Brice Butler, NFL have seen Robert Alford’s flopping act before

Brice Butler couldn’t believe it. Or, perhaps, maybe he could.

The offensive pass interference penalty he was flagged for in the first half of the Dallas Cowboys’ 27-7 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday included one of the more egregious flops of the NFL season.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah ... if you’ve watched [Robert] Alford for a while he’s a good seller,” Butler said with a smile.

The Falcons’ cornerback brilliantly sold a push off against Butler on what could have been a pivotal turning point in the game. On 4th and 8 at the Atlanta 37, Cowboys punter Chris Jones pulled up and hit Butler for a 16-yard, first down-making play. But Alford went tumbling backwards and fell to the turf and Butler was flagged for the 10-yard penalty. Instead of having first down and the ball at the Falcons’ 21, the Cowboys were forced to really punt and their lead was stuck at 7-3.

When Alford wasn’t flopping, he was taking cheap shots on Cole Beasley.

Alford has a history for the dramatic. In the NFC Championship in January, he famously flopped after Packers’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers bumped him after a play.

“Aaron Rodgers touched him and he flopped back,” Butler said. “That’s what he does.”

Later in Sunday’s game, Butler said, Alford was trying to sell another offensive interference call despite being the one holding on to Butler. Butler grudgingly offered respect.

“He did his job,” he said. “They called the penalty so his coaches are going to be happy.”

This story was originally published November 12, 2017 at 9:18 PM with the headline "Brice Butler, NFL have seen Robert Alford’s flopping act before."