1 – WR Kelvin Benjamin drowns out the noise
Entering his first game after his comments about former teammate Cam Newton, Kelvin Benjamin silenced his critics, catching four passes for 59 yards and a touchdown from Nathan Peterman in the first quarter of his 2018 debut. After the game, Benjamin asserted that he is ready to move on from the whole situation involving the Panthers.
"I'm just moving on from it," said Benjamin. "He [Cam Newton] didn't say anything. I told him I am moving on from it."
Benjamin also commented that he was attempting to avoid any type of confrontation involving Newton or any of his former teammates. Here's is what Benjamin said when asked what Newton said to him.
"I wasn't trying to listen," said Benjamin.
After all of the drama was addressed, Benjamin talked a little bit about his connection with quarterback Nathan Peterman.
"He tries to play fast and get the momentum going downfield," he said. "I am trying to make a statement in every game."
On third-and-long in the first quarter, Benjamin came back on his route and made a fantastic sideline catch from a scrambling Peterman, and Benjamin commented on the play following the game.
"I am just trying to come back and make a play," he said. "I just have to go out and play ball just like I have been."
Benjamin certainly made a statement against his former team, and successfully brushed off what could have been a long-lasting piece of drama in 2018. He and his fellow teammates will look to establish even more chemistry as the preseason rolls along.
2 – WR Ray-Ray McCloud dazzles in front of family
Buffalo Bills rookie wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud is looking to carve out a role for himself as a seventh-round wide receiver in the NFL. In his debut, McCloud caught three passes for 50 yards including a touchdown thrown by fellow rookie Josh Allen. McCloud spoke about what it felt like to experience live game action in the NFL for the first time.
"It was definitely a blessing," said McCloud. "Not everybody gets an opportunity to play professional football, and especially with the Buffalo Bills."
McCloud's mother and father were on hand to see his first NFL game and the first touchdown of his career. McCloud spoke on what it was like to have his family in the crowd for the biggest moment of his young football career.
"It was an honor, not everybody has their parents in their lives," said McCloud. "My parents are everything to me. They are the reason I am here, and they are the reason I do everything."
McCloud saw time with the second and third teams in his first game, and he spoke on how difficult it is to adjust to quarterbacks with different styles.
"Each one has a different thought process when they are out there," he said. "Sometimes Josh [Allen] might throw a little bit harder, and he has a little bit of a different feel for the game."
McCloud will look to continue his early success and parlay it into a 53-man roster spot entering the 2018 regular season.
3 - Fred Jackson holding youth football camp
Former Bills running back Fred Jackson endeared himself to Buffalo fans throughout his eight-year tenure with the team with a steady routine of hard work and philanthropy. His willingness to give back to the Buffalo community was apparent, and that continues tomorrow when Jackson holds the "Fred Jackson Football Camp" from 10am to 2pm. Here is the information for the camp listed on www.eventbrite.com.
Join us Saturday August 11thfrom 10:00am-2:00pm for a day of football fundamentals, teamwork, nutrition, sportsmanship, and guest coaches. Camp check in begins at 9:00am, and the camp runs from 10:00am-2: oopm. Campers will be broken up into the following age groups: 7-10, 11-13, and 14-18.
Jackson's camp is designed to teach the game of football to new players, and to improve the game of those who have previous football experience. It is located on Pierce Field at Mulroy Park on South Park Avenue in Buffalo.
2018 is the inaugural year for Jackson's football camp, and participants will have the opportunity to learn from Jackson and other guest coaches. In his Bills career, Jackson rushed for 5,646 yards in 106 games, retiring in 2015 after one season with Seattle.
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