In a season that has seen some change for the Carolina Panthers DJ Moore continues to be a constant. When most people think of the Carolina Panthers they think of Christian McCaffrey and rightfully so; he's 5th in the MCL in rushing yards, and is on pace to potentially crack 2,000 yards from scrimmage. 

However, DJ has quietly found himself in the top five in receiving yards, (1,069), and is also one of the MCL leaders in receiving touchdowns (12). 

Over his past two games DJ has 357 yards, and 2 touchdowns, that's the kind of production that's made him an X-Factor on gamedays. ''He's one of those guys that answers the call when his numbe ris up, whether he has a full plate one week, or we work another one of our options, DJ is always ready.'' - Coach Setfree xX

With a bye week coming up we won't get to see DJ Moore this week, but we are sure he'll be ready to go when the Panthers host the Atlanta Falcons at home with an opportunity to get their 10th win of the season. 

Until then, we'll keep you up to date on the most relevant Panther's MCL news out there!

 The Panthers continued their efforts this season after a middling start as they struggled to determine the goal for this season. Knowing that incumbent starter Sam Darnold was not the answer, the Panther's decided to make a move for a more versatile option at Quarterback. The reuslt was a trade for the young signal caller Bryce Perkins formerly of the LA Rams who was buried on the depth chart behind Matther Stafford, and current backup John Wolford. 

Since the acquisition the Panthers are 2-0 and have had new life infused into their offense as the addition of Perkins allows for more playcalling diversity. In his two starts Bryce has accounted for -- 670 yards passing with 5 touchdowns, with a completion percentage of 85.1%, he also has 23 rushing yards and 2 rushing touchdowns. 

Another by product of this acquisition is DJ Moore and Robbie Anderson have been direct benefactors as in the past two games they each have totaled 216 yards (DJ) and 204 yards (Robbie)

Another addition to the Panther's roster this past week was veteran Free Safety Earl Thomas III, in his debut he made his presence felt with a pick six. ''Earl provides us more depth and experience on the backe end, with the passing that takes place game in and game out you need a guy back there that has seen it before/'' -- Coach Setfree xX

Next the Panthers will face a division rival on the road as they travel to the Mercedes-Benz Dome in Atlanata to face the Falcons, a win here could go a long way in propelling their momentum as we approach the back half of the season. 

The Panters are now riding a 4 game win streak after avenging a loss to the Tampa Bay Buccanseers at home over the weekend. With that win they now share an 8-3 record and are in position to take the divison if they can keep up their winning ways. It was an up and down start to the seaosn as the Panther's worked to find themselves, and roles for their young players. 

The Panthers defense has been stingy as of late and free agent acquistion has Akhello Witherspoon has developed into a superstar caliber player as he's interecpted 6 passes on the season. ''Akhello has been a great signing for us, we knew he had talent, but to see it all come together so quickly for him is a testamemnt to the work he's put in.'' -- Coach Setfree xX

(Akhello Witherspoon intercepting a Tom Brady pass in the endzone)

Rookie Safety and 2nd round selection Richie Grant is also starting to find his footing in his rookie year. With 20 tackles, and 3 interceptions, he's starting to carve out a niche as a ball-hawk at the free safety position, & his ability to cover has been a welcomed addition on the back end as he pairs with Jeremy Chinn to form a versatile and talented duo. 

(Richie Grant intercepting a pass intended for Chris Godwin)

Though he's still relatively young Shaq Thompson continues to be the heartbeat of the defense, a sure tackler that can cover, who also has a nose for the football recovered a fumble and returned it for a score. That's his 2nd fumble recovery on the season to go along with a forced fumble, and a sack from his off ball linebacker position. 

(Shaq on the scoop and score)

As the Panthers passing game continues to develop with the young signal caller's growth (Trey Lance), DJ Moore continues to show that he's one of the best receivers in the league, and continues to make clutch catch, after clutch catch. If the Panthers passing game was more focused on feeding him, and not the group as a whole to keep defenses honest, there's no telling the damage he'd do. A consumate team player, he knows his value and when his name is called, he always answers. 

(DJ Moore splitting defenders for the reception)

Next up the Panthers put their win streak on the line versus the Philadelphia Eagles, we'll see if they are able to keep pace, and position themselves to win the NFC South. With a roster like this they are clearly exceeding early expectations, as their young players continue to develop this team could become one of the best in the MCL. 

The Carolina Panthers wrap up the weekend with a victory and currently sit at (5-3) on the season, with a young roster and a lot of promise they're about where you might expect a team like them to be.

In the most recent game versus the Dallas Cowboys Run CMC, exploded in the run game totaling 234 yards on just 15 carries, the Panthers offensive line did a great job of opening lanes, and McCaffrey did the rest, with his longest run of the day being for 81 yards! 

Christian was not the only Panther on fire in this game as Derrick Brown was dominant in the trenches adding 3 sacks to the box score as he gave the interior offensive line of Dallas fits to help close out the game.

To go along with those three sacks he also forced a fumble, his 2nd forced fumble in the last two games. If this continues to be a sign of things to come, this young Panther's defensive line could be a force by the time we reach the end of the regular season. Question is, will their be a playoff berth in this team's future?

The Carolina Panthers secondary also answered the call as cornerbacks Donte' Jackson, Akhello Witherspoon, and safety Rashawn Jenkins each recorded an interception. The latter of the three was on a critical 3rd down in the 3rd quarter that saw the momentum completely go Carolina's way after such a huge play. Dallas attempted a 4th and 6 pass attempt and while playing the robber, Jenkins intercepted a pass over the middle intended for Kyle Pitts. Akhello and Donte' also intercepted passes and took them the distance for touchdowns to help close out the game. 

This was Donte's 4th interception on the season, and his first one returned for a score. ''I feel like I'm a threat to go the distance anytime I get an interception, that's what I'm trying to do, if the defense can find a score, we probably gone win.'' -- Donte' Jackson

''I feel like we are starting to really scratch the surface of our potential, with a new Quarterback in Trey and getting our identity established as a team in this new season, this fresh start I'm pretty happy with the growth I've seen and where I think we can go from here. There are alot of talented teams out there and we're just trying to be the best team we can be, each and every game.''-- Coach Setfree xX

The Carolina Panthers were tied up in a lot of drama regarding the QB in the off-season, knowing that Teddy Bridgewater wasn't the answer, and having the 9th pick in the draft all seemed like it might work out for your Carolina Panthers. however with some seemingly Quarteback hungry teams manning the top of the draft Carolina began preparations for a BPA approach. ''We felt like the top four guys may have been gone by nine, but we were happy to get our guy in Lance.'' -- Coach Setfree xX

Trey Lance opened the season up showing all the traits that made him an attractive future franchise Quarteback, whether with his arm, or with his legs this kid proved to be a playmaker, something the Panther's offense lacked under Bridgewater. 

Mesh Point - With Trey the Panther's offense can truely become multi-dimensional from a traditional drop back passing attack, to a Spread / Pistol Option offense. 'We expect the Panthers to strss teams defensively with the ability to play multiple styles on a given week. 

Solidifying Tight End - While young professional Ian Thomas is talented and raw, the Panthers felt the need for more veteran stability, so in free agency they zero'ed in on the formaer All-Pro Ertz who still has some tread left on the tires, and in Week 1 he did not disappoint. ''When you have a young guy at Quarterback it's nice to have that guy in the middle of the field you can count on, Zach came in and really led the Tight End room in camp, and we're seeing the results of his efforts and leadership on the field. 

CMC & DJ Moore - The Panthers offense boasts an assortment ofweapons, but DJ Moore continues to come into his own, and McCaffrey is a star among stars as he is one of the best backs in the entire league. As Lance grows, you can expect their production to continue to increas. (DJ Moore, and Christian McCaffrey pictured below)

Can the Defense Be Top 10? - Derrick Brown opened the game with the first sack of the season, followed by a party in the backfiled as the Panthers were able to pressure the Bears all game, whether it was from the front four, or with blitzes.

They were able to get home all game, rookie UDFA Rashad Rabb saw his first action of the season and was also able to record a sack / forced fumble later recovered by Brian Burns who also added a sack as the young defense tries to make a name for themselves. 

Zaire McClain also made his presence felt, a day three selection for the Panthers, but a day one starter in their sub / pressure based packages flashed his worth and showed why the Panthers selected him in the fourth round, he could be the steal of the class on the interior of the line. 

If the Panthers can continue to maximize Lance's talents, and the defense can maintain top 10 numbers we could be on the brink of a turn around for the Panther's franchise. Until then Huddle faithful stay true, we'll see you after the trip to the Meadowlands where they will face the NY Giants on the road!

Wake up Panther fans, your team is the MCL Superbowl Champions! Tell the 76' Dolphins to put the bottle back on the ice because not only did the Panthers win it all they secured the ''Perfect Season'' 19-0. 

Thea Panthers played a complete game all around as the compiled 264 passing yards and a TD, plus 173 yards rushing and another TD on the ground. 

(DJ Moore pictured above on a huge 3rd down conversion)

Curtis Samuel led the team in receiving yards as he finished the day with 5 reecptions for 137 yards incluing this bomb for 70 yards! When asked about his performance he simply whispered into the microphone ''I'm a baller...''

Even though DJ finished the game with 3 receptions for 84 yards, his impact was huge, take a look at this frame by frame for yet another first down conversion on 3rd. 

(First the one handed catch)

(Followed up by the toe drag swag on the sideline!)

Tyree Jackson continues to develop into a super star as he received MCL honors to close out the season and continues to ascend as one of the best young talents in the league at the position. In his post game conference, he simply thanked Coach Setfree xX for believing in him, and sticking with him as he becasme the quarterback he is now, but the works not done he assured supporters, he still feels he can become even better. Conisdering this was just year two, he could simply be scratching the surface of his potential and already has a Superbowl ring, and MVP under his belt. 

Honestly though can we even talk Panthers football without mentioning the running game? Christian McCaffrey continued to show why he's the BEST BACK IN THE THE MCL, 24 carries for 103 yards, a TD, and another 2 receptions for 29 yards, giving him a total combined yards performance of 132 on the day. 

In addition to McCaffrey, Kalen Ballage has been a great spell option as he also added 10 carries, for 50 yards as he did his part to keep the chains moving and secured the first down that allowed the Panthers to call the ''Victory Formation''. 

The defense for the Panthers showed up, and showed out as the forced two interceptions on the Jaguars passing attack, Donte' Jackson continues to excel as one of the premiere MCL corners, and Keion Crossen a free agency addition a season ago also secured an interceptions and has been apart of the Dime personnel.

Now with the confetti fallen, and the dust settled the Carolina Panthers can breathe easy for a little while and bask in the fact that they are MCL Superbowl Champions, and know that they were a PERFECT TEAM!

I leave you with a few photos from the game...

(Trophy ceremony)

(Did someone say Superbowl Champs!?)

(The road to victory!)

See you next time on Inside the Huddle with an off-season / draft re-cap, it's going to be a good one!

Jeremy Chinn continues to show the league that he's one of the best young defenders around, ''We always new the kid had a spedial talent it's been real nice to watch it really start to manifest.'' Coach Setfree xX

Chinn has proven in just one and a half seasons to be a premier ballhawk with 13 interceptions in just 24 career games, he also has 3 TD returns over that span as well. 

Right now the young safety is tied for 4th on the Panther's roster in tackles, and is tied for 3rd when it comes to interceptions, as he continues to grow alongside other young defenders in Carolina the team can only get better as it all comes together! 

The Carolina Panthers had the makings of a talented core, and now some of those young bucks are starting to mature, DJ Moore has routinely found himself among the most productiove receivers in the league and after one of his most recent performances he's set him self aside an X-Factor calibur player as he's been the go to receiver for Tyree Jackson the past two seasons. Moore currently paces the Panthers receiver room with 29 receptions, 534 yards and 6 TDs through the first five games of the season. He's on pace for over 1,500 receiving yards, and could hit double digit TD receptions. 

After an impressive rookie campaign where he notched 9 interceptions Jeremy Chinn continues to be one of the better young safeties in the league and it's starting to get noticed around the MCL as he's beginning to garner Star recognition.

Could this young versatile playmaker have what it takes to become a true Superstar as the weeks go by, we'll have to stay tuned to see!

The Panthers most recently faced the Miami Dolphins & their division rival Atlanta, we'll be back soon with a recap on Inside The Huddle!

The Carolina Panthers last game was versus the Minnesota Vikings, a match-up that always stresses out coaches and fans alike. Many might consider the Vikings offense the best passign game in the MCL and it's always a test as there is never a shortage of receiving options. In this game the Panther's defense set the one early as they showed up to play. 

Defensively the Panthers were able to sack Kirk Cousins 3 times on the day, a feat that is nearly impossible as Minnesota's passing attack gets the ball out fast, but with the continued growth of the defensive front in Carolina they made their presence felt. Brian Burns (Pictured in the title) had one sack on the say, while fellow defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos added two more. (Pictured below)

Not to be outdone the Panther's young secondary tallied 3 interceptions on their own led by Donte' Jackson with two, one of which came just before the goa line as the Vikings were driving the field. 

Meanwhile veteran Safety Tre' Boston added another along with five takles as he continues to be a calming presence on the backend playing well in both the run and passing games. 

Tyree Jackson in his second year continues to exhibit the tools that made Carolina sign him as the starter over Teddy Bridgewater, ''Tyree has no limits, his arm allows him to throw on time, and off platform and that gives us a lot of flexibility with the areas of the field that we attack, whether it's over the top, or in the short to intermediate.'' - Coach Setfree xX 

Jackson finished the day with three touchdowns, and 267 yards as he continues to prove he's becoming one of the best Quarterbacks in the MCL.  

WIth a three touchdown day, one might wonder who the recipients were, as D.J. Moore, and Robby Anderson were the receivers on the receiving end of those passes, even though Robby was limited to just one reception, it was for 60 yards and a score as he's seen his role scaled back a bit as the Panther's work the rookie Bateman into the rotation. Moore, who continues to show why he's quietly one of the best in the MCL finished the game with 4 receptions, 179 yards and two touchdowns. 

Sitting at 3-0 the Pnathers headed into an early bye, and will come out facing young Tua, and the Miami Dolphins. We'll see you next time on Inside The Huddle!

The Carolina came up short in the NFC Divisional Round in overtime, but for a team many expected not to compete the Panthers exceeded expectations. With a season under his belt with the core, and now an opportunity to continue to build Coach Setfree xX has lofty goals for Season 2. 

The Panthers remade their interior offensive line, and that started in free agency with the acquisition of Andrus Peat to take over the LG position. To further solidy the line and run game they also added veteran Mike Iupati as well during free agency. In a bit of a surprise release veteran Ryan Jensen found himself with walking papers as teams cut for salary, but he soon found himself under contract with the Panthers. With Greg Little developing nicely, along with veteran Center Matt Paradis, and Taylor Moton who looks like a future supestar, the Panters offensive line seems to be on track to set the tone for this coming season. (Peat & Jensen pictured in the title)

As the work continues to round out the roster the Panthers knew there was still work to done as the MCL Draft was set to begin, as always with a BPA mindset the Panthers took wide receiver Rashod Bateman the 6'2'' play-maker out of Minnesota who has the potential to be a superstar early in his career, the real question is where he fits among the likes of Robby Anderson, DJ Moore, and Curtis Samuel. If early reaturns from the Panther's training camp are an indication, this kid will see the field early and often. (Pictured below)

In the 2nd and 3rd Rounds the Panthers turned their attention to the interionr of the offensive and defensive lines. The second Round selection is none other than Darren Mack out of Alabama, standing at 6'8'' and 330 pounds the kid has all the tools in the world to be a star, and with a season to work in behind Peat, and Jensen, his is a name to rmember as the weeks progress. Keeping the theme of bigger is better, the Panther's selected defensive tackle Kurtis Metcalf out of Clemson. Metclaf is a 6'6'', 316 pound true NT with the potential to flash on pass rush downs; pairing him with Derrick Brown should give many opposing offenses headahces as the look to prepare to face this Panther's defensive front. (Kurtis Metcalf pictured below #92)

In rounds 4 through 7 the Panthers continues to add depth as they selected: WR Taylor Stokes a burner out of Ohio State in the 4th, Darelle Dixon one of the fasted linebackers in the entire draft in the 5th, Guard Devontae Jones, who is raw but has the tools in the 6th to develop, and lastly Chad Killings a TE out of North Caroliana, a local kid who didn't make the final cut but could find his way back onto the roster some time down the line. 

Week 1 the Panthers open up the season versus the Buffalo Bills, the previous AFC Champs, this will be a great test to see how the new pieces gel and hold up versus one of the better teams in the league. Until then, we'll be back with news and more next time on Inside the Huddle! 

The Carolina Panthers wrap up the season as the NFC South champions, and look to take a week of rest heading into the playoffs with a 1st round bye. With the new playoff formatting instituted by the NFL to add a 7th playoff team, it will be interesting to see if any underdogs knock off a top seed. 

The Panthers exceeded many expectations finishing 15-1, but it's all for naught if they can't carry that momentum forward. The MCL Awards should be announced soon, and alongside that we'll recap the stats from the season!

The Carolina Panthers faced off versus the MInnesota Vikings in a game many considered the GOTW, with each team boasting a record with just one loss, this was going to go a long way in deciding the potential number one seed in the NFC as the playoffs approach. 

Defensively the Panther's got off to a hot start as they intercepted Kirk Cousins 4 times in the first half of the game (5 total). Jeremy Chinn continues to make a case for DROY as he brought in two himself (pictured in the title). Donte' Jackson, Troy Pride Jr, and linebacker Noah Dawkins accounted for the other three. 

Troy Pride Jr

Donte' Jackson 

Jeremy Chinn's 2nd

Offensively this wasn't a huge day for Tyree Jackson as he finished the game with only 114 passing yards as the Panthers looked to control the clock with the lead for the majority of the game he did throw 3 touchdowns, two of which Curtis Smauel hauled in, and a 79 yard bomb to DJ Moore to counter a Vikings touchdown on the previous possession. 

Tyree to Curtis Samuel 

DJ Moore over the top

Christain McCaffrey continues to be  a focal point of an ofense thay may feature up to two or three thousand yard receivers while still leading all running backs in yards, touchdowns, and not to mention his contributions as a receiver as well. he currently has over 2,000 all purpose yards and we still have four games left on the Panther's schedule. 

Run CMC

The Panther's however did not escape without any casualties as they lost their starting LT Russell Okung, and are now expected to lean on the 2nd year pro Greg Little, and with the upcoming schedule featuring DEN, GB, and WAS the Panthers young lineman will be tested as we head into the playoffs. 

Currenty Carolina is on a bye, but will face Von Miller and the Broncos Week 14, see you next time on inside the huddle!

The Panthers find themselves at (8-1) as we open up the back half of the schedule, a roster many thought wasn't going to compete has found it self boasting the 2nd ranked offense & defense when it comes to points scored and allowed. 

The Panther's defense has been one of the best units at takeaways as the likes of Donte' Jackson (7, and 2 returned for scores), Tre'Boston (4), and rookie Jeremy Chinn (4) lead the team in interceptions. 

Chinn continues his campaign for best young safety on the league, as an athletic freak he's tied for 4th on the team in solo tackles, and has quickley helped solidify the Panthe'rs backeend on defense. We really can't wait to see what he develops into. 

Offenseively, guys like Christian McCaffrey who leads the MCL in rushing yards (1,115) continues to show why he's the best player at the position with 12 rushing scores, but also boasts another 397 receiving yards and 7 receiving touchdowns. 

DJ Moore leads the receiver room with 681 yards, along with 4 TDs, but swiss army knife Curtis Samuel boasts the most scores with 9 on the season, and while Robby Anderson leads the team in yards per completion, he's yet to find the endzone, something I'm sure the Panther offense will address as Tyree Jackson continues to develop. 

The young bulls are starting to show their horns in the front seven of the defense as well, Brian Burns and Derrick Brown are starting to emerge as superstars as Brian is 2nd to only perrenial al-pro Khalil Mack with 9 sacks. Derrick Brown also boasts 2 sacks of his own, and while some forget Yetur Gross-Matos hasn't been the odd man out his presence has also been felt by opposing offenses with his 7 sacks on the season. 

Next up the Panthers will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and will be looking to hold off Brady, and the rest of a talented Tampa Bay offense. 

We're back, the Carolina Panthers opened up Week 1 with a win versus the Las Vegas Raiders! In what was primarily a back and forth game, the Panther's defense showed up down the stretch to close the game out as they forced two interceptions in the 4th quarter and finally got to Derek Carr in the backfield. 

''What can Brown do for you!''

Derrick Brown the first round pick of the Panthers made his first career sack albeit it a split with fellow rookie, and defensive end yetur Gross-Matos. Much of this game however was the Christian McCaffrey and DJ Moore show as they both carried the bulk of the offensive load while their teammates continued to provide crucial cathces and runs through out the game. 

DJ Moore finished with 7 receptions for 118 yards and a touchdown as he led the way for the receiver group, meanwhile Christian McCaffrey totaled 3 TDs on the day, two on the ground... 

and one receiving touchdown as he rushed for 136 yards, and had another 41 yards receiving continueing to show why he's considered the best back in the league. 

In a season that many thought would see Teddy Bridgewater take over for Cam Newton, Tyree Jackson began to emerge in training camp and during the pre-season, eventually getting the starting nod, in his first start as a Panther he finished with 284 yards, 3 TDs, and a completion percentage above 70. 

Another young player making his first start for the black and blue was Noah Dawkins who also recording his first career interception to help close out the game versus the Raiders. 

Next up the Panthers face Tom Brady and the league's best offense on paper, we'll see how the Panther's stack up!

The Carolina Panthers close out the first quarter of the MCL season at 4-0, with another hot start under their belts they will look to continue to carry the momnetum forward. The Panthers are currently 3rd in the MCL in ppg (41) and 2nd in ppg allowed (13), Cam Newton is in MVP form with 10 TD's and just 1 interception in four games on the year. 

Most recently the Panthers faced the Arizona Cardinals who also brought a 3-0 record to the table in Week 4, the Panthers pulled off the home victory 35-20 behind another balanced outing by the offense. Cam Newton was 14/16 with a TD to Curtis Samuel.

Meanwhile Eric George, and Christian McCaffrey combined for 183 yards, and 2 touchdowns. This continues to be one of the best duos in the MCL and this agme was the most recent example of what the Panther's run game can do when it's clicking.

Defensively Brian Burns to continue to make the case for being the best edge defender in the MCL, he posted another multi-sack performance with 2 as he continues to lead the team in sacks.

Third year interior defensive lineman Gerald McCoy Jr. also turned in a sack of his own as he is 4th on the team in sacks behind (Burns, Bell, and Simmons)

The sophomore Free Safety X'avier McKinney is continuing the success of his rookie season as he interceted Kyler Murray 2 times on the night (one on an 2 point conversion, not in the box score) and tries to make the case as one of the best safeties in the MCL. (Shaq Thompson, and Nick Nelson also added a pair of interceptions totaling 4 for the defense on the night)

To begin the 2nd qaurter of the season the Panthers will face a familiar face in the Detroit Lions as they look to face the former playoff team once more to try to get to 5-0 on the young season and assert themselves a top the NFC.