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The unexpected benching of New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler in favor of Eric Rowe has become one of the big mysteries of Super Bowl LII. As it turns out, it came as quite a shock not only to the viewing public but even to the players themselves.
Rowe admitted post-game that he only knew he was starting over Butler right before the game began.
Eric Rowe said he didn't know he was starting until right before game. Seemed as puzzled as rest of NE as to why no Malcolm Butler
— Tom E. Curran (@tomecurran) February 5, 2018
Patriots coach Bill Belichick claimed post-game that Butler’s benching wasn’t a disciplinary decision, but merely due to the specifics of their gameplan against the Eagles.
However, it’s hard to take that comment at face value given that Rowe was apparently not informed he’d play over Butler until mere moments before the game. Moreover, it’s hard to imagine why Butler, who played over 97 percent of the Patriots’ defensive snaps this season, suddenly had absolutely no part to play schematically in the biggest game of the year.
Whatever the reason for that mysterious move by the New England coaching staff, it did not pan out as the Patriots allowed 373 passing yards and three touchdowns to Eagles quarterback Nick Foles in his Super Bowl MVP-winning performance.
It’s anyone’s guess if Belichick was actually telling the truth regarding their decision to put Rowe over Butler, and if not, if he will ever share the real reason. But regardless of their reason, the damage has been done.
Not only did the Patriots lose the Super Bowl, but they will also almost surely lose Butler, whose post-game comments suggest that this unceremonious benching has basically pushed him out the door in New England this summer.
