Chuba Hubbard provides Panthers more offensive options

TROY HULL | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Chuba Hubbard ran for a season-high 122 yards rushing and a pair of touchdowns in the Carolina Panthers’ 32-26 win against Detroit on Oct. 4.

Chuba Hubbard provided options for the Carolina Panthers. 

Much-needed alternatives. 

Capping the opening quarter of the NFL campaign night with a season-best 122 rushing yards and two touchdowns against Detroit, Hubbard snapped out of his early funk to help quarterback Bryce Young secure his first professional primetime triumph and boost locker room morale during an idle week. 

“We’re trying to get our run game going,” coach Dave Canales said after the 32-26 upset win. “We saw that happen today.” 

Hubbard saw to it with extra effort, moving up to fourth in franchise rushing with 3,992 career yards, passing Christian McCaffrey (3,980 yards). Hubbard forced seven missed tackles, resulting in 42 extra yards, and compiled 82 rushing yards after absorbing initial contact with a Lions defender, per Next Gen Stats. 

“What I loved about Chuba … was breaking tackles,” Canales said. “Running with that attitude that we want to. It all starts off with pressing the blocks the right way, making sure he’s cutting off the feet of the O-lineman.   
“Chuba ran with violence tonight.” 

Said Hubbard: “We talk all the time about breaking tackles, making guys miss, especially at the second level. We’ll just continue to do that. Just appreciate coach obviously believing in us enough to run the rock.” 

Hubbard breaks out 

To offset Young’s dynamic start to his fourth season, offensive coordinator and first-year playcaller Brad Idzik remained committed to establishing a rushing presence. Despite enduring a pressure rate of 47.2%, Young entered Week 5 leading the league with 1,268 passing yards. 

The injury-marred, makeshift offensive line drew criticism during the opening three games for failing to create continuous, clean passing pockets and rushing lanes. 
Hubbard defended them, which could benefit from tackle Taylor Moton (blood clots) and utility lineman Brady Christensen (hamstring) returning. 

“I always use the analogy, just chopping at the tree,” Hubbard said. “We kept chopping, fixing the things, kind of figuring it out.” 

In 2025, the Panthers won their first NFC South title since 2015 despite a No. 27-ranked offense, lowlighted by their passing, which averaged just 179.3 yards per game. Through four outings this season, the Panthers (2-2) were fourth (405.8 yards per game), propelled by Young and the league’s top passing attack (301.3). 

If Hubbard can continue with effective, between-the-tackles runs with an occasional pitch outside, the Panthers could maintain their No. 3-ranked 30.3 points per game scoring average. 

“It all starts off with pressing the blocks the right way and watching that unit come together,” Canales said. “Then all of a sudden the run game started to get going." 

More specifically, Hubbard, who was voted a team captain, started to get going, generating four “explosive” runs of 10-plus yards against Detroit. Idzik unveiled a series of run-pass option plays, designed to limit Young’s time in the pocket. From early returns, the alternate looks could remain on the books. 

"The play-actions helped that for sure," Canales said. 

‘I think we're creating a style’ 

Hubbard’s effort against Detroit marked the third time he collected 100-plus rushing yards and two touchdowns in a game. Only two Panthers, McCaffrey and Tshimanga Biakabutuka, have matched that feat. The trio trails only DeAngelo Williams, who did it eight times. 

“I think we’re creating a style,” Hubbard said. “I attribute it to the receivers and obviously Bryce for opening it up for us and then the offensive line to do the rest.” 

For the Panthers’ ground game to remain a viable option, Hubbard likely will need to remain healthy. Oft-injured backup Jonathon Brooks (groin) remains sidelined, leaving veteran A.J. Dillon as the main reserve. 

Dillon was in a walking boot last week, but is not expected to miss Sunday’s game against at Philadelphia. Second-year player Trevor Etienne (ankle) is projected to come off the injury list. Prospects Anthony Tyus III, who played on special teams during the previous two games, and Ahmani Marshall, a former Appalachian State standout, percolate on the practice squad. 

“In the running back room, we talk about it all the time, breaking tackles, making guys miss, especially at the second level,” Hubbard said. “Still a lot of stuff that we got to fix.” 

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