5 New England Patriots players to watch in Week 3

Jacoby Brissett (7) is the top New England Patriots player to watch in Week 3. Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Jacoby Brissett (7) is the top New England Patriots player to watch in Week 3. Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dont'a Hightower Patriots
Dont’a Hightower (54) New England Patriots – Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Patriots Players to Watch in Week 3: Dont’a Hightower

Assuming Dont’a Hightower suits up for the game, he will be a top Patriots player to watch against the Texans because he is the eyes, ears and brains of a defense that struggled mightily without him in the second half last week.

Furthermore, Patriots fans should watch Hightower closely to see how his knee injury may be hindering him (again, assuming he plays in Week 3).

An argument could be made that Hightower is the most valuable member of the Patriots’ defense. Not only does he normally wear the green dot on his helmet (worn by the signal caller of the defense), but Hightower has also put together quite a portfolio of outstanding linebacker traits. These include his sideline-to-sideline tackling range, run stuffing ability, pass rushing threat and improved coverage.

In particular, the Patriots are going to need a big game out of Hightower on run defense, as the Texans are keen on running the ball via Lamar Miller.

Next: 1. Logan Ryan