3 silver linings for the Panthers following Week 10 loss vs. Bucs

D.J. Moore looked very good

D.J. Moore was a relative afterthought for the Carolina Panthers in their narrow loss at the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 9. This is a trend that shifted in a positive direction against the Buccaneers and was further proof of just how special the wide receiver is in open space.

There does appear to be some decline in Robby Anderson‘s production now teams are fully aware of the devastating impact he can make if left unattended. Curtis Samuel also failed to make the sort of impression expected after coming off a 100-yard game and was virtually anonymous with six combined touches for just 12 all-purpose yards.

Thankfully, Moore had much better success and is staking his claim for the team’s No. 1 option once again. His route-running has come on a substantial amount and he seems to be making a difference with the targets coming his way.

The former first-round pick brought in four receptions from seven targets on his way to 94 receiving yards and a score. This takes Moore to 734 yards on the season and well on course to reach the 1,000-yard milestone for the second consecutive year.

Carolina needs Moore firing on all cylinders between now and the end of the season. Things might get worse before they get better – especially on defense – so their playmakers must be at the top of their game moving forward.