Last off season, the Washington Redskins signed Josh Norman to a 5 year, $75 million dollar deal, after the Panthers foolishly let him go. In the 2016-17 NFL season, the Skins didn't quite reach expectations, especially their defense. However, Josh Norman did play fairly well in his first year with the Skins. He had 3 interceptions along with 2 forced fumbles. But defense doesn't work out with just one man doing his job. Other Skins defenders that, in my opinion, didn't reach their expectations were Bashaud Breeland, Ziggy Hood, and Preston Smith. One Redskins defender that I think played very well was Mason Foster. At the inside linebacker position, he didn't get that many sack opportunities, but did come up with a lot of big plays throughout the year. I definitely think that with the addition of D.J. Swearinger, former Arizona Cardinals free safety, that pass defense for the Skins will definitely improve.
Let's get back to Josh Norman. At times, he could get into scuffles with fellow NFC East receivers Dez Bryant, and Odell Beckham Jr. This year, the receiver to defensive back match ups will be even tougher. The New York Giants have added former Jets receiver Brandon Marshall, while the Philadelphia Eagles have added Torrey Smith and Alshon Jeffery. Smith being a former 49ers wide out, while Jeffery coming from the Bears as a receiver also.This means that Norman will have to play Dez, Jeffery and Smith, and Beckham and Marshall a total of 6 times! Hopefully he gets help because if not, it could be another long season for the Redskins defense.
