upstater1
Hall of Fame Poster
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That was just an example, maybe a bad one.
I'm a fan of Butler and want him to succeed, but he just had a bad year. Next year, Bodden comes back and he'll likely start opposite McCourty which will leave Arrington the leading candidate to play nickel. That means Butler and Wilhite will compete for the dime position. I never thought I'd say this, but based on their play with our defense the past few years, Wilhite is more competent and reliable compared to Butler. Wilhite always seems to be in place to make the play, he just can't make the play. Compared to Butler who always seems to be a few steps behind or is not even close and have no chance of making the play.
I hope he can come in next year and study up. He maybe has the most athleticism amongst our DBs, it's just a shame that he doesn't know what's going on.
I think Butler had 2 bad games to start the year, and then was replaced by a guy who looked even shakier in my eyes, but that guy ended up improving week after week and by the middle to 3/4 of the season, he was better than Butler and playing really well.
Even still, Belichick benched Arrington for Butler in the middle of a few games, and Butler had really good production later on. I don't see what people were complaining about with Butler after the first part of the season.
I think Arrington is great for 3WR formations for next year, but I don't see him in the slot. His hips don't flip quick enough.
I do think though that Bodden is not a shoe-in to start. He has to win his position back.