[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_post_title featured_image=”off” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”|600||on|||||” text_orientation=”center”][/et_pb_post_title][et_pb_image src=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9mZWF0dXJlZF9pbWFnZSIsInNldHRpbmdzIjp7fX0=@” alt=”Brian Cashman Yankees” title_text=”Brian Cashman – Aaron Boone” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _dynamic_attributes=”src” _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” background_color=”rgba(11,23,61,0.48)” transform_scale_tablet=”” transform_scale_phone=”” transform_scale_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_translate=”0px|-69px” transform_translate_tablet=”0px|-98px” transform_translate_phone=”” transform_translate_last_edited=”on|phone” transform_translate_linked=”off” transform_rotate_tablet=”” transform_rotate_phone=”” transform_rotate_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_skew_tablet=”” transform_skew_phone=”” transform_skew_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_origin_tablet=”” transform_origin_phone=”” transform_origin_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_styles_last_edited=”on|phone” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”10px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” transform_styles_tablet=”” transform_styles_phone=””]
(AP Photo/Elise Amendola) AP
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”|||-20px||” width=”104%”]I love to say I told you so, while most were hemming and hawing about Zeus Hightower’s return to Mount Olympus. I was in complete confidence that this man would be back quarterbacking the hoodies defense in 2021. People read into Instagram posts between the lines of tweets from experts and tea leaves. I went with my gut. And my gut said -no doubt. And this one I got you may be the most significant move to this patriots defense (excluding Gilmore contract) that has happened this off season.
Patriots LB Dont'a Hightower "looking forward" to facing ex-teammate Tom Brady in Week 4https://t.co/6wMHVnaYcE pic.twitter.com/y3sP6iB6ak — Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) June 25, 2021
Patriots old, Patriots new
New and old faces grabbed the headlines the entirety of the offseason. Kyle Van Noy returns, WOO-HOO! The Pats signed Matt Judon, Alert the Media. The Hoodie drafted Christian Barmore and Ronnie Perkins, LFG!!!. And people asked, “Who is Henry Anderson?” Trust me, we will get to him in another column. But the most significant addition was the return of Boom-Tower.
Rookie Dont’a Hightower. @zeus30hightower (2012) pic.twitter.com/bFpCom6bkS — NFL Throwback (@nflthrowback) June 29, 2021
The gaping hole in last year’s defense was leadership. Okay an ability to stop the run sure, but yea leadership, and Dont’a Hightower is a man that oozes leadership from every pore of his body. A trait that will be needed when molding the young Patriots this coming season, a trait that could have stopped the regression of a player like Chase Winovich last year and hung Bill Belichick with his fist losing season in two decades.
Patriots LB Dont’a Hightower willing to lead if younger teammates will follow.” I don’t want to keep any secrets.I’m gonna install any knowledge I can in all these young guys.”@wbznewsradio pic.twitter.com/rYmt0bn5kk — Tom Cuddy (@TomCuddySports) June 30, 2021
They’re just not Hightower
Now don’t take this little piece as a slight to Devin McCourty or Mathew Slater. I am not running down Lawrence Guy or what David Andrews brought to the field every single day. But when it comes right down to it. These men don’t command a locker room, a huddle or a football field in the same way Zeus does.
As always you can follow/give me grief on Twitter @Tmuph207
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