Article: Josh Norman Delivering

[Murph]

.....

http://sports.yahoo....00153--nfl.html

edit: link fixed

[SauceBoss]

link broke

[Proudiddy]

http://sports.yahoo....00153--nfl.html

Josh Norman fell to the Carolina Panthers in the fifth round of the 2012 NFL Draft after a solid career at Coastal Carolina.

Halfway through his rookie season it looks like the Panthers may have scored first-round value with the 6'0", 195-pound rookie cornerback.

Norman emerged as a starter in training camp and has consistently delivered as the Panthers' CB2.

In fact, Josh Norman has put together one of the strongest seasons among all rookie defensive backs in the NFL through Week 9.

The Tackling Machine

With data taken from football-reference, Norman's 52 tackles are the most among all rookie defensive backs this year:

Most Tackles - Rookie Defensive Backs:

1) 52 - Josh Norman, Carolina Panthers (5th Round)

2) 49 - Harrison Smith, Minnesota Vikings (1st Round)

3) 48 - Mark Barron, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1st Round)

4) 41 - Janoris Jenkins, St. Louis Rams (2nd Round)

5) 40 - Stephon Gilmore, Buffalo Bills (1st Round)

Norman has been remarkably effective at stopping the run in his rookie season and is currently on pace for 104 tackles, a huge total for a cornerback.

Most of the other rookies approaching Norman's productivity were first-round draft picks.

While the Carolina Panthers' 2-6 record is miserable, Norman did his part in helping Carolina earn both wins.

He recorded eight tackles in the Panthers' Week 2 victory against the New Orleans Saints and nine tackles in their Week 9 win over the Washington Redskins.

The Ball Hawk

Not only has Norman been great against the run, he has also been effective against the pass.

Norman's six passes defended tie him for sixth among rookie defensive backs. Once again, only high draft picks have exceeded his year-to-date production.

Most Passes Defended - Rookie Defensive Backs:

1) 11 - Stephon Gilmore, Buffalo Bills (1st Round)

2-T) 9 - Casey Hayward, Green Bay Packers (2nd Round)

2-T) 9 - Janoris Jenkins, St. Louis Rams (2nd Round)

4) 8 - Harrison Smith, Minnesota Vikings (1st Round)

5) 7 - Mark Barron, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1st Round)

6-T) 6 - Josh Norman, Carolina Panthers (5th Round)

Once again, Norman's stats are consistent with those of rookies who were selected on the first day of the NFL Draft.

Backing Up the Swagger

Josh Norman raised eyebrows during the preseason when the confident rookie refused to back down from wide receiver Steve Smith, saying he and the fiery veteran would "have a couple of words" in practice.

Smith responded by saying "once late July, August comes, he's going to learn very quickly this isn't Coastal Carolina."

July and August are long gone, and so far Josh Norman is having one of the best seasons among rookie defensive backs in the NFL.

The Carolina Panthers may have scored first-round value with their productive fifth-round pick.

[PhillyB]

The Tackling Machine

With data taken from football-reference, Norman's 52 tackles are the most among all rookie defensive backs this year:

Most Tackles - Rookie Defensive Backs:

1) 52 - Josh Norman, Carolina Panthers (5th Round)

2) 49 - Harrison Smith, Minnesota Vikings (1st Round)

3) 48 - Mark Barron, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1st Round)

4) 41 - Janoris Jenkins, St. Louis Rams (2nd Round)

5) 40 - Stephon Gilmore, Buffalo Bills (1st Round)

Norman has been remarkably effective at stopping the run in his rookie season and is currently on pace for 104 tackles, a huge total for a cornerback.

Most of the other rookies approaching Norman's productivity were first-round draft picks.

impressive.

[Dash Global]

Nice read!

Great find in the 5th no doubt!

[LA_Panther]

I think this years rookie class for us is the best class since 2001

[CatfanMO]

That just means opposing QBs are throwing his way a lot...

[nosuchthingasapanther]

That just means opposing QBs are throwing his way a lot...

just like they do with all the other rookie CBs.

it's a trial by fire, and he's shaping up to come out like gold.

[La Pantera]

That just means opposing QBs are throwing his way a lot...

Same with all the rookie starters.

[La Pantera]

just like they do with all the other rookie CBs.

it's a trial by fire, and he's shaping up to come out like gold.

Beat me to it.

[Zithers]

what a boring article

not that i don't like josh norman. i do. i think he'll start for a long time. but that article sucked. did nothing but post numbers.

[Proudiddy]

I also think it's interesting that two safeties are above him being that they usually have many more chances to make a play on balls because of their position. He is pretty much on an island, and for the most part as played as well as anyone could've imagined.

...

I TOLD YA'LL!

[Guest Irv]

i met josh norman at the rivergate best buy today he's a pretty cool dude he was buying meek mills new CD and halo 4. I got his gamer tag but i promised not to make it public

[nosuchthingasapanther]

i met josh norman at the rivergate best buy today he's a pretty cool dude he was buying meek mills new CD and halo 4. I got his gamer tag but i promised not to make it public

make it public or it didn't happen.