Vrabel sticks with struggling Butler
FOXBORO — Throughout his press conference yesterday, Bill Belichick provided a simple answer for questions about Malcolm Butler’s rocky start in Tennessee.
“They lead the league in defense,” Belichick said three separate times.
PATRIOTS NOTES
He’s not wrong. The Titans sit atop the NFL allowing just 17.6 points per game. Of course, that’s in spite of Butler, not because of him.
According to the scouting service Pro Football Focus, Butler ranks at or near the bottom of the league in receptions allowed (39), yards (618) and touchdowns (seven).
“That means a lot to me,” Belichick deadpanned.
While the Patriots are certainly aware of Butler’s struggles, Belichick is doing all he can to make sure they won’t take him — or the Titans, for that matter — lightly.
“He’s gotten beat a couple times, but that’s the nature of his game,” Patriots receiver Julian Edelman said. “He’s a real aggressive player that competes. He plays the ball well through your hands. He’s got the ability to make up speed with the ball in the air while looking back. A lot of corners can’t do that. I got a lot of respect for Malcolm. He’s a hard player that competes. His road to where he’s got, it shows how hard he works. He’s a stud.”
Titans coach Mike Vrabel provided this assessment of Butler: “I think when Malcolm does execute the technique and is consistent, he’s been pretty good. Then there’s times where that
doesn’t happen. My confidence is where his is. That’s, looks good and he continues to work and I have confidence in him.”
Butler allowed two touchdowns in a win against the Cowboys Monday night. Despite the struggles, Vrabel intends to stick with Butler as one of his top cornerbacks.
The Titans generally use three corners: Butler, Adoree Jackson and former Patriot Logan Ryan.
Edelman could match up with Ryan in the slot on Sunday.
“If you mess up with Logan, he’s going to run the route for you,” Edelman said. “That’s the kind of player he is, he’s a very cerebral type guy. He studies everyone, works hard, and the same can be said with Malcolm. These guys are good football players. They showed it here, and they’re showing it now. You can’t mess up with them.”
Swing and miss
The Patriots apparently made a push for major defensive help earlier this week, but fell short in their pursuit of former Raiders defensive end Bruce Irvin who opted to sign with his hometown Atlanta Falcons.
“This was a dream (come) true,” Irvin told ESPN.com. “The Patriots and Steelers offered more money, but being able to play for my city and my people, you just can’t put a price on that.”
While Irvin certainly would have helped, the Pats pass rush has come alive in recent weeks. Trey Flowers has been nothing short of dominant all season. Adrian Clayborn has provided an element of speed and athleticism off the edge. And second-year pro Adam Butler is making his mark on the interior.
Gordon off report
For the first time since he was traded to the Patriots, wide receiver Josh Gordon was not listed on the injury report.
Gordon had been limited in practice with a hamstring injury for several weeks.
Left tackle Trent Brown missed yesterday’s practice with an illness. Right guard Shaq Mason, dealing with a calf injury that kept him out of the Week 9 win over Green Bay, returned to practice in a limited capacity. Roster moves
The 7-2 Pats continue to tinker with their roster.
In addition to signing safety Obi Melifonwu and linebacker Albert McClellan, the Pats circled back with veteran offensive lineman Matt Tobin, who spent the spring and summer with the team.
Tobin will serve as the No. 4 tackle behind Brown, Marcus Cannon and LaAdrian Waddle. He replaces secondyear pro Cole Croston, who was cut earlier in the week.
Additionally, the team signed running back Josh Ferguson to the practice squad.
The Pats do not have an available roster spot, but will need to create one if they plan to activate rookie cornerback Duke Dawson from injured reserve.