The Carolina Panthers’ switch to Brad Idzik as the man handling play-calling has already paid off in a big way, and one of the biggest beneficiaries has been Chuba Hubbard.
With offensive coordinator Brad Idzik taking over those responsibilities, Carolina’s offense has surged. Heading into Week 7, the Panthers were averaging the second-most yards and the fourth-most points in the NFL, a sharp turnaround that has also helped Bryce Young take a long-awaited step forward at quarterback.
Hubbard has been right in the middle of it. The running back has been playing the best football of his NFL career, and that was on full display in Carolina’s 25-14 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. He was held to 24 rushing yards in the first half, but as has happened more than once this season, he took over after halftime and finished with 120 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
That performance was enough to earn Hubbard a game ball from Tyler Sullivan at CBS Sports.
Sullivan wrote:
“Hubbard was leaned on quite a bit in Week 6, logging a season-high 28 carries in the win over the Eagles in Philly. He turned those carries into 120 yards on the ground and a touchdown.
This is the first time in Hubbard's career that he's logged back-to-back games with at least 120 yards. He's also just one of five Panthers backs to have back-to-back games with at least 120 yards rushing and a rushing touchdown, and the first since Jonathan Stewart in 2009.”
Through the season, Hubbard has piled up 426 rushing yards on 89 carries, good for 4.8 yards per attempt, and he’s scored four rushing touchdowns. He’s also added 11 receptions for 85 yards and two more touchdowns as a pass catcher.
His 85.2 rushing yards per game are a career high, and so is his 55.1-percent success rate.
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For Carolina, the appeal goes beyond one game and into the standings picture, where every divisional result can ripple for weeks. Tampa Bay has been a familiar rival for years, and this one already feels like more than just another date on the schedule because of what it could mean in the chase for position. The uncertainty around the Buccaneers only adds to the intrigue, leaving the Panthers with a test that is less straightforward than many fans likely expected. [Read more 🡒]
Taylor Motons Return Could Change More Than Carolinas Right Tackle Spot
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For Carolina, that kind of leadership matters as much as the snap count. Motons experience can ease the transition for a young blocker who is still learning the pro game, and it also gives the Panthers a chance to lean on one of their most established voices in a room that can use it. The question now is how quickly that mentorship can translate into something more tangible for an offense still trying to find its footing. [Read more 🡒]
Panthers Face A Deadline Decision On A Forgotten Young Pass Catcher
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With the trade deadline looming, Sanders has become a name to watch simply because his situation has stalled so completely. Reports indicate Carolina could explore a deal if another team is willing to part with draft compensation, which would give the Panthers a chance to get something back from a player who has been more of a healthy scratch than an option on Sundays. [Read more 🡒]