4 key Panthers matchups to watch vs. the Saints in Week 17
By Dean Jones
D.J. Moore vs. Marshon Lattimore
One of the matchups to keep a close eye on is the battle between D.J. Moore and Marshon Lattimore. The Carolina Panthers might look to pass the ball more often given the absence of Mike Davis and Christian McCaffrey from the lineup, which will make it vital for players like the former Maryland standout to get open quickly and give quarterback Teddy Bridgewater the best possible chance to succeed.
Moore has been outstanding for most of the season, even though there were some chemistry issues with his signal-caller early on. The wide receiver went over 1,000 yards through the air for the second straight year and his status as one of the NFL’s best young players at the position is unquestioned at this juncture.
If there is one area in which the Saints look suspect, it is their secondary. Lattimore in particular has been inconsistent during 2020 and he is sure to get all he can handle from Moore’s polished route-running and ability to catch the ball successfully under pressure.
Again, just how long Lattimore will be out there is unclear. But this represents a tremendous opportunity for Moore to close out the campaign with a strong performance, providing Bridgewater gets him the ball early and often.