New England linebacker Dont’a Hightower was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in the Patriots’ 35-17 win over the Cincinnati on Sunday. It is the first time in his career that he has earned the honor.

Hightower had a team-high 13 total tackles and sacked Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton in the end zone for a safety in the third quarter.

He’s the first New England player to win the weekly defensive honor since Chandler Jones in the second week of the 2014 season.

Copy the Story Link