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Position battle: Praise for Victor Butler
August, 14, 2010
By Tim MacMahon
OXNARD, Calif. – Wade Phillips was pretty harsh on outside linebacker Victor Butler last season. The coach saw flashes from Butler, but he wanted consistency.
With Butler bringing it on an every-down basis during the preseason, the praise is pouring from Phillips’ mouth.
Phillips said Butler has played the best of the young backup linebackers. He’s impressed with what he’s seen from Butler as a pass rusher, in coverage and against the run.
“All of those areas, he’s really gotten stronger and more consistent,” Phillips said. “He’d shown ability in all those areas, but I think he’s gotten better.”
Butler, who seems to be separating from fellow 2009 fourth-round pick Brandon Williams in the battle to be the third outside linebacker, had three sacks in limited playing time as a rookie. However, he admits that he too hesitant most of the time.
That’s not the case this season. He’s playing with confidence that comes with his improved comfort level in the Phillips’ scheme.
“To hear somebody say all the hard work you’ve put in is coming to light, it feels good,” Butler said. “When you get the footwork down, the coverages down and the understanding of the defense, you’re able to play a lot faster. That’s what’s happening for me this preseason.”
August, 14, 2010
By Tim MacMahon
OXNARD, Calif. – Wade Phillips was pretty harsh on outside linebacker Victor Butler last season. The coach saw flashes from Butler, but he wanted consistency.
With Butler bringing it on an every-down basis during the preseason, the praise is pouring from Phillips’ mouth.
Phillips said Butler has played the best of the young backup linebackers. He’s impressed with what he’s seen from Butler as a pass rusher, in coverage and against the run.
“All of those areas, he’s really gotten stronger and more consistent,” Phillips said. “He’d shown ability in all those areas, but I think he’s gotten better.”
Butler, who seems to be separating from fellow 2009 fourth-round pick Brandon Williams in the battle to be the third outside linebacker, had three sacks in limited playing time as a rookie. However, he admits that he too hesitant most of the time.
That’s not the case this season. He’s playing with confidence that comes with his improved comfort level in the Phillips’ scheme.
“To hear somebody say all the hard work you’ve put in is coming to light, it feels good,” Butler said. “When you get the footwork down, the coverages down and the understanding of the defense, you’re able to play a lot faster. That’s what’s happening for me this preseason.”