It appears Jakobi Meyers isn’t the only player with an axe to grind with the New England Patriots. So, who’s the other person who had a sour experience with Bill Belichick and Co.? It’s Raiders’ defensive lineman, Adam Butler.
The Las Vegas Raiders’ veteran defender spent his first four NFL seasons in New England. As a result, he expected a handshake or some interaction with his former head coach. However, he got nothing.
While Butler addressed in detail what happened after the 21-17 win over the Patriots, the team must turn the page. The Silver and Black now head out on the road to Chicago for a matchup with the Bears, who might not have their starting quarterback.
There’s a lot to dive into after a second straight Raiders win, so let’s get into the latest right away.
DL Adam Butler upset with Patriots head coach Bill Belichick
Usually, when a player faces his former team, they get some exchanges with their ex-coaches and teammates. Butler was likely hoping to have a quick chat with Belichick.
After all, four years is a long time with an NFL team, considering the turnover of a squad. Nonetheless, Butler didn’t receive any interaction with the legendary head coach. The 29-year-old told reporters postgame that Belichick snubbed him.
“It did make me very upset that Bill [Belichick] didn’t even have the respect to say anything to me after the game,” Butler said (h/t Pro Football Talk). “Not even congratulate me, tell me, ‘You look good,’ or, ‘You don’t look good,’ whatever. ‘Kiss my ass,’ something.
“He didn’t say anything. Kind of felt disrespected, made me feel bad. I know Coach Belichick has bigger things to worry about, obviously. They’re going through a tough time, but I mean, wave [or] something. But nothing.”
Belichick probably wasn’t in a talking mood after losing and seeing his team fall to 1-5. Nonetheless, Butler did have the last laugh with his performance in the win over New England. The 29-year-old registered his first sack of the season and two tackles, one of which was for a loss.
The latest on Justin Fields’ status for Bears-Raiders
Even though Butler is upset with the Patriots head coach, he and the squad need to move on from New England. The Silver and Black didn’t secure any fashion points with their win, but they’re 3-3. Next up for Las Vegas is a trip to the Windy City.
The Raiders were already a favorite heading into their contest this coming Sunday. They should be even more if the Bears have no Justin Fields under center. Fields sustained a dislocated right thumb in Sunday’s 19-13 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
Furthermore, head coach Matt Eberflus stated on Monday that the 24-year-old likely won’t play Sunday when the Bears host the Raiders.
“There’s no timetable right now, and it’s really going to come down to grip strength,” Eberflus said (h/t Chicagobears.com’s Larry Mayer). “There’s natural swelling that occurs with this injury. We really should know more at the end of the week.
“Is he going to play this week? It looks doubtful right now for that. But again, we’ll see at the end of the week and be able to make that known at the end of the week. That’s where it is with that.”
Whether Fields plays or not shouldn’t matter, as Chicago is 1-5. The team’s morale is likely low, considering their record. Las Vegas must take advantage of the opponent’s misfortune and handle business. Despite the Raiders not winning in style, they can be 4-3 after Sunday.
So, what do you say, Raiders fans? The Bears were already a bad team, even with their young signal-caller. With Fields now doubtful for the match, are you confident the team can go in there and get a win, or is this a trap game? Let us know.
*Top Photo: Ryan Sun/Associated Press