Which Carolina Panthers players must unlock their true potential during what promises to be a fascinating 2023 campaign?
It's a monumental upcoming season for the Carolina Panthers in many ways. There is a new coaching staff leading the charge and Bryce Young has given fresh hope that their problems at football's most important position will soon become a distant memory.
Of course, there's a chance everything falls by the wayside. Expecting the Panthers to challenge for the Super Bowl in Year 1 of Frank Reich's reign is unrealistic, but there's nothing to suggest a potential NFC South title challenge shouldn't be a short-term goal looking at the current state of affairs around the division.
Confidence is high across the franchise. From the staff, players, and fanbase, everyone is now pulling in the same direction in the hope Carolina football can once again become a source of great pride.
Without further ado, here are three Panthers players that must unlock their potential during the 2023 campaign.
Tommy Tremble - Carolina Panthers TE
When Tommy Tremble made the omission this week that he hadn't been coached about the route-running aspect of playing the tight-end position or anything pass-catching related before this offseason, it was yet another damning indictment on the Matt Rhule era. It also provided renewed optimism that the former third-round selection can make major strides in Year 3 of his professional career.
Tremble has the athleticism and has reportedly impressed head coach Frank Reich with his application throughout the offseason so far. Generating targets might be difficult with Hayden Hurst joining the ranks, but the Notre Dame product could be the one who benefits more than most from a creative offensive scheme when push comes to shove.
Bryce Young needs as many dependable pass-catchers as possible to smooth his important transition. If Tremble's potential can come to the fore, it'll help enormously.
Yetur Gross-Matos - Carolina Panthers OLB
Considering where Yetur Gross-Matos is right now heading into the final year of his rookie deal, it's far from what the Carolina Panthers had in mind. The edge rusher came into the league with a glowing reputation and enormous promise, but there's been nothing to suggest the former Penn State stud was worth the No. 38 overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Gross-Matos got a big-time opportunity last season as a starting defensive end opposite Brian Burns. But it didn't take long to figure out these expectations were never going to be met.
There was a lack of explosiveness, pass-rushing moves, and confidence levels almost from start to finish. Gross-Matos' ability to set the edge against the run became a bright spot, but there is much more required to become a productive NFL starter on the defensive line.
This led many to believe it would be the end of Gross-Matos' time earning prominent reps. However, that might not be the case based on how things have unfolded this offseason.
Carolina hasn't done much to bolster their edge options. Gross-Matos has reportedly made impressive strides in his transition to a 3-4 outside linebacker, which is a surprise not many around the fanbase saw coming immediately after the 2022 campaign concluded.
If Gross-Matos does get one more shot, the need to increase production cannot be understated. Otherwise, the Panthers will move on swiftly once his contract expires next spring.
Terrace Marshall Jr. - Carolina Panthers WR
There is a lot riding on Terrace Marshall Jr. taking another leap forward with improved coaching next season. The wide receiver was clearly being held back by Matt Rhule, so to see the player flourish almost from the moment he was fired was incredibly encouraging.
The Carolina Panthers shipped out D.J. Moore to the Chicago Bears to secure the No. 1 overall selection, so there is a clear opening for someone to emerge as the No. 1 option. Something Marshall has his sights set on based on his level of commitment throughout offseason workouts so far.
Marshall is catching everything coming his way. He's looked incredibly sharp and has often been spotted putting in extra work once practice concludes, which is leaving a positive impression and raising expectations along the way.
The former second-round pick out of LSU has all the physical and athletic intangibles needed to become a star. Marshall is also aiming to make up for some lost time, which provides an extra sense of motivation during what Carolina hopes will be a genuine breakout campaign.
Others such as Adam Theilen, D.J. Chark, and second-rounder Jonathan Mingo will be expected to contribute. But Marshall represents the true X-factor that can offset Moore's departure.
That's a lofty bar to aim for. However, it's something Marshall should relish after how he was treated by the previous regime.