The Saskatchewan Roughriders returned to practice on Tuesday in preparation of their upcoming game against Toronto but the attention was still on rookie Craig Butler.
Butler was named Canadian Player of the Week after his breakout performance in the Banjo Bowl.
Butler's game started with a highlight reel hit on Winnipeg's Buck Pierce.
“They audibled the call and originally had the back to my side and they switched it around. I was able to come free. I was surprised as anybody was and I couldn't believe he didn't take a look at me.”
The result was an open hit on an ill prepared quarterback and Butler wasn't about to take it easy on the opposing quarterback.
“I had a couple (of open hits) on receivers and running backs but never a shot like that on a stage like that.”
Butler would follow up that highlight with a few more. The rookie ended up with two interceptions, a fumble recovery and six tackles in the 45-23 win over Winnipeg.
The performance was just another step forward in his development.
“Even though it's early in the season he hasn't plateaued out,” explains defensive coordinator Richie Hall, “He continues to work to get better. He hasn't gotten frustrated because we were going back and forth regarding if he was going to be the starter or were we going to play (James Patrick) back there and he just continued to work hard.”
The Roughriders drafted Butler 12th overall after trading their first round pick (7th overall). The move paid off as he has made the biggest impact of anybody in the 2011 Draft class.
“He was one of the best guys and we were hoping to get him. We pinpointed him and we are just very fortunate to be able to get him because he's really improved our football team.”
Butler's move to the starting line-up was a bit of surprise as the Roughriders moved all-star safety James Patrick to linebacker. While Patrick is still working his way into a comfort zone at his new spot, he's helping out his young replacement.
“All the DBs are just really supportive guys. J.P. is obviously a great guy when you're sitting out a rep and he's back in there, I'm watching him every play.”
Butler is already one up on Patrick in terms of interceptions. Patrick had two in his first full season at safety, while his protege has already grabbed three interceptions in year one.
News and Notes
Linebacker Barrin Simpson and running back Wes Cates have again missed day one of the practice week. The team is confident both will be able to play against Toronto.
The Roughriders kicking situation is again up in the air. The team is finding it difficult to find a player who they can remove from the roster to get Luca Congi back on. Rookie Chris Milo has been an outstanding punter in his last two games with an average of 43 yards/punt. However, Milo's field goal percentage is 57.1, putting him as the only regular kicker below 70 percent.
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