Do not have Hightower hopes to step up against the Bears

The Patriots' defense is playing well right now, and Dont'a Hightower wants to make even more strides in Chicago in Week 7.

Last season was a difficult one for New England Patriots Dont'a Hightower linebacker, who suffered a season-ending injury on halfway through and missed out on New England's run to Super Bowl LII.

It was never easy coming back from a serious injury, and even Hightower himself was a little bit frustrated with how he was playing early in the year when the Patriots were getting steamrolled into Jacksonville and Detroit. But they have seemingly gotten their heads back on their shoulders, winning their last three games, and the New England defense really took off in the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts.

They struggled a bit last week against the Kansas City Chiefs (though Hightower did intercept Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahoems), giving up 40 points in 43-40 win, but it was pretty darn hard when you're dealing with the best offense in the league.

Nonetheless, Hightower himself is still making progress and he hopes for a better start every week, starting this Sunday when the Patriots take on the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.

"Last week, we played pretty good except for the big plays, which Kansas City is known for," Hightower said, via NESN.com. "Chicago can do the same with the skill players they got and the way they can get the ball to all those guys. Obviously just, again, continue to build on last week, aggressive play, fast play, physical play, get everybody to the ball and make big plays. "

The Patriots went through their typical September 1-2, but they seem to be back on the right side. The defense is playing well, and quarterback Tom Brady, at age 41, has the offense playing at an elite level. The Patriots are obviously well-coached by Bill Belichick and company.

Now they will be looking to continue their winning streak against a Bears team that features one of the NFL's toughest defenses.