FOXBORO, Mass. — Individual accomplishments certainly aren’t frowned upon within the walls of Gillette Stadium, but they definitely play second fiddle to the New England Patriots’ team goals.
That’s why linebacker Dont’a Hightower wouldn’t give a definitive answer when asked if he believed he deserved to be named to this season’s Pro Bowl. Hightower was left out of the game, though seven of his teammates, including fellow linebacker Jamie Collins, made the squad.
“Maybe, but I’m in the ring business,” Hightower said. “So, I’m happy for (Collins), Chandler (Jones), all the guys that made it. But I’m more into team goals and accolades. That’s awesome. Hopefully next year I’ll get there or whatever, but I’m more into team goals.”
Collins echoed similar sentiments about playing for a Super Bowl rather than a Pro Bowl nod.
“I was happy,” Collins said. “I’m still happy, but we’ve still got something to strive for.”
Collins believed Hightower also should have made the Pro Bowl.
“Yeah, I mean, all of them,” Collins said. “But who am I?”
The argument could be made that Hightower has been the Patriots’ defensive MVP this season, but he has missed three games because of injuries. He still has piled up 61 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 26 pressures and two pass breakups while contributing as the Patriots’ best run defender and most consistent pass rusher.
Collins missed four games with an illness and has 83 tackles with 5.5 sacks, 16 pressures, an interception, four pass breakups, a touchdown and five forced fumbles as the Patriots’ biggest defensive playmaker.
Thumbnail photo via Jeff Hanisch/USA TODAY Sports Images
