Josh Norman calls Roddy White Falcons’ ‘fifth wide receiver’

Ahead of Sunday’s game between the Falcons and Panthers, there has been no shortage of trash talking between the two teams. It’s probably not surprising Roddy White and Josh Norman have been at the center of it.

When speaking about Norman’s play this season, White said the cornerback’s stellar season thus far has been largely due to the type of scheme the Panthers play, not Norman’s ability to shut down the receivers he goes up against. As you can probably guess, Norman had something to say in response when he was made aware of White’s comments. The Panthers CB took a shot at the veteran receiver’s productivity this season.

“I know that Julio is leading right now receivers-wise,” Norman said, according to The Charlotte Observer. “Roddy, I think he’s their fifth receiver behind the tight ends and running backs. I think he has one reception for a touchdown this year. We’re going to try to hold him out as much as we can.”

White hasn’t enjoyed the same amount of success in 2015 as he has in years past, that’s for sure. Norman was actually correct about White having just one touchdown reception. White has been targeted just 60 times through 14 games and has hauled in 37 passes for 429 yards. His receptions and yards are fourth on the Falcons, so Norman wasn’t too far off there either.

Norman was one of 10 Panthers selected to the Pro Bowl. So, while White is certainly entitled to his opinion, there are more than a few people out there who think Norman is pretty good at what he does, regardless of Carolina’s system. On Sunday, White, Julio Jones, and the rest of the Falcons will get an up close look at Josh Norman to decide for themselves. And we’re also seeing that between this and what Norman said to DeAndre Hopkins, he’s not someone to trade zingers with.