4 silver linings from the Panthers heartbreaking loss at Falcons in Week 8

Carolina Panthers saw progress from D.J. Moore

It’s been difficult for D.J. Moore throughout 2022 so far. The wide receiver was a relative afterthought over the first few weeks within Ben McAdoo’s system, with chemistry issues also proving too complicated to overcome given how late quarterback Baker Mayfield arrived before training camp.

However, the introduction of Steve Wilks as interim head coach and the presence of P.J. Walker under center for the Carolina Panthers has seen Moore return to the force of old. In Week 8 at the Atlanta Falcons, he was at his brilliant best.

Moore took advantage of a suspect Falcons secondary missing stud cornerback A.J. Terrell, grabbing six receptions from 11 targets for 152 receiving yards and a touchdown. There was even a moment when the former first-round selection looked to have won the game for Carolina after connecting on a jaw-dropping bomb from Walker in the dying moments.

Unfortunately, Moore took off his helmet during the frenzied celebrations, which was flagged and Eddy Pineiro couldn’t make the extra point attempt. The rest is history and left the Panthers going from potential division leaders to a top-three draft selection in the blink of an eye.

Despite the way this contest ended, it was the clearest sign yet that Moore looks primed for a strong second half of 2022. Just what that’ll do to Carolina’s overall fortunes is another matter.