Fansided

5 bold predictions for the Carolina Panthers in 2018

By Rucker Haringey

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 07: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers reacts during the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 7, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 07: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers reacts during the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 7, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
CHARLOTTE, NC – MAY 29: DJ Moore (12) catches a pass during the OTA (Organized Training Activities) at the Carolina Panthers training facility in Charlotte, N.C. on May 29, 2018. (Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – MAY 29: DJ Moore (12) catches a pass during the OTA (Organized Training Activities) at the Carolina Panthers training facility in Charlotte, N.C. on May 29, 2018. (Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. D.J. Moore will lead the team in receiving yards

Betting on rookie receivers to immediately succeed in the NFL is an extremely venture. That doesn’t change the fact that D.J. Moore is the Panthers’ most talented receiver. Bet on his talent to win out and ultimately allow him to lead the team in receiving yards this season.

That doesn’t mean Moore is going to lead the team in catches. He could easily finish third in that category behind Olsen and McCaffrey. What it does mean, is that he’ll be very productive when he does catch the ball.

The real difference between Moore and Devin Funchess is the rookie’s ability to make plays after the catch. As soon as he secures the ball he instantly turns into a running back. That’s going to be a nightmare for opposing defensive backs once he adjusts to life in the NFL.

The length of that adjustment period is the real concern here. Moore might not start the season fast enough to make this prediction come true. On the other hand, he may finish the year with such a burst that he overtakes the competition.

Next: Panthers lack of a backup QB is arrogant

NFL decision-makers are always willing to bet heavily on talent and Moore definitely has that. That’s why he’s going to become Newton’s most productive target this season.

Home/Carolina Panthers