New England Patriots defensive standout Dont’a Hightower has heard what people has had to say about the team's defense. That, basically, the Patriots are lucky to have a dynamic offense, manned by the legendary Tom Brady, because the other side of the ball is rather inept.

Dont’a Hightower has also had enough of that tomfoolery.

“I try not to read into it {criticism}, but it is what it is,” linebacker Dont’a Hightower said during a presser. “I really don’t read into it. I don’t think too many guys in here do. We know at the end of the day whenever we get rolling and start doing the things that we’re doing, the media is going to fluctuate. That’s just how it is. We’re just really concentrated on just going out and keeping the other team from scoring and getting the ball back to 12 (Tom Brady).”

For what it is worth, New England will face the Atlanta Falcons this week. While most will use this game to discuss how it is a rematch of last season's Super Bowl, there are other — at least currently — more important things to monitor in regards to the game.

Mostly, how the Falcons rank fifth in total offense this season and have a balanced unit that ranks 11th in passing and seventh in rushing. If New England's defense is even only close to as bad as many make it seem to be, the Patriots will have a hard time overcoming Atlanta's high-powered offense.

At the same time, it is a chance for the Patriots to silence some critics.