Josh Norman Was Really Benched

[chknwing]

I dont get Rivera. He states that hes going to play the young players so they can gain experience etc and so that the coaches can get a look at them but then benches them for making a mistake.

[Sloth]

I dont get Rivera. He states that hes going to play the young players so they can gain experience etc and so that the coaches can get a look at them but then benches them for making a mistake.

We did play Norman. He got a chance for a majority of the season despite his struggles. Norman was outplayed by both Thomas and Dockery. Rivera did the right thing by rewarding performance with playing time. Hopefully Norman is pissed and comes into TC hell bent on winning his spot back. Good for the team either way.

[CRA]

Against Chicago, for instance,fans got so mad during that last drive when the play calling was soft.

Maybe that exposed Norman because the calls were made because he lacked the physicality and the recovery speed to be more disruptive. In other words, maybe Norman's physical limitations affect play calling. I never saw him successful jam a WR or take the slant away. He is a rookie, so that is good news. He will be 25, however, so the window is closing

If a kicker is struggling, you punt 50 yards out instead of going for the FG. If your QB is not good, you don't put him in situations where he has to carry the team.

The league seemed to know Nornan was weak because he was thrown at a LOT.

Just my theory--guessing. I am not one of the posters who claims to have supreme knowledge of all things related to football.

But my issue is when we were playing "soft" coverages teams weren't picking on Josh Thomas. Norman played soft coverages even softer than intended IMO. Rivera would consistently address the manner in which Norman played the zone coverage.

He is a 5th round CB from a small school. too early to give up on that bc he didn't play like a first round rookie thrown into the fire

[CRA]

I dont get Rivera. He states that hes going to play the young players so they can gain experience etc and so that the coaches can get a look at them but then benches them for making a mistake.

He benched young players that don't show enough good to make up for the mistakes/learning.

Cam, Luke, Fua, McClain, Alexander, Norman.....all where given tons of playing time and starts.

Norman just week in and week out allowed the same stuff to occur.

[MHS831]

But my issue is when we were playing "soft" coverages teams weren't picking on Josh Thomas. Norman played soft coverages even softer than intended IMO. Rivera would consistently address the manner in which Norman played the zone coverage.

He is a 5th round CB from a small school. too early to give up on that bc he didn't play like a first round rookie thrown into the fire

You are exactly right about Thomas. He hammered NO at the LOS--I was amazed. Moore actually was knocked off his feet a few times. Thomas is the real deal. Once I saw him miss a jam, and the WR did a swim move over him. Burned, I thought. Thomas recovered very quickly and was in the WR's hip pocket in four strides. I could not believe it. The announcers were busy talking about alligators in swamps or something and missed it.

My criticism is that CB has been ignored by Hurney (no worse that WR or DT have been ignored--before Cam, we could add QB to that list) and RR had to play a fifth rounder. A big, veteran WR and a veteran QB with a rocket arm throwing slants at a rookie, 5th round CB from Coastal Carolina. I am not sure Norman will ever have the physical tools or experience to win that battle.

[jtm]

It's pretty simple--Norman got outplayed by Thomas and Dockery. Norman has a higher ceiling, but needs to improve.

[CRA]

It's pretty simple--Norman got outplayed by Thomas and Dockery. Norman has a higher ceiling, but needs to improve.

Norman is athletic....might lack the speed and quickness to play CB though. Something to watch.

Might also be a young guy who needs to study more. Don't forget we have defenders who were called out this year on that. He might simply not understand what teams were doing to him being such a cocky young guy. Takes more than talent when teams start drawing up gameplans

[beastson]

I don't think outplayed has anything to do with it

I think 2 things

Somebody mentioned his lack of knowledge on the plays being called which may be the reason he played off sometimes and then bumped other players (which he has done, you can back and watch the games)

Simply giving others a chance

[CRA]

I don't think outplayed has anything to do with it

I think 2 things

Somebody mentioned his lack of knowledge on the plays being called which may be the reason he played off sometimes and then bumped other players (which he has done, you can back and watch the games)

Simply giving others a chance

I personally think he was one of the defenders called out in regard to their work habits.

My football IQ isn't very high....but even I could call the downs and plays when opponents where going to hit slants on Norman. Too easy. Don't think it was a talent issue.

Young kid. Needs to learn what opponents are trying to do in certain spots