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Carolina Panthers: 5 burning questions for 2018

By Rucker Haringey

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) throws downfield during organized team activities in Charlotte, N.C., on Tuesday, May 29, 2018. (David T. Foster III/Charlotte Observer/TNS via Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) throws downfield during organized team activities in Charlotte, N.C., on Tuesday, May 29, 2018. (David T. Foster III/Charlotte Observer/TNS via Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NC – MAY 29: DJ Moore (12) catches a pass as Devin Funchess (17) plays defender 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 as Devin Funchess (17) plays defender 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) /

4. Is D.J. Moore ready?

Some rookies have the luxury of standing on the sidelines and watching during their first season in the NFL. D.J. Moore won’t have that luxury. The Panthers need the first round wide receiver to put up big numbers immediately.

The reality is Cam Newton hasn’t been blessed with a ton of quality pass catchers during his Panthers career. Devin Funchess will enter the campaign as the number one wideout, but he is better suited to be the second option. To make that happen, Moore will need to become a legitimate deep threat.

The good news is that Moore has the talent to become Newton’s favorite target out wide. He flashed big-time ability in college despite suffering from poor quarterback play at Maryland. His ability to catch imperfect passes should help him make up for some of Newton’s inaccurate throws.

Of course, the real magic for Moore happens after he secures the football. He has the unique ability to change instantly from wide receiver to running back after the catch. Moore will certainly conjure up images of Steve Smith for Panthers fans. The question is whether or not he can produce yards consistently enough to really elevate the Carolina offense.

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