Malcolm Butler isn't shying away from criticism.
In fact, he's agreeing with it.
Butler, in an interview with The Athletic's Jeff Howe, echoed the sentiments of his critics both in New England and Tennessee.
“Most definitely, the big contract, a different team, left New England on a not-so-well note and it looks like it’s carrying over. Everything is just, I don’t know, it is what it is. It’s life. I’ve just got to keep scrapping, man, like I always do.”
Butler believes the fix is his mentality.
“I’ve just got to go out there and just play like I don’t care — not careless, but go out and play and not think about anything. Just go out there and be who I was in 2015, 2014 when I was trying to make a roster. I really didn’t care about anything, getting beat, anything. I just wanted to be in the NFL. That’s what I’ve got to go back to. That’s what I’ve been saying to myself a lot. I sound like I’m beating a dead horse, but I’ve got something to prove.”
Butler made the New England roster in 2014, and become a star with his Super Bowl-sealing interception that year. He was a Pro-Bowl selection in 2015, but was not nearly as consistent in 2016. Last season was a struggle, culminating in being benched for the Super Bowl.
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Last offseason, Butler signed a five year, $61 million with the Tennessee Titans, coached by former Patriots linebacker Mike Vrabel. Butler's Titans career has gotten off on a bad foot. According to Pro Football Focus, he has allowed the most receptions (39), yardage (618 yards) and touchdowns (7) of any corner so far this season.
He knows that he's the only one who can turn his season around. “Not too good,” Butler said. “I wish it could be better, hope to get better. I know it’s going to get better. I just take it for what it is. It’s only up to me to change it. Nobody else can do it."
And with half the season still remaining, Butler will be looking to start his turnaround this week against his former team.
“I [evaluate] my seasons in halves,” Butler said. “The first one was [expletive], so I’ve got another half to make up for it.”
Butler and the Titans host the Patriots Sunday at 1 p.m.
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