FOXBORO — The Patriots have a couple good old “southern boys” in charge of the middle of their defense, and the bond between linebackers Dont’a Hightower and Jamie Collins extends from the field to the woods, lakes and mud tracks of the Bible Belt.
Hightower and Collins rapidly emerged after they were the only linebacker duo from a 4-3 defense to earn All-Pro votes in 2014. Their on-field flare, both as blitzers and in coverage, has been the strength of the Pats defense through three games this season.
The key is they strive to have fun.
“This is a hard sport, man,” Collins said.