Aug 15, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Brice Butler (12) is congratulated by wide receiver Greg Jenkins (10) after catching a touchdown pass against the Detroit Lions in the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Lions 27-26. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Brice Butler
Brice Butler led the NFL in receiving during the preseason and looked good doing so but started the regular season on a short leash. After sitting for a while, Butler finally got some regular season action and went back to the bench after one drop. Meanwhile, Holmes got to drop plenty of balls in the preseason and a couple of more in the regular season with no consequence.
As a matter of fact, he got to stay in and catch a touchdown pass last Sunday after his drop was intercepted. Rod Streater had three drops in his first two games so there’s no need to punish Butler for the same crime every receiver except James Jones has committed. I think Butler has good hands but just needs a chance to get comfortable and if he doesn’t, we at least get to find out because there’s on one special out there for the Raiders now.
As a matter of fact, Butler can be special if given the chance as on his first catch Sunday, you saw his 40-inch vertical leap on the fade-route. Then on his second catch, he showed his ability to beat press coverage in combination with his 4.3 wheels and 6.6 3-cone drill agility to create five yards of separation for himself going across the middle. He has more talent than any receiver on the team so it’s time to give him a look to see what he can do for the future.