Josh Norman could’ve ended Beckham Jr.’s life, decides against it

Sep 25, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) defends Washington Redskins corner back Josh Norman (24) during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) defends Washington Redskins corner back Josh Norman (24) during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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In the latest installment of the increasingly salty Josh Norman-Odell Beckham Jr. feud, the All-Pro corner resorts to straight-up bear hugs.

On a day defined by earnest attempts to come together — whether over a tragic loss of life or the public’s growing acceptance of acts of social protest — it’s nice to know the Josh Norman-Odell Beckham Jr. beef keeps sliding steadily towards DEFCON 1.

Early on in Sunday’s NFC East showdown between the New York Giants and Washington Redskins, the long-bickering stars found themselves ensnared in the end zone on an Eli Manning lob. Apprised as he’s long been of his all-world foe’s cartoonish exploits, Norman did what any self-respecting cornerback would in that situation:

He caught Beckham mid-leap, removed him from the ball’s remote-most gravity, and dropped him like a sack of rocks in a truck bed:

There was no flag on the play, although one can certainly make the argument that carrying a player like a small refrigerator probably warrants some sort of reprimand. A slap on the face with a ruler, perhaps. Just like they they used to do in school. Side note: I went to school when every light was powered by blubber.

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Anyway…

Norman has carried the battle so far, having held Beckham Jr. to zero catches through one quarter of play. But it was the Giants who looked well on their way to winning the war, dashing out to an early 14-6 lead behind scores by running back Orleans Darkwa and standout rookie receiver Sterling Shepard.

I don’t think it’s going out on too loose a limb to say this isn’t the last Norman-Beckham highlight we’ll be posting today. Stay tuned.