PFF: Both Norman and OBJ played poorly

[SZ James (banned)]

https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2015/12/21/pro-both-odell-beckham-and-josh-norman-earned-bad-grades-on-sunday/

It appeared that Beckham had the beating of Norman for deep speed, but when things were closer to the line of scrimmage, Norman’s physicality leveled the playing field a little and he was able to hold his own, or even gain an advantage, all while constantly needling his opponent and pushing him further over the edge.

Both players flirted with crossing the line, if not marching straight past it, and Beckham certainly could have been ejected for throwing punches or his reckless helmet-to-helmet hit.

In the end, we got to see two of the best players at their respective positions in this season’s NFL go head-to-head for almost a full game, but instead of being treated to a high-level matchup, we witnessed both players dragging each other down into a mire of mediocre football and petty physical retribution. It remained compelling viewing, but this was a battle with no real winner.

[SZ James (banned)]

From the team grades:

– No denying what the marquee matchup was, as Josh Norman (-5.9) battled Odell Beckham Jr. (-5.5) in what was more than just a feisty affair. Looking solely at Norman, he won’t be happy with his performance, during the play and after it. He missed three tackles, allowed Beckham to beat him deep twice (one was dropped, one throw was off target) and was flagged for two unnecessary roughness penalties of his own. While this did feel like an anomaly to his excellent season and discussion will center on the theatrics of their battle, there’s no denying Norman was given his toughest test in coverage on the year.

 

[Navy_football]

OBJ didn't have a catch until the middle of the 3rd quarter. Take away a blatant push off in the end zone, and a big play against Fin on a crossing route, and I'd say OBJ was fairly ineffective. 

Now if truth be told, his antics likely fired up the Giants and kept them fighting even when it didn't look like they had a chance.