Definition of Butt Fumble

What does the term "Butt Fumble" mean? What is meant by the term "Butt Fumble"?

On November 22nd, 2012, the New England Patriots travelled to New York to take on the Jets in a Thanksgiving game.

The Patriots were good as they always were, while the Jets were spiralling downwards. Rex Ryan was still the coach of the Jets at the time, though the best days of the Rex Ryan era were long behind the club.

The "Butt Fumble" occurred when New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez collided with the butt of his offensive lineman, Brandon Moore.

The ball was dislodged from the hands of Sanchez as a result of the collision. The Patriots scooped up the ball and scored a touchdown.

The play was part of a disastrous second quarter for the Jets, which saw them get outscored 35-3. This was particularly embarrassing for the team, as it took place in primetime in front of a national audience.

-

The play was a direct result of a mistake made by Mark Sanchez, who was struggling mightily as the Jets' starting QB.

Instead of turning to his right to hand off to fullback Lex Hilliard, Sanchez turned to the left. Hilliard had already run by him, which forced Sanchez to try and scramble for some yardage.

Right guard Brandon Moore was attempting to block Vince Wilfork and didn't notice Sanchez collide into his backside.

The ball was dislodged and the Patriots scored a touchdown.

-

This single play sums up the disintegration of the Rex Ryan era in New York.