Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton, players to watch vs. Steelers in Week 10

D.J. Moore

The Panthers are grooming a new contender to fill their No.1 wide receiver void in D.J. Moore. A Week 8 win over the Baltimore Ravens staged what Moore will be hoping can prove a springboard in Carolina after a tough start to the campaign.

In a demonstration of both guile and impressive speed, the first round pick recovered the ball he had fumbled during the hand-off from Newton, before cruising to a 28-yard gain on a third-and-1. He went on to register a career-high 90 yards for five catches, as well as rushing for 39 yards off just two carries.

His production somewhat regressed in last week’s win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with Moore making just one catch for 16 yards and rushing for 32 yards off one carry. While versatile running-back Christian McCaffrey is likely to see the bulk of targets, the continued absence of receiver Torrey Smith could leave Moore as a valuable option for Newton.

The Panthers may particularly look to capitalise on his ability to run the ball as a means of exploiting McCaffrey’s ability in the open field. Moore’s sheer speed on the outside may also be key in supporting Carolina’s use of misdirection, stretching the field and denying the Steelers the opportunity to flood the box in view of pressuring Newton.

All eyes might be on the rise of second-year receiver Curtis Samuel, but Moore looms as an exciting prospect.

Captain Munnerlyn

In truth, you could pick out any Panthers defender as a key man ahead of a matchup with this Steelers offense. Cornerback Captain Munnerlyn will be a concern in the slot on the back of a torrid afternoon against the Bucs.

The veteran endured a miserable day against wide receiver Adam Humphries, who managed eight catches for 82 yards and two touchdowns. Granted, Munnerlyn wasn’t at fault for every play, but he was guilty of losing his man in coverage far too often.

He could now face an even tougher matchup against a JuJu Smith-Schuster who predominantly runs his routes in slot coverage. At 6-1, he is also known to relish a contest with smaller opponents — leaving 5-9 Munnerlyn with a key tussle on his hands.