LANDOVER — Josh Norman’s interception drought is over.
The Redskins cornerback picked off Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton in the second quarter of Sunday’s game — Norman’s first since Dec. 24, 2016. Norman intercepted Newton on an underthrown deep ball, returning the pass for seven yards.
Josh Norman with his first interception since 2016 🎧👏🏾#CARvsWAS | #HTTR
— Yahoo Sports NFL (@YahooSportsNFL) October 14, 2018
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/LjKroKbdw7
The interception came on the heels of a tumultuous week for the 30-year-old, who was benched for the first series of the second half in Monday’s loss against the New Orleans Saints. Norman was then involved in a Twitter spat with Saints receiver Michael Thomas and dealt with former teammate DeAngelo Hall questioning his commitment to football.
On Sunday morning, the NFL Network reported that Norman was benched for wearing his headphones during halftime of the Saints loss. Coach Jay Gruden, according to the report, “yanked” Norman’s headphones off, causing the cornerback to get upset and walk away.
The two, per the report, talked out their problems and were “at peace” with the incident.
Now, Norman has responded in a big way. In addition to his interception, he forced a fumble on a Panthers drive later on in the second.
Carolina, of course, chose not to re-sign the cornerback in 2016, rescinding his franchise tag.
The Redskins lead 17-0.
Josh Norman has intercepted Cam Newton and forced a fumble against DJ Moore in the first half.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 14, 2018
It’s Norman’s second career game doing both (also Week 1 of 2015 vs Jaguars). pic.twitter.com/BDehJvEdWD
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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