Entering the NFL in 2008, a year earlier than his two teammates, Bennett, too, is just now starting to feel like his career is taking off. While not as dramatic -- given his amount of playing time with his former team in Dallas -- Bennett is doing just like he said he would and is making the most out of his fresh start.
With six catches for 73 yards and a touchdown on Thursday night, Bennett became the first Giant to score in each of his first three games with the team. Not a bad way to begin his tenure with New York after not having any touchdowns between his rookie season and now.
"In the NFL, a lot teams, the defenses, knew I could play," Bennett said. "But it was just my role was different in the past. I feel like a lot guys knew I could play football. This is my fifth year in this league, and I want to be mentioned with some of the best in the league."
In the 36-7 victory in Carolina, Bennett upped his season totals to 15 catches and 185 yards. His 14-yard touchdown from Eli Manning came on the opening drive of the game and helped the offense set the tone early.
"I was able to stretch them out and get back inside," said Bennett, who had a drop in the end zone early last week against Tampa Bay before catching a fourth-quarter touchdown. "Eli made a great throw and I was lucky enough to make the catch. I missed one last week. I didn't want to miss any this week."
Bennett has quickly become a favorite target of Manning this season and attributed his wife with keeping him going through some of the droughts with his former team. He also said coming to the defending Super Bowl champs has motivated him to elevate his game.
"This organization has been great for me," Bennett said. "The Giants organization, the teammates and everyone here has had my back, and that's something new to me. And experiencing that makes me push to play even harder."
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