Josh Norman Responds to Emmanuel Sanders' Comments on CB's Reputation

One day after Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders seemingly took a shot at Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman, the first-team All-Pro defensive back countered Thursday night.  

According to Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer, Sanders suggested Wednesday that Norman's on-field performance wasn't the only reason why he was receiving so much media coverage.

"He's talked himself into the media," Sanders said.

Norman challenged that notion and took a swipe at Sanders in the process when asked to respond, per Eric Prisbell of USA Today:

"

Wow. I think you have to be pretty darn good at what you do to talk your way into the spotlight. If you are not good you are not recognized as one of the best, and I guess people don't want to know about that person. So I don't know where he gets that from. I haven't been hearing much about him, so obviously he may want to go back and practice some more.

"

The Broncos wideout later explained his comments and claimed they were simply meant to open dialogue about Carolina's other defensive players rather than talking only about Norman, according to Prisbell:

"

No, he's not overrated to me. I never said he was overrated. That story has blown up. I pretty much (said) that I've been here for four days and I've answered more questions about Josh Norman. Robert McClain is on the opposite side. Luke Kuechly is in the middle. They have a defense. They have 10 other guys out there. Is that fair to keep asking questions about one guy as if me and him are the only ones out there playing? Walk up and ask me questions about the defense in general because they have a great defense.

I don't want to talk about just one guy. That's the reason why I said it. I'm kind of tired of talking about just one guy when there are 11 guys out there on the field. So don't walk up and ask me questions about one guy. Ask me questions about their defense.

"

Norman made four interceptions, defended 18 passes and earned the first Pro Bowl nod of his career in 2015. While the likes of Darrelle Revis and Richard Sherman have been considered the NFL's top corners in recent years, Norman made a strong case for that title, which is why he has been such a hot topic of conversation.

Interestingly, it seems more likely that Norman will be tasked with covering Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas rather than Sanders for much of Super Bowl 50, which means fans may not have an opportunity to see them mix it up.

Provided Norman is able to keep Thomas in check, as he did almost every pass-catcher he encountered during the regular season, Sanders could turn out to be a key figure in the game.

He put up 76 catches for 1,135 yards and six touchdowns during the regular season, and he promises to be one of quarterback Peyton Manning's favorite targets Sunday.

The week leading up to the Super Bowl is a long one, and it often leads to some media fatigue from the players. That's what Sanders seemed to hint at, but if Norman is able to take his comments and channel them into motivation, then the wideout's innocent opinion could turn into a major stumbling block for the Broncos.

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