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Kelvin Benjamin - Aside from the touchdown....

Jeremy Igo

By Jeremy Igo,
in Carolina Panthers

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Jeremy Igo Newbie

Jeremy Igo

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By now you have seen the amazing touchdown grab by Kelvin Benjamin. After stepping on the back of a defender's foot, he stumbled, recovered, and curled the ball to his chest just before he hit the ground.

 

You can watch the video here....

 

That was probably the single most impressive touchdown catch in several years.... and it was only his first game.

 

There are some things you may have missed, however.

 

When asked about the difference in his catching ability from college to pros, Kelvin replied "You catch the ball with your eyes". That is one thing I have noticed both in camp and now during a game. Kelvin always has laser focus on the ball.

 

"People think you catch the ball with your hands, but its your eyes." Kelvin Benjamin

 

Panthers-Bills-1~0.jpg

 

 

I did not think it was possible to overthrow Kelvin, but Derek Anderson (under heavy pressure) managed to. Still, Kelvin almost was able to bring in a terribly overthrown ball. "Its football, that happens sometimes" Kelvin remarked.

 

Kelvin2BBenjamin2BPanthers1-1.jpg

 

At one point, Buffalo Bills corner and former Gamecock Stephon Gilmore was tasked with pressing Benjamin at the line. The result was Gilmore being thrown to the ground as Benjamin effortlessly completed his route. The last place a NFL defensive back wants to be just after the ball is snapped is on his back. It's not a good look.

 

Keep in mind Gilmore is a respectable six foot one inch corner.

 

Kelvin2BBenjamin-1.jpg

 

Along the sidelines, Kelvin Benjamin stayed focused on the game. When others on the team were enjoying more lighthearted discussions with their fellow Panthers, Benjamin studied the game both on the field and reviewing the new and improved video screens. Coaches have remarked positively on just how "coachable" Kelvin is.

 

Kelvin2BBenjamin2BPanthers-1.jpg

 

I am trying to put aside notions of yet another Panthers rookie of the year, as such things are a bit premature.

 

I'm not sure how much longer I can hold out.

 

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Growl Grand Master

Growl

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Prior to the TD I was frustrated that Anderson wasnt going to him, instead electing to dump it off to the backs. Benjamin was routinely open. I think he's poised for a great season and great career if he keeps working hard. Especially since Cam has no qualms about going deep and going to him.

By the way, I was on the KB bandwagon from day one. just saying.

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BuffaloBills62 Newbie

BuffaloBills62

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A few observations:

 

Gilmore looked hardly himself last night, disinterested and not full go.  On the TD mentioned he failed to bother to turn his head; if he had done so the pass is easily deflected.  Also, it was funny watching Gilmore watch Benjamin - he gave up and figured Benjamin would have done the same once the contact was made.  If that was the average veteran player at WR, they'd have given up to, at least IMO.  Benjamin has something to prove, a rookie and he got in a tough catch.

 

Gilmore struggled a bit last season early after recovering from a broken hand and the contact rules have really messed with him.

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Mol3m4n Mentor

Mol3m4n

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A few observations:

Gilmore looked hardly himself last night, disinterested and not full go. On the TD mentioned he failed to bother to turn his head; if he had done so the pass is easily deflected. Also, it was funny watching Gilmore watch Benjamin - he gave up and figured Benjamin would have done the same once the contact was made. If that was the average veteran player at WR, they'd have given up to, at least IMO. Benjamin has something to prove, a rookie and he got in a tough catch.

Gilmore struggled a bit last season early after recovering from a broken hand and the contact rules have really messed with him.

What play were you watching? Happy Gilmore had no chance of a deflection. Nice cover up for a dude that got OWNED last night.

Sent from my SCH-R970 using CarolinaHuddle mobile app

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lola Newbie

lola

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That last line gave me goosebumps!

That young man is special. Special, I tell ya. I almost fell over the balcony on that TD catch. I feel like a proud mommy.

Jeremy, excellent as always. I still think you need to win some sort of espy or something. Your coverage is in a league of its own. Tremendous work.

Sent from my iPhone using CarolinaHuddle

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Guest 14wlindsey

Guest 14wlindsey

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When Cam looks deep into KB's eyes he sees shiny Lombardi trophies. Well, either that or they might really just be gay for each other. Who knows.

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BuffaloBills62 Newbie

BuffaloBills62

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I'd say he looked intimidated.

 

And rightfully so.

 

I am not the biggest Gilmore fan, I like McKelvin a little more.  But, I cannot imagine Gilmore being intimidated.  The guy plays without emotion or expression.  Go back to the time he was drafted he is on stage showing no emotion and you'll be hard pressed to find a press conference where he is smiling or showing any emotion.

 

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SIGCHI222 Newbie

SIGCHI222

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A few observations:

 

Gilmore looked hardly himself last night, disinterested and not full go.  On the TD mentioned he failed to bother to turn his head; if he had done so the pass is easily deflected.  Also, it was funny watching Gilmore watch Benjamin - he gave up and figured Benjamin would have done the same once the contact was made.  If that was the average veteran player at WR, they'd have given up to, at least IMO.  Benjamin has something to prove, a rookie and he got in a tough catch.

 

Gilmore struggled a bit last season early after recovering from a broken hand and the contact rules have really messed with him.

 

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