Carolina Panthers cut starting cornerback Bene Benwikere
The Carolina Panthers have cut starting cornerback Bene Benwikere after he was ripped to shreds by Julio Jones and Matt Ryan on Sunday.
Many cornerbacks have nightmares about trying to handle the wondrous talents of Julio Jones. After his 300-yards, one touchdown demolition of an already inexperienced secondary, the Carolina Panthers have seen fit to go separate ways with one of their starting corners, Bene Benwikere. This group was already thing after the controversial departure of Josh Norman in the offseason, even though he was initially offered the franchise tag,
Benwikere had been playing about as well as could have been expected before Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons. An interception in the Week 1 loss to the Denver Broncos was a particular highlight, and while he was far from Norman, the Panthers hoped Benwikere would step up and play a big part in their reconstructed secondary.
Whoa. The #Panthers just cut starting CB Bene' Benwikere, source said. Rough day vs. Julio, but had INT in opener, had played some good ball
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 7, 2016
However, Sunday’s game saw his time with NFC Champions end in rather abrupt fashion. Jones was magnificent in ever facet of the game on Sunday, and Benwikere was on the end of the beating that the Falcons’ number one receiver was handing out.
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His admission that he was not in the peak condition after chasing shadows for the duration of the game may not have helped Benwikere’s cause, but now, a defense that was once considered one of the more superior units in the league, are relying on the fitness of James Bradberry after he picked up a foot injury in the Week 4 loss.
Oh, how Josh Norman must be smiling.