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The last time he was on the field, Malcolm Butler made one of the greatest plays in Super Bowl history. His goal-line interception of Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson helped secure a 28-24 victory for the New England Patriots.
Where does Butler go from here? Will his first career interception define him as a player, or will he be remembered as a great player who made one of the plays that will forever be remembered in Super Bowl lore? That’s the challenge facing Butler as he enters his second season in the NFL.
Many NFL players have struggled after making career-changing plays on the world’s biggest stage. Defensive backs Larry Brown and Dexter Jackson come to mind, as Super Bowl heroes – both won MVP – who never did much after reaching that pinnacle.
Getting lost in his championship-clinching interception is how well Butler played during the entire second half after replacing Logan Ryan as the Patriots’ third cornerback. Butler had a couple of big pass breakups and, aside from the lucky bounce that fell into the lap of Seattle receiver Jermaine Kearse, he was nearly perfect.
An undrafted free agent out of West Alabama, Butler, at 5-foot-11, 190 pounds, has very long arms and good quickness for the position. Learning under Darrelle Revis – who is arguably the best in the game – during the 2014 season has given Butler an advantage most young players aren’t fortunate enough to have. Now, with Revis back with the New York Jets, Butler will have to take what he learned and continue to work on his craft.
After letting Revis, Brandon Browner, Kyle Arrington and Alfonzo Dennard go this offseason, the Patriots will need Butler to make that leap forward in his second season. Butler is the most physically gifted corner currently on New England’s roster, and if he’s able to show consistent technique and the intelligence to pick up the subtle variations in the defense, Butler should earn a starting role.
Ryan, Bradley Fletcher, Derek Cox, Justin Green and Robert McClain are the Patriots’ top options in what should be an intriguing completion during training camp. Fletcher is the most experienced and brings a veteran to the group. Ryan has flashed ability to become a starting corner, but he’s also looked terrible at times. Cox, Green and McClain will all challenge for roles in the secondary, but none have the raw athletic talent that Butler possesses.
Bill Belichick and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia have their work cut out for them in fielding a competent secondary that will definitely be compared to last year’s unit that was a team strength. I expect an extra intense Belichick, because he will be constantly reminded of his offseason decisions if the unit fails miserably.
Butler could be the man who becomes the Patriots’ next No. 1 cornerback. The athletic ability is there, however, there is much more to becoming an elite player than physical skill. Butler must prove he’s willing to put in the extra hours on the field and in the film room. If he’s able to become a true professional, I’d expect Butler to be remembered for more than one moment of glory.
Nick Sardina is an NFL writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow Nick onTwitter @nicksardina13, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
