The Butler did it (and continues to do it)
Argos’ defensive end showing off his pass rushing skills
POSTMEDIA NETWORK
If there is a big defensive play in a Toronto Argonauts’ game, chances are the Butler did it.
Victor Butler has been one of those early season developments that just work out, as he showcases his pass rush skills coming off the edge.
Butler is a first-year CFL player with experience down south with the Dallas Cowboys.
In two games, Butler has been a beast, recording four sacks, forcing two fumbles and in general causing havoc in opposing team’s backfield.
In two games, the most consistent element to Toronto’s game has been its pass rush and its front seven overall.
The defensive line is anchored inside by Cleyon Laing and Ken Bishop with bookends Shawn Lemon and Butler.
Lemon has two sacks in the Argos’ loss to B.C., his 11th career multi-sack game.
In terms of elite pass rushers, Lemon is among he best.
Teams need to account for him and that added attention frees up Butler.
Butler cites coaching and solid play by his fellow front four brethren for his quick start to the season, but he’s also being modest.
Butler is quick off the ball, plays with great instincts and is mastering the one yard on the line of scrimmage and the changes he had to make coming from fourdown football.
It may seem trivial to many, but rush angles need to be adjusted and Butler points to Lemon, among others, as the ones how have taken Butler under their wing.
“These are guys who could have saw me as rivals,’’ said Butler. “They could have showed me nothing. Instead, you’ve got guys who are going out of their way, during their down time when they could be kicking it up and enjoying a cold one, but they show me film on what to watch, how to perfect my rushing.
“It is a different game from down south. I was used to the angles in the NFL, but these guys have took me aside and said: ‘This is how you’re going to have success, these are the things you have to watch for.’ That’s why I attribute the level of success to the unit and personally those guys, the coaches and my D-line.”
According to Butler, that one yard provided an illusion thinking he was much farther away.
It was Lemon who began to school Butler.
“Even during the game, it’s like: ‘Should I reach out and touch him (offensive lineman)?’ Shawn Lemon and Laing said: ‘Hey, if you don’t feel you can touch him then you’re not close enough.’ It’s been a tremendous help.”
Butler is also a tremendous worker, often among the final players to leave the practice field, like he was Monday.
He attributes that work ethic to his dad, who taught Butler during his days in Pop Warner the importance of preparation and commitment.