Josh Norman benching?

[UKpantherfan]

So the Charlotte Observer is reporting that Josh Norman was benched during the ATL game but no one is saying why. Anyone got any thoughts?

And let's be serious, let's avoid cheap shots etc - I'm genuinely curious at to what would make us go down to 3rd and 4th and even 5th string players in a game we were winning.

Oh and what were people's thoughts on Jones and Dockery?
_________________
Still the only UK-based Panthers fan I know...hang on a minute...I might be the only one IN the UK!

[boondock]

Neither guy was spectacular as we gave up a lot in the 2nd half to the passing game. Could definitely tell when Norman left the game.
_________________

[Carolina_Champ]

Just watched the game again. After halftime Norman was only in one time. It was the two point conversion attempt. I didn't see Nakamura at all in the second half after Jones came in. I don't think there was drop off between Norman and Dockey. Neither one was that good. Norman was out a good deal of the first half too.

I attribute the 2nd half passing success more to Atlanta's urgency than Dockery and Jones coming in. Norman wouldn't have fared much better.
_________________

[rjkilla]

he's been allowing catches all year but mostly because the coaches play that stupid soft zone so the receiver might as well be in the park playing catch with a buddy. i thought it was fox but it seems it's more of an organizational philosophy to never jam anyone at the line. even tho they are perfecty tailored to do so
_________________

[shaX 07]

I'm not surprised at all. He hasn't done anything to prove he's a capable starter. 5th round rookie or not, CB is still a big need for this team.

I can see us taking Dee Milliner in the first round of next year's draft. If we don't take him, I wouldn't be surprised if we took a 2nd round CB.
_________________

[panattack86]

idk what to read into on this benching. he hasnt shown to be a #1 CB but he would be a solid nickel corner and borderline #2. With captains contract expiring this spring, I think the coaching staff wanted to see how the other CB played in a real game and not the scouting team. The panthers need to address both CB and S in this draft. perfect 2013 draft scenario
1st round: hankins DT ohio state
2nd round: phillip thomas S Fresno State
4th round: Robert Alford CB SE Louisana
oline and bpa the rest of the way
_________________

[rjkilla]

he's a physical solid tackler who's more than happy to stick his nose in against the run. he just allows way to many easy completions. i say that has a lot to do with scheme for the most part but clearly the coaches don't agree
_________________

[jbegley8]

Could we maybe use Josh Norman as a FS.

[Toughguy77]

[atown703]

[OneBadCat]

I think Norman has been impressive considering he's a 5th round pick. But I think it's just as likely that he was benched because Rivera wanted to give other guys a chance and give Norman the chance to watch a learn and get mental reps.

[rjkilla]

also a lot of rookies aren't used to this long grueling schedule. it's totally possible that norman is just gassed
_________________

[Zithers]

[fretgod99]

Question to which I honestly don't know the answer:

In the NFL, how much authority does the player have to decide whether to press, stay tight, or back off before the snap? Is that a coaching/play decision, or does the player always (or at least frequently) have the option?

I mean, I'm sure that can very, depending on player and team, but if Norman has the option in most situations and he keeps backing off, that's clearly an issue with him and confidence, etc. If it's not up to him and he's hand-tied by the plays being called, then I really can't downgrade the guy for playing what's called.

So, honestly, does anybody know the answer beyond speculation? I'd really like to know.
_________________

[Carolina_Champ]