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Josh Norman Brings the Grit to Washington Redskins Defense

By Lauren Lapaglia

Jul 28, 2016; Richmond, VA, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson (1) catches the ball in front of Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) during drills as part of afternoon practice on day one of training camp at Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 28, 2016; Richmond, VA, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson (1) catches the ball in front of Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) during drills as part of afternoon practice on day one of training camp at Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Washington Redskins struggled against the pass in 2015 and surrendered a whopping 30 touchdown passes. They may have found the solution to part of the problem.

Newly acquired Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman isn’t known for his stellar manners. He’s well-known for his beef with NFC East rival New York Giants’ Odell Beckham, Jr. and he’s the type to mutter more than a few “yo mamas” under his breath on the field in order to rile up whoever he’s matched up with.

In addition to OBJ, he’s also provoked names like Max Kellerman, Deion Sanders, Patrick Peterson, and Roddy White in recent years.

Related Story: Washington Redskins: Josh Norman Criticism Overblown

He likes to get under the skin of his opponents and he’s reportedly bringing a new sense of “nastiness” to the Redskins’ defense. NFL Network’s Around the NFL recently spoke with defensive lineman Chris Baker (via Tyler Dragon of NFL.com). “We got a little bit more nasty,” Baker stated. (Josh Norman) brings a nasty attitude towards our defense and it’s really helped out Bashaud Breeland. I haven’t seen him look this good.”

The Redskins’ defense signed Norman to a 5-year $75 million contract ($50 million guaranteed) in late April with the intention of making improvements to their low-ranked defense. In 2015, Washington was one of the worst in the NFL, placing 28th and allowing nearly 400 yards a game.

Norman’s presence has already ranked the Redskins up to third in Ben Stockwell’s Pro Football Focus’ cornerback group ratings, largely due to Norman allowing 50 yards in a game only once in 2015.

Baker, who in entering his 6th season with the Redskins is excited for the potential improvements Norman has brought to Washington.

“It’s gonna help (the defensive line) out a lot. People are gonna have to look away from Josh because they’re going to be scared to throw to him and try to go to the other side with Breeland, and he’s just as good,” said Baker. “That should give us another second, maybe two to get after the quarterbacks and hopefully we can rack up a lot more sacks this year.”

The Washington Redskins have the toughest schedule in the NFC East. According to Bovada, the ‘Skins schedule is actually the second-toughest in the entire NFL, and they have the toughest schedule in the entire league in the second half of the season. If they want even a slight chance of winning the NFC East for a second year in a row, they’ll need the “extra second or two” Norman will give the defense to take down opposing quarterbacks.

More nfl spin zone: Washington Redskins: It's Just Training Camp

Josh Norman and the Redskins take the field in their first preseason match up on August 11 at the Georgia Dome versus the Atlanta Falcons.

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