5 Carolina Panthers who must play better down the stretch
By Dean Jones
Terrace Marshall Jr. – Carolina Panthers WR
Just how little Terrace Marshall Jr. has been used in the offense remains a frustration. The wide receiver has all the physical skills needed, but the fact he was a healthy scratch in Week 12 indicates the Carolina Panthers are not entirely happy with his contribution so far this season.
Marshall was taken at No. 59 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft after shining for LSU. A reunion with offensive coordinator Joe Brady only whet the appetite further ahead of his arrival, but this hasn’t come with anything like meaningful production to date.
Carolina’s passing attack has been a major disappointment. Something that could change now Brady is gone and replaced by Jeff Nixon – a man who knows exactly what Matt Rhule wants.
Perhaps this could see Marshall become a more prominent member of the rotation. The extra time off to reflect during the bye will leave no doubt as to what’s at stake for the wideout in the coming weeks.
What comes next is down to Marshall, who needs to convince those in power he is worthy of more responsibility. One thing’s for sure, Rhule can ill-afford unreliable production from anybody given how much pressure is mounting on the head coach.
Carving out a role for himself is the biggest stumbling block. But it’s not like anyone outside of D.J. Moore has thrived from a pass-catching standpoint in 2021.