One of the keys to the Patriots’ dynasty has been their cold heart. The idea that it’s better to get rid of a player a year too early rather than a year too late. This idea has never been more on display than in their treatment of Malcolm Butler during Super Bowl LLI.
The Patriots shockingly benched Butler for the entire game. Bill Belichick claimed it was for football reasons. The decision certainly didn’t work out. The Patriots were repeatedly gashed for big plays by Nick Foles and the Eagles skill players.