Panthers' Kelvin Benjamin: "I didn't know you could tie in the NFL"

Carolina Panthers receiver Kelvin Benjamin says he was not aware Sunday's game against the Bengals could end in a tie. "I didn’t know you could tie in the

Carolina Panthers receiver Kelvin Benjamin says he was not aware Sunday's game against the Bengals could end in a tie. 

"I didn’t know you could tie in the NFL," the rookie said, according to the Charlotte Observer. 

The Panthers and Bengals played to a tie Sunday after both teams kicked field goals during the 15-minute overtime period. The Bengals' Mike Nugent connected from 42 yards on the first possession of overtime. The NFL adjusted its overtime rules in 2012 to give both teams a chance to possess the ball unless a team scored a touchdown on the opening possession of the overtime period, giving Carolina a chance to respond. Graham Gano's 36-yard field goal with 2 minutes and 19 seconds remaining tied the game. Nugent then missed on a 36-yard attempt as time expired and the game ended in a tie.

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This is the third consecutive NFL season with a tied game. The Vikings and Packers tied 26-26 last season, and the 49ers and Rams tied 24-24 in 2012. Only two other ties have occurred since 1997: One in 2002 and one in 2008.

Benjamin is not the only player to be confused about the NFL's overtime rules. In 2012, both Dashon Goldson and Danny Amendolathought the game would go to a second overtime. Donovan McNabb said in 2008 that he "never even knew [ties were] in the rule book."

- Dan Gartland