New Washington cornerback Josh Norman got the money.
But even though teammate DeSean Jackson has gotten the better of him at times in training camp, Jackson thinks it would be a mistake to think that means Norman’s not a good addition.
After Jackson and Pierre Garcon have beaten Norman during some camp drills, there was some concern about the $75 million acquisition, but Jackson said to tap the brakes.
“It’s practice. That’s what we’re out here for, to get better and to challenge each other,” Jackson said, via Mike Jones of the Washington Post. “It’s not like he’s going against a guy that’s not capable of winning matchups. And, one-on-ones, I look at them as they’re for the wide receivers; they’re for the wide receivers to win.
“But, of course, he’s been paid, and he’s known to be a top corner in this league, so everyone thinks he’s supposed to stop anyone who comes out there. But it’s challenging on both sides.”
Jackson’s right about one-on-one drills in camp, as going the guy running forward generally has the advantage against the guy who has to start by backpedaling (without the benefit of a pass rush). But Norman was never a pure cover player in Carolina anyway, so having to work against a speedy receiver like Jackson is going to be tough anyway.
“Guys, he’s elite. His speed is elite. He’s like Flash out there, so I mean his elusiveness is just off the charts,” Norman said. “So, being able to match up with a guy like that each and every time posted one-on-one is only going to make me better because if he beats me, he beats me. He beats me, I’m going to try and figure that thing out until it like draws in my head, because for me it’s like finding that edge, finding that way to where I win, you know? He beats me on this play, I’m coming back trying to find out how he beat me that first play.
“Knowing that, D-Jax is going to help me with [it]. So, I can’t wait for that challenge. It’s going to be exciting as you already can tell, but looking forward to more of it because it’s only going to make me better and him as well.”
Of course, Norman’s going to have plenty of high-profile matchups once the season starts, with players such as Dez Bryant and Odell Beckham. And while Jackson may respect Norman’s abilities, Beckham may view it differently.