Odell Beckham Jr. faces his toughest test against Josh Norman
By Ryan Disdier
Odell Beckham Jr. has been sensational through his first 25 games as a pro. On Sunday, he faces his toughest opponent yet in Carolina’s Josh Norman
Many thought Odell Beckham Jr., last year’s Offensive Rookie of the Year, would regress in his second year as a pro. With defenses now aware of his almost super-human talent, it was natural to expect somewhat of a step back.
Beckham is doing the exact opposite. Instead of a “Sophomore Slump,” Beckham is enjoying a sophomore surge, as he’s been the only consistent, viable option for Eli Manning to throw to.
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Last year (in case you didn’t see it), Beckham made an unbelievable catch against the Cowboys. It was a moment that went viral, and in turn, propelled Beckham to superstardom.
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So far this year, Beckham has caught 85 passes for 1,320 yards and 12 touchdowns. Along the way, he’s made a slew of ridiculous, how-did-he-do-that catches. Beckham has the NFL record for most receptions and receiving yards in a player’s first 25 games. Since his first game in the NFL, OBJ has five more touchdowns than any other player, and nine more than any other receiver.
“I would say Norman vs. Beckham is the NFL’s answer to Jose Aldo vs. Conor McGregor. But unlike Aldo, both Norman and Beckham love to talk. So instead, Sunday’s battle is more like Conor McGregor vs. Conor McGregor.”
The guy whom Antonio Cromartie labeled as a “one-year wonder” is making the teams who held picks 1-11 in 2014’s draft wonder why they didn’t pick him. Beckham is an undisputed star now and everyone knows it.
But that’s business as usual for Beckham.
Burning defensive backs, making insane catches and then following those actions with a dance is something that’s been all too commonplace over the past 25 regular-season games.
This Sunday at MetLife Stadium, Beckham faces his toughest challenge yet, playing against Josh Norman and the undefeated Carolina Panthers.
Nov 2, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) reacts in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
After showing flashes of how good he can be, Norman, like Beckham, is now a superstar. The 28-year-old cornerback is a true lockdown cornerback, which is something few teams have the luxury of having. There’s no question who has been the best cornerback in football this year.
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In my opinion, Norman, Denver’s Chris Harris Jr. and Arizona’s Patrick Peterson are the three best cornerbacks in football. Unlike Seattle’s Richard Sherman, Norman travels with the number-one receiver and shuts them down. Norman has an incredibly unique skill set to go along with his intense game-day demeanor. Norman might appear to be beat at first, but his recovery speed, as well as his timing, is absolutely remarkable.
This year, DeAndre Hopkins, Dez Bryant and most recently, Julio Jones, have all taken trips to “Lake Norman.” Their combined efforts? 63 yards.
https://twitter.com/J_No24/status/677239392893665280
Although Norman’s most-popular nickname is the aforementioned “Lake Norman,” he’s also dubbed himself “The Dark Knight.” Norman noted Beckham’s fashion choice before New York’s game in Miami caught his attention.
“I don’t know if that was his calling card by wearing the joker cleats, but he got my attention,” Norman said on a recent appearance on The Rich Eisen Show. “I think he is a special talent in this league, the stuff he’s able to do. He is very, very much skillful in what he brings to the table. He plays in a big city shined by lights and he gives them what they want. He gives the crowd what they want.”
Norman is a player who has no shortage of confidence. According to the Dallas Morning News, as Norman was walking back to the locker room after dominating Bryant on Thanksgiving, he said the Cowboys need to ‘get Dez’s 70 mil back,’ referring to the lucrative deal Bryant signed in the offseason.
Norman plays with a chip on his shoulder and goes out every game playing like he’s the best player at his position. Beckham plays the exact same way.
The football world wasn’t able to see the ultra-hyped match up between All-Pro corner Darrelle Revis and Beckham, but this contest might be even better. Norman and OBJ match up so well against each other, and it’s going to be a thrill to watch.
I would say Norman vs. Beckham is the NFL’s answer to Jose Aldo vs. Conor McGregor. But unlike Aldo, both Norman and Beckham love to talk. So instead, Sunday’s battle is more like Conor McGregor vs. Conor McGregor. Norman vs. Beckham. “The Dark Knight” vs. “The New Sensation.”
Dec 6, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) runs for touchdown during the first half against New York Jets free safety
Marcus Gilchrist(21) at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
What you have in Beckham and Norman are two ultra-motivated, uber-comeptitive athletes who play with fire every game. It’s likely going to get intense, but that’s the way it should be. So refs, please let them play come game time.
Despite all the stats and accolades, Sunday’s game will be Beckham’s first chance to prove he is truly an elite talent.
The people who discredit Beckham’s productions point to the lack of elite competition he’s faced. It’s not an erroneous statement, either. In fact, it’s a very accurate observation.
He certainly has the stats, but some of his signature plays have come against average cornerbacks. His catch against Dallas last year was against Brandon Carr. His sensational grab in Washington this year was against Will Blackmon. Monday night, he torched a past-his-prime Brent Grimes and a slew of Miami backups.
There’s no doubt Beckham is a rare talent. But how can people be so sure if he has yet to face more than one elite corner? He faced Sherman last year and played well, but he also struggled immensely against New England’s Malcolm Butler — who got physical with Beckham — earlier this year. OBJ also had a tough game against Stephon Gilmore — and up-and-coming corner — and the Bills.
He has yet to compete and succeed against a true, lockdown, follow-you-everywhere cornerback. He’s taken advantage of ‘okay’ cornerbacks by posting unbelievable stats.
The devoid of a star corner will be filled Sunday. If Beckham lines up wide, Norman will line up wide. If Beckham goes to the slot, Norman will be there. The Panthers aren’t naive. They know Beckham is the only true playmaker on the Giants offense. So why wouldn’t they assign their best defensive back to try to stop him?
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Expect Norman to get physical with Beckham at the line of scrimmage. Beckham, along with most receivers, doesn’t like being touched immediately, so that will likely be Norman’s strategy. If Beckham can have a productive afternoon against the league’s best, there will be no denying how great he really is.
For Norman, this is a chance for him to jump onto the main stream by shutting down the man with unlimited hype. Unfortunately, Norman gets lost in the shuffle because of the star power of quarterback Cam Newton. If Norman can truly take Beckham out of the game, people will have no choice but to acknowledge how good he is.
Any way you cut it, the football world is in for a treat, as Sunday is going to be a battle.