PHOTO | TROY HULL

Panthers rookie D.J. Moore caught eight passes for 91 yards Sunday  in Carolina's 30-27 loss to Seattle. Moore, who has 38 catches for 565 yards and three scores, is averaging 71 yards a game over the last four contests.

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D.J. Moore is in fine form.

The Carolina Panthers (6-5) rookie surpassed Devin Funchess as their leading wide receiver, and eclipsed 500 yards with increased playing time. His eight receptions for 91 yards in their 30-27 loss to Seattle (6-5) puts him at 38 catches for 565 yards and two touchdowns.

Funchess, who was inactive against the Seahawks, has 41 receptions for 516 yards and three touchdowns.

Quarterback Cam Newton, who targeted Moore nine times against Seattle, set a franchise record by completing14-of-14 passes in the first half.

“It just comes with the confidence in the game plan—just understanding what’s going on out there,” Moore said. “When you go out there, just knowing that Cam is going to have faith in you, and you’re going to be in the right spot.”

Moore, who has produced three 90-plus yard receiving games, had a career-high seven receptions for 157 yards and a touchdown last week in Detroit. Opportunity continues to knock for the rookie with veterans Funchess and Torrey Smith sidelined with injury. Moore’s first six games resulted in 18 receptions for 281 yards and one touchdown for an average of 46.8 yards per game. However, his last four games totaled 20 receptions for 284 yards and a touchdown for an average 71 yards per game.

“He is right where you would hope he would be, contributing the way he has,” coach Ron Rivera said. “He has made a lot of plays for us. He is showing he is an explosive player. He is a dynamic player, and a player like that gives us a chance to win football games. We have to take advantage of those skill sets.”

Teammates like seventh-year wide receiver Jarius Wright disregard the youth of players like Moore and second-year wide receiver Curtis Samuel (19 receptions for 196 yards and four touchdowns). The Panthers will need more of that productivity as they try to break a three-game losing streak.

“I don’t see him as a rookie, or Curtis as a second-year player,” said Wright, who has 26 receptions for 257 yards and one touchdown. “We’re all just wide receivers, especially with me being the oldest. We’re all just players now. Those guys have been playing lights out. It’s great to see. It goes to show that our future is very bright, but unfortunately we’ve gotta live in the right now.”

Said Samuel: “[Moore is] gaining more experience, so he can do a little bit more. He’s just getting comfortable. He’s a dynamic receiver. We know he can do it week in and week out. It’s just about the opportunities.”

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