Panthers WR DJ Moore is not on board with Matt Rhule’s comments

Carolina Panthers wide receiver DJ Moore responded to some questions about the wide receivers being open more to help their quarterback. DJ Moore made it clear he may not agree with his coach’s remarks.

Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule spoke during a regular press conference and was asked about the issues in the passing game, directly correlated with the Panthers’ 1-2 start. Rhule essentially stated that the wide receivers on the team need to help out the quarterback by being open more.

DJ Moore has strong response to Matt Rhule’s analysis of Carolina Panthers WRs

Baker Mayfield is starting off the season in poor form. Out of the 32 starting quarterbacks in the league, Mayfield ranks 19th in touchdowns with three, 29th in passing yards with 550, and he ranks 32nd in QBR (quarterback rating) with a score of 18.9.

This all has a domino effect on arguably the Panthers’ best wide receiver, DJ Moore. Moore, who is used to seeing a fair share of targets on a weekly basis is starting off his season at an all-time low. Moore is ranked 115th out of all receivers in the league for receptions at seven and is 94th in yards, with 88 yards total. These numbers are ghastly compared to where Moore ended the 2021 season statistically with a career-high 93 receptions with 1,157 receiving yards.

Moore was asked his opinion on coach Rhule’s statement on the receivers needing to be open to help out Mayfield. Moore initially stated he agreed with his coach but then heads off in another direction insisting that receivers can be open at different times and distances but the if the quarterback doesn’t see it that way then it is on him and he can move on to another read. Moore stated that everyone in their room (receiver room) can get open. See for yourself.

DJ Moore has never been good at masking his true feelings, it was even apparent back in his rookie season when former receiver Steve Smith Sr. made a subtle but not so subtle threat to Moore if he ruined his fantasy team.

Many will make the argument that the media is being overly sensitive to Moore’s reaction.  However, Moore’s body language and mannerisms when asked to respond to Rhule’s comments are too obvious that he is not in line with his coach, nor does he agree that the receivers aren’t open enough. If that is considered a “stretch” it is clear that Moore believes he is open and should be getting the ball more.

Should we be expecting an issue with Moore and Mayfield similar to the incident with Odell Beckham Jr and Mayfield in Cleveland? Hopefully not. Regardless, the trajectory of Mayfield and Rhule’s tenure with the Panthers does not seem to be going upwards.

The dissension in Carolina continues.