5 Panthers position battles still undecided ahead of Steelers game
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers WR3
This position looked like a foregone conclusion before training camp got underway. David Moore joining from the Seattle Seahawks in free agency gave the Carolina Panthers a dependable target that could assist either from the slot or on the outside – something the team needed after letting Curtis Samuel walk to the Washington Football Team once his contract expired.
However, the emergence of Terrace Marshall Jr. both at camp and in preseason games makes things less clear-cut heading into the final warmup contest.
Marshall has left a notable impression with his size, ball skills, and ability to make plays. The second-round pick has a tremendous amount going for him and it would be a huge surprise if offensive coordinator Joe Brady didn’t get his former LSU compatriot some meaningful targets as a rookie.
As for Moore, he hasn’t seen much in the way of game time during the preparation period. The Panthers – and Scott Fitterer in particular – know exactly what he’s capable of and his 15 snaps against the Baltimore Ravens were another indication that he’s considered among the starting unit heading into the season.
How Moore and Marshall perform in Week 3 of the preseason might give one player the edge. Although expect to see both of them lining up alongside D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson frequently in 2021.