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Malcolm Butler is not a number one corner…yet

Courtesy of Getty Images
Kyle Gaudette

Connector Editor

Wait what? Did you seriously just read that headline? Are you questioning my sanity? Now are you getting annoyed by these series of questions which from a journalistic sense is an unorthodox way to begin an article?

Do I have your attention now?

As we all know, Tom Brady and his gorgeous hair has led the New England Patriots to an impressive 9-0 start to the regular season. Brady’s numbers have been historically good (3043 yards, 24 touchdowns to 3 interceptions), but a growing story line this season has been the play of the Patriots defense. Most notably, cornerback Malcolm Butler has been on many people’s radar.

After an impressive performance shadowing Odell Beckham, Jr., arguably the best wide receiver in the game, many fans were clamoring over how much they love Butler. The praise of number one corner material rained down upon a player who has made only two significant plays in his young career; the Superbowl 49 interception, and knocking the ball from Beckham Jr. in the endzone to keep the Patriots within a field goal of the lead.

Now do not get me wrong, I think Butler is a great player with a ton of upside. No one can question the effort he gives on every down, and it is refreshing to have a “home-grown,” physical cornerback – I am finally getting over the nightmare-inducing thoughts of high-end draft picks being spent on Tavon Wilson and Ras-I Dowling. If you do not know those names you are proving my point.

However, what many seem to be overlooking is that it was just one game.

Butler played spectacular coverage on Beckham after the 87-yard touchdown where he got burned. Yes, he got burned. If Devin McCourty did not misplay his coverage then the touchdown would have been saved, but Beckham was catching that ball regardless. But one game does not change an entire season of mediocrity.

Let us not forget when he allowed nine receptions on 10 targets for 142 yards and a touchdown when matched against Antonio Brown on opening day. Jarvis Landry of the Dolphins had success against Butler, and he also got torched by the Jets’ number two wide receiver Eric Decker for 96 yards on six receptions.

It is simple, if Malcolm Butler was a number one defensive back then opposing quarterbacks would not be throwing at him!

It is still agreed upon that Darrelle Revis has been the best cornerback in the league for the past five to six years, but has not once led the league in interceptions. Why is that you ask, because no one wants to throw the ball to his side of the field.

   I will give Butler credit, he passes the eye test. His performance against Beckham Jr. was fantastic, and hopefully a sign that the young cornerback is improving. However, one game does not get me too excited.

In fact this season will not even be the benchmark as to whether or not I will know if Butler can be a number one corner. I remember McCourty’s rookie season when he finished second in the league with seven interceptions and how excited everyone was that coach Belichick finally drafted a legit defensive back. I am pretty sure that ended with McCourty needing a couple seasons to finally find his niche at safety.

I do not see Butler being a one-and-done guy who will fade down the depth chart after the season ends; he is just too talented for that to happen. But I think we all need to pump the brakes and realize it was just one game.

Like I said before, the dude has only made two plays of noteworthy significance up until this point in his career. Lets all just relax before we do something stupid and start comparing Butler to Deion Sanders or something.

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