5 key observations from second Panthers scrimmage at Colts
By Dean Jones
What were some of the key observations to take from the second day of joint practices between the Carolina Panthers and Indianapolis Colts on Friday?
It was a disappointing start overall for the Carolina Panthers as they got their first taste of real opposition in a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday. Head coach Matt Rhule issued his displeasure with certain areas of the depth chart, highlighting some poor play from the wide receivers and a lack of general cohesion overall on offense.
This was always going to be a work in progress and an experience to build on for the Panthers. Rhule and his staff appear fully aware of what’s needed to keep the organization trending in the right direction, so making the right decisions following scrimmages and warmup games when the final cuts are made is pivotal to their chances.
There appears little doubt Rhule read them the riot act after practice. Fortunately for the Panthers, there was an instant opportunity to right some wrongs during Friday’s session against Frank Reich’s men.
With this in mind, here are five key observations from the Panthers’ second scrimmage at the Colts.
Observation No. 1
Chuba Hubbard has a day
This was perhaps the first time we’ve seen what Chuba Hubbard can truly do. The fourth-round pick has been brought along gradually during the offseason so far, but he took advantage of injury concerns with Reggie Bonnafon and Rodney Smith to leave his mark.
Hubbard looked elusive and explosive, something the Panthers saw in the player coming out of Oklahoma State. The running back also broke off a big touchdown, returned a kickoff for a score, and seemed more purposeful coming out of the backfield according to those in attendance.
A strong showing such as this should provide Hubbard with all the confidence he needs ahead of his debut on Sunday.