DeAndre Hopkins throws shade at 'cover 3 corner' Josh Norman
Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman held Houston Texans wideout DeAndre Hopkins to a mere five catches for 53 yards on 11 targets when the two squared off in Week 2.
That kind of shutdown performance has become commonplace for Norman. This season alone, the Defensive Player of the Year candidate has held Dez Bryant, Julio Jones, and Mike Evans in check.
Despite an up-close-and-personal view of Norman's exploits, Hopkins remains unimpressed.
Ahead of Norman's highly anticipated showdown with New York Giants receiver Odell Beckham Jr. this weekend, Hopkins took to his Twitter account to lob some backhanded compliments:
Very good cov 3 corner I give him that. https://t.co/O3JgqnaQ21
— Deandre Hopkins (@Nukdabomb) December 17, 2015
mo shade pic.twitter.com/UEKI9MhJgR pic.twitter.com/zmtT2GULnH
— El Flaco (@bomani_jones) December 18, 2015
"Cover 3 corner" is used pejoratively here, with Hopkins suggesting the Panthers' defensive scheme is designed to provide Norman with help rather than demanding he cover wideouts one-on-one.
While that may be true (at least in part), it's not really fair for Hopkins to demand cornerbacks be judged for their abilities in single man coverage. Very few defensive schemes demand their cornerbacks perform such a difficult task.
Beckham has torched opposing defenses despite drawing double coverage this year, so if Norman can hold him in check - even if he gets safety help - it could be the cherry on top of his All-Pro season.