The Reason Behind Malcolm Butler's Absence in Super Bowl LII

Malcolm Butler, a key player for the New England Patriots, was notably absent from Super Bowl LII against the Philadelphia Eagles, a decision made by head coach Bill Belichick. This article will explore the various theories and reasons behind his benching, focusing on both potential personal issues and strategic decisions made by the coaching staff.

Butler's Performance and Bench Decision

Butler, who had been a vital player for the Patriots, had indeed fallen from the 8th best corner in 2016 to 51st in 2017 as per Pro Football Focus (PFF). Despite this drop in performance, this alone may not have been reason enough for the benching. Reports suggested that Butler had a poor week of practice leading up to the game. Though there were indications of disciplinary issues, Belichick did not provide a clear explanation for the decision until after the game.

Theories and Evidence

Various theories have circulated regarding Butler's absence, ranging from the possibility of breaking team rules to more controversial allegations such as Belichick intentionally sabotaging the defense. However, there is limited concrete evidence to support these claims beyond loose speculation. Instead, let's examine two more plausible scenarios:

Illness and Lack of Practice

The first and more likely scenario is that Butler had been ill all week leading up to the Super Bowl. Even if he had recovered, he may not have been fully at 100 percent and hadn't been involved in any game planning. Belichick and Patricia may have chosen players who had been practicing all week, believing that they would be better options.

Strategy for the Super Bowl

Belichick may have also been employing a strategy reminiscent of his role in Super Bowl XXV. During that game, the Giants faced a highly-talented Buffalo Bills offense, which leaned heavily on the run. Belichick then prioritized stopping the pass, knowing that it would be more inefficient for the Bills. Against the Eagles, the general consensus was that the Patriots' defense needed to perform well, especially considering the underwhelming performance of the Eagles' offense without Carson Wentz.

Belichick likely knew that the Philadelphia Eagles' defense would struggle if pressured by the Patriots' offense. He strategically lined up players like Jordan Richards and Jonathan Bademosi to force the Eagles to rely on the passing game. With two familiar backs in Jay Ajayi and LeGarrette Blount, and the capable receiver Zach Ertz, Belichick aimed to use less reliable receivers like Torrey Smith and Nelson Agholor.

Belichick's passing defense had performed well against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC Championship, mainly in the fourth quarter. Devin McCourty and Pat Chung were still solid choices, while Stephon Gilmore, although not playing at his peak, had shown recent effectiveness. By forcing the Eagles to throw more, Belichick was betting on his team to make crucial plays when it mattered most.

The Game's Outcome and Legacy

Despite the strategic approach, the Patriots ultimately lost 41-33 to the Eagles. The game highlighted the Patriots' run defense struggles and the Eagles' strong rushing attack led by Jay Ajayi and LeGarrette Blount. Brandon Graham's fumble forced in the critical moment almost turned the game in the Patriots' favor, but it ultimately didn't.

Malcolm Butler's absence from this game remains a significant point of discussion and analysis, underscoring the complexities and strategic decisions made by head coaches in high-stakes moments of professional football.