Adam Butler

3 sacks in the first three games.

Is he the real deal? Might be the most underrated development of this defense this year.

No way to know yet. Looks good though

Got hurt yesterday and it looked bad. He was in quite a bit of pain. I've not yet read any news on this.

What the status of his injury? I don' think he came back in after that.

jam757 said:

Got hurt yesterday and it looked bad. He was in quite a bit of pain. I've not yet read any news on this.

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Looked bad initially, but he walked off on his own power and said he was fine. Actually returned to the game.

The difference this season is Butler's currently top 10 in run stops for DTs with 7. He is starting play like a 3 down player & leads the team in snaps for fattys. We should try to extend him as he's improved each season.

bresna said:

What the status of his injury? I don' think he came back in after that.

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I thought he did come back into the game.

Simpelton said:

No way to know yet. Looks good though

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Should we sit him for a game???

jam757 said:

Got hurt yesterday and it looked bad. He was in quite a bit of pain. I've not yet read any news on this.

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If you watch the replay it didn't look too bad. A teammates knee came down hard into his shin/calf area. More than likely just a deep tissue bruise. Should be good to go.

he is a good all around defensive tackle. Positive development is he learned how to defend the run. Makes him more valuable.

SammyBlueCat said:

Should we sit him for a game???

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Be nice Sammy.

Butler was always a pretty good player without a true position on this team. He fits really nicely into the current defense we have. As for if he has turned some corner and is now playing better all of the sudden? No. Maybe a tad but mostly it is a scheme thing and other guys opening it up for him.

Here are the issues with Butler and why his production wasn't as good before this year.

#1 To weak to be a NT/DT. Unlike Shelton he doesn't have the strength or size to hold up in that kind of role. Particularly as a nose tackle. As a DT he is a better fit but he's more of an athletic penetrating player than a guy you ask to hold the center and slowly collapse.

#2 Not quick enough to shoot a gap. With his size and skill abilities 6-5 305lbs he isn't the kind of DT who has that quick first step that can shoot a gap. He's too heavy and too big a target. It's too easy for someone to get a hand on him and keep him from swimming past or beating him to the spot. This means he can't do what guys like Donald and Atkins can.

#3 Can't play DE. He can do it on run stopping situations of course but when it comes to his pass rush he will not be able to win with a bull rush or beat his guy around the edge.

So Butler while an interesting athlete finds himself in no mans land. It doesn't mean he can't be effective within any of those schemes to a degree. But they aren't something that is a natural fit. Not to mention how congested and predictable those defenses are. That leads to strength or instant speed being more important on the interior. He isn't amazing in either of those areas. He's a unique mix of the two. Good in both but great in neither.

Our current defense fits him VERY well. He loves going 1 on 1 against a guard or center in open space. He can beat them with speed and unlike a bigger and slower DT they need to respect that and commit to it a bit. This allowed him to use his power. Unlike a smaller pass rusher he can out physical an IOL if they get out of position.

Really like Butler, sneaky talented, another UDFA finding for Belichick. IF he can get us 5-6 sacks a year, as well as play the run well, what a steal he'd be for us. This defense has a lot of underrated talent on D.

This year's AFC pro bowl defense is the entire pats defense.

Joey007 said:

3 sacks in the first three games.

Is he the real deal? Might be the most underrated development of this defense this year.

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He's had a fantastic start to the season to be sure.

Dude is awesome

I really want to resign him as soon as possible. Dude can play anywhere on the line. We don't have a playmaker like Donald or Mack but this group is all underrated, all of them are really solid players.

Tony2046 said:

Be nice Sammy.

View attachment 24381

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Look at that! Just like I coach em'!

jam757 said:

Got hurt yesterday and it looked bad. He was in quite a bit of pain. I've not yet read any news on this.

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Another patriot player landed on Butlers leg with their knee as Butler was laying on the ground

He's no Chad Eaton.