Washington Redskins: Josh Norman Player Profile 2016
Josh Norman is an elite cornerback, and one of the NFL’s biggest offseason signings. But will those expectations and his off the field behavior make him a bust?
Josh Norman was one of the most sought after free agents in the NFL this offseason. When the Redskins signed him, it was seen as one of the top acquisitions of the free agency period. Now, the question will be can Norman perform up to his expectations. My answer: no.
Don’t get me wrong, Norman is definitely one of the league’s elite corners, and his stats suggest this. Many people consider last season to be his career year. According to Pro Football Reference, he recorded 48 total tackles, defended 18 passes (ranking in the top 10 in the NFL), had four interceptions, and forced three fumbles in 16 games. When you look at the last time he played a full season, 2012, he had more tackles and posted pretty solid numbers. So if he plays all 16 games, he will most likely perform well.
Aug 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Redskins defensive back Josh Norman (24) shown on the field after the game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Redskins 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
The problem with Norman is that the expectations that have been set for him are too high.
The Redskins have not made it past a wild card game since 2005 and they have gone through a lot of turmoil in the past few seasons. They have seen changes at head coach and quarterback, and fans will look to huge free agent signings such as Norman to help bring the franchise back in contention for a Super Bowl.
The problem is that one cornerback is not going to fix all of the Skins woes. With the Carolina Panthers, Norman was surrounded with some of the top defensive players in the league. He also had a strong offense led by Cam Newton. That unit performed well and gave him plenty of time to rest. The Redskins defense is not going to suddenly stop every ball thrown through the air simply because they added one elite corner.
Another problem that has followed Norman from the Panthers and into the Redskins offseason is controversy and media attention. Norman has had a petty but well covered beef with Giants’ star receiver Odell Beckham Jr. He also fought with Panthers quarterback Newton in the middle of a practice.
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In addition to those fights, he is apparently already causing trouble with the Redskins. He signed a broadcasting deal with Fox Sports apparently without telling anyone on the Redskins coaching staff, according to a piece by Emily Kaplan of SI’s the MMQB.
I haven’t told Coach [Jay] Gruden or [defensive coordinator Joe] Barry yet, but I’ll give them a nice shout out on TV. -Josh Norman
Then, he also was on ESPN trash talking Demaryius Thomas, who’s Broncos beat Norman’s Panthers in this past years Super Bowl. Even though Norman did hold Thomas to only 8 yards, he should not be trash talking him. After all, the Panthers did lose the Super Bowl.
This unwanted media attention is something that the Redskins cannot afford to have. They have already been in the media a lot recently for the wrong reasons, especially regarding controversy over their team name. They will continue to have plenty of coverage since they are so close to one of the biggest media cities in the country.
In the end, I think that Norman will continue to be a shutdown corner this year, and stay in the ranks of elite. His stats may drop a little from last year since he’s coming off a career year, but at 28, he’s still in his prime. However, due to the fact that he was one of the biggest free agent signings in the NFL this offseason, I doubt the season I just described will please most fans. Those expectations coupled with the fact that he cannot seem to stay out of the news will make him seem like he’s not worth all the trouble and money.
For most games, Norman will be great. But with all the scrutiny he’ll be under, if he messes up one time it could get ugly for him and for the team as a whole.
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