The New England Patriots’ decision to bench starting cornerback Malcolm Butler in the biggest game of the year continues to baffle me. Butler led the team in defensive snaps this season, and played zero special teams snaps. In Super Bowl 52, he played zero defensive snaps and one special teams snap.
Former Patriots cornerback Brandon Browner called out Bill Belichick for the decision, and several Patriots players liked the post. Butler was angry after the game, saying he felt they gave up on him, and he did not know why the Patriots did what they did.