Tennessee Titans cornerback Malcolm Butler’s first game against his former team, the New England Patriots, since his infamous Super Bowl benching is no doubt one of the dominant storylines for Week 10.
But despite all the attention surrounding his reunion with the Patriots, Butler doesn’t believe this particular game is anything special.
“It’s just a game,” Butler said, via the Tennessean. “I know I used to play for New England and all of that. I’m not over-hyped. I’m not very pumped. It’s just another game. I’ve got to be ready to play no matter who I play. People are throwing the ball. Just have to be ready.”
It’s no surprise that Butler has decided to downplay his first time facing his former team. He’d likely to prefer a lot less attention on him, especially given his struggles of late.
The Titans signed Butler to a five-year, $61.25 million contract with the belief that he could emerge as their top corner. Instead, Butler has topped the league charts in terms of the most catches, receiving yards, and touchdowns allowed by a cornerback this season, per Pro Football Focus.
Despite Butler’s struggles, Titans coach Mike Vrabel says the corner will not be demoted. But he of all people should know how the Patriots love to take advantage of opposing teams’ weaknesses. And through eight games, Butler has been the Titans’ biggest weak link on defense.
While Butler is eager not to make this matchup with the Patriots a big deal, he must also focus on not getting burned too badly by his former team, which would absolutely be a big deal.
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