I think if Lockette had caught the ball he would have gotten creamed.
Hightower and others were in good position to lay Lockette out before he got to the end zone.
Another risky aspect to the play... catch, hit, and possible fumble.
Hightower and others were in good position to lay Lockette out before he got to the end zone.
That said, Butler was certainly in place to keep Lockette from getting in the end zone, and perhaps holding onto the ball. As it was, the bump on the way to get the ball stopped Lockette cold, and caused him to rotate in the air.