Discussing "The pick". What if..

[Oswlek]

Your opinion is that it is wrong, I believe that It is correct.

Yes, it is my opinion, but it is supported by rule book. If a player catches a ball and is pushed or knocked into the EZ, he is given forward progress even if he is able to try to run back out. If the claim is that he didn't have forward progress to move the ball to, then by definition it would be a touchback since it was caught in the end zone.

In order for it to be a safety, you would need Butler to catch the ball and then actively run backwards into the EZ.

 

[chasa]

Yes, it is my opinion, but it is supported by rule book. If a player catches a ball and is pushed or knocked into the EZ, he is given forward progress even if he is able to try to run back out. If the claim is that he didn't have forward progress to move the ball to, then by definition it would be a touchback since it was caught in the end zone.

In order for it to be a safety, you would need Butler to catch the ball and then actively run backwards into the EZ.

He was already out after he was pushed, in order to take a knee in the endzone, he would have had to walk backwards to take the knee, thus safety. Him getting knocked back isn't what would cause the safety, because he was not knocked back far enough into the endzone, he would actually have to go backwards.

 

[Patriot Missile]

If Butler took a knee in the end zone I would of won the Super Bowl squares since I had 8 and 6. 1250.00 and the win would of been a even better Sunday. However I don't think my heart could of taken much more and am glad the way things turned out.

No regrets although I laugh about it sometimes. Just a awesome awesome ending.

 

[XLIX]

Yes, it is my opinion, but it is supported by rule book. If a player catches a ball and is pushed or knocked into the EZ, he is given forward progress even if he is able to try to run back out. If the claim is that he didn't have forward progress to move the ball to, then by definition it would be a touchback since it was caught in the end zone.

In order for it to be a safety, you would need Butler to catch the ball and then actively run backwards into the EZ.

I have looked at the play once again (something I will never get tired of doing) and read the applicable rule. I would like to revise my earlier post.

IMHO, the correct rule would have been touchback for the reasons you outline above. Butler did not catch the ball with both feet down in the field of play. His left foot is in the air when he makes the INT and that foot comes down on the goal line. Even though the ball was caught on the 1, it is not considered a catch in the field of play. It is considered a catch in the end zone, therefore if he takes a knee (or gets tackled) then it is a touchback.

Please note that the above represents what I believe the correct call should be. What the actual call would be might be a different matter.

 

[RayClay]

Based on his experience practicing that play, Butler absolutely went 100% to where he knew the ball would go, right from the snap. Look how far back he was at the snap -- there is no way he gets to that ball without jumping the route the way he did from the get go. Scouting, practice, learning.

He did have to hesitate a moment, though. Otherwise the receiver could have walked into the end zone.

 

[1960Pats]

Apparently, the safety issue was not solved earlier as someone suggested. Let me add my $.02. I don't believe it was ever a potential safety, but Butler probably wasn't sure and saw that he was near the goal line and didn't want to take a chance.

As for the play itself, it was a direct result of the Pats preparation and the Seahawks' predictability. What if the mediots decided to explore that angle? That would make a pretty good story. After all, it led to the greatest defensive play in the history of the NFL.

 

[Tony2046]

Even though he only played 16% or so of the snaps last year, its his 4th quarter and that play on that stage under that kind of pressure which has me pretty confident in saying that not only will Butler be one of the starting CB's next year, he will also have a solid season.

I'm sure as a 2nd year player in 2015 he'll have some down moments but he'll be fine.

Here is a link I just ran into of a break down of Butlers plays during the Super Bowl. I thought play #20 showed awareness. He trips Lockette after losing his footing and prevented a potentially big play. He should have been flagged for pass interference but it would have been a much bigger gain if he had let lockette catch it.

http://nflbreakdowns.com/malcolm-butler-super-bowl-plays/

 

[RobertWeathers]

Here is a link I just ran into of a break down of Butlers plays during the Super Bowl. I thought play #20 showed awareness. He trips Lockette after losing his footing and prevented a potentially big play. He should have been flagged for pass interference but it would have been a much bigger gain if he had let lockette catch it.

http://nflbreakdowns.com/malcolm-butler-super-bowl-plays/

Excellent breakdown.

He played like a 5th year pro. Beyond his years.

 

[5thRing-Hunt]

I have no doubt with the shape brady is in and his determination that he will take us to another super bowl and soon. I love the pick and all the other exciting ways we've won but is it too much to ask that next time we just blow out the other team? I've seen the pats destroy some of the best teams in the regular seasons. I Just want to go into the 4th thinking man we are up by 30. No stress needed.

 

[Tony2046]

I have no doubt with the shape brady is in and his determination that he will take us to another super bowl and soon. I love the pick and all the other exciting ways we've won but is it too much to ask that next time we just blow out the other team? I've seen the pats destroy some of the best teams in the regular seasons. I Just want to go into the 4th thinking man we are up by 30. No stress needed.

I agree, I am too old to ride emotional roller coasters like that anymore.

YEAHH!! DAMMNN!!! WTF!!! THAT"S WHAT I"M TALKING ABOUT!! OH NO!! NO WAY!!! CALL A TIME OUT>>>CALL A TIME OUT!!! YEAAAAHHHHH!!! "I knew we had it" "I wasn't worried" hahaha