FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 22: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on before the game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium on September 22, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Patriots defender will have a chance to back his words up after calling out Atlanta’s superstar, Julio Jones

This might not be such a smart strategy ...

The New England Patriots' ability to slow down Atlanta Falcons' receiver Julio Jones could be the difference in Super Bowl LI.

Related: Former Alabama star Julio Jones was held, still beats two defenders for 73-yard TD 

Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler will likely be tasked with stopping Jones, and he tweeted about wanting to defend him over four years ago while still in college at West Alabama.

Butler famously intercepted Russell Wilson to secure the Patriots' win in Super Bowl XLIX. The Pats might need more heroics from Butler to win their fifth Super Bowl on Feb. 5.

But Jones is another matter. He's arguably the NFL's best receiver, who brings power (6'3, 220) and speed (4.39 40 time) to his amazing game. This season, he caught 83 passes for 1,409 yards and six touchdowns.