Titans' Butler: Playing Patriots 'just another game'

Cornerback Malcolm Butler will be front and center Sunday when the Tennessee Titans host his former team, the New England Patriots, for a Week 10 matchup.

It'll be Butler's first official reunion with ex-teammates and coaches after he was benched in the Patriots' Super Bowl LII loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, but he's not looking at it as a chance for revenge.

"It's just another game," Butler insisted Wednesday, according to Erik Bacharach of The Tennessean.

The 28-year-old has largely been a disappointment this season after signing a five-year, $61.25-million contract as a free agent last offseason. Butler ranks just 98th among 111 qualified cornerbacks, according to Pro Football Focus. He's allowed seven touchdowns, 618 passing yards, and 39 receptions, the worst figures in the league among corners.

While facing the team that gave up on him a little more than nine months ago could spark a strong performance from Butler and help out a Titans team sitting at 4-4 and second in the AFC South, the defensive back says he's not using the marquee opponent as extra motivation.

"It's just a game," Butler said. "I know I used to play for New England and all of that. I'm not overhyped. I'm not very pumped. It's just another game. I've got to be ready to play no matter who I play. People are throwing the ball. Just have to be ready."

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