The cornerback position has been one of the most talked about topics in Buffalo this past offseason, and two of the newest additions to that group made an impact in the team’s victory over Indianapolis on Saturday.
Rookie CBs Kaiir Elam and Christian Benford made their presence felt early, as each corner made a play during the first quarter to end a Colts offensive drive.
And head coach Sean McDermott took notice.
“It looked like both of them battled out there,” McDermott said while speaking to the press. “They didn’t shy away from the competition.”
Those moments weren’t lost on either player either.
“It was something I can cherish for the rest of my life, something that I’ll never take for granted,” Elam said, as the 1st round selection out of Florida addressed the media following the game. “(I’ll) probably remember this game when I’m 90 years old.”
A sixth-round pick out of Villanova, Benford echoed a similar sentiment.
“It’s, obviously, a life-changing experience,” Benford said. “We prayed for stuff like this every day. I prayed for it every day since I was a kid. And I thought about it, and I lined up against their ones, and it’s a joyful feeling. (There was) no fear. … (There was) no scariness. It was straight joy and happiness.”
Newly added QB Matt Ryan lined up under center across from them, taking extended preseason snaps with fellow Indy starters as he adjusts to a new team and system, giving the two young defensemen more gameplay against veteran talent.
“It didn’t really matter who lined up out there, I was just so excited to be out there,” Elam added. “Matt Ryan is, obviously, he’s a good quarterback. He’s had a heck of a career. But I was just so excited to be out there and really just cherish the moment and also make sure I did my part.”
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