4 bold predictions for the Carolina Panthers vs. Cardinals in Week 4

Laviska Shenault Jr. leads Carolina Panthers in receiving yards

D.J. Moore is a professional in every sense of the word with three straight seasons gaining at least 1,100 yards from scrimmage. Robbie Anderson has the history with Baker Mayfield and the speed to blow by most defenders on any given play.

However, it was Laviska Shenault Jr. who caught the eye in Week 3, picking up a short route from Mayfield and taking it 67 yards for a crucial touchdown. Something the Carolina Panthers could benefit from once again this weekend providing the recent acquisition is fit enough to participate.

Opposing teams have plenty of Panthers’ game tape on Moore and Anderson. Sadly, no other receiver has made an impact on a game yet as Shi Smith is coming in with four receptions for 36 receiving yards on the season.

Shenault Jr., who played two seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, was brought in by general Scott Fitterer for 2023 seventh-round and 2024 sixth-round selections. He is the wild card in the receiving room who can fill that much-needed third role on the team.

Ben McAdoo has the chance to deploy Shenault Jr. on advantageous matchups against linebackers leading to openings in the break on route running. However, Arizona is athletic at the second level with the likes of Zaven Collins and Isaiah Simmons making things happen.

As Baker Mayfield is still finding chemistry with the receiving corps, the Cardinals’ defense will prioritize slowing down Moore and Anderson, leaving Shenault Jr. as the man to lead all Panthers in receiving yards for the second week in a row.