Patriots Daily: Malcolm Butler Returns; Miami Loses Game and Tua

The New England Patriots announced special plans for their home opener against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. Their 2014 team will have a reunion to celebrate the tenth anniversary of their Super Bowl 49 win against Seattle. The Patriots beat the Seahawks 28-24 in the game.

Twenty-three players from the team were announced as returning for Sunday’s game, along with the team’s defensive coordinator, Matt Patricia. This does not include the three members of the team now on New England’s coaching staff: Jerod Mayo, Dont’a Hightower, and Matthew Slater. Several notable stars from the squad were noticeably absent from those attending. This includes Bill Belichick, Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman, Vince Wilfork, Devin McCourty, and Darrelle Revis.

Patriots Super Bowl XLIX hero Malcolm Butler to perform Keeper of the Light duties in 2024 home opener vs. Seattle Seahawks: https://t.co/FdWPvbvbDT pic.twitter.com/PPToHCOuvc

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 12, 2024

One player who will be there is Malcolm Butler. The cornerback made the game-winning interception on what this scribe believes is the greatest play in NFL history. Butler was assigned “Keeper of the Light” duties for the game. It is a tradition started in 2023 by the New England Patriots and is used to honor a special guest who rings the fog bell at the lighthouse. Last season’s keepers included Patriots legends Dante Scarnecchia, James White, Tom Brady, and other special guests.

Malcolm Butler's goal-line interception in Super Bowl XLIX.

Four years ago today. @Patriots @Mac_BZ pic.twitter.com/mP254qjQ7k

— NFL Legacy (@NFLLegacy) February 1, 2019

Buffalo Beats Miami, Tua Tagovailoa Injured

An AFC East rivalry game kicked off Week 2 on Thursday Night Football. The visiting Buffalo Bills beat the Miami Dolphins by a final score of 31-10. James Cook scored three touchdowns for Buffalo. Ja’Marcus Ingram highlighted an impressive defensive performance for Buffalo with two interceptions, including a pick-six. Miami’s offense struggled to get anything going all night. They had three turnovers in addition to turning the ball over on downs three times.

The biggest story to come out of last night’s game was Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa leaving the game with 4:11 left in the third quarterback. He lowered his head and ran into Damar Hamlin’s chest. It was immediately obvious something was seriously wrong. Tagovailoa has a history of concussions, which makes it an even more scary situation.

🙏 for tua pic.twitter.com/DIi3IOXhJU

— alex brasky (@alexbrasky) September 13, 2024

Also in today’s Patriots Daily:

Patriots Fact/Trivia of the Day

Post of the Day

Robert Kraft Belongs in the Pro Football Hall of Fame – ESPN wrote an article about Robert Kraft’s campaigning to get into the Hall of Fame. It mentioned all the reasons some believe he deserves to stay out. It is ridiculous.

Eliot Wolf Has Released 54 Players; Where Are They Now? – Since taking over for Bill Belichick, Eliot Wolf has released 54 players. There are 28 still looking for work. See what the ex-Patriots from earlier this year are up to.

Dan Kelley’s Week 2 Survivor Pool Advice – I went 14-2 with my Week 1 picks for NFL winners. I’m off to a rough start in Week 2 after the Dolphins loss, though it was listed as my least confident pick. Will the New England Patriots get themselves (and me) a win against Seattle?