor Bates, fullback Glenn Gronkowski and running back Tyler Gaffney.

Next: Tom Brady Liked Seeing Peyton Manning In Denver

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