INDIANAPOLIS -- The New England Patriots felt the absence of injured linebacker Dont'a Hightower in Sunday night’s 34-27 win over the Indianapolis Colts.
Similar to the Oct. 11 win over Dallas, linebackers Jonathan Freeny (47 snaps) and Jerod Mayo (23) split Hightower’s responsibilities playing alongside Jamie Collins.
It was notable that Freeny opened the game as the No. 2 linebacker in the 4-2-5 nickel, a reflection of Mayo’s changing role with the team. Freeny finished with seven tackles, while Mayo didn’t show up on the stat sheet.