It pains me to subject one of my favorite new players to the Keep or Cut analysis but Panther fans have been clear about the need for more WR blood. That begs the question then as to whether to keep 3rd year WR Kenneth Moore. I had hoped Moore would be able to contribute more this past season after putting up a pretty good preseason. Alas, his impact was hardly noticeable in 2009:
1 start, 12 games played; 6 receptions for 59 yards (9.8avg); long of 22 yards, 1 fumble
On the positive side I think Moore did as best could be expected given his number was rarely called. You have to question how many receptions are are to go around to a #3 WR in this offense. 2 to 3 per game maybe?Moore was also given the chance to return kicks in the preseason and did pretty good but like the others had a hard time hanging onto the ball. In the regular season he did return 10 kickoffs for a 21.9 average. His season highlight has to be the 55 yard kick off return that sparked the Panthers first win of the season over the Redskins. His season low light is pictured.
Yet could Moore be the answer at #2 WR if simply given the opportunity? Could he provide more from the slot if the Panthers actually used 3 WR's more often? Moore's salary hit was $391k in 2009 so his 2010 number is probably not much more. Is he worth keeping around until training camp or should the Panthers cut bait with Moore in order to make room for some expected draft picks.
So Panther fans, keep or cut?