Black and Blue Review
Part 1: Getting Out of the Doghouse
The light flickered for Panthers cornerback Josh Norman in his first two years, but it eventually turned off during each of those seasons.
He was benched after starting his first 12 games as a rookie, and last year, his miscommunication error allowed the Bills to score a game-winning touchdown in Week 2.
But the Panthers believe Norman’s third chance may be the charm.
“It’s good when the light comes on and stays on,” defensive coordinator Sean McDermott said. “That’s why you coach, as a teacher. I was very, very encouraged by how he played (Sunday).”
Making his second start of the season, Norman had his best game as a pro against the Seahawks. He racked up five tackles, snagged an interception, knocked away a deep ball, and recovered a fumble on a Panthers’ punt return.
“I sat down and I watched a lot for a very long time,” Norman recalled, when asked about the disappointment of his first two seasons.
“I guess, coming around to my third year, I got into the role of getting back out there and actually playing and knowing what I was supposed to do and where I was supposed to be. Once I found that out, I don’t know, it just came on. It gave me the light that I needed, and you see the evidence from that.”