The key to the game: Darius Butler?

[FredFromDartmouth]

You might have noticed that teams are going away from McCourty (because of his superior coverage skills and lighting quick hands). On the other side Arrington is an above average corner who is consistent and does not make mistakes....leaving Butler as the prime target of the Jets. Hopefully Butler has a good game and gets some help.

Otis Smith was the key to the Patriots first Super Bowl win; hopefully Butler will step it up in this game.

 

[Dufflebagz]

On the other side Arrington is an above average corner who is consistent and does not make mistakes.

He's mediocre to average at best.

 

[alvinnf]

You might have noticed that teams are going away from McCourty (because of his superior coverage skills and lighting quick hands). On the other side Arrington is an above average corner who is consistent and does not make mistakes....leaving Butler as the prime target of the Jets. Hopefully Butler has a good game and gets some help.

Otis Smith was the key to the Patriots first Super Bowl win; hopefully Butler will step it up in this game.

http://www.patsfans.com/new-england-patriots/messageboard/images/editor/menupop.gif

My Homer radar just went off!

 

[FredFromDartmouth]

http://www.patsfans.com/new-england-patriots/messageboard/images/editor/menupop.gif

My Homer radar just went off!

I resemble that remark.

McCourty has the fastest hands I have ever seen on a CB; he has a remarkable ability to pry the ball loose. It is no wonder that teams are throwing away from him; not only can he make the pick but he is also adept at generating fumbles.

Arrington is a solid mistake-free corner that can hit hard. He will give up a play or two but every corner does; he rarely gives up a big play.

Watching Butler is nerve wracking. He has good speed but not good ball skills. His ball skills are improving but will they be up the challenge on Sunday? Hopefully Merriwether will be there to deliver the Big Bang.

 

[upstater1]

Butler played a lot in the previous Jets game but I expect Chung will play more this game because of Sanchez's shoulder.

 

[bruce_w]

He's mediocre to average at best.

Arrington has done a mediocre job this season? His play has put him at well above average.

 

[The_Riddler]

Butler's play has picked up since he was pined. He has definately studied more and prepared better since then, you can see it with his recent play. I think he is best suited for the slot because of his athletism and that's where he'll be against Cotchery and I'm comfortable with that match up.

 

[zoostation]

Butler played a lot in the previous Jets game but I expect Chung will play more this game because of Sanchez's shoulder.

You could argue he was a key reason for the loss in game one. Got singed by Edwards all day.

Having said that....I think he has improved dramatically since week 2

 

[brady199]

Butler will be one of 45 Keys.

I would say the top Key Players would be Obviously Brady, Wilfork to stop the run, along with Mayo and maybe spikes. None of the WR's or TE's are major keys because you can't KEY on anyone of them.

Remember all Butler has to do is....Do YOUR Job!!!

 

[RodThePat]

Arrington has done a mediocre job this season? His play has put him at well above average.

McCourty is "well above average", Brandon Flowers is "well above average", Kyle Arrington is pretty much the definition of a mediocre CB. Won't get abused often, but will give up his share of completions. He is physical and tries hard, and has exceeded all expectations as an UDFA,and that's commendable, but let's not act like he is anything more than a perfectly average defensive back.

 

[RayClay]

Chung will more likely be key. Physical receivers, YAC, mediocre QB, good running attack. Santonio Holmes and what? will require a third cornerback?

 

[RobertWeathers]

McCourty is "well above average", Brandon Flowers is "well above average", Kyle Arrington is pretty much the definition of a mediocre CB. Won't get abused often, but will give up his share of completions. He is physical and tries hard, and has exceeded all expectations as an UDFA,and that's commendable, but let's not act like he is anything more than a perfectly average defensive back.

I think that is a pretty accurate assessment of KA. Hes been serviceable.

Hes had his share of plays against him, but 99.9% of the time, he's wrapping up the receiver as he catches the ball thus preventing substantial YAC.

If you watch him closely, he's a pretty physical corner. When in man coverage, he'll get a good jam on receivers.

He obviously knows the defense and plays the scheme the coaches ask of him. If he was getting roasted out there, he'd be pulled.

The fact that DMC can play his man 1:1 has been a huge benefit to KA as BM or Sanders can help on the deeper routes.

A 2009 Bodden is certainly an upgrade, but KA is not Chris Canty or Ricky Reynolds back there.

 

[upstater1]

You could argue he was a key reason for the loss in game one. Got singed by Edwards all day.

Having said that....I think he has improved dramatically since week 2

But, in game 2, he played a lot and played pretty well. I just don't see him over Chung in this game.

 

[PATSNUTme]

I don't think that Butler will be a key.

Whoever BB puts on Keller will be one of the keys. He is Sanchez go to guy and safety net. Take him away and Sanchez will panic.

Also Chung or Page if they play the big nickle to limit the run. Butler playing well in the passing down nickle will be important but not a key.

 

[N.Eman]

Butler on defense and Edelman on Offense, come on you 2, unleash hell.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

QB's completion % when targeting Butler is lower than when targeting Arrington or Chung - Arrington & Chung give up a higher % of pass completions, so if you want to complete passes you would throw Arrington's & Chung's way. The stats say Butler is not the weak link.

Keller is a safety net but so is LT. We have to do a good job on LT (or whoever is the running back), Keller and the slant route across the middle (usually Holmes). If Sanchez has to throw deep and wide it will be a long day for the JETS.

 

[patman52]

Arrington is a below average corner IMO, He does not contest enough passes
but is a sure tackler and most of the time is in position to prevent YAC. But it seems that he "lets" the receiver catch the ball. I am hoping that Butler continues to improve as he gets his confidence back and i would like to see him get the start on Edwards.

 

[borg]

They will pound the ball and aim in Spikes direction. If Spikes and a fill in D linman are on the same side, that's where the Jets will be attacking.

 

[Ice_Ice_Brady]

Since when does it matter who the corners are against Sanchez? Guys are wide open all game regardless of whose out there. He just can't make the throws.

 

[FredFromDartmouth]

Chung will more likely be key. Physical receivers, YAC, mediocre QB, good running attack. Santonio Holmes and what? will require a third cornerback?

Chung could well be the key and he is overdue for another monster game but I have to believe that Jets will be targeting Butler. Remember how the Rams targeted Otis Smith in the Patriots first SB win? Can Butler step up? Makes me nervous; would rather have O-T-I-S. Kyle Arrington sort of reminds me of Otis Smith; big and physical and someone who does not get badly burned.