According to Pro Football Focus, Indianapolis Colts cornerback Darius Butler has allowed the league’s lowest opposing passer rating when targeted of any player at his position covering the slot:
When lined up in the slot, @Colts CB Darius Butler has allowed a 63.3 passer rating into his coverage -- best of any NFL cornerback. pic.twitter.com/K3MqBvQs8y
— PFF (@PFF) November 29, 2016
While much ado was made earlier this past offseason about free agent signing Patrick Robinson potentially pushing Butler out of his accustomed slot role, the latter has been arguably one of the Colts best defensive backs this season at both cornerback and safety–effectively manning the middle.
The 30 year old cornerback (situational safety) has appeared in 8 games (4 starts) for the Colts this season, recording 28 tackles, 4 passes defensed, 2 interceptions (which lead the team), and a forced fumble.
Butler has not only efficiently covered the slot for the Colts, but at times, he’s also been deployed at safety in pass heavy situations–due to injuries or further need for coverage/speed on the field.
Entering the last year of his current Colts contract, the 8-year veteran cornerback continues to be a reliable contributor for the defense’s secondary.