4 Panthers players who’ve impressed after early struggles in 2022
By Dean Jones
Terrace Marshall Jr. – Carolina Panthers WR
One of the most glaring flaws of the previous regime was an inability to successfully develop talent. The Carolina Panthers have an abundance of young stars at their disposal, but it’s not come together effectively so far despite some notable improvements since Steve Wilks took charge on an interim basis.
Terrace Marshall Jr. is perhaps the biggest example of these failings. The wide receiver was a bystander and sometimes even a healthy scratch under Matt Rhule, but he’s currently enjoying the finest run of form since entering the league as a second-round selection when all hope seemed lost.
Marshall is an integral part of Carolina’s game plan without Rhule’s cold shoulder. Trading Robbie Anderson to the Arizona Cardinals gave the LSU product an opportunity as the team’s No. 2 option – one he’s been keen not to waste.
The Panthers saw enough in Marshall to take him No. 59 overall during the 2021 NFL Draft. His physicality and athleticism are gradually emerging into something more, which is also improving the player’s individual confidence with every passing week.
While additional options could be sought next spring, Marshall’s increasing influence indicates he’ll have a big part to play whichever way David Tepper goes with his next head coach.