Malcolm Butler in SB LI

[K. Dog]

Can someone analyze Butler's performance in SB LI? It was very hard to tell from the highlights, I suppose because the man he was defending was never open so never got any passes.

 

[farn]

Two years ago, I wondered out loud if he was going to be a one-hit wonder but was glad to see him become a true player.

Gabriel did squat. Butler did his job.

 

[Ring 6]

Critical pi inside the 5 on 3rd down.
Ankle broken embarrassingly by Gabriel.
A least 2 nice run support plays I remember
Otherwise a quiet night as they threw elsewhere and probably a part of Julio only seeing 4 targets.

 

[archstanton543]

He was good in coverage but he got juked out of the universe leading to a huge Atlanta gain.

Also, why were the Pats players slipping all over the place? Atlanta didn't seem to have a problem with traction on that turf.

 

[slash83]

Gabriel whipped him on the one deep pass but other than that nothing.

 

[scott99]

Critical pi inside the 5 on 3rd down.
Ankle broken embarrassingly by Gabriel.
A least 2 nice run support plays I remember
Otherwise a quiet night as they threw elsewhere and probably a part of Julio only seeing 4 targets.

Your first part, the pass interference, that was a ******** call, probably one of the best plays Butler made all day. Atlanta was doing worse all game. Gabriel dissed him big time on that one play though. He was posterized.

 

[Va_Pats_Fan]

Your first part, the pass interference, that was a ******** call, probably one of the best plays Butler made all day. Atlanta was doing worse all game. Gabriel dissed him big time on that one play though. He was posterized.

On the replay I seen a pile of turf come up just before he went down. Did the turf give out, or was he just juked out of his pants?

 

[scott99]

On the replay I seen a pile of turf come up just before he went down. Did the turf give out, or was he just juked out of his pants?

He was juked, happens to the best of them. Gabriel also runs a 4.28, so I can understand how someone can get tangled up with their own feet.

 

[yukon cornelius]

great story, but also speaks volumes about BB - finding players that no one else sees, stockpiling guys that have something to prove, targeting leaders, looking for smart, versatile players that fit his system.....and not being afraid to jettison those who don't buy in, regardless of talent

 

[Ross12]

Outside of his one time getting his ankles broken, he played quite well. Gabriel barely did a thing.

Really, everyone did great. Rowe, IMO, had EXCELLENT coverage on Julio but Julio made miracle catches multiple times which are practically indefensible.

 

[JPsPats]

He was juked, happens to the best of them. Gabriel also runs a 4.28, so I can understand how someone can get tangled up with their own feet.

I'm pretty sure when I re-watched Gabriel stepped on Malcolm's foot when he breaks to the post?

 

[Ring 6]

Your first part, the pass interference, that was a ******** call, probably one of the best plays Butler made all day. Atlanta was doing worse all game. Gabriel dissed him big time on that one play though. He was posterized.

I thought that at first on the PI but rewatching it today he grabbed with the left arm and pulled the receiver while diving to deflect with the right.

 

[Ring 6]

I'm pretty sure when I re-watched Gabriel stepped on Malcolm's foot when he breaks to the post?

No

 

[TheBostonStraggler]

I thought that at first on the PI but rewatching it today he grabbed with the left arm and pulled the receiver while diving to deflect with the right.

He did use his left arm to hook the body to get leverage to pull the right arm into make the play.
In a tightly called game it would be acceptable to be flagged. But given what was going on in that game MB's defense on that play was OK. All over the palce with Defensive holding**, hands to the face, roughing/late hits, facemasks, PIs - yet mostly the way a PO/SB should be called IMHO. Let them play and call only gross conspicuous infractions (not withstanding procedural issues such as false start or offsides).
I bristled at first when the PI was called on Bennett's defender, however, on second view it was a gross and conspicuous infraction (wrapped Bennett with both arms, didn't look back whatsoever, did not make any attempt to make a play on the ball). Hogan's OPI (pass to White) was obvious too (it wasn't even close for him to release and begin blocking). Same thing with the hold on Long - another grossly obvious one (a headlock wrestling move take down). Bottom line: there were plenty of OPIs, PIs, offensive and defensive holdings going on that was more than just marginal that didn't get called. Again IMHO the way PO football should be.

**There were two consecutive calls on Atl for defensive holding. Just MHO again but I think that was the refs trying to send a message to the Ds that 'you are being too grossly obvious about it.

 

[Kdo5]

He played quite well if you can forgive the PI and Gabriel catch where he got juked, which was a pretty embarrassing highlight.