News: Between Lions And Men – Dez Bryant vs Josh Norman

[CCBoy]

Between Lions And Men – Dez Bryant vs Josh Norman
Posted on July 22, 2016 by Jeremy Bielenberg
http://cowboyszone.com/2016/07/dez-bryant-vs-josh-norman.html


http://cowboyszone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2016/07/Josh_Norman_Rips_Dez_Bryant_Trash_Talk_Cowboys_Panthers-300x188.jpg

Cornerback Josh Norman had circled Thanksgiving on his calendar, eager to face Dez Bryant for the first time. But truthfully, he wasn’t the only one that was looking forward to the 2015 Thanksgiving Day matchup of the undefeated Carolina Panthers and the Dallas Cowboys.

cowboyszone had a lot to be thankful for this particular Thanksgiving, even if it didn’t look like it on the surface. The (3-7) Dallas Cowboys were only two games back of the NFC East leading (5-5) New York Giants and both Tony Romo & Dez Bryant would be playing together for just the third time all season. If the Cowboys were going to fight their way back to the top of the division, this game was looking more and more like a must-win. The team took a huge risk by allowing both Romo and Bryant to return early from their respective injuries, but with the Cowboys’ season seemingly on the line, both players decided to suit up in pursuit of keeping the team’s slim playoff hopes alive.


Neither Romo nor Bryant looked anywhere close to 100 percent and it showed. It’s apparent the two players had come back premature, but it was admirable nonetheless. After a couple of crucial interceptions by the Carolina Panthers immensely-talented MLB Luke Kuechly, the game quickly slipped away from the Cowboys. Adding insult to injury, Romo re-injured his collarbone after being sacked by OLB Thomas Davis in the third quarter. The Cowboys went on to lose the game 33-14.

“Hey, they need to get Dez’s 70 mil back!!” – Josh Norman
Shortly after the game had ended, a hyped-up Josh Norman told reporters “Hey, they need to get Dez’s 70 mil back!!” Of course, referring to the five year $70 million contract Bryant signed with the Cowboys in the off-season. Granted, Norman had relegated Bryant to just two receptions and 26 yards on eight targets, but can you believe the bravado of this guy? Going further, “I went to a dark place. I went to the bat cave. I went Dark Knight on him. The thing is, the crazy thing about all that is, he started from the first play and after that, it was nothing. There’s no pact between lions and men between the white lines. None. And if my intensity is all out for four quarters and the other opponent is not, that’s not my fault.“ Clearly he was pleased with his performance.

But should he have been THAT pleased?

Dez Bryant hadn’t looked right since Week One. #88 may not come out and say it publicly, but clearly he hadn’t been himself since breaking his foot in the team’s win over the New York Giants. My intention is not to take away from the stellar play of Josh Norman, or the Panthers’ defense as a whole, because they definitely played well that Thursday. However, if you truly want to say you’ve beaten the best, then shouldn’t you at least wait until you’ve done so when they’re at their best?

I have no problem with Norman celebrating his individual success against Bryant, or the Panthers’ win for that matter, but trashing a man and his well-deserved contract because you shut him down at less than 100 percent is just low rent IMO. Especially considering this is only the first real break-out season of Norman’s four-year career to date. Sure, you could argue that Norman is just now entering the prime of his career, but I could just as easily counter that 2015 was an aberration.

The Off-season
Apparently I wasn’t the only one who thought Norman was a bit brash, as the Panthers decided to rescind his non-exclusive franchise tag a week before the NFL Draft. The talented young CB immediately became an unrestricted free agent. Norman was said to be looking for Revis-type money and the Panthers clearly disagreed he should be paid along those lines – at least in their system. That same swagger that helped him thrive on the field, essentially all but ended his tenure in Carolina...

 

[CCBoy]

...So, was it fate that he should land with the Washington Commanders? I like to think so. Even though Norman apparently doesn’t feel the same way about Dez anymore, recently listing him as one of the top five receivers in the game, I’m afraid it’s too little too late. The stage has already been set (twice a year) for the next five seasons. This feud is just now truly beginning. Norman may not feel the same way anymore, but rest assured #88 hasn’t forgotten those hollow words Norman uttered last Thanksgiving.

Bryant returning healthy in 2016 is sure to make this matchup can’t miss television. As a loyal member of cowboyszone, I can’t wait to see just how talented the young cornerback really is and whether or not Skins’ fans will soon be saying, “Hey, we need to get Norman’s $75 mil back!!” Only time will tell if Norman was simply a product of the Carolina Panthers defensive scheme or on the verge of something special. Either way, this matchup will be fun to watch in 2016!!

As usual, your opinions are welcomed below #cowboyszone. Appreciate you taking the time to read my work. We may not always agree, but you can count on me being respectful and I could talk football until I’m blue (and silver) in the face… especially Cowboys Football
http://cowboyszone.com/2016/07/dez-bryant-vs-josh-norman.html

 

[stilltheguru88]

I saw all 22 from the game. Panthers got a lot of pressure on Romo even when Norman was one on one. They we shading guys underneath on Dez and doubled him in the red zone. I'm not worried about Dez asking as he had a healthy decent qb.

 

[Jarv]

Josh, catch you on September 18th. Hope you don't have to give back your 75 million

Here’s a look at his five-year deal:

2016

Base salary: $5 million

Salary cap hit: $8 million

Note: His base salary is fully guaranteed.

2017

Base salary: $16.5 million

Salary cap hit: $20 million

Note: His base salary is fully guaranteed and he receives a roster bonus of $31,250 per game up to $500,000.

2018

Base salary: $13.5 million

Salary cap hit: $17 million

Note: His base salary is guaranteed for injury only at signing. It becomes fully guaranteed on the fifth day of the league year in 2018, which means the Commanders could cut him before then. However, if they do so, they would only save $8 million against the cap -- but the savings would jump to $14 million if designated post-June 1. He receives a roster bonus of $31,250 up to $500,000.

2019

Base salary: $11 million

Salary cap hit: $14.5 million

Note: If he’s cut, Norman would save $8.5 million but it would increase to $11.5 million after June 1. He also receives a roster bonus of $31,250 per game up to $500,000.

2020

Base salary: $12 million

Salary cap hit: $15.5 million

Note: If the Commanders want to cut him, they would save $12.5 million regardless of when it happens. Norman also receives the same pre-game roster bonus of $31,250 up to $500,000.

 

[Longboysfan]

Get out the

 

[DallasDW00ds0n]

Im sure media will be reminding Dez everyday leading up to the game. Norman is about to get worked. Bragging about beating Dez, who had a broken foot lmao...

 

[Denim Chicken]

I hope Norman ends up like Maxwell--unable to replicate his success outside his previous support system.

 

[xvendettax914]

This is one game I have "circled" if you will, and id be willing to bet 88 does as well. I look forward to his response in the face of this particular challenge, not just because of last years debacle but also because of the comments thrown his way. Should be a fun one.

 

[the_showstopper]

It will be an interesting battle 2x a year, that much is certain.
One thing to note though, is that Norman is a WAY better corner than we've had in DC in quite awhile.. and historically Dez hasn't done much against Washington..
Since 2010, 10 games played, 46 receptions, 703 yards and 7 td's
so he averages 4.6 receptions per game, 70 yards and 0.7 td's in all battles against the Commanders.. and that's with the craptastic array of corners we've had over the years...

 

[Screw The Hall]

Corners are historically risky FA investments. The supporting cast's play as well as scheme has so much to do with that position. Norman had one absolutely stellar season with a fantastic supporting cast by his side and a scheme he felt comfortable in, so, we'll see ...

 

[Jarv]

It will be an interesting battle 2x a year, that much is certain.
One thing to note though, is that Norman is a WAY better corner than we've had in DC in quite awhile.. and historically Dez hasn't done much against Washington..
Since 2010, 10 games played, 46 receptions, 703 yards and 7 td's
so he averages 4.6 receptions per game, 70 yards and 0.7 td's in all battles against the Commanders.. and that's with the craptastic array of corners we've had over the years...

Those numbers average out to a full season as..

73 receptions
11 TDs
1,120 yards

Rounded down mostly. So yes I guess you can say he is a little below average. Of course we are 7-5 against you since then (quick lookup, please verify). So doubling Dez and keeping his number a little below average means you have left holes elsewhere.

 

[Nova]

I like how the Commanders have finally given us a reason to get up for their games.

For the last... 20 years or so(?) this has been a one sided rivalry. One team gets super pumped for the matchup while the other team is wondering how so much noise can come from the basement.

 

[CalPolyTechnique]

I think the supposed matchup was waaaaaay overblown given the fact Dez was significantly limited due to his injury and didn't the already hobbled Romo get his clavicle rebroken that game too?

 

[the_showstopper]

I like how the Commanders have finally given us a reason to get up for their games.

For the last... 20 years or so(?) this has been a one sided rivalry. One team gets super pumped for the matchup while the other team is wondering how so much noise can come from the basement.

huh.. really?
We must be watching different games or something.. either that or you're basing your assumption solely off of and living in the late 90s to early 2000's when the owner died and snyderatto took over, which was indeed a mess. However recent history (10 years) says otherwise..

going back to 2005 to now, the head to head record between the teams is dallas 12, washington 10

Of those 12 wins, dallas's average margin of victory is 8.
Of the 10 Commander wins, washington's average margin of victory is 9.2

Dallas has 4 playoff appearances, 3 division titles and 3 divisional playoff games, no super bowls.
Washington has 4 playoff appearances, 2 division titles and 1 divisional playoff game, no super bowls.

Sooo yeah. I guess you can say you're right, if you were living in the past, pre 2005.. otherwise remarkably similar records and "accomplishments"
Good thing you have some reason to get up for games now, because the basement seems a little crowded..

 

[Idgit]

huh.. really?
We must be watching different games or something.. either that or you're basing your assumption solely off of and living in the late 90s to early 2000's when the owner died and snyderatto took over, which was indeed a mess. However recent history (10 years) says otherwise..

going back to 2005 to now, the head to head record between the teams is dallas 12, washington 10

Of those 12 wins, dallas's average margin of victory is 8.
Of the 10 Commander wins, washington's average margin of victory is 9.2

Dallas has 4 playoff appearances, 3 division titles and 3 divisional playoff games, no super bowls.
Washington has 4 playoff appearances, 2 division titles and 1 divisional playoff game, no super bowls.

Sooo yeah. I guess you can say you're right, if you were living in the past, pre 2005.. otherwise remarkably similar records and "accomplishments"
Good thing you have some reason to get up for games now, because the basement seems a little crowded..

Dude, the NFCE basement has burgundy carpeting and gold drapes. It's as ugly as your uniforms. Just because you come up for air every 5 years or so when the better teams in your division have significant setbacks, it doesn't mean you're not still the NFCE's gimp.

 

[Irvin88_4life]

huh.. really?
We must be watching different games or something.. either that or you're basing your assumption solely off of and living in the late 90s to early 2000's when the owner died and snyderatto took over, which was indeed a mess. However recent history (10 years) says otherwise..

going back to 2005 to now, the head to head record between the teams is dallas 12, washington 10

Of those 12 wins, dallas's average margin of victory is 8.
Of the 10 Commander wins, washington's average margin of victory is 9.2

Dallas has 4 playoff appearances, 3 division titles and 3 divisional playoff games, no super bowls.
Washington has 4 playoff appearances, 2 division titles and 1 divisional playoff game, no super bowls.

Sooo yeah. I guess you can say you're right, if you were living in the past, pre 2005.. otherwise remarkably similar records and "accomplishments"
Good thing you have some reason to get up for games now, because the basement seems a little crowded..

How many times has Washington been 4th compared to Dallas?

 

[the_showstopper]

Dude, the NFCE basement has burgundy carpeting and gold drapes. It's as ugly as your uniforms. Just because you come up for air every 5 years or so when the better teams in your division have significant setbacks, it doesn't mean you're not still the NFCE's gimp.

Ok, sure.
4 trips to the playoffs is 4 trips to the playoffs. For all the hype your cowboys have received over the last decade what exactly did it get you? Absolutely nothing more than the Commanders got. It could just as easily be said that your team only won the division 2 years ago because the rest of the nfce teams also had setbacks. Whatever helps you sleep at night.

 

[Idgit]

Ok, sure.
4 trips to the playoffs is 4 trips to the playoffs. For all the hype your cowboys have received over the last decade what exactly did it get you? Absolutely nothing more than the Commanders got. It could just as easily be said that your team only won the division 2 years ago because the rest of the nfce teams also had setbacks. Whatever helps you sleep at night.

Except I wasn't talking about the playoffs. I was talking about trips to your basement. What's the respective count on those?

 

[Nova]

Ok, sure.
4 trips to the playoffs is 4 trips to the playoffs. For all the hype your cowboys have received over the last decade what exactly did it get you? Absolutely nothing more than the Commanders got. It could just as easily be said that your team only won the division 2 years ago because the rest of the nfce teams also had setbacks. Whatever helps you sleep at night.

No.

When your team performs well, it's the exception and not the rule.

NFCE basement dunce caps since realignment...

New York- 1
Dallas- 2
Philly- 3
WASHIGTON- 8

Not only do you have the most last places finishes, you have 2 more than the other three teams combined.

 

[Nova]

huh.. really?
We must be watching different games or something.. either that or you're basing your assumption solely off of and living in the late 90s to early 2000's when the owner died and snyderatto took over, which was indeed a mess. However recent history (10 years) says otherwise..

going back to 2005 to now, the head to head record between the teams is dallas 12, washington 10

Of those 12 wins, dallas's average margin of victory is 8.
Of the 10 Commander wins, washington's average margin of victory is 9.2

Dallas has 4 playoff appearances, 3 division titles and 3 divisional playoff games, no super bowls.
Washington has 4 playoff appearances, 2 division titles and 1 divisional playoff game, no super bowls.

Sooo yeah. I guess you can say you're right, if you were living in the past, pre 2005.. otherwise remarkably similar records and "accomplishments"
Good thing you have some reason to get up for games now, because the basement seems a little crowded..

I'm not saying it hasn't been competitive. I'm saying one team (yours) gets amped up for a game the other team (mine) doesn't really care that much about... At least not any more than any other game.

Even the fans don't really care. Philly is a big deal. New York is a big deal. Washington is an after thought.