Odell Beckham Jr. vs Josh Norman Is This Week’s NFL Matchup to Watch
On Sunday at 1:00 PM EST, New York Giants wideout Odell Beckham and Josh Norman will renew their bitter rivalry. This time in an NFC East contest at Met Life Stadium. The Washington Redskins signed Norman as a free agent in the offseason to help bolster their secondary. Last season, in a hotly contested matchup between the Giants and the Carolina Panthers, Beckham and Norman fought on the field. The referees flagged Beckham for three personal fouls and Norman drew two. The Giants lost the game 38-35 and the hostility between the players hasn’t subsided since. The New York Times spoke to Washington wide receiver Desean Jackson about Sunday’s marquee showdown. Jackson said, “Their relationship is kind of rocky.” “Hopefully, it doesn’t get more serious than that.”
Britt McHenry of ESPN reported Josh Norman will follow Beckham everywhere he goes on the field, except if Odell goes to the slot. Washington at 0-2, has struggled to cover opposing number ones. Incumbent Washington cornerback Bashaud Breeland typically gets the prime defensive assignment. Subsequently, in a Week 1 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Breeland allowed two touchdowns to Antonio Brown. Washington has decided to make a change in strategy and now Norman has the responsibility of trying to contain Beckham.
Beckham and Norman Hate Each Other
Giants fans want to keep the Panthers winless and hope Beckham Jr. will keep his cool on the field. In their last encounter in 2015, Norman tackled Beckham Jr. to the turf after a play and was not flagged by the referees. Beckham Jr. became increasingly frustrated with Norman’s tactics and retaliated. Norman told the media after the game, “The man came 15 yards down the field and just went straight for my head. He was doing it the whole game.” “I feel like the league should take a look at what the guy was doing. I mean it was ridiculous.”
Beckham told the press, “You never want to hurt your team like that. I have learned it all throughout my life, you know, always the second man gets called, always that it is just unfortunate – you go back and watch the film tomorrow and you learn from it.”
The Giants can’t afford to have Beckham Jr. drop sure touchdown passes from Eli Manning or have the volatile, yet talented receiver lose his cool. Odell Beckham received a one-game suspension for his actions against Josh Norman after last season’s matchup. Giants fans hope the same won’t happen this time around.