The sample size may be a little small, but through a few weeks of padded training camp practices and one preseason game, wide receiver Brice Butler looks much improved. If he can continue to carry this momentum throughout the rest the off-season, he could possibly be looking at a much larger offensive role with the Dallas Cowboys in 2017.
In 2015, the Dallas Cowboys sent a 2016 fifth-round draft pick to the Oakland Raiders to acquire Brice Butler’s services. Ever since then a lot of Cowboys Nation have been anxiously awaiting for him to emerge as a consistent offensive weapon. Fortunately for Cowboys fans and Butler, it’s starting to look as if that is exactly what is happening.
Brice Butler has shown flashes of his playmaking ability since joining the Cowboys, but he has also shown an inconsistency that has been frustrating to say the least. It’s those flashes that excited a lot of us and started the questioning of whether or not he could surpass Terrance Williams on the depth chart.
A year ago at this time the debate of Terrance Williams and Brice Butler was one of the hottest topics of discussion among Cowboys fans. We all know Williams didn’t surrender his job in 2016, but Butler’s play in both practices and games so far could open the debate once again.
There is definitely a lot to like about Brice Butler’s game and what he could possibly add to the Cowboys offense. He is one of the tallest and heaviest (6’3″, 220) WRs currently on the roster. But, he also possesses the speed (4.37 40 yard dash) that could add an entirely different dimension to the offense.
Butler has the size and speed to be a weapon all over the field, but he could also be that legitimate deep threat Cowboys fans have wanted for years now. Unfortunately though it’s his lack of consistency and attention span which has always seemed to hold him back from becoming that type of weapon.
Has he finally put things together? Yes. No. Maybe.
I definitely think Brice Butler has a chance to see a larger role on offense in 2017 with the Cowboys, but he’s going to have to continue to prove himself worthy. This is especially true considering the fact the Cowboys WR position is arguably the deepest it has ever been from top to bottom.
There are only so many balls to go around in the passing game and the pecking order doesn’t do Butler any favors. But, if he continues to play the way he has thus far this off-season, I think offensive coordinator Scott Linehan will find a way to get him more involved.
Everything seems to be in his hands right now (pun intended). All he has to do now is take advantage of it.
Yes! I think he has. He has the speed to take that back-end pressure off of Dez. If the OC can find ways to get him in single coverage, could mean a lot of yards and a lot of TOUCHDOWNS.
If they can remain consistent like he has been so far this off-season, he can really be a really good weapon for the Cowboys in 2017
I think what we are about to see is the team going empty backfield while relying less on Jason Witten.
We will start seeing them go 5-wide more often this year. Because there seem to be so many playmakers on this team now, it’s going to be difficult for them all to get a ton of snaps. With Brice potentially being the guy to take the top off the defense and teams having to worry about Dez Bryant all over the field and Beasley and Switzer underneath, and the running game, it’s all going to come together offensively for them.
They are going to score points. And a lot of them.
I have a hard time believing that Williams will lose snaps though. His do it all ability as a WR makes him someone you don’t want to take off the field. Now if Brice can get his blocking on par with Twill, then we are having a different conversation.
John, I agree with everything you said. Well stated.
Thanks. Sometimes I have good thoughts. Lol.
Great article. I really hope to see him step into the #2 spot (even though my gut tells me nothing will change). I thought it would happen last year. Even with any inconsistencies that may still show up, I think his big play ability is just too much to not have on the field. Much like a Tyrell Williams on the Chargers, he’s the only guy on this squad that can take a crossing route and take it 80 yards, take the top off the defense, and has really shown some ability to fight for and win 50/50 balls. I think if it was up to me I’d just rotate Terrance Williams in and out as needed for breathers, or perhaps for matchup reasons in the slot on occasion.
I’m not sure if anything will change either. The Cowboys coaching staff really value Williams and the role he plays on offense. But, if Butler has overcome his inconsistencies, it’s going to be hard to keep him off the field. He can really add an entirely different dimension to the offense that has been missing.
In 2015 it seemed Butler just knew the deep routes and that’s how they used him. Then you could see he learned the rest of the playbook last year & was running shorter stuff, inside routes, etc. And showed he could make tough catches.
So this is his year put it all together. He hasn’t earned starter yet, but he is an argument already for more spread sets & empty sets on long downs. Everyone will benefit if defenses have to deal with his size & speed.
If you put him outside of Dez on the same side, now defenses have to choose whether their best CB moves inside, or if Dez gets their regular slot CB. After Butler notches a couple deep catches this year he’ll start to draw a FS over the top. Cha-ching for Dez underneath.