It is time to give D.J. Moore a starting spot over Torrey Smith

For the Carolina Panthers, the choice should be rather simple.

This may be an unpopular opinion, but if I have to die on this hill so be it. D.J. Moore should take over Torrey Smith’s starting spot at wide receiver.

We saw on Sunday a little bit of what the former Maryland star could do. He caught five passes for 90 yards and a touchdown. In doing so he led all Carolina Panthers receivers on the afternoon. This was a game where we got to see him truly break out and showcase his skill set. It was clear that there was a reason why he was drafted so high back in April. His playmaking ability and his speed was on full display as he played a major part in the team’s 36-21 win over a tough Baltimore Ravens defense.

More from Cat Crave

• Carolina Panthers meeting with Derek Carr has additional benefits
• When will Carolina Panthers brass speak at 2023 NFL Combine?
• 4 free-agent defensive ends the Carolina Panthers should target in 2023
• Carolina Panthers linked to veteran LB in free agency mock draft
• Lamar Jackson sends Panthers fans on emotional Twitter rollercoaster

He was given the starting nod due to Smith being injured. It is safe to say he made the most of his opportunity. As I watched the game film Sunday evening, a question came to mind: Should D.J. Moore take over the starting spot held by Smith? Although this is really the first game where the rookie has put up impressive numbers, it is a discussion that we should begin having.

With Moore having such a great game on Sunday, I would hate to place him on the bench again. Last weekend, I said that he was the deep threat that quarterback Cam Newton has been missing for quite some time. Thankfully, the wide receiver proved me right. Maybe, I should play the lottery this week. He looked like a veteran on the field, Newton and Moore seemed to have tremendous timing as a pair, foreshadowing something we may see often in the future.

Moore needs to be able to build off of this game. He may have the perfect opportunity to do that against a sub- par Tampa Bay Buccaneers passing defense. They rank No. 30 with 2,229 yards given up on the season. He was able to put up great numbers against a tough Baltimore Ravens defense. Imagine what he can do against the Buccaneers passing defense that is struggling. Brent Grimes is possibly the best player in that secondary, and the Panthers should be able to take advantage of that.

On top of all of this, Smith’s production is not what it should be at this point in the season. Currently, he has 16 catches for 171 yards and two touchdowns. If there is any bright spot about those statistics is that he is averaging 16.2 yards per reception. That is a very good number, albeit in a small sample size. That’s the thing: Smith’s numbers are too minuscule to not have the discussion about Moore replacing him. As I see it, the top position for the left wide receiver spot is up for grabs.

It is not as if Smith does not have an important role on the team. As the veteran receiver who has been through countless regular season and playoff games, he has the task of being a mentor to a relatively young group of wide receivers. Especially as the team gears up for a playoff run, that role could prove to be crucial. A good mix of veteran leadership and rookie promise is always important for a team to have, and the Panthers certainly possess players on both ends of the spectrum. If nothing else, Smith undoubtedly is a key locker room guy.

On the field however, the results have been lacking. With how well D.J. Moore played on Sunday, there is no reason why he should not at least get the start next Sunday. It is time to  put the rookie to the test and see what he is made of. If what he has done over the course of his football career is any indication, he is made of tremendous talent, speed, and potential.

One thing is certain: tremendous talent is not something this Carolina Panthers team is lacking.