Redskins Challenge: Josh Norman, it’s time to ‘Put up your Dukes’
After making headlines this past week, Redskins cornerback Josh Norman faces a tough test against Texans receiver Deandre Hopkins.
It has been an interesting year for Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman, to say the least. After being benched at halftime during the loss during the Saints for wearing headphones, he responded in a big way the next week, against his former team, against his former team, recording four tackles, an interception, in addition to forcing a fumble.
Norman’s interception against Tampa Bay was the first of four Redskins turnovers on the day. Following the game, however, Norman’s comments were the topic of discussion instead of his performance. Norman had some interesting comments, per Jori Epstein of USA Today Sports.
"“We go into the homestands and it’s like an open bubble. Like the other team’s turf or something. You hear more of them than you do us. Then if something bad happens, they suck. They sit back in their seat and they boo. I don’t know. This year, I’m starting to see that.”"
Josh Norman also suggested that it’s ‘easier’ to play on the road. It should have been easier playing on the road, being that the Cardinals, Giants, and Buccaneers are a combined 7-21.
"“I feel like we play better on the road, I’m not going to lie,” Norman said after the 16-3 win. “Gosh, man. It just seems like the true fans … they really be with us on the road. We feed off of that.”"
Personally, I’ve witnessed some of the most crushing ‘losses’ in the history of FedEx Field. The very first game I attended, I witnessed Haloti Ngata’s gruesome hit on Robert Griffin III. Ironically six years later, Griffin could see playing time for the Ravens today, as the Ravens are missing Joe Flacco.
In 2013, I was a part of FedEx Field history as I attended the 45-10 thrashing versus the Kansas City Chiefs. The following season, I witnessed a mediocre St. Louis Rams team shut out the Redskins 24-0 at home. The following seasons were more kind, as I witnessed victories against the Saints (2015), Browns (2016), and Giants (2017). A three-game winning streak earlier in the season incited me to attend the Falcons game, only to see the Redskins decimated 38-14.
It has been 30 years since the team has been a perennial winner. The last time this team won 11 games in a season was 1991. This franchise has been a dumpster fire for pretty much the past 25 years. Had it not been for coaching and influence of Joe Gibbs from 2004 to 2007, and RGIII’s historic rookie season, this team wouldn’t have been relevant for over two decades.
Even now with a 6-3 record and an NFC East lead, Washington has been under the radar. Unfortunately, decades of losing have decayed the Redskins fanbase. However, Norman has a point, as fans should appreciate what the team is doing right now. The team is overachieving despite its flaws as it leads the NFC East with a 6-3 record.
Statistically, DeAndre Hopkins is having a fine season. Arguably the best receiver in all of football, Hopkins leads the Texans with 63 catches, 894 yards, and seven touchdowns. Hopkins is fifth in the NFL in receiving yards, third in touchdowns, fourth in catches over 20 yards (14), and fourth in yards per game (99.3).
Next. 5 keys to victory for Washington in Week 11. dark
Norman purchased 50 tickets, via ESPN’s John Keim, for Redskins fans to attend the upcoming Texans game. It was a kind gesture to get fans involved, but ultimately, fans want results. Josh Norman wants FedEx Field to be a tough place for opponents to play, but that will only happen if Norman and the Redskins elevate their game. So Josh Norman, I challenge you to be that player Washington envisioned when you signed your lucrative deal back in 2016. Put up your Dukes, and bring your ‘A’ game versus DeAndre Hopkins and the Houston Texans.