Does anyone know the truth regarding Butler not playing defense.
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Belli was mad when Butler told him he would be playing for the Rams next year while helping them beat him in the 2019 Super Bowl.
Elmgrovegnome
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Makes you wonder. Two defenses that were tough all year and they give up all of those points. Not what I expected.
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Sports
Patriots benching Malcolm Butler among worst coaching mistakes in Super Bowl history
Sporting News 1 hour 53 minutes ago
If Bill Belichick's inexplicable decision to sit Malcolm Butler against the Eagles isn't the worst coaching mistake ever in a Super Bowl, it's very close.
Bill Belichick gave almost no answers. Malcolm Butler had no answer, either, but lots of emotion, wild guesses and dejection. To be fair, the questions were complicated.
Why did Butler get benched for Super Bowl 52, and did it cost the Patriots their sixth Lombardi Trophy?
There’s a question in there, though, that’s easier to answer: Is this one of the worst and costliest coaching blunders ever in the Super Bowl? That answer is yes. Is it the all-time worst and costliest? It’s hard to find another, even with 52 years of competition.
MORE: Patriots dynasty not over yet
The closest, of course, involves Butler, too, which makes the irony of Belichick’s decision against the Eagles on Sunday night even more wrenchingly painful. Three years ago, Pete Carroll chose to pass from the 1-yard line instead of handing off to Marshawn Lynch. Butler made him and the Seahawks pay for that move, as his game-saving interception launched him from anonymity into stardom, the starting cornerback job and Super Bowl legend.
As it turned out, it didn't take another lifetime to see another coaching decision more boneheaded, more overthinking and outsmarting of one's self. Until further notice, or until a concrete, logical reason surfaces, Belichick topped Carroll and everybody else who has ever coached in this game in sabotaging his team — in a game which could have been won or lost on twists far smaller than this one.
Between both teams, there were two missed PAT attempts, two missed two-point conversions and a bobbled snap on a missed field goal. One of the only two turnovers happened on a pass batted into the air by the receiver trying to make an acrobatic catch. Two Eagles touchdowns survived replays. The Patriots played the last three quarters without Brandin Cooks, who was knocked out of the game with a concussion.
It goes without saying that the Patriots managed to lose while Tom Brady threw for a Super Bowl-record 505 yards. The Patriots only led once all night, though, and the Eagles rolled right back downfield to re-take the lead. Brady had to concoct magic in the last two possessions. For once, he couldn't.
But maybe with Butler on the field — the whole game, half the game, a third of the game, however long — Brady wouldn't have had to win the biggest shootout in Super Bowl history.
There isn't a large library of even questionable coaching moves in recent Super Bowl history, much less outright bizarre or indefensible ones. The aforementioned slant by the Seahawks. Last year’s decision by the Falcons to keep throwing with a chance to work the clock and put the win over the Patriots away. Andy Reid’s clock management the last time the Eagles and Patriots played in 2005. Bill Callahan running a Raiders offense against the Buccaneers that Jon Gruden knew like the back of his hand.
For now, they pale in comparison to Belichick leaving a vital defensive player on the bench while the other team ran up 538 yards and 41 points in a track meet of a game.
The Eagles beat the Patriots on Sunday, but by benching Butler, Belichick gave them a ton of help.
https://www.yahoo.com/sports/patriots-benching-malcolm-butler-among-055359067.html
Patriots benching Malcolm Butler among worst coaching mistakes in Super Bowl history
Sporting News 1 hour 53 minutes ago
If Bill Belichick's inexplicable decision to sit Malcolm Butler against the Eagles isn't the worst coaching mistake ever in a Super Bowl, it's very close.
Bill Belichick gave almost no answers. Malcolm Butler had no answer, either, but lots of emotion, wild guesses and dejection. To be fair, the questions were complicated.
Why did Butler get benched for Super Bowl 52, and did it cost the Patriots their sixth Lombardi Trophy?
There’s a question in there, though, that’s easier to answer: Is this one of the worst and costliest coaching blunders ever in the Super Bowl? That answer is yes. Is it the all-time worst and costliest? It’s hard to find another, even with 52 years of competition.
MORE: Patriots dynasty not over yet
The closest, of course, involves Butler, too, which makes the irony of Belichick’s decision against the Eagles on Sunday night even more wrenchingly painful. Three years ago, Pete Carroll chose to pass from the 1-yard line instead of handing off to Marshawn Lynch. Butler made him and the Seahawks pay for that move, as his game-saving interception launched him from anonymity into stardom, the starting cornerback job and Super Bowl legend.
As it turned out, it didn't take another lifetime to see another coaching decision more boneheaded, more overthinking and outsmarting of one's self. Until further notice, or until a concrete, logical reason surfaces, Belichick topped Carroll and everybody else who has ever coached in this game in sabotaging his team — in a game which could have been won or lost on twists far smaller than this one.
Between both teams, there were two missed PAT attempts, two missed two-point conversions and a bobbled snap on a missed field goal. One of the only two turnovers happened on a pass batted into the air by the receiver trying to make an acrobatic catch. Two Eagles touchdowns survived replays. The Patriots played the last three quarters without Brandin Cooks, who was knocked out of the game with a concussion.
It goes without saying that the Patriots managed to lose while Tom Brady threw for a Super Bowl-record 505 yards. The Patriots only led once all night, though, and the Eagles rolled right back downfield to re-take the lead. Brady had to concoct magic in the last two possessions. For once, he couldn't.
But maybe with Butler on the field — the whole game, half the game, a third of the game, however long — Brady wouldn't have had to win the biggest shootout in Super Bowl history.
There isn't a large library of even questionable coaching moves in recent Super Bowl history, much less outright bizarre or indefensible ones. The aforementioned slant by the Seahawks. Last year’s decision by the Falcons to keep throwing with a chance to work the clock and put the win over the Patriots away. Andy Reid’s clock management the last time the Eagles and Patriots played in 2005. Bill Callahan running a Raiders offense against the Buccaneers that Jon Gruden knew like the back of his hand.
For now, they pale in comparison to Belichick leaving a vital defensive player on the bench while the other team ran up 538 yards and 41 points in a track meet of a game.
The Eagles beat the Patriots on Sunday, but by benching Butler, Belichick gave them a ton of help.
https://www.yahoo.com/sports/patriots-benching-malcolm-butler-among-055359067.html
SteveBrown
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Glad he didn't play, that helped the Eagles and I'm sure he was either late to a meeting or missed curfew or inquired about the opportunity to play for Matt Patricia in the motor city.
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Pizzed is Billicheats cereal?
uke:
uke:
Montanaramfan
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For some good laughs, check out this Patriots message board (http://patriotsfans.freeforums.net/board/1/general-discussion) They want Bill gone. I think with Patricia, McDaniels and possibly Gronk gone next year, things will look different over there regardless. Maybe Bill has an opening for Chris Collisworth. He was horrible last night. Probably still debating the touchdowns the Eagles scored that, in his mind, were questionable. Pats didn't get their customary calls from the refs. About time.
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https://www.theringer.com/nfl-playo...er-benched-mystery-super-bowl-eagles-patriots
We May Never Know Why Bill Belichick Benched Malcolm Butler
But the decision didn’t seem to pay off for the Patriots, who were scorched to the tune of 538 total yards and 41 points in Super Bowl LII
By Danny Heifetz
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58572895/MalcolmButler_Getty_Ringer.0.jpg)
Getty Images/Ringer illustration
When the Patriots’ defense took the field without cornerback Malcolm Butler on Sunday, everybody was surprised—even Eric Rowe, who replaced Butler in the lineup. Asked after the game if he knew he was going to replace Butler, Rowe responded, “No, that wasn’t the plan.”
In a shocking twist, Butler, a legendary Patriots figure for his stunning interception in Super Bowl XLIX, now also represents one of the most puzzling decisions of the Bill Belichick era. Butler played 97.8 percent of New England’s defensive snaps during the regular season—the highest percentage of any player on the team—but saw the field only on special teams in Super Bowl LII.
“They gave up on me,” Butler told ESPN’s Mike Reiss. “Fuck. It is what it is.” He later added that “it was a coach’s decision.” “I was just doing my job and supporting my teammates,” he said. “I have nothing but great things to say about the organization. They gave me an opportunity. That’s about it.”
Butler had flu-like symptoms entering the week, which required two separate hospital visits in New England for treatment. He arrived in Minnesota on Tuesday, a day after the rest of the team, but he returned to practice on Wednesday and there was no indication that Butler wouldn’t play. Rowe told Boston Sports Journal’s Greg A. Bedard after the game that Butler had been getting reps all week.
Belichick denied after the game that it was a disciplinary decision and said it was strictly football related, while defensive coordinator Matt Patricia repeated Belichickian nonanswer after nonanswer.
Making the decision even stranger is that this isn’t just any starting cornerback—this is Malcolm Butler, who made perhaps the best play in the history of football. Belichick didn’t just bench a starter—he benched one of the bona fide legends of the Patriots’ dynasty.
Rowe, who played 16 games for the Eagles in 2015, was targeted twice on the Eagles’ first six plays, surrendering 32 yards. Later in the first quarter, he gave up a deep touchdown to Eagles receiver Alshon Jeffery.
View: https://twitter.com/NFL/status/960302050872471553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theringer.com%2Fnfl-playoffs%2F2018%2F2%2F5%2F16972762%2Fmalcolm-butler-benched-mystery-super-bowl-eagles-patriots
Whatever reason Belichick had for benching Butler, the decision didn’t appear to pay off on the field: The Patriots’ defense was torched in the Super Bowl, giving up 538 total yards, 7.6 yards per play, and 41 points.
The mystery over Butler’s benching—and the question of whether or not he would have made a difference in the game—may be an unexpected final chapter to his time in New England. Butler is an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Asked on whether he’d return to the Patriots next year, he responded, “I ain’t Miss Cleo, so I can’t tell the future.”
Belichick has played with fire with his defensive starters before. Most recently, he flipped Pro Bowl linebacker Jamie Collins to the Browns at the 2016 trade deadline for a third-round pick. It was a surprising move for the Patriots’ already-thin defense, but the Pats went on to win Super Bowl LI. Though we don’t know why Belichick chose to bench Butler on Sunday (and we may never know), it appears that Belichick once again played with fire—and this time he got burnt.
We May Never Know Why Bill Belichick Benched Malcolm Butler
But the decision didn’t seem to pay off for the Patriots, who were scorched to the tune of 538 total yards and 41 points in Super Bowl LII
By Danny Heifetz
Getty Images/Ringer illustration
When the Patriots’ defense took the field without cornerback Malcolm Butler on Sunday, everybody was surprised—even Eric Rowe, who replaced Butler in the lineup. Asked after the game if he knew he was going to replace Butler, Rowe responded, “No, that wasn’t the plan.”
In a shocking twist, Butler, a legendary Patriots figure for his stunning interception in Super Bowl XLIX, now also represents one of the most puzzling decisions of the Bill Belichick era. Butler played 97.8 percent of New England’s defensive snaps during the regular season—the highest percentage of any player on the team—but saw the field only on special teams in Super Bowl LII.
“They gave up on me,” Butler told ESPN’s Mike Reiss. “Fuck. It is what it is.” He later added that “it was a coach’s decision.” “I was just doing my job and supporting my teammates,” he said. “I have nothing but great things to say about the organization. They gave me an opportunity. That’s about it.”
Butler had flu-like symptoms entering the week, which required two separate hospital visits in New England for treatment. He arrived in Minnesota on Tuesday, a day after the rest of the team, but he returned to practice on Wednesday and there was no indication that Butler wouldn’t play. Rowe told Boston Sports Journal’s Greg A. Bedard after the game that Butler had been getting reps all week.
Belichick denied after the game that it was a disciplinary decision and said it was strictly football related, while defensive coordinator Matt Patricia repeated Belichickian nonanswer after nonanswer.
Making the decision even stranger is that this isn’t just any starting cornerback—this is Malcolm Butler, who made perhaps the best play in the history of football. Belichick didn’t just bench a starter—he benched one of the bona fide legends of the Patriots’ dynasty.
Rowe, who played 16 games for the Eagles in 2015, was targeted twice on the Eagles’ first six plays, surrendering 32 yards. Later in the first quarter, he gave up a deep touchdown to Eagles receiver Alshon Jeffery.
View: https://twitter.com/NFL/status/960302050872471553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theringer.com%2Fnfl-playoffs%2F2018%2F2%2F5%2F16972762%2Fmalcolm-butler-benched-mystery-super-bowl-eagles-patriots
Whatever reason Belichick had for benching Butler, the decision didn’t appear to pay off on the field: The Patriots’ defense was torched in the Super Bowl, giving up 538 total yards, 7.6 yards per play, and 41 points.
The mystery over Butler’s benching—and the question of whether or not he would have made a difference in the game—may be an unexpected final chapter to his time in New England. Butler is an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Asked on whether he’d return to the Patriots next year, he responded, “I ain’t Miss Cleo, so I can’t tell the future.”
Belichick has played with fire with his defensive starters before. Most recently, he flipped Pro Bowl linebacker Jamie Collins to the Browns at the 2016 trade deadline for a third-round pick. It was a surprising move for the Patriots’ already-thin defense, but the Pats went on to win Super Bowl LI. Though we don’t know why Belichick chose to bench Butler on Sunday (and we may never know), it appears that Belichick once again played with fire—and this time he got burnt.
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And here comes the rationale from the Patriot fan bois in the media for the reason they lost. I mean, surely they would have won with him in their secondary.
I applaud it. I love the way Belichick makes it about the team first. Nobody is above that. And it's one of the key reasons why they have so many Super Bowl appearances over the years too.
NERamsFan
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Can’t confirm, but I was reading on Twitter it may have to do with butler ALLEGEDLY being out late the night before and showing up late to team meeting.
Again, can’t confirm, but that was the rumor swirling on Twitter. There were also whispers about a possible injury or concussion.
Not sure tho, but here in Patsie country, everyone is in utter shock.
Again, can’t confirm, but that was the rumor swirling on Twitter. There were also whispers about a possible injury or concussion.
Not sure tho, but here in Patsie country, everyone is in utter shock.
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I think the reason for this^ Is BelliCheat Figured he would "Gas" the Pilly 'D' like he did Atlanta's and Peterson was afraid his 'D' would get Gased so he tried to pace his 'D'!! JMHO!
Mackeyser
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None of that makes sense.
Rowe, his replacement, was totally confused and wouldn’t have been if it were a matter of discipline.
If it were a matter of a concussion, then the Pats were risking serious sanctions for not following the concussion protocol.
The only thing we know is that he was sick and was in the hospital, likely for IV antibiotics, antivirals, and fluids. He was on the field and taking first team reps on Wed.
The only thing I can surmise is that Butler is gonna be a UFA and Belichick wanted everyone to know he can win with anyone who fits his system.
Turns out that’s not always true.
Boston Ram
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Butler has had a concussion and has had is since last week. Cant say much more in case someone here tries to post this to social media, so I am going to leave a ton of details out.
My theory is the Patriots told Butler he was going to play, Patriots never disclosed this on the injury report, outside of Thursdays missed practice which they listed as flu like symptoms, which of course is a lie. At some point most likely game day, someone stepped in and said, its not a good idea to play Butler because of the concussion the organization is hiding. They tell Butler before the game its too dangerous to play but tell him he can step on the field by playing a little special teams.
The middle is only my theory, but I know for a fact Butler was diagnosed with a concussion on Saturday, March 27th. I also know it was never reported or appeared in an injury report.
My theory is the Patriots told Butler he was going to play, Patriots never disclosed this on the injury report, outside of Thursdays missed practice which they listed as flu like symptoms, which of course is a lie. At some point most likely game day, someone stepped in and said, its not a good idea to play Butler because of the concussion the organization is hiding. They tell Butler before the game its too dangerous to play but tell him he can step on the field by playing a little special teams.
The middle is only my theory, but I know for a fact Butler was diagnosed with a concussion on Saturday, March 27th. I also know it was never reported or appeared in an injury report.