Panthers trade their best receiver right before Falcons game
Atlanta Falcons will face the Carolina Panthers this Sunday, less wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin.
The Carolina Panthers traded away their top wide receiver in Kelvin Benjamin yesterday to the Buffalo Bills.
He spent two-and-a-half seasons in Carolina since he was drafted by them in 2014. This year, Benjamin has 32 receptions for 475-yards and two touchdowns.
During his time with the Panthers, Benjamin dealt with injuries, which hampered his growth to become a top five receiver in the NFL.
Aside from Panthers tight end Greg Olsen, Benjamin was Carolina quarterback Cam Newton’s go-to target.
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With Benjamin being traded, it should make things a little easier for Falcons defensive back Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford when the Falcons play the Panthers this Sunday.
Trufant and Alfred will have to deal with Panthers receivers Russell Shepard and Devin Finches.
Truant was beat for a touchdown against the New York Jets last Sunday.
Time will tell if Trufant has lost a step since being injured last year, or if he is still trying to adjust to regular season play.
The loss of Benjamin may force Carolina to rely more on a solid running attack. As a whole, Carolina’s running game has been ineffective in 2017.
Rookie Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey only has 21 rushing yards in three games. Veteran Carolina running back Jonathan Stewart has 329-yards rushing yards and two touchdowns.
In last week’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Newton was the leading rusher with 44-yards.
Despite their productivity, Atlanta will need to focus on McCaffrey and Newton, as either player is capable of creating an explosive play.
The loss of Benjamin will impact Carolina, however the Panthers are still capable of presenting challenges on the offensive side of the ball.
After all, Carolina has the 2015 NFL MVP at quarterback and a top 10 2017 NFL draft pick in the backfield.
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The Falcons defense will be tested on Sunday. But at least they will not have to contend with Benjamin.