5 bright spots from the Carolina Panthers defeat at Falcons in Week 8

Terrace Marshall Jr. – Carolina Panthers WR

Another player that was incredibly riding the bench under Matt Rhule was Terrace Marshall Jr.

The 2021 second-round pick out of LSU was touted by many as a breakout candidate this season after his stellar performances in training camp. But some nagging injuries mixed in with Rhule’s stubbornness meant Marshall was an afterthought in the Carolina Panthers offense.

During Sunday’s matchup with the Atlanta Falcons, Marshall produced his finest game since the Panthers acquired him from the college ranks. By a considerable margin, too.

Marshall had several career highs on Sunday. He played in 74 snaps, was targeted nine times, and ended the game with 87 receiving yards. Offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo was keen to get the wideout involved, especially in the red zone, with P.J. Walker looking to the hulking frame on multiple goal-line fades.

While the two didn’t connect, this is undoubtedly a positive sign moving forward.

With the Panthers’ trading away Robbie Anderson and Shi Smith not making the most of his opportunities since being named as a starter, this leaves Carolina struggling for a solid second wide receiver option behind D.J. Moore. It seems Marshall could be that man moving forward.

Marshall has all the intangibles to be a serious threat in this league. Standing at 6-foot-2 with a 4.40-second 40-yard dash time means physically he has all the traits needed, but more importantly, he is now playing under a coach who is eager to get him involved.

If Marshall can stay healthy throughout the season, don’t be surprised to see him and Moore start to mold into a solid wideout pairing.