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NFL midseason awards: Tom Brady takes hardware

By Staff

Oct 11, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) takes the field as sunbeams cut across the field during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) takes the field as sunbeams cut across the field during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 2, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) reacts in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) reacts in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Player of the Year: Josh Norman

Josh Norman has been underrated for years, but with the Carolina Panthers beginning to play consistently on primetime television, people are starting to take notice of the corner. Norman ranks second in the league with four interceptions, only trailing the ageless Charles Woodson of the Oakland Raiders. Norman is one of the best corners in the game and in a year without an incredible sack number or legions of J.J. Watt supporters, this race is wide open.

Should Carolina finish with a 12-4 or 13-3 record, why not give Norman the award? Inside linebacker Luke Kuechly has missed time this year with a concussion. Thomas Davis has been great once again, but it is easy to argue that Norman has been the most impactful player on the field for Carolina on a week-to-week-basis.

For years, the conversation about the NFL’s best corner has always revolved around Richard Sherman of the Seattle Seahawks and Darrelle Revis of the New York Jets. The debate has raged with no clear winner, and now we have a third entrant to the mix. Norman does not have the flash of either player and certainly isn’t as in love with the sound of his own voice, but he can play.

If the Panthers make a deep run in the postseason, look for Norman to become a household name.

Next: NFL Comeback Player of the Year

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