The New England Patriots are enjoying a dominant streak in the NFL, being one of the only teams in the league to remain undefeated. Their most recent game was a dominant display for the defense, and Dont'a Hightower believes this defense is a great core that can take them far.

Hightower talked to Pro Football Talk's Josh Alper after he and the Pats defense upended the Washington Redskins to the tune of 33-7. He believes that this defense has the makings of a great group that will achieve great things in the league:

“We want to go out there, and we want to be the engine and the starting force of the defense,” Hightower said, via NESN.com. “We know that if we go out there and we play well, then that will hype every other spot whether that’s in the front seven or the back seven. Not even if it’s a linebacker, whether it’s Dev [Devin McCourty] with a pick or JMac [Jason McCourty] with a pick or Du [Duron Harmon] with a pick. We feed off of each other. “We compete. It’s a great group not just in the linebacker room but the defense, we all want to compete. . . . We’re trying to get more picks, more forced fumbles. It’s a great defense.”

His words aren't without any basis. The defense enjoyed some of the league's most lopsided victories early in the season. They gave the Pittsburgh Steelers an unforgettable 33-3 hiding in Week 1. The Miami Dolphins weren't able to score, while the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills were able to score more than seven points.

However, it's also important to remember that they will still have to face tough opponents later in the season. They are yet to face the Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Raven, Philadelphia Eagles, and Kansas City Chiefs.

However, Dont'a Hightower and the Pats defense are confident that they can protect the lead and finish the regular season with an impeccable 16-0 record.