3 ways Josh Norman can help the Panthers after bombshell return
By Dean Jones
How could veteran cornerback Josh Norman help the Carolina Panthers after his bombshell return to the organization on Monday?
Jaycee Horn’s disastrous injury suffered in Week 16 against the Detroit Lions was counteracted swiftly by the Carolina Panthers. Interim head coach Steve Wilks returned to a familiar face and brought in Josh Norman for a workout on Monday.
This sent shockwaves through the fanbase given how Norman departed the organization after his All-Pro campaign in 2015. The veteran’s been out of work for the entire 2022 campaign, but Wilks obviously saw enough from the defensive back to sign him onto the practice squad in the hope of contributing during Carolina’s pivotal NFC South clash with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 17.
While Horn hasn’t been officially ruled out, it would be a surprise if the broken wrist didn’t keep him out for the remaining two games. And while Norman might not be the force of old, his arrival brings a significant amount of intrigue.
Without further ado, here are three ways Norman can help the Panthers after his sensational return to the franchise this week.
Way No. 1
Josh Norman can mentor Carolina Panthers CBs
Relying on C.J. Henderson and Keith Taylor Jr. for such a big game with Jaycee Horn expected to miss the clash comes with obvious risk. There’s been nobody better than Tom Brady in NFL history when it comes to exploiting weakness and even though the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense isn’t firing on all cylinders, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin can do untold damage when in the mood.
That’s why getting Josh Norman into the building was important. The Carolina Panthers can lean on his veteran leadership, which will hopefully guide Henderson and Taylor through the biggest game of their young professional careers.
Just how much Norman can assist on the field remains to be seen. But his influence off it will be equally as important to the Panthers’ chances of success.