Patriots: 10 Most Valuable Players from 2015 Regular Season

3. Dont’a Hightower

Hightower takes the cake as the most valuable member of the Patriots’ defense because he is the vocal leader and a major difference maker in the run game. Again, referencing that insightful Kyed article from a few days ago:

"The Patriots allow .85 more yards per carry and .5 more yard per play when Hightower is off the field. They sack the quarterback on 8.6 percent of passing plays with Hightower and just 6.6 percent when he’s not in the game. Hightower missed the Patriots’ Week 6 win over the Indianapolis Colts with a rib injury. He injured his knee midway through the Patriots’ Week 12 loss to the Denver Broncos, missed Week 13 and Week 14, came back for Week 15 before aggravating the injury in Week 16 and being declared out for Week 17. The Patriots are 2-2 in games Hightower sat out and 3-4 in games Hightower has either been out or missed time because of injury. Hightower provides pressure on 22.4 percent of his 116 pass rushing snaps with 3.5 sacks, six QB hits and 16 hurries."

Bengals-Steelers BOLD PREDICTIONS

To weather any postseason storms they may encounter involving potent ground games (such as those of the Cincinnati Bengals and Denver Broncos), the Patriots are going to be enthused to have Hightower back on the field next to Pro Bowler Collins.

Next: 2. Gronk