Panthers schedule: 4 matchups to watch in week 1 clash with Raiders

D.J. Moore vs Trayvon Mullen

One of the more intriguing propositions regarding week one of the Carolina Panthers schedule is the projected matchup between wide receiver D.J. Moore and Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen.

Moore is still the No. 1 wideout in Carolina despite the free-agent arrival of Robby Anderson of the New York Jets. He is coming off his first 1,000-yard season and there is a real possibility he can improve further with better play from the quarterback position.

Much will be expected of Moore in 2020. But he is going to have his hands full on opening day against Mullen, who showed flashes of brilliance during his rookie campaign to increase what was already a very high ceiling coming out of college.

The second-round selection out of Clemson was thrown in at the deep end by the Raiders and proceeded to raise his game accordingly. Although there were some mistakes that are normally associated with rookie cornerbacks, Mullen ended the season with 42 solo tackles, ten pass deflections, and an interception.

A huge leap in his sophomore year is not entirely out of the question. Mullen is sure to get all he can handle from Moore, who goes into the season aiming for a Pro Bowl selection after catching 87 balls for 1,175 receiving yards and four touchdowns in 2019.

Mullen might have to work in single coverage for the majority of the contest thanks to the presence of All-Pro Christian McCaffrey in the Panthers backfield, which also has the potential to work in Moore’s favor.