Josh Norman vs. Steve Smith Sr. Matchup: History Will Make It Great To Watch
Josh Norman and Steve Smith used to be teammates on the Carolina Panthers. Now, they will get a chance to face off in Sunday’s game between the Washington Redskins and the Baltimore Ravens.
The Washington Redskins and the Baltimore Ravens are facing off Sunday in a game that will be critical to the continuing success of each franchise. The two teams could each use a win, and there is no doubt that they will be engaged in a tough battle for supremacy on Sunday. However, of the whole game, one of the best individual matchups to watch will be between Redskins cornerback Josh Norman and Ravens receiver Steve Smith.
Norman and Smith were formerly teammates with the Carolina Panthers. When Norman first entered the league, Smith was considered one of the top receivers in the NFL. Norman got to matchup against the receiver in practice, and that helped to shape him into the player that he is today. In a piece by ESPN’s John Keim, Norman described their battles in practice:
Lion against lion, dog against a dog, beast against beast. His will imposed upon mine, mine imposed upon his. Trying to see who gets the best of each other that day. Always trying to steal your food and take your dog kind of matchup. It was fun, and it was definitely challenging.
The two players are definitely known for their toughness. Smith has always been a vocal player who competes with an edge week in and week out. Norman also plays with a chip on his shoulder and he is able to be physical with opposing receivers. Going against each other should bring out the best in both, and it will be interesting to see who ends up winning the battle on the day.
One thing is certain about the pending matchup between Norman and Smith. While the on field antics of each player will likely continue, there will definitely be an air of mutual respect around the two players. They have gone against each other so many times, that there will be no bad blood between the two following the game. Norman even went as far as praising Smith and calling him “my type of guy” in the Keim piece.
He plays that game better than anybody. It’s like a defensive foe playing offense. That’s what he is. He will take you out of your game mentally, physically and he’ll let you know about it after the fact. That’s what he does. That’s my type of guy. That’s when the game becomes fun. Love it.
As if Sunday was not already a big enough game, this battle between an elite corner and an upper echelon receiver will add more intrigue to the game. Norman and Smith should duke it out for the whole game, and whoever has the advantage in this matchup will give their team a chance to emerge victorious.
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