Bill Belichick was all smiles after his team beat the Steelers at Heinz Field on Sunday, 27-16. One of the first people he recognized following the win? His No. 1 corner, who recorded his first interception of the season in Pittsburgh.
"How about Malcolm?" Belichick said, via Patriots.com. "We catch 'em in practice, we catch 'em in the game! It all starts right there."
Butler's pick in the first quarter came when Steelers backup quarterback Landry Jones made an ill-advised attempt to wideout Antonio Brown. Butler was in perfect position, cut in front of Brown, and ended the threat. After two more pass breakups over the course of the afternoon, Butler has 10 to go along with his one turnover.
Belichick also recognized running back LeGarrette Blount for his work in Pittsburgh -- a place Blount called home after signing with the Steelers before the start of the 2014 season. Blount finished the game with 127 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries. His eight touchdowns this season are a career-high for him.
"That's the way to run the rock, LG," Belichick said. "That's the way to run the rock."
It wasn't all verbal bouquets from Belichick after the game, though. As he usually does, he pushed his team's focus toward the upcoming week of work for the Bills in Buffalo.
"Division game on the road," Belichick said. "It doesn't get any bigger than this."