Can the Patriots' Defense Overcome Glaring Issues Without Dont'a Hightower?

Oct 27, 2017, 00:24

It comes as a blow for a Patriots defense that has improved in recent weeks, but continues to rank last in the National Football League in total defense, giving up 426.7 yards per game. They also rank 31st in defense DVOA, an advanced stat developed by Football Outsiders. He usually plays on early downs and then comes off the field in obvious passing situations; however, there are games when he stays on the field and rushes from an interior position.

Hightower has dealt with injuries over the course of his career as he's only played in all 16 regular season games once, in 2013. Rapoport's update was a surprise to some who thought Hightower would be ready to return during the season.

The 6-foot-4, 318-pound Blackson would be the leading candidate, as it's rare for a team to be able to fall back on a practice-squad player with his experience and draft pedigree. "Hard to overstate how significant this loss is for the New England Patriots".

If the Patriots don't promote Blackson, they leave themselves open to the risk that another team could sign him to their active roster.

Linebackers Kyle Van Noy and Elandon Roberts will have to step up, and 33-year old David Harris, signed this summer from rival New York Jets, might be thrust into a larger role. In total, Hightower appeared in 5 games for New England this season.

Still, the Patriots don't seem particularly anxious.

"I think for all of us, it's just being prepared and being ready to go", McCourty said.

The Patriots will face the Los Angeles Chargers in Gillette Stadium this Sunday before enjoying their bye in Week 9.