Typically, when one asks, “But at what cost?” it’s after a positive action or result. For the Carolina Panthers, the more appropriate phrasing today would be, “and at what cost?” The Panthers were dealt a nationally broadcast loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night, but the team took another ‘L’ on Tuesday from the fallout.
Panthers’ Safety Suspended for Week 13 Following Unsportsmanlike Conduct
The Carolina Panthers announced on Tuesday that starting safety Tre’von Moehrig has been suspended by the NFL for unsportsmanlike conduct. Moehrig was involved in an altercation with San Francisco 49ers’ wide receiver Jauan Jennings after the game, where Jennings smacked Moehrig in the head.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter posted video of Moehrig punching Jennings in the groin area during the fourth quarter of the game, presumably serving as the motivation behind Jennings’ post-game aggression.
Per the NFL’s release, Moehrig’s conduct violated “Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which applies to ‘any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship,’ including, among others, ‘throwing a punch, or a forearm, or kicking at an opponent.'”
Moehrig was on the field for all 68 defensive snaps in the Week 12 loss and has been an integral part of the Carolina defense’s improvement this season.
He has brought an array of versatility to the safety position, aligning in the deep third, in the box, or as a linebacker in sub packages, or as a run support defender or pressure defender at the line of scrimmage.
PFSN’s SAFi metric hasn’t graded Moehrig as favorably. He ranks No. 64 among qualified safeties with a 68.7 score.
That versatility was nationally recognized after winning the NFL Defensive Player of the Week award following his Week 9 performance against the Green Bay Packers. In that road victory, Moehrig racked up five tackles, two tackles for loss, two passes defended, and one interception.
When Panthers’ head coach Dave Canales was asked whether or not he knew if Moehrig would appeal the suspension, he told reporters, “I’m not sure, that’s up to Tre [Moehrig] and his whole group.” Canales did say, “He [Moehrig] and I had a good conversation. Obviously, I’ll keep all those things private between Tre and I.”
The Los Angeles Rams (9-2) are the Week 13 opponent for the Carolina Panthers. If Moehrig doesn’t appeal and win his suspension, rookie safety Lathan Ransom figures to fill in next to Nick Scott. Ransom played 24 snaps in Week 12 and was on the field for 41% of nickel reps (13) and 100% when Carolina deployed a dime grouping (11).