Malcolm Butler on his matchup with Odell Beckham: ‘It’s all about finishing’
Things didn’t start well for Malcolm Butler in the Patriots’ 27-26 win over the Giants.
On the Giants’ second play from scrimmage, Odell Beckham Jr. ran past Butler on a fade route, caught a pass from Eli Manning, broke a Devin McCourty tackle, and ran for an 87-yard touchdown.
It seemed like it was going to be a long night for the Patriots’ second-year cornerback. But Butler kept battling against Beckham, and held the Giants wideout without a catch for the rest of the first half. And on the Giants’ final drive, Butler broke up Eli Manning’s pass to Beckham in the endzone. Beckham had the ball in his hands, but Butler punched it away.
“It’s all about finishing,’’ Butler told reporters after the game.
Two plays later, the Giants took a 26-24 lead with a field goal with two minutes left to play. Tom Brady and the Patriots offense marched downfield, which set up Stephen Gostkowski’s game-winning field goal.
Butler’s deflection made Brady’s job much easier.
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According to NESN.com, Butler allowed three catches on 10 targets, and had two pass breakups.
“When he makes his break, the ball’s gotta be around,’’ Butler said of his deflections. “Just put your hand in his pocket whenever you feel like the ball is coming.’’
Play between the Giants wideout and Butler got physical. On a Giants run play, Beckham knocked Butler off his feet with a vicious block. And at a few other points during the game, the players tussled after the whistle.
“He’ll rough me up, I’ll rough him up,’’ Butler said. “He’ll say, ‘I got you.’ Then I told him I got him. It’s just respect, playing hard.’’
The two were spotted shaking hands after plays and patting each other on the back. They both appeared to admire their opponent’s playing style, and after the game ended, they met on the field for a hug and quick conversation.
“Those two guys probably have a lot in common in terms of their competitiveness, their toughness,’’ Bill Belichick said. “They may both be a little undersized, but big hearts and big competitors. Beckham is tough. He does everything well. We talked about him all week. He was impressive today [Sunday].’’
Beckham may have been finished with 104 yards and a touchdown. But Butler stopped the catch that mattered most — it’s something for which he’s building a reputation.
Bill Belichick’s not mad; this is just his RBF
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