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Roster Rundown
Butler Capitalizes On Backup Reps
Rob Phillips
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
Butler's fourth-quarter sack on Dec. 19 against the Redskins, turned out to be a critical play.
Name: Victor Butler
Position: Outside Linebacker
Height/Weight: 6-2/246
Experience: Two seasons
College: Oregon State
Key stat: Butler's fourth-quarter sack on Dec. 19 against the Redskins - one of two he recorded in 2010 - indicated he can make plays in critical situations. His sack forced Washington to punt, setting up the Cowboys' winning drive.
Contract Status: Signed through 2012.
2010 Impact: Butler appeared in 15 games as the primary backup to starters DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer, spelling both for roughly 10-12 plays a game. He recorded 20 tackles (13 solo), five quarterback pressures, two sacks and one forced fumble. He also played on multiple special teams units, finishing seventh in tackles (10).
Where He Fits: Ware's job is obviously secure, and although Spencer's numbers dipped in 2010, he would appear to have a solid grip on his own starting status. Butler has emerged as the third-best outside linebacker on the current roster and could push for more playing time with a solid training camp and preseason. A free-agent addition or draft pick could push him, too, however.
Writers' Analysis:
Rob Phillips: Fellow 2009 fourth-round pick Brandon Williams got more attention in camp last year, but Butler has been the more active backup linebacker. The next step is becoming more well-rounded. He's a talented pass rusher, but he needs to be more effective against the run and more consistent on special teams. The Cowboys deactivated him Dec. 12 against the Eagles presumably for special teams reasons. But there's no question he can have a valuable role in keeping Ware and Spencer - ideally the team's most productive pass rushers - fresh for four quarters.
Nick Eatman: Obviously there are reasons why Butler doesn't get much playing time, and it's mainly because he's got Ware and Spencer ahead of him. Still, it seems like he does make plays when he gets the opportunity. He was near-dominating in the preseason games last year and had some similar moments in the regular season. The Cowboys just need to find a way to get him involved on a consistent basis, but it's not easy when you've got an All-Pro on one side and a first-round pick who everyone is waiting to come around on the other. Maybe this is the year Butler actually pushes Spencer for more playing time.
Butler Capitalizes On Backup Reps
Rob Phillips
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
Butler's fourth-quarter sack on Dec. 19 against the Redskins, turned out to be a critical play.
Name: Victor Butler
Position: Outside Linebacker
Height/Weight: 6-2/246
Experience: Two seasons
College: Oregon State
Key stat: Butler's fourth-quarter sack on Dec. 19 against the Redskins - one of two he recorded in 2010 - indicated he can make plays in critical situations. His sack forced Washington to punt, setting up the Cowboys' winning drive.
Contract Status: Signed through 2012.
2010 Impact: Butler appeared in 15 games as the primary backup to starters DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer, spelling both for roughly 10-12 plays a game. He recorded 20 tackles (13 solo), five quarterback pressures, two sacks and one forced fumble. He also played on multiple special teams units, finishing seventh in tackles (10).
Where He Fits: Ware's job is obviously secure, and although Spencer's numbers dipped in 2010, he would appear to have a solid grip on his own starting status. Butler has emerged as the third-best outside linebacker on the current roster and could push for more playing time with a solid training camp and preseason. A free-agent addition or draft pick could push him, too, however.
Writers' Analysis:
Rob Phillips: Fellow 2009 fourth-round pick Brandon Williams got more attention in camp last year, but Butler has been the more active backup linebacker. The next step is becoming more well-rounded. He's a talented pass rusher, but he needs to be more effective against the run and more consistent on special teams. The Cowboys deactivated him Dec. 12 against the Eagles presumably for special teams reasons. But there's no question he can have a valuable role in keeping Ware and Spencer - ideally the team's most productive pass rushers - fresh for four quarters.
Nick Eatman: Obviously there are reasons why Butler doesn't get much playing time, and it's mainly because he's got Ware and Spencer ahead of him. Still, it seems like he does make plays when he gets the opportunity. He was near-dominating in the preseason games last year and had some similar moments in the regular season. The Cowboys just need to find a way to get him involved on a consistent basis, but it's not easy when you've got an All-Pro on one side and a first-round pick who everyone is waiting to come around on the other. Maybe this is the year Butler actually pushes Spencer for more playing time.