One of the biggest storylines from the Patriots’ crushing loss in Super Bowl 52 was the benching of Malcolm Butler. Many fans and analysts think the cornerback could have been a factor in changing the outcome of the game, and Butler recently told Sports Illustrated that it’s “probably” the truth.
Butler didn’t take the field for a single defensive snap in Super Bowl 52, despite playing every defensive snap in the Patriots’ first two playoff games that preceded it.
In a recent SI: Under the Cover titled “Malcom Butler’s Free Agency,” the former Patriot discussed the situation surrounding his health in the weeks that lead up to the Super Bowl and whether he thought he could have made a difference.
“The week before the Super Bowl, you know I just, I wasn't too feeling too well. Like I had a full nose running. Nose stopped up. You know, I took a trip to the hospital. And, I didn't travel with the team the day they traveled down there.”
“I never missed a game. Never like, missed practice or anything like that.”
“Would we have won if I played? Probably. Maybe. I'm not sure. But I would say we were short about one or two plays, and I seen a couple plays out there I could have made.”
“It was just a coaching decision. This one ain't work out good for me, him or the New England Patriots organization.”
Butler also discussed how he wanted to address head coach Bill Belichick and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia during the big game:
Butler has reportedly agreed to a five-year, $61 million deal with the Tennessee Titans this offseason, after four years with New England.
SOURCE: Sports Illustrated