He was listed as “questionable” going into Sunday’s match-up with Cincinnati, but there was no uncertainty in Dont’a Hightower’s performance in New England’s 35-17 win at Gillette Stadium.
The ex-Alabama linebacker pushed through a knee injury, to record a team-high 13 tackles against the Bengals. He collected 1.5 sacks and limited Cincinnati’s rushing attack to 120 yards on 32 carries.
Fourth-year running back Giovani Bernard was held to just 49 yards rushing on 15 tries. Hightower is sixth on the team in tackles (23), as he attempts to guide the Patriots’ defense into the playoffs for a fifth straight year.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
