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Panthers: Devin Funchess should be team’s top wideout

By Danny Jaillet

NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 03: Devin Funchess #17 of the Carolina Panthers scores a touchdown during the second half of a NFL game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 3, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The New Orleans Saints won the game 31 - 21. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 03: Devin Funchess #17 of the Carolina Panthers scores a touchdown during the second half of a NFL game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 3, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The New Orleans Saints won the game 31 - 21. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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D.J. Moore has talent but he will probably not top Devin Funchess in 2018…..

Friday, Rucker Haringey put together a great slideshow discussing five bold predictions for the Carolina Panthers in 2018. I agree with all of them except for No. 1

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His first prediction is that D.J. Moore will lead the team in receiving yards. The rookie out of Maryland figures to be a major part of the Carolina Panthers offense.  Haringey makes his case clear with this particular point and how the rookie separates himself from Devin Funchess.

"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."

I believe Funchess will still be the team’s receiving yards leader. Quarterbacks like familiarity and Funchess has a connection with Cam Newton that Moore has not started yet. Funchess finished the 2017 season with 63 catches for 840 yards and eight touchdowns. Now that Funchess will have the opportunity to play a full season without living in the shadow of Kelvin Benjamin, those numbers should increase.

Haringey makes a great point when he talks about the adjustment period. In my opinion, there should not be many adjustments that Newton will have to make with Funchess due to familiarity. Funchess should still be Newton’s go-to guy. He has a proven track record and the numbers to show for it. Moore will have his time, but as he adjusts to the NFL, that will prevent himfrom being the team’s leading receiver.

Next: Team in good shape with new defensive coaches

With that in mind, Moore should have ample opportunities to prove himself as he looks to become a game-changing playmaker and a potential face of the Carolina Panthers franchise.

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