Dont’a Hightower was brutal in the first half — he way overran the Broncos’ 21-yard screen pass on third and 20, and didn’t make much effort on Jacob Tamme’s touchdown — and was replaced by Dane Fletcher in the second half, who was much more disciplined and had a crucial forced fumble in the third quarter. Rookie Jamie Collins had by far his most active game as a pro, finishing with 10 tackles and saving the day by knocking the ball out of Wes Welker’s hands in overtime. And Brandon Spikes had another great tackling day in the run game, finishing with nine and a fumble recovery.