3 bold predictions for the Panthers in Week 5 at the Falcons

DJ Moore will score the Carolina Panthers’ first offensive touchdown

After four games, the elephant in the Carolina Panthers’ room is D.J. Moore‘s lack of production. The wide receiver had an impressive season last year as the focal point of the passing game to the tune of 1,175 yards and four touchdowns on 87 receptions.

This season, Moore only has two fewer targets than wide receiver Robby Anderson, but has ten fewer catches and 89 less yards. More importantly, he has yet to find the end zone.

This has to change in Week 5 for two reasons. The fun one is he needs to outshine his “rival” on the other side. Fans of the Carolina Panthers and Falcons will remember the 2018 NFL draft, where Moore was selected two spots ahead of Atlanta’s choice, Calvin Ridley, the standout wide receiver out of Alabama.

The careers of the two pass catchers will always be linked and this season, Ridley leads Moore in yards, touchdowns, and receptions. An impressive day from the Maryland product could reassure Carolina’s faithful that their team selected the right guy.

The football reason is because the Panthers offense is better when defenses have to respect multiple players and not just key in on stopping one guy. If the coaching staff can get Moore involved early and often, the Falcons will have a long day trying to defend him, Anderson, and running back Mike Davis.