FOXBORO — It’s about as close to knowing the game plan as your going to get when the Patriots play the Broncos.
Patriots linebacker Dont’a Hightower says if the Patriots are going to have a puncher’s chance Sunday against the high-powered, high-flying offense led by Peyton Manning, then the Patriots have to be physical with the Broncos, starting at the line of scrimmage.
“You definitely want this to be a physical game on our part,” said Hightower, who has assumed a good deal of leadership in the linebacker room since the loss of Jerod Mayo. “They have a lot of big, big receivers and a lot of quick guys. The one thing we can do that we’re going to have to do, and that we’re pretty good at, is being aggressive. [We could be] jamming [because] they have a lot of crosses [routes] so being aggressive and coming down on that. Peyton is going to get those guys the ball, no matter or when, whether they’re double-covered. We’re just going to have to do a real good job on the line of scrimmage and be aggressive with these guys.”
There’s a good reason for that. If Julius and Demaryius Thomas, Wes Welker, Emmanuel Sanders and Jacob Tamme get free releases off the line of scrimmage, they it could be a long day for the Patriots D chasing countless targets all over the field.
“They have a lot of great players,” Hightower said. “Obviously, you can’t double everybody. It’s just more or less about us going out there and executing. Those are great guys. They have a lot of great skill players. Jacob Tamme does a great job when he’s in there, Sanders and both Thomas guys. More or less, it’s just going to be us going out there and just wanting to have it more than they do.”
The aggressive play at the line of scrimmage is exactly why the Patriots went out this offseason and acquired Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner, two corners who excel when they have their man within arm’s reach. While Hightower spoke on Friday, Revis and Browner were quiet all week and did not address reporters. Hightower had no such fears about speaking, nor does he have any regarding the opponent, when asked if Halloween reminded him of how scary good the Broncos are offensively.
“I’m not scared of anybody. What kind of question is that?” Hightower said.
“I feel like it was a pretty good week. You try to approach every week as any other week but this week is a bit more of a challenge. Peyton Manning is a really good quarterback and they have a really good defense as well. I definitely feel like we’ve been on top of it. You can never do too much. So, these next couple of days are definitely going to be mental days, just as far as guys getting together, linebackers, DBs or just as a unit. We’re just going to have to a better job getting [mental] reps.”
Hightower also made it clear that it’s been very enjoyable working with a pair of new linebackers in the last two weeks, as Akeem Ayers (from Tennessee) and Jonathan Casillas (from Tampa Bay) have come in and picked up the system. Ayers made an impact against the Bears with a strip sack and five tackles while Casillas could make his debut against the Broncos.
“They’re doing really well,” Hightower said. “Two really smart guys and they stay in the film room, constantly asking questions on the field, making sure they’re getting all the terminology down. I’m definitely proud and feel they’ve brought to the linebacker room is not just athleticism and the way they play but a lot more football IQ. It’s a lot easier to talk when those guys come up and see different things. It helps a lot.”
It’ll be all hands on deck Sunday as the Patriots and Hightower try to wash away the memory of last year’s 26-16 loss to the Broncos in the AFC championship.
“I try not to dwell on the past,” Hightower added. “It’s football. Just definitely don’t want to relieve that last game we played against them last year. We just have to go out there and play our ball. Obviously, it’s a big week but I’m pushing just like any other week. I’m still watching film. I’m doing extra. We’re meeting extra. It’s just part of trying to be a professional about your job.”