The New England Patriots’ special teams units contributed 14 points to the team’s 38-31 victory over the Chicago Bears in week 7. The first score came on a kickoff return by Cordarrelle Patterson, the second off a blocked punt: with the score tied at 24, Dont’a Hightower burst through the line of scrimmage to get his hands on Pat O’Donnell’s kicking attempt. The loose football was scooped up by Kyle Van Noy and returned for a score.
Hightower’s block did not only play a key role in helping the Patriots secure their first road win of the season, it also brought him AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors.