Panthers cut Benwikere after Julio Jones' 300-yard game
The Carolina Panthers have cut their top cornerback Bene Benwikere.
The third-year pro was part of a secondary that was absolutely barbecued by Atlanta Falcons star Julio Jones to the tune of 300 yards last week. The Panthers also allowed Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan to throw for more than 500 yards in the game.
Pro Football Focus attributed eight of Jones' catches - accounting for 228 yards and his touchdown - to plays that Benwikere was in coverage.
The Panthers' secondary continues to be in flux after the offseason decision to allow No. 1 corner Josh Norman to walk. Now without Benwikere, the Panthers will turn to rookies James Bradberry and Daryl Worley, with more experienced pros Robert McClain and Teddy Williams in the fold to bring them along. The Panthers also promoted fifth-round draft pick Zack Sanchez from the practice squad in time for Monday night's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
"We've got a group of young guys that we're looking to play. Something we feel we needed to do," head coach Ron Rivera said Friday.
Carolina's secondary will be challenged immediately by the Buccaneers' pass-catching duo of Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson.