Rondale Moore repeats his Week 2 performance
Rondale Moore was one of the NCAA’s most productive pass catchers, even if he played little in college because of injuries. But the shifty receiver has already turned heads in the NFL, with a Week 2 performance to remember, catching 7 of 8 targets for 114 yards and one touchdown.
Now, Moore faces a Jaguars pass defense that ranked 27th in the league through two games. They have allowed 8.3 net yards per pass attempt, one of the league’s worst, and a 118.9 passer rating. Sure, Kyler Murray could easily be in this slot for another predicted big day, but it seems like Murray’s teetering on historic performances becoming the norm.
Moore, however, had a solid debut and an elite second game, so for all intents and purposes, the jury is still out. As of Friday, though, DeAndre Hopkins remains questionable with a rib injury and did not practice Wednesday or Thursday.
This time last season, losing Hopkins would have been a dagger. In 2021, the Cardinals can and will turn to Moore while A.J. Green and Christian Kirk have shown they’re no slouches. Add Maxx Williams to the mix, and it will prevent opposing defenses from keying on Moore.
Whether or not Hopkins can go, Moore will have a repeat outing. Both because of his ability to create separation and the weakness of the Jaguars’ pass defense.