There aren’t many receivers in the NFL who have been as consistent and productive as DJ Moore. Moore is the ONLY receiver to amass 1200 yards in the last three years, despite playing with new and check-down driven quarterbacks in each of those seasons. DJ is also ranked 4th in the league in receiving yards, behind Davante Adams, Stephon Diggs and Cooper Kupp. All of this with an offense that has ranked near the bottom of the NFL. Yet, when you see a list of the league’s top receivers, DJ’s name is often left off. Moore sees the disrespect. All players do. But the five year vet quietly continues to produce.
Ahead of the Panthers’ week-one matchup against the Browns, I asked Moore about the slight and why he doesn’t seem to care about the lack of fanfare surrounding his play. In his own chill way, DJ says there’s one thing that’s important to him and that’s winning.
“I want to win. Forget all the accolades and stats. If we’re not winning, what’s all that for?”
The Panthers haven’t had a winning record since Moore was selected 24th in the 2018 NFL Draft. That’s a tough pill to swallow for any competitor, but with each year brings new hope. This season Carolina has a more explosive quarterback, a veteran offensive coordinator and a different vibe in the locker room.
“It’s more lively right now,” DJ said when I asked him how this year feels different. “We have a ping pong table. Guys are loud. Because of the pandemic we were all separated. This feels more like a team environment.”
There’s no doubt WR1 will produce. He always has, but the hope is that this year what really matters to him will come to fruition – winning.
The Multi-Million Dollar Bet: UNC Charts a Path Forward Under Belichick