New England Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week on Wednesday for his work in the 35-17 victory over Cincinnati on Sunday afternoon.

Hightower was a part of a season high 13 tackles and added 1.5 sacks in the contest versus the Bengals.  The first sack recorded by the linebacker resulted in a safety by the defense.

He becomes the fifth Patriot player to win an award from the NFL this season, but is the first defensive player to achieve the honor. Tom Brady, Stephen Gostkowski, and Ryan Allen have received weekly honors for offense and special teams play respectively.

Hightower becomes the first AFC Defensive Player of the Week from New England since Chandler Jones in week two of the 2014 season.  The Pats will play the Pittsburgh Steelers this weekend on the road at 4:25 p.m.

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