Carolina Panthers: Terrace Marshall Jr. among preseason standouts vs. Indy

Despite losing to the Indianapolis Colts in Preseason Week 1, Terrace Marshall Jr was among the standouts for the Carolina Panthers. 

The Carolina Panthers may have fallen to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 1 of the 2021 NFL preseason, but positive performances and strong vibes can come from a loss. Also, this is the point in time when wins and losses are ultimately meaningless. Winning every preseason game has no bearing on what will happen when the records are officially counted. For further proof, see the 2008 Detroit Lions and their perfect 4-0 preseason before going on to finish 0-16.

For head coach Matt Rhule, the 21-18 loss to Indianapolis was due in point to a last-second field goal, meaning that the roster was able to keep the game close on both sides of the ball. The defense had their moments, but most of the highlights came from the offensive side of the ball.

Sam Darnold didn’t see the field during the first game and will only play sparingly during the postseason as the starter. As for several other players, they got the chance to suit up and showcase their skills, knowing that without a fourth preseason game, each of the three games is critical to their futures.

As mentioned before, there were a number of standouts, and here they are for the Panthers.

3 Standout Performers for the Carolina Panthers in Preseason Week 1

3. P.J. Walker, QB – Walker is known chiefly for his progress as a member of the XFL, being arguably the top quarterback of the now-defunct league. Still, against the Colts, Walker showed flashes of promise, going 10/21 for 161 yards and a touchdown while posting an 89.6 QBR. Also, he did this primarily with backups, as he will be competing with Will Grier for the backup quarterback job. So far, he’s off to a good start.

Walker has two more games to play, and even winning a game would help, although, as stated before, winning a preseason game has no bearing on the regular season. However, it provides confidence that, when carried over, it can be beneficial.

2. Chuba Hubbard, RB – Known as a force of nature while at Oklahoma State, Hubbard ran for 80 yards in his first NFL action on just seven carries, averaging 11.4 yards per carry, including a 59-yard scamper. Though most of his yards came on that one play, his ability to push forward and be a physical back is an excellent complement to one Christian McCaffrey’s elusiveness.

Hubbard won’t be in the starting lineup as long as McCaffrey continues to run. Still, it would be wise to keep an eye on the former Cowboy as his style of play will be a nice change of pace to keep opposing defenses guessing.

1. Terrace Marshall Jr., WR – In this league, the wide receiver position is as critical to an offense as a quarterback. While a quarterback is above all, he needs weapons to help carry out the scheme, and against the Colts, LSU’s Terrace Marshall Jr. had the most significant impact on the game between both teams. Three catches on five targets for 88 yards, including a 60-yard completion, is a beautiful way to make a first impression.

Though Tommy Tremble caught Walker’s touchdown pass, Marshall kept the Colts’ secondary guessing. Carolina’s passing game has received a boost from Marshall, and when they take the field against the Jets in Week 1, they will have the assurance that Marshall will likely be in the starting lineup and help Sam Darnold’s progression. Also, wouldn’t it be picture-perfect if Darnold found Marshall in the end zone for a score against his former team?