4 bold predictions for the Carolina Panthers vs. 49ers in Week 5
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers WR D.J. Moore gains 100+ yards
It’s not been the start that wide receiver D.J. Moore envisaged in 2022. The former first-round pick hasn’t clicked with Baker Mayfield for the most part and looks lost within Ben McAdoo’s anemic offensive scheme, which is constantly holding the Carolina Panthers back despite improvements across the offensive line coupled with Christian McCaffrey’s return to health.
Moore did show some signs of life against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 4, bringing in six receptions from 11 targets for 50 receiving yards and also getting one carry for 11 rushing yards. But this is a far cry from the player we saw put up borderline elite numbers with almost no consistency under center over the past three years.
Although Moore received some criticism for his inability to get open, it’s evident this is a scheme issue more than anything else. McAdoo cannot find the right formula that puts his best playmakers in a position to thrive, which is also having an adverse effect on Mayfield in the process.
Things look increasingly bleak this Sunday against a San Francisco 49ers defense that looks exceptional at all three levels, leading the NFL in numerous key statistical categories. If the Panthers are to stand any hope of moving the football consistently, Moore must become one of McAdoo’s focal points alongside McCaffrey.
It seems like a long shot based on what we’ve seen so far. But we’ll back Moore to go over 100 all-purpose yards, in any case.