Q.: Maybe it's just me, but it seems like Darius Butler is getting seriously shown up by the rookie [Devin] McCourty. In that Saints game, Butler had at least two blown plays (including that penalty he took) and he didn't do much to stand out last Thursday either. For all his athleticism, it doesn't seem like he's playing to his full potential. I know he has been switched over to the right side with [Leigh] Bodden out, but do you think it's possible Bodden and McCourty end up as the starting CBs in September and Butler is relegated to nickel or backup duty? I never would have thought that a couple weeks ago, but now I'm not sure. What has your assessment of his play so far been?
A.: I agree, Butler hasn’t been outstanding so far. Again, though, I’d caution against reading too much into his switch to the right. There are two ways of looking at that. Either the coaching staff felt comfortable having Butler replace the team’s most experienced, consistently productive corner (a feather in Butler’s cap), or they feel McCourty has more play-making potential at left corner – the position that usually guards the opposing team’s best receiver.
McCourty has held his own thus far, but hasn’t really made any big plays, either, aside from a near-interception that he dove for but couldn’t quite hold onto against Atlanta. I’m curious about how this battle will play out when Bodden returns. Right now, I’d say it’s too close to call, but I would be mildly surprised if Butler didn’t move back to the left, at least initially, by virtue of his year of experience in the system. However, if McCourty continues to ascend, it would be difficult to keep him out of the lineup.
Your inherent assumption, of course, is that Bodden will automatically retain his starting job when his health returns, and I think that’s a safe bet, given all the money the team invested in him this offseason. The remote possibility exists that Butler and McCourty would stay the starters, but I don’t think either has done enough to this point to warrant that.
