Ellis Williams, Charlotte Observer, Keys to the game

[raleigh-panther]

Panthers vs. Bengals keys to the game: Is WR Terrace Marshall ready for a breakout?

BY ELLIS WILLIAMS

[email protected]

19 hours ago

Panthers offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo knows wide receiver Terrace Marshall is a ball-winner. 

“That’s the way he’s built,” McAdoo said. “He is a big guy, a physical guy, and big men have to play big in this league. Sometimes they need some reps at (jump balls) before they get that going. But we have confidence that he can go do that for us.” 

A second-round draft pick last season, Marshall has not experienced the early success his former LSU teammates Joe Burrow or Ja’Marr Chase have. The Bengals’ quarterback-wide receiver duo is among the league’s best.

On Sunday, the Panthers (2-6) face the Cincinnati Bengals (4-4) in a game both teams need to win after underwhelming losses last week. Chase will likely miss a second consecutive game due to an ailing hip. 

Burrow is the Bengals’ best player. But it could be Marshall who influences Sunday’s game most. 

“He’s building confidence, and I think PJ (Walker) and (Terrace) are creating some kind of rapport with one another,” interim coach Steve Wilks said. “Their chemistry is building confidence, so now I can see it in his play. I can see how he practices. I’m excited about his progress.”

Since the Panthers traded Robbie Anderson, Marshall has set career highs in catches, receiving yards and snaps played. In last week’s 37-34 loss to Atlanta, Marshall caught four of nine targets for 87 yards. He’s emerging as a threat opposite DJ Moore in the team’s run-first offense. 

Because opposing defense’s double team Moore, and often put eight defenders in the box against running back D’Onta Foreman, Marshall routinely earns one-on-one coverage. His specific skill set — big, strong and fast — is tailored to make 50-50 passes advantageous.

Walker trusts Marshall, too. Before Baker Mayfield hurt his ankle and Anderson was traded, Walker and Marshall were making plays on the scout team. Connecting on end-zone fades and deep outside verticals against the Panthers’ first-team defense helped Walker and Marshall prepare for their opportunity. 

Against Atlanta, Walker threw Marshall multiple near-touchdowns. Neither play was completed, but Marshall was close to scoring his first career touchdown.

Last week, the Bengals allowed the Browns’ top two receivers to combine for 212 yards on nine catches. Cincinnati lost 32-13. Chidobe Awuzie, the team’s top cornerback, tore his ACL in the game. 

Marshall has an opportunity to swing Sunday’s game for Carolina. 

“He got a couple of opportunities last game, and we expect him to make those plays,” McAdoo said. “He’s working to make them and he will make them in the future.”

 

Teams trending in opposite directions 

The Panthers had several opportunities to capture sole possession of first place in the NFC South. Instead, penalties, inconsistent effort, missed kicks and blown tackles cost Carolina a division victory. 

Sure, a loss is a loss, but the Bengals are coming off a Monday night beatdown. The game was not close. Cincinnati gained 54 yards on the game’s first drive. Over the Bengals’ next six possessions, the team earned just four first downs and 41 yards. 

In their last two losses, the Bengals have been outscored by 44 points. Carolina is plus-15 over the past two weeks.

Without Chase, Cincinnati struggles creating explosive plays or prolonging drives. The Bengals ran 50 plays against the Browns and averaged just 4.6 yards per play. 

Like Carolina, the Bengals are desperate to bounce back, but the on-field matchups do not favor them doing so.