New England Patriots vs. Philadelphia Eagles: Five Players To Watch
By Cyrus Geller
Aug 7, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins running back Roy Helu (29) carries the ball as New England Patriots defensive back Malcolm Butler (29) chases in the first quarter at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 23-6. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
1. CB Malcolm Butler
Butler played a magnificent game last week against the Redskins, and reportedly followed it up with an excellent week of practice. There are always surprise players that emerge during camp, and if Butler can string together a few good weeks, I think he may be this year’s biggest surprise.
Philadelphia doesn’t have the best group of wide receivers, but they have proven over this past week that they can hold their own with one of the best secondaries in the NFL. Butler will be matched up with a number of wideouts tonight, so I am really looking forward to how he reacts to this last week of success. Will he continue to shine? Or will he slip up a bit, and come back down to earth?
I am hoping he keeps going up, because I love this kid’s game. He is physical, technically sound, and has good ball skills. Although he did drop a few interceptions last week against the Redskins. The Patriots have a stacked defensive backfield, but I have a feeling Butler may force his way into the rotation at some point over the next couple of months.