In a somewhat confusing move, the Dallas Cowboys decided to re-add Wide Receiver Brice Butler to the roster in order to get something more out of the passing game, which to be honest has been pretty putrid in the first two games of the 2018 season. Something needed to be done, but I’m not sure that Butler is the answer.
I’m going to agree with my fellow Staff Writer, Jess Haynie, in saying that the Cowboys decision to reunite with Brice Butler makes no sense. Jess is actually much more polite than I would’ve been when I initially found out about this transaction. I personally hate the move and I’m not afraid to say it. But ultimately, it wasn’t my decision to make and the only thing that really matters here is whether or not Butler can help improve the passing game?
With all of the questions surrounding the Cowboys receivers, Butler’s addition just adds another one. Unfortunately, we are two games into the 2018 season and the receiver position still remains the biggest unknown. No one has really stepped up their game and with the exception of Tavon Austin’s touchdown catch last week, there hasn’t been any big plays in the passing game.
I don’t really know how Brice Butler is supposed to improve things. Is he supposed to be the “go to” receiver now? Is he any better than what the Cowboys already have on the roster? Or, will he end up being more of a progress stopper? Like I said, he just adds more questions to be answered.
I for one don’t see any upside in adding Butler. Yes, Quarterback Dak Prescott has a bond with him, but nothing ever really materialized there when #19 was here previously. He showed flashes, like he has at all of his stops in the NFL, but his inconsistencies couldn’t convince the coaching staff to play him more. So, what’s changed?
The obvious answer here would be the subtraction of Dez Bryant and Jason Witten in the passing game. That’s quite a bit of production missing that has yet to be accounted for. But again, I am still not buying into the Butler addition as a solution.
I know it sounds like I’m slamming Brice Butler pretty hard, but there was a time when I wanted to see him on the field more. Like many of you, the past few seasons I wanted to see him receive a promotion over Terrance Williams, but unfortunately that never happened. But, that was then and this is now.
Personally, I would much rather see Allen Hurns, Tavon Austin, or Michael Gallup be worked more into the offensive game plan. I just feel that we have already seen what Brice Butler has to offer and it just wasn’t good enough for him to stick around before. It’s time to move forward, not back.
There is a reason Butler was a free agent. I mean, he wasn’t even good enough to stick with Arizona Cardinals, who probably have more problems at WR than the Cowboys. But who knows? Maybe I’ll end up being wrong and he’ll finally play up to his true potential and talent. Wouldn’t that be great?
Now, this is just one person’s opinion, but I just don’t see Brice Butler improving the passing game for the Dallas Cowboys. I think the only way that happens is if Dak Prescott reaches the next phase in his development. Until then, I don’t see things improving much. But, that’s an article for another time.
