Panthers CB Norman expects Giants will target him

"I expect I'll have a target on my back, but I'm ready," Norman said. "I understand I'm in a new league and I really haven't done anything yet. So I feel like I have to do something."

The Panthers thought they might get a few starters out of this year's NFL draft, but Norman wasn't expected to be one of them — at least not right away.

Surprisingly, the fifth-round selection out of tiny Coastal Carolina has made a smooth transition to the NFL and unseated two-year starter Captain Munnerlyn as the No. 2 cornerback opposite Chris Gamble. Norman did it despite missing most of training camp with a strained hamstring.

Defensive coordinator Sean McDermott says Norman has shown "the game isn't too big for him."

Norman came into the team's rookie minicamp back in May telling everyone who'd listen he expected to start right away.

Few gave him a chance.

But after only a couple of days of practice, the confident Norman was challenging five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Steve Smith — both verbally and physically — in practice, daring him to beat him.

"I want to be the best, so to be the best you have to challenge the best," Norman said.

He'll get one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL Thursday night.

Manning is coming off a 510-yard passing performance in a 41-34 win Sunday over Tampa Bay. Hicks, a Charlotte native, caught 10 passes for 199 yards and Cruz had 11 receptions for 179 yards. Both caught touchdown passes.

Manning said whether he throws Norman's way will depend on the coverage.

"If he's in one-on-one coverage that's something we might look at," Manning said.

Munnerlyn had started 23 games prior to this year, but has since been relegated mostly to the nickel duty in passing situations and special teams with the emergence of Norman. McDermott said he plans to platoon Norman and Munnerlyn this season.