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Act II: Giants’ Beckham versus Redskins’ Norman

By Stephen Tsamblakos

Dec 20, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) catches a touchdown pass in front of Carolina Panthers corner back Josh Norman (24) during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Giants 38-35. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) catches a touchdown pass in front of Carolina Panthers corner back Josh Norman (24) during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Giants 38-35. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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According to ESPN, it seems clear that neither Odell Beckham, Jr. nor Josh Norman has moved on. Redskins coach Jay Gruden says that the feud is old news. Originally, their dust-up left Beckham suspended and Norman fined.  But the war continued to dominate headlines during the off season, especially after Norman fled Carolina for Washington. Fans have eagerly waited for the Beckham versus Norman rematch that takes place twice a year. But NFL fans might not get what they are looking for.

Norman has been in the news early this season for not shadowing the opposing team’s best receiver. According to ESPN’s Ed Werder, Norman said, “My office is on the left side, hours are 1 to 4”. In Week 1 against Pittsburgh, Antonio Brown lit up Washington to the tune of 126 yards and two scores. Dez Bryant also eclipsed the 100-yard plateau last week against the ‘Skins. The question now is whether Beckham can keep the good times rolling for the G-Men, and avoid any boneheaded actions.

Beckham in Norman’s Head

Norman has made it clear that he is handling his one side of the field. This means a plethora of Redskins defenders, including Norman, likely will cover the versatile Beckham throughout the afternoon. Eli Manning spoke of the need for Beckham to be more composed, and said he should “just go play football”, according to ESPN’s Jordan Raanan. And yet, last week there were claims of dirty play by Beckham from several Saints defensive backs. Sterling Moore said Beckham “regularly commits offensive pass interference”, according to the NY Post. Beckham is not likely to deviate from his physical play, so more skirmishes are possible. Still, I would bet against it.

After last year’s game, then-head coach Tom Coughlin made it clear that Beckham was not going to be benched, unless Ron Rivera did the same to Noman. Sure enough, Coughlin’s strategy worked as Beckham snagged the game-tying touchdown over Norman in the fourth quarter. Sadly, Graham Gano kicked a game-winning field goal, erasing the potential for one of the greatest Giants comebacks. It will be interesting to see if Ben McAdoo will also have a long leash with Beckham if tensions escalate on Sunday.

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