Slumping corners Peters, Norman have clever responses to shade
Formerly top-rated corner Marcus Peters ranks 183rd in coverage for past three weeks
All-Pro cornerback Marcus Peters, a much-celebrated acquisition by the Los Angeles Rams, has had a miserable time since injuring his calf early in Week 3. In three games since then he’s allowed a passer rating of 136.9, according to Sports Info Solutions. That figure ranks 183rd among 200 players targeted at least 5 times during that span. Pro Football Focus concurs, ranking him 106 among 111 qualifying cornerbacks. Peters insists he’s healthy now (though many doubt it) and is not troubled by that performance, that ever since his childhood he’s been able to put adversity behind him. “I’ve had the fuck-it syndrome ever since I was a little kid,” he said. “My mama’s like, ‘That’s just him. When he says “fuck it,’ it’s fuck it.”’
Dear Marcus: Is it really necessary to tell the public that your mama has a potty mouth?
Josh Norman would rather be a celebrity than a football player, says DeAngelo Hall
Washington cornerback Josh Norman is not playing up to his All-Pro form of the past. He was benched to begin the second half of Sunday’s 43-19 defeat in New Orleans. A former teammate, DeAngelo Hall, thinks one factor in his decline at age 30 is that “he’s in love with being a celebrity right now and not necessarily a football player.” Norman is well known for trash-talking and trash-tweeting (most recently: Saints receiver Michael Thomas) and for his socializing with Hollywood stars. Norman did not dispute Hall’s assessment. “I can say that’s true. I’ve been to Hollywood. Ever since I came out of my mama’s womb I’ve been Hollywood. I get my check from Hollywood and I come back and play ball.”
Between the Lines: Hall had a key role in talking Norman into signing as a free agent with Washington two years ago. “I looked up to D-Hall.” Norman said. “I still do.”
Antonio Brown endangers child with furniture toss, lawsuit claims
Pittsburgh’s Antonio Brown, a 6-time Pro Bowl receiver, has been accused of almost injuring a child by tossing two large vases, an ottoman and other furniture from the 14th-story balcony of his condominium in South Florida. The incident allegedly was filmed by surveillance cameras. TMZ obtained court documents that claim a 22-month-old toddler was almost hit by one of the vases. Ophir Sternberg is suing on grounds that Brown caused emotional distress for the child. Sternberg said, “Mr. Brown was extremely agitated, acting aggressively, and yelling at security personnel.”
Dear Antonio: This incident along with several others (threatening a reporter, arguing with your coach on the sideline, skipping practice) suggests someone in need of anger management.
Cardinals teammates say Josh Rosen ‘is not weird’
Some NFL teams shunned UCLA QB Josh Rosen in this year’s draft because he was outspoken about football and other subjects, freely expressing unconventional ideas. He was drafted 10th overall, which was low for a passer with his size (6-4, 218) and powerful arm. But his Arizona Cardinals have nothing but praise for his performance on the field and his leadership on the sidelines. When Phil Dawson missed a potential game-winning field goal against Seattle, the rookie offered encouragement. “For him to take time while processing a tough loss in his first start, to go out of his way to encourage a teammate, especially one in my shoes, speaks a lot of his leadership and the character of the guy.” Larry Fitzgerald told ESPN: “He’s got a vast array of interests, and he’s a very, very interesting person.” But not weird. “He’s down to earth,” receiver Chad Williams said. “He’s a cool guy. He’ll sit down and talk to you. He’s not weird.” Another Cardinals receiver, Christian Kirk, has known Rosen since high school and said, “He’s one of a kind,” adding that the players “love his uniqueness.”
Severino confused about starting time for ALDS
Luis Severino, New York Yankees’ No. 1 starting pitcher, was late beginning his warmups for Game 3 of the American League Division Series, causing suspicion that he was confused about the scheduled time. When the game began in Yankee Stadium, he did not appear ready. The Boston Red Sox hammered him for six runs in 3+ innings. They appeared to know what Severino was going to throw, as they were calling out pitches from the dugout. TBS broadcaster Ron Darling suggested that Severino must not have known the game was starting at 7:40 ET, because he did not begin warming up in the bullpen until 7:32. That was after pitching coach Larry Rothschild was heard telling him: “7:40, let’s go.” Severino insisted, “I came out 20 minutes before the game, like I usually do.” He may have been on the field 20 minutes ahead of the game, but he was not throwing. John Flaherty, former catcher who now broadcasts for the YES network that carries Yankees games, said, “There is no way you can go on a bullpen mound eight minutes before the scheduled first pitch and expect to be ready.” Severino was pulled from the game (belatedly?) by manager Aaron Boone after four batters in a row reached base to begin the 4th inning. Boston fared even better against the Yankees’ relievers on the way to a 16-1 result – worst-ever defeat by the Yankees in a postseason game.
Between the Lines: After throwing five consecutive sliders in the second inning, Severino stopped throwing that pitch, supporting the theory that he feared he was tipping it off to the batters.
Beckham slams his QB, coaches: ‘can’t throw more than 20 yards’
Odell Beckham Jr. is having a disappointing season for the New York Giants after signing the long-term contract he was seeking. Of course, the Pro Bowl receiver is not blaming himself but his quarterback and coaches. He told ESPN that he’s unhappy with the team’s short-pass offense. “I want to go over the top of somebody,” he said. “I don’t feel like I’m getting an opportunity to be the best I can be. I’m being outschemed.” In a shot at QB Eli Manning, he said, “How come we can’t throw the ball for more than 20 yards?” He’s also unhappy with the cold, cloudy weather common in New York. He was born in Louisiana, and he said, “Honestly, I love seeing sunshine all the time. I love being in LA, but this is where I’m at.” When the Giants played very competitively in Carolina, losing 33-31 on Sunday, Beckham took credit for their improved passing game. “If it took that for us to come together as a team,” he said. “I’ll take that every single time.”
Dear Odell: Eli threw a 45-yard pass Sunday at Carolina and completed it, and he did not appear to be straining. He just needs time to throw. Belittling your quarterback and coaches is not leadership.
