Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant always wants to prove himself against the best, and facing off against the Washington Redskins this weekend is no exception.
That’s why Bryant wants to be matched up with Redskins’ cornerback Josh Norman, the highest-paid cornerback in the history of the NFL.
“I want the challenge, just like he wants the challenge,” Bryant said. “It’s going to be a fun game Sunday. Mutual respect from each other. We’re just going to go out there and put on a good game. It’s not about me or him. It’s about each other’s team.”
Against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Redskins’ season opener, Norman was often lined up on the opposite side of the field of Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown, who finished the game with 8 receptions for 126 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Bryant was asked about the Redskins’ strategy to not have Norman shadow Brown all over the field. Bryant was a bit amused.
“No comment. LOL,” Bryant said before laughing and walking away from the media.
According to Redskins defensive coordinator Joe Barry, it would have been difficult for the other defensive backs to adjust their responsibilities in coverage if Norman shadowed Brown in the 38-16 loss. And, as Washington Times reporter Todd Dybas pointed out, that could be four other defensive backs in a nickel formation.
“It’s easy for you to get lined up but the other guys, it’s difficult and that’s why most of the time, people get talked out of it, especially with offenses that move their guy around,” Barry said Thursday. “And [the Steelers] do a really phenomenal job because people try to do that and they make it difficult just because of all of the different places that [Brown] aligns. It is hard for the other guys to get lined up in a timely manner, especially in a no-huddle offense with the tempo.”
But with a glaring problem widely exposed on Monday, Norman may be lined up a bit more with the opposing team’s to wide out in the future.
Norman doesn’t really care if he lines up on his strong side, shadows his man or who he’s even lined up with. He’s just more concerned with his team’s success.
“I think ’traveling’ or not ’traveling,’ one side or the other side, who really cares, man? Let’s just get the job done,” Norman said. “Whoever gets the job done, so be it, man. All this talk about this guy matches up with that guy, who really freakin’ cares?”
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