Josh Norman - For Better Or Worse

[Jeremy Igo]

There is no player that inspires more divisive conversation than Josh Norman.

 

Norman is a bit of an enigma. Sometimes he looks like a shut down corner capable of matching up one on one against any receiver in the league. Other times, his aggressive nature causes him to be on the wrong side of a players gamble.

 

One thing is certain, Josh Norman doesn't back down from anyone.

 

At the Panthers goal line, Norman did everything he could to slow down Bills running back Anthony Dixon until help arrived. Norman didn't have time to square up and go for Dixon's legs, so he held on, riding Dixon while hoping for safety or linebacker help.

 

 

That is what I love about Josh. Whether you are a 6'4 receiver or a 240 pound running back, he is going to challenge you... and tell you about it in the process.

 

I am a sucker for a good trash talker.

 

Norman is known for his colorful banter on the field. It doesn't take much to get him fired up. Much like Steve Smith, it is part of what makes him great, and yet also his weakness. It took Smith several years to learn to control it, it may take the same amount of time with Norman. Norman's intensity at times has also gotten the better of him, taking him mentally out of the game.

 

But that is the same intensity that allows him to make great plays, like his interception over Bills WR Marcus Easley.

 

 

Make no mistake, Josh Norman's interception was no accident. I spoke with Josh after the game about it.

 

"The first play, they ran that post with number 19, I was a little too thick on him earlier and I couldn't time my jump" Norman said. "Second time around, I saw him and I was like yeah, I already know what you are running. I just wanted to make sure I was in position, over top, in the lead."

 

Norman then plucked the ball out of the air, another in a long line of preseason interceptions. The key thing here is that he learned from a previous mistake, and then used that experience to his advantage.

 

Every year I try to get better at something, every year I try to grow in the knowledge of the game - Josh Norman

 

 

During his Friday night press conference, head coach Ron Rivera singled out Josh Norman as someone that impressed him.

 

Once again, I agree with the coach. I am firmly planted on team Josh Norman... for better or worse.

 

 

[Cape Fear Cat]

I recognize the potential, but it's just so damn frustrating when he makes a bone headed play that erases all the goodwill his previous good play has banked. And I still don't know what the hurdle is that keeps the good practice player from carrying over to the game-time player.

[Mojo]

He's still young and I agree. I believe in him. He has much work to do but he has that fire in his belly that not alot of people have. Wouldn't bet against him. We need to keep him on this roster. If the coaches stay on his ass it'll pay off.

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[Jeremy Igo]

I believe if we cut him, he wouldn't be on the wire long.

 

Would you like to see him in New England?

[PandaPancake]

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[Mojo]

True. We can't take that chance. Just need a bit of patience but I really liked what I saw from him rewatching the game. Love the explanation on the INT too.

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[Cape Fear Cat]

I think he has all of those intangibles, too...BUT HE'S SO DAD-GUM FRUSTRATING!

[TheRumGone]

Most frustrating player on the team.

But we are an elite defense and we can't afford to have him cost us games.

I like the fire, love his athletic ability but him out on the field in real games is a liability at this point. Hopefully he shows he can be reliable

[The Huddler]

He has gotten a lot thicker. Not super skinny like he used to be. Put a good lick on a WR too

[Cj72]

I really didn't understand all the hate he was getting on here last night. I personally thought he played pretty decent. I would have liked to see him challenge the receiver more instead of going for the tackle on that early pass play but he was step for step with the guy.

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[davos]

I mean, he's better than Godfrey.  I can see him in that reserve role and play in dime packages.  Behind White, Cason, and Bene.  

 

Dockery, Byndom, & Thomas are essentially battling it out with him.  

[KillerKat]

I think he's the CB 4 or 5 right now. Godfrey and Thomas are terrible.

[CarolinaSamurai]

I hated the fact I rarely knew who was on without glancing at my cheat sheet from the fan fest. Mixon did a terrible job at calling out names!!! Didn't even try to tell me who got injured before the commercial!

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[Chief Keek]

This is his last year to prove himself. We already know what he's capable of, now he needs to execute in the regular season when it matters.