Washington Redskins 2018 season cornerback grades
By Ian Cummings
Josh Norman
Polarizing as he may be, Josh Norman continues to provide the Redskins with starting-caliber play, even after so many (including this writer) dismissed him as a player primed to regress in 2018.
Granted, the term “starting-caliber” encompasses a fairly wide range of performance. One can be elite in this category, or simply serviceable. Norman, from his entire body of work, has been closer to the latter option over the past two seasons, but he’s provided stability for a secondary that’s seen some turmoil.
After going without an interception in 2017, Norman’s on-ball production returned in 2018. The veteran logged three interceptions and five pass deflections, at times locking down his side of the field with the length and zone prowess we’ve grown to expect from Norman.
His on-ball production uptick did not come without cost, however. Norman allowed eight touchdowns in 2018, more than twice his previous career high of three. Four of those touchdowns came in two games: Two in a secondary debacle against the Saints, and two in Week 17, a game that didn’t matter. Take that as you will. Norman had bad games where he was continuously picked on, but when he was hot, he didn’t let a pass by (Tampa Bay).
Norman’s Pro Football Focus coverage grade improved in 2018, heading toward green territory, and it’s a sign that the Coastal Carolina product might not be done just yet. For now, the Redskins can feel comfortable knowing he’ll be taking care of one side of the field. They could cut him and save cap space, but the Redskins wouldn’t do that. Not when they think they’re so close to contention. To them, Norman is still a part of that. And in 2019, he’ll get a chance to prove them right.