Former Patriot Butler struggling in Tennessee
When Brian Flores hears the words, “Malcolm, GO!” he's transported back to the sideline in the decisive moments of Super Bowl XLIX, when a gutsy call and a big play sealed a Patriots victory.
“It takes me back to a great memory,” Flores said via conference call Tuesday.
The Malcolm in question is, of course, Malcolm Butler, the undrafted cornerback who became a household name (and starter) in New England following his interception in the end zone against the Seahawks.
“Obviously, I have a good history with Malcolm,” said Flores, the Patriots' de facto defensive coordinator. “I think he's a great player, incredible player. He was a joy to coach, a joy to be around, really looking forward to seeing him this weekend and I wish him all the best always.”
Things have not been the best for Butler in Tennessee, where the Patriots will play the Titans Sunday. He signed a $61.25 million deal, with $30 million guaranteed, this offseason after his Patriots career ended awkwardly with his benching in Super Bowl LII. Butler has not lived up to his contract so far as a Titan.
The Tennessee defense has allowed 14 touchdowns worst in the NFL, 11 through the air and three on the ground. But Butler is responsible for seven of those scores (receiving and rushing), the most given up by any cornerback in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus.
Butler has allowed 39 catches for 618 yards, also the most among NFL cornerbacks in both categories.
Gronk a walk through: Rob Gronkowski, Sony Michel, and Shaq Mason were at the Patriots walkthrough Wednesday afternoon as the team began on-field preparations for Sunday's game in Tennessee.
Gronkowski (ankle/ back), Michel (knee), and Mason (calf ) missed the win over the Packers and were three of nine Patriots listed as limited. The others: receivers Julian Edelman (ankle) and Cordarrelle Patterson (neck); tight end Jacob Hollister (hamstring); linebacker Dont'a Hightower (knee); defensive end John Simon (shoulder); and long snapper Joe Cardona (shoulder).
For the first time since arriving via trade with the Browns, receiver Josh Gordon (hamstring) was not listed on the injury report.
Wednesday was the first Patriots practices for safety Obi Melifonwu, the former UConn star, linebacker Albert McClellan, and practice squad defensive lineman Ufomba Kamalu.
Roster activity continued as the Patriots signed offensive lineman Matt Tobin to a one-year deal, filling out the 53-man roster. Tobin, who spent the summer with the Patriots and was released on cutdown day, offers experience (the six-year veteran has 21 career starts) and versatility (he's played guard and tackle). Tobin, 28, had a short stay with the 49ers in September.
There has been a lot of shuffling along the offensive line in the last week, with James Ferentz being promoted to the active roster, Brian Schwenke being placed on injured reseve with a foot problem, and Cole Croston being released.