Hightower ready for toe-to-toe with Richardson

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

Coming from a powerhouse collegiate program such as the University of Alabama, New England Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower has a lot of ex-teammates that are currently on the opposing sideline come Sunday.

Indianapolis Colts running back Trent Richardson is one such former roster mate.

"Looking forward to going up against Trent," Hightower said, via Lee Schechter of ESPN Boston. "It’s been a couple of years since we got to go toe-to-toe. I’m looking forward to it."

Patriots plan to get physical against Broncos' offense

BY NICK ST. DENIS

It's no secret Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning as an elite arsenal of weapons at his disposal, and they'll be on display Sunday afternoon during a visit to the New England Patriots.

To counter the Broncos' high-powered attack, the Patriots' defense looks to confiscate those weapons at the line of scrimmage.

"Definitely want this to be a physical game on our part," Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower said this week, via CSNNE. "They have a lot of big receivers, a lot of quick guys. So the one thing that we're going to have to do that I feel like we're pretty good at is being aggressive. Whether it's jamming, or they have a lot of crosses so just being aggressive and coming down on that."

Hightower: Helmet speaker 'helpful and annoying'

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Last season, New England Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower was forced to take on play-calling duties in place of the injured Jerod Mayo.

With that, the third-year former first-rounder got some experience with the helmet speaker, which gets designated to one defensive player on the field at a time.

In speaking with CSNNE.com this week, Hightower briefly discussed what it's like to don the "green dot" hard hat.

Belichick pleased with Hightower as communicator

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Dont'a Hightower entered the season determined to be better in pass coverage, where he's proven to be a liability in the New England Patriots' defense.

Through 14 weeks, Hightower still has plenty of room for improvement in that department and could stand for more production against the run, but one thing his team isn't concerned with are his communication skills.

"Good, better each week," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said this week, via Patriots.com. "He’s a smart guy. He definitely understands the defense. He has a lot of experience this year obviously in our system.

Patriots' rookie defenders light it up against Titans

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The New England Patriots looked pretty smart draft-wise in their season-opening victory over the Tennessee Titans Sunday.

New England received a big-time performance from its 2012 rookie class in a 34-13 win.

First-rounders Chandler Jones and Dont'a Hightower teamed up on a touchdown play in the second quarter. Jones sacked Titans quarterback Jake Locker and forced a fumble, which Hightower recovered and took to the end zone for the Patriots' second score of the game.

"That is why they are here," Patriots defensive Rob Ninkovich told the media after the game about Hightower and Jones being playmakers. "I think you don’t get drafted in the first round if you are not."

Transactions and injury news roundup: 7/19 edition

Photo: Marianne O'Leary, Flickr

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Quick notes and links regarding AFC East teams' recent transactions activity and injury news:

Jets

Safety Jim Leonhard says the recovery of his knee has been successful, but the Jets reportedly don't plan on bringing him back.

Safety LaRon Landry is expected to be limited in training camp while he nurses an injury he's been trying to shake the past two years.

Free agent receiver Plaxico Burress said Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez was "battling with some injuries last year, shoulder-wise that a lot of people didn't know about."

Gang Green signed undrafted free agent tackle Paul Cornick, who participated as a tryout player in rookie camp.

Patriots

Tight end Daniel Fells missed all of New England's offseason program, and that's because he reportedly is nursing a leg injury.

New England inked first-round linebacker Dont'a Hightower to a four-year contract.

Projected starting cornerback Ras-I Dowling, coming off hip surgery, was full-go in OTAs.

Bills

Buffalo signed third-round receiver T.J. Graham to a four-year deal.