D.J. Moore Enjoys Solid NFL Debut

The guys throwing the passes weren’t the only players who impressed during the Panthers’ preseason opener. Rookie wide receiver D.J. Moore also put together a strong performance in his NFL debut.

The first receiver taken in April’s NFL draft, Moore finished with four catches for 75 yards. He made a couple key grabs early in the fourth quarter, including a 32-yard hookup with Heinicke on a TD drive that gave the Panthers their first lead of the night.

Moore has been compared to one of the greatest Panthers of all-time, Steve Smith. And he sure looked like him on this catch and run, which preceded the 32-yard reception:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IY9eknuLIjM

Since the departure of Ted Ginn Jr., the Panthers haven’t had a real speed threat at wideout. Curtis Samuel and Damiere Byrd were expected to provide that last year, but both players ended the season on injured reserve.

Look for Moore to be just what the doctor ordered for the Panthers’ passing game. If he continues to play like he did in the first game of the preseason, he will soon become one of Cam Newton’s top targets.

Smith himself certainly thinks Moore will prove to be a top-tier receiver. He had this to say after the Panthers took him in the first round of April’s draft:

“The Panthers have never been able to replace me. Until now.”

That’s quite an endorsement. Now it’s up to Moore to prove Smith right.

Next Page: Takeaway No. 3