Butler wears target on back
As foes go at him, CB knows he’s up to task
FOXBORO — If the preseason is any kind of indicator, opposing teams would rather go at Malcolm Butler instead of dealing with Stephon Gilmore, the Patriots’ other top-line cornerback.
Texans quarterback Tom Savage preferred attacking Butler during the second preseason game. Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford had the same idea during last week’s third preseason game.
If that’s going to be the norm, especially in a contract year for Butler, that’s a perfect world for the former Super Bowl hero. That’s exactly what Butler’s looking for. It’s exactly the type of challenge that will remind his potential suitors how much he’s worth at the end of the season.
It’s the best way for Butler to continue to show he deserves the dough.
“I’m just playing ball, trying to make the best of my opportunities,” Butler said before practice yesterday. “I want to play hard each and every play. I want to be great. I want to make good plays. I want to play great and help the team, and help myself.”
In the bank account, of course. Should we be worried he’s gotten off to a bit of a shaky start in this perfect scenario setup? Butler hasn’t exactly played like a shutdown corner when he’s been in there. That’s been more the description of Gilmore. He’s come as advertised, looking worth the contract (five years, $65 million) the Patriots dished out to get him in free agency.
Even Butler gave himself a thumbs down yesterday when asked to assess his preseason performance.
“Below my standards,” he remarked. “I’m better than that. I
be better than that. No need to panic. That’s how I feel about it.”
Given Butler’s history, he’s right. There really is no need to panic at this stage, especially knowing what type of competitor he’s been since arriving on the scene in 2014. We’ll see the version of Butler that shows up opening night against the Chiefs, with Drew Brees and the Saints on deck the following week in New Orleans.
It’s possible having to play for a contract might be in his head a bit, but it’s still the preseason. Let’s keep that in mind.
Butler gave up two big plays against the Texans, including a touchdown, and another against the Lions, with Marvin Jones catching a 23-yard touchdown pass.
Butler saw Texans backup receivers Bruce Ellington and Jaelen Strong get the best of him. No wonder he threw out that “below my standards” remark.
But again, if he’s the one who’s going to be picked on in the secondary, that’s ultimately what he’s looking for. He wants the quarterbacks to throw it in his direction so he can make plays.
“I think we all want that challenge. We all want the ball. We all want respect. We all want to make productive plays,” Butler said. “Everyone should feel like they want the ball to come to them.”
Butler did make a few plays in the Detroit game, punching the ball out from receiver Golden Tate to force a fumble, which was recovered by Jordan Richards.
Asked specifically about the contract, and if that might be weighing on his mind, if he was trying to do a little too much, Butler completely dismissed the notion.
“No, that’s outta here,” he said. In other words, he’s put it aside. During the offseason, Butler had wanted a big payday and didn’t get it from the Patriots, instead settling on a $3.91 million first-round tender. The restricted free agent reportedly had a deal in place with the Saints worth more than $50 million, but the two sides couldn’t make a trade work with the Patriots.
So now, the 27-year-old has to play it out, hope he doesn’t get hurt and cash in at season’s end.
And if teams want to come at him now more, and go away from Gilmore, that’s fine. Bring it on. Butler loves the attention.
“Most definitely, that’s what it’s all about,” he said. “You always want the ball to come to you. We’re all competitors. Sometimes, you’re going to have (good and bad) rolls here and there. You just gotta keep going like I’ve been doing throughout my whole career.”
‘You always want the ball to come to you. We’re all competitors.’ — MALCOLM BUTLER On opponents targeting him