1. Captain Munnerlyn vs Bene Benwikere

Player G Total Solo Sacks FF STF PD INT TD Captain Munnerlyn 8 35 31 0 0 1 2 1 0 Bene Benwikere 5 8 7 0 0 0 2 0 0

Not much of a contest here. Benwikere's absence due to injury has the Panthers presently missing Munnerlyn's durability and tackling ability. For the long term, the Panthers' 2014 fifth round pick has flashed enough to designate him a keeper. As long as he can stay on the field, I think he should be able to at least lock down the third cornerback spot and be every bit as good, if not better than Munnerlyn. Until then, there will be growing pains, but the future looks bright for Benwikere's present and future tenure here in Carolina.

2. Mike Mitchell vs Thomas Decoud

Player G Total Solo Sacks FF STF PD INT TD Mike Mitchell 8 38 31 0 2 0 2 0 0 Thomas Decoud 8 32 18 0 0 1 3 1 0

This one is a close call. Neither are playing near elite status. To be honest, I'm not sure which is playing better or worse. I suppose if I had to choose between the two, Decoud would win out only because of his lower cap number.

3. Ted Ginn Jr vs Philly Brown

Player G Rec TGTS Yrds Avg LG TD DPS YAC 1st Dn Ted Ginn Jr 7 4 10 54 13.5 25 0 3 22 3 Philly Brown 5 11 15 113 10.3 18 0 0 15 5

Player G Att Yrds Avg LG TD Ted Ginn Jr 7 13 151 11.6 71 1 Philly Brown 7 12 137 11.4 79 1

The numbers probably suggest a push on this one. I'm not sure Brown will ever be as dynamic with the ball in his hands, but he can carve out a nice niche with the Panthers as long as he can master the ball security game. I'd actually like to see him get some more chances as a receiver because he impressed me whenever he did get a chance there.

4. Brandon Lafell vs Jerricho Cotchery

Player G Rec TGTS Yrds Avg LG TD Drps YAC 1st Dn Brandon Lafell 8 30 49 461 15.4 56 4 0 194 22 Jerricho Cotchery 7 26 42 316 12.2 30 0 0 107 16

The Panthers former third round pick has come on of late, clearly becoming Tom Brady's third target after TE Rob Gronkowski and WR Julian Edelman. Cotchery has largely been a steady performer, averaging roughly 45 receiving yards per game. But it's becoming even clearer every week that his career high 10 touchdown receptions last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers was an aberration because he hasn't even found the end zone once through his first seven games here in Carolina. No offense to Lafell, but if he does end up with career highs, it will mainly be a reflection of the fact that the New England Patriots pass more often than the Panthers. I will give him credit though for getting the most out of his ability and taking advantage of this opportunity to shine while catching passes from a future Hall of Fame inductee.

5. Steve Smith Sr vs Kelvin Benjamin

Player G Rec TGTS Yrds Avg LG TD Drps YAC 1st Dn Steve Smith Sr 8 41 68 675 16.5 80 4 3 273 26 Kelvin Benjamin 8 38 68 571 15.0 51 5 4 68 26

Finally, we have the main attraction. This one has become surprisingly close in the last few weeks. Coincidentally, both have been targeted exactly 68 times and each of them have caught 26 passes that resulted in a first down. Even so, Smith Sr has a little over a hundred more receiving yards and more than four times as many yards after the catch. The large gap between their yards after the catch is connected to who they are as receivers more than their actual talent level. Smith Sr is able to gain separation more easily using his advanced route running, quickness and explosion. Benjamin, on the other hand, is that big target who relies more on his size than his speed to win the ball and will only occasionally be in position to pick up large chunks of real estate following receptions.