Preview and Prediction: Oakland Raiders vs. Carolina Panthers
By Austin Gayle
Kelvin Benjamin to Test David Amerson
Just 14 months after being waived by the Washington Redskins, Raiders cornerback David Amerson has reached new heights since joining the Silver and Black, and now peering down over the edge at his competition, he has no intention of falling back down.
With 46 combined tackles (39 solo), a team-high 14 pass deflections and two interceptions, Amerson has put on a defensive clinic through 10 games this season, earning the 15th best grade among all NFL cornerbacks, per ProFootballFocus.com.
Looking up at him, Panthers veteran wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin will do everything in his power to cast Amerson back down to earth.
After missing the entire 2015 season with a torn ACL, Benjamin has exploded in his third NFL season. With 46 receptions for 683 yards and four touchdowns, the former Florida State product is on pace to eclipse career highs in both receptions and receiving yards.
At 6’5”, 245 pounds, Benjamin often uses his large frame to wall off defenders on inward cutting routes to prevent pass break-ups both in the red zone and on critical downs. Through 10 games, he is second on the tram with 80 targets and 36 first down receptions behind Olsen.
Amerson (6’1”, 205) is capable of playing with bigger receivers because of his above average size, but he will have his hands full with Benjamin and should see a large volume of targets on his side of the field.
The two should exchange blows back and forth for a majority of the game, but if Benjamin makes his way into the end zone multiple times or extends a few too many drives, he will finish the match with his glove raised high.