In the preseason I predicted Curtis Samuel would be the Carolina Panthers wide receiver to break out. Instead, it was DJ Moore who broke out with 78 receptions for 1,175 yards (in 14 games). Moore’s ascension was no surprise to many Panthers fans. I have nothing against Moore, I was just trying to be sly and pick the not-so-obvious player to break out when I picked Samuel. As former first round pick, Moore is really just achieving what was expected from such a high selection. But that doesn’t make his 2019 season any less impressive when you consider the quarterback play he relied on after the second game of the season.
When you look at Moore’s game log you see a definitive drop off in targets after Cam Newton was lost for the season. Newton targeted Moore 24 times in the first two games but it dropped off to half that over the next five games. Strangely the Panthers went 4-1 in those five games before the bottom dropped out on the season. Moore was unfazed though. He slowly became more of the offense as teams focused on stopping Christian McCaffrey. The result was Moore exceeded 100 yards receiving in four of the Panthers final seven games he played in.
As a draft prospect teams questioned whether Moore could play on the outside. He think he showed he can play on the outside. He timed his jump perfectly against very good coverage by AJ Bouye.
How about this catch versus the Tennessee Titans? Check out the coaches’ film on this one. A great example of body control and getting those feet down.
They said he wouldn’t be a deep threat. In this one the New Orleans Saints defensive back bites on something and Moore never hesitates to go deep. Even after a long throw he is wide open for the score.
You can check out a few more highlights here.
In summary, DJ Moore is a solid three down wide receiver that can fill any role at wide receiver desired. He may never be considered in the ‘elite’ group of wide receivers in the NFL but then again, he is Steve Smith’s spirit animal. Smith didn’t top 1,100 yards receiving until his third season, when he led the Panthers to the Super Bowl. In Smith’s fifth season is when he won the triple crown in receiving, the last player to lead the league in receiving catches, yards and touchdowns.
Check out the full list of NFL triple crown winners here.
I’m excited to see what new offensive coordinator Joe Brady does with Moore, whether he is pegged to the outside, the slot or all the above. With a healthy Cam Newton under center I can see Moore topping 1,400 yards in 2020. It’s a homer prediction given the current state of the franchise, but it’s that time of year.