Malcolm Butler makes Vance Joseph happy, loves man coverage
By Kyler Burd
New Arizona Cardinals cornerback Malcolm Butler apparently loves man coverage which should make his defensive coordinator, Vance Joseph, extremely happy.
In the most recent episode of “Big Red Rage“, an Arizona Cardinals podcast, new cornerback Malcolm Butler discussed his desire to play man coverage.
Cardinals defensive coordinator, Vance Joseph, is a big fan of man coverage, and he employs it extensively in his 3-4 defense that ranked 12th overall in defensive efficiency in 2020.
However, during his first two seasons in Arizona, Joseph has rarely had cornerbacks be effective in the scheme he likes to run.
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On the “Big Red Rage” podcast, hosted by Paul Calvisi and Ron Wolfley, Butler noted that man coverage is his favorite way to play.
"“I’m gonna have to go with man to man, I’m walking up man. You’re giving them a chance. You’re really like giving them space. I don’t know, I just want to eat up their space there. I want to be as close as I can.”"
Later in the podcast, Butler also commented on rookie cornerback Marco Wilson, Arizona’s fourth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
"“I really like Marco. He has nice size, he’s quick, he’s fast. Got nice speed. He can jump-run. He’s very athletic. If he just grind it out and work hard he will be a great player in this league.”"
Continuing to talk about rookies, Butler had this to say about Cardinals 2021 sixth-round pick, Tay Gowan:
"“Big guy, he can move, drop, curl-flat drop, you know he can blitz. Guy’s got talent and I think the Cardinals did a good job picking those guys up.”"
In 2020, playing for the Tennessee Titans, Butler had 100 tackles and four interceptions for 111 yards. In March, the Cardinals signed Butler to a one-year, $3.25 million contract.
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As it stands, Butler is the No.1 cornerback for Arizona while the coaching staff struggles to decide whether Robert Alford or Byron Murphy will play opposite him.