3 positives from the Panthers’ loss at the Bucs in Week 2

D.J. Moore’s production

There was a lot to like about the way D.J. Moore went about his business in Week 2. The wide receiver looked more like his old self after a quiet outing against the Las Vegas Raiders and this is a trend that should continue going forward.

The Carolina Panthers will need their star wideout firing on all cylinders now Christian McCaffrey is going to spend some time on the sidelines. Moore broke the 1,000-yard barrier in 2019 despite some less than stellar quarterback play and he managed to put up some good numbers at the Buccaneers in a game that quarterback Teddy Bridgewater went through his fair share of struggles.

Moore eventually finished the game with eight catches for 120 receiving yards. For all Bridgewater’s faults throughout the contest, his chemistry with his No. 1 target was much-improved from Week 1 and it should stand the Panthers in good stead as the campaign progresses.

This is only going to mean good things for Moore. Carolina will rely even more on their outstanding passing weapons in the wake of McCaffrey’s injury and his partnership on the outside with Robby Anderson is already paying dividends.

There should be more opportunities for Moore to reach triple-figures against the Los Angeles Chargers, who are somewhat suspect in the secondary despite boasting an exceptional defensive front.