Just one week after clinching his teams win over the New Orleans Saints, Josh Norman of the Carolina Panthers had one of the best games of his young career in a 37-23 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as he finished with 4 tackles, 3 passes defended and 2 interceptions, one of which went for a touchdown. The incredible play by Norman and the Panthers defense helped improve the Panthers to 4-0 on the year.
After his two interception day, Norman now has the NFL lead with four interceptions on the year. Norman also now has seven interceptions in his three plus years in the NFL. Norman has four picks through just four games this year after having a career high interceptions last year with two.
Norman intercepted 'Bucs rookie QB Jameis Winston on their opening possession, taking the interception 46-yards to the house. Norman would add another interception later in the game to add to the Panthers four interceptions on the day. This was a game in which Carolina dominated Tampa Bay in every phase.
After improving to 4-0, the Panthers head into their bye week on a high note as they are first in the NFC South with the Atlanta Falcons, who are also 4-0. After their bye week, the Panthers and Norman will look to have another big defensive game as they travel to Seattle to go up against Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks.
The other nominees for defensive player of the week this week were Manti T'eo of the San Diego Chargers who finished with 13 solo tackles in the teams win over the Cleveland Browns, and T.J Ward of the Denver Broncos who finished with 6 tackles, 2 sacks and a forced fumble that sealed the Denver victory with less than a minute remaining.
