Patriots Gridiron News: Antonio Brown Gives Malcolm Butler Major Props
New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler has earned major respect from one of the NFL’s best wide receivers.
When one of the NFL’s best wide receivers is applauding your game, then you must be one of the top cornerbacks in the league. Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown and New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler have faced off just a couple of times, but it was enough for Brown to gain respect for the third-year corner.
In preparation for another showdown against Butler, Brown talked up the Patriots cornerback.
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"“He’s a follow-type corner – he’s going to be there,” Brown said via WEEI. “I’m excited about having that opportunity.“Butler finishes to the ball. He puts hands on you like no other.”"
In their first meeting, Antonio Brown seemingly got the best of Butler as far as numbers go. But, what was impressive was how Malcolm Butler was right there with Brown after every catch. At the time, Butler was in the first game of his second season in the NFL and his first game as the team’s number one cornerback.
Entire secondary earns respect
As much respect has Brown has for Butler, he also applauded the entire secondary. He noted their aggressiveness as a unit and how well they follow the game plan of the coaches.
"“Those guys use their hands – they play to the ball,” Brown said. “They’re a great group. They work together. Bill Belichick is a great coach. He has developed some great schemes to help those guys, and it puts them in perfect position.”"
On the offensive: As reported by ESPN Saturday, New England Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett and wide receivers Chris Hogan and Malcolm Mitchell are expected to play in Sunday’s AFC Championship matchup against the Steelers.
Mitchell could be the key here. The rookie wide receiver has earned trust from Tom Brady and should be able to finish some of the plays Michael Floyd couldn’t. Speaking of Floyd, it is not a sure bet that he will be active for the game.
With Mitchell and Hogan ready to go, it is unlikely that the team will carry five wide receivers. It will come down to Floyd and Danny Amendola as to which receiver will be inactive.
Next: New England Patriots Will Persevere Against Steelers In AFC Championship
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