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New England Patriots: Dont’a Hightower could save team in 2021

By Sam Minton

FOXBOROUGH, MA - OCTOBER 27: New England Patriots Defensive back Jonathan Jones #31 prepares to block as New England Patriots Linebacker Dont'a Hightower #54 runs towards the Browns end zone after a fumble recovery during a game between Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots at Gillettes on October 27, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Timothy Bouwer/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - OCTOBER 27: New England Patriots Defensive back Jonathan Jones #31 prepares to block as New England Patriots Linebacker Dont'a Hightower #54 runs towards the Browns end zone after a fumble recovery during a game between Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots at Gillettes on October 27, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Timothy Bouwer/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /
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There were a lot of noticeable absences from the New England Patriots and I’m not just talking about Tom Brady.

The Patriots had the most COVID-19 opt-outs in the entire NFL. Key players such as Marcus Cannon, Dont’a Hightower, and Patrick Chung didn’t play in 2020.

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According to Devin McCourty, these guys should be making their return. That is some great news for Patriots fans.

Now the defense wasn’t awful but having these guys back will be a major boost. Especially with fans having no idea what to expect at QB. Will it be Cam Newton or a young rookie?

Either way, the defense will need to be amazing. If not, it could be a long season for New England.

Dont’a Hightower could save New England Patriots in 2021.

Again the returns of Chung and Cannon will be welcome but Hightower will likely have the biggest impact. He does so many things both on and off the field.

Hightower is an amazing linebacker. He is a great pass rusher and also superb at stopping the run.

In 2019, Hightower racked up over five sacks along with 71 tackles. He would have been the Patriots leader in sacks in 2020.

The question is how rusty will Hightower be in 2021. He will now be 31 years old and a season removed from the NFL.

Patriots fans will be hoping that he will actually be even more refreshed. After not playing football for a year, his body must feel great.

There is the possibility that Hightower could have the best season of his career. Look at how well Rob Gronkowski is performing down in Tampa Bay.

But having Hightower back on the field could ensure that New England actually has a good season in 2021. Maybe they will actually even make the playoffs? After how much the team struggled that would lift fans spirits sky-high.

Moving forward, New England will be a team that relies on their defense. If they are going to win games it will be due to making stops, not scoring touchdowns. The days of the Patriots offense putting up 40-50 points are long gone.

Having a player of Hightower’s caliber on defense gives New England a chance to have a successful season. He is a great leader and knows exactly where to be in order to make the right tackle.

Next. Bill Belichick doesn’t deserve all of the criticism. dark

With Hightower coming back, New England Patriots fans can have some hope. Maybe 2021 won’t be all that bad after all.

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