Patriots’ defense starts off on wrong foot

Belichick’s decision not to play CB Butler proves to be costly

MINNEAPOLIS — So many times this season, New England’s defense made plays when it had to give Tom Brady and the Patriots’ offense a chance to win.

But with the man responsible for the biggest defensive plays in New England’s Super Bowl history watching from the bench, the Patriots’ defense couldn’t figure out the Philadelphia Eagles in a 41-33 loss in Super Bowl LII.

Malcolm Butler, whose interception in the end zone sealed New England’s victory over Seattle in the 2015 Super Bowl, didn’t play a defensive snap Sunday.

Bill Belichick said only that they “put the best players in the game plan like we always do.” Defensive coordinator Matt Patricia said the cornerback was in parts of the game plan, but those parts weren’t used in the game.

Butler missed a day of practice last week with an illness. He warmed up and was in uniform but watched the game’s biggest moments from the sideline.

It was the first Patriots game in which Butler did not play a firstquarter snap since their Super Bowl win over Seattle to cap the 2014 season.

He started 17 of New England’s previous 18 games entering Sunday, including both playoff victories.

He seemed exasperated afterward, telling reporters, “I ain’t got nothing to say.”

Without him, the Patriots’ defense — and particular the secondary — had trouble keeping Foles and Philadelphia’s offense in check.

New England allowed 41 points, more than it has given up in any Super Bowl in the Belichick era. It also surrendered 538 total yards, including 373 through the air to MVP Nick Foles. LeGarrette Blount, a former Patriots running back, rushed 14 times for 90 yards and touchdown.

Eric Rowe started in Butler’s place. He struggled early, giving up three catches for 66 yards, including Foles’ first touchdown pass to Alshon Jeffery.

Butler’s teammates appeared confused by the change, which cornerback Stephon Gilmore said they didn’t find out until game time.

“Could he have helped us out? I don’t know. He wasn’t out there, so I don’t know,” Gilmore said. “We just couldn’t never get off the field. I mean, we could never make a play to give the ball back to our offense.”

The Eagles punted only once in the game and converted on a pair of fourth downs.

New England’s offense did its part. The Patriots did not punt and had no turnovers through three quarters. After playing from behind most of the night, Brady gave New England its first lead of the game at 33-32 on a 4-yard touchdown pass to Rob Gronkowski with 9:22 to play.

But when the Patriots needed a hero late, no one was able to make a big play.

And on the ensuing drive. New England safety Devin McCourty couldn’t keep Zach Ertz from stretching the ball across the goal line for an 11-yard touchdown reception from Foles that wound up being the game-winner.

“There was nothing we hadn’t seen,” Rowe said. “We just didn’t play good fundamentally.”