Patriots Gridiron News 11/7: The Making of Malcolm Butler

New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler has emerged as one of the best corners in the league.

The Patriots decision not to pay big bucks for Darrelle Revis has paid off in the name of Malcolm Butler. The Super Bowl XLIX hero has proved that he is not just a one-game wonder, but a very capable lockdown corner for years to come.

Following a solid second season in the NFL, Butler continues to show growth as the Patriots No. 1 cornerback. In a six-game stretch, he has given up just 12 catches on 34 targets. He had perhaps his best game this season against the Buffalo Bills in Week 8. He allowed just two catches on six targets and really set the tone on defense.

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So how does an undrafted rookie out of West Alabama become of the NFL’s elite defensive backs? Head coach Bill Belichick summed it up on his conference call Sunday.

"“Well, Malcolm [Butler] has grown quite a bit,” Belichick said. “Certainly, the move from West Alabama or Mississippi where he grew up to this area, that’s a pretty big jump right there just in terms of making adjustments, living style, transition and all of that. I think that’s part of it, just going from a college situation and that level of competition to a professional level; the daily demands of the National Football League. Any player has to make that transition.”"

Another thing to love about the progression of Butler is how he remains true to himself. He is a hard worker who continues to excel in the Patriots system. He is in every way the type of player Belichick loves. He never allowed his game-saving Super Bowl play to change his approach to the game.

"“I think Malcolm [Butler] is pretty humble overall,” Belichick continued. “I think that’s one of the things that [is endearing] to his teammates and all the people around him. He’s confident, he works hard, he loves to compete, but at the same time he is humble about his success and the notoriety that he’s received, not for one play, but also as he’s established himself as a solid NFL corner. He still, I think, does a good job of staying humble and keeping things in perspective the right way.”"

Overall, Malcolm Butler sounds like the kind of player the Patriots would love to keep around for a very long time. Considering the success the team has when they have a lockdown corner, he is worth the money it would take to keep him around…as long as he stays humble.

Next: Patriots Coach Bill Belichick Will Be Watching MNF This Week

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