4 bitter disappointments from the Panthers loss at NY Giants in Week 2
By Preston Seyl
Carolina Panthers underused Terrace Marshall & Rashard Higgins
Terrace Marshall Jr. and free-agent signing Rashard Higgins haven’t seen much of the field in two games. They’re both healthy and very talented, so the duo could help galvanize a struggling offense if given the chance.
Ben McAdoo and Matt Rhule decided not to include them in Week 2 at the New York Giants. This made D.J. Moore less effective as the defense focused on the former first-round pick heavily.
Higgins has chemistry with Baker Mayfield from their time together on the Cleveland Browns. Marshall is a big-bodied weapon when fit that the Carolina Panthers thought enough of to draft the LSU product at No. 59 overall in 2021.
Using only three wide receivers is a concern. Why have all these weapons and not even attempt to use them in any way?
Carolina’s coaching staff is holding the offense back by not allowing Mayfield and the deep wide receiver room the opportunities to spread the ball around. And there was another air of predictability about the Panthers’ offensive strategy at MetLife Stadium.
Higgins has also been known to come up with the goods in third-down situations. Something the Panthers should have utilized in Week 2 after converting just two of 12 attempts to move the chains.
Marshall and Higgins need to be introduced or the offense will continue to look stale and predictable. Heading into tougher opponents, this area will be more exposed than it already is.