4 disappointing Carolina Panthers players vs. the Saints in Week 2

Chuba Hubbard – Carolina Panthers RB

Christian McCaffrey was relied upon heavily against the New Orleans Saints, accumulating 29 combined touches despite missing a portion of the contest through cramps. This in itself tells its own story regarding the running back, who needs some of the load taking off by the Carolina Panthers to preserve his capabilities throughout the campaign.

This gave some additional carries to fourth-round selection Chuba Hubbard when McCaffrey was re-hydrating in the locker room. Something he failed to make the most out of.

Hubbard generated just 10 rushing yards from eight carries. This isn’t going to get the job done more often than not and fortunately for the Panthers, they were in a commanding position when their All-Pro was forced to miss some brief time.

It’s been a rough start to Hubbard, who drew criticism from Matt Rhule after Week 1 for his inability to pick up blocks sufficiently. The Oklahoma State product is still learning the trade, obviously, but there is much work still to be done if the player wants to emerge as the primary backup to McCaffrey moving forward.

The Panthers have the option of introducing Royce Freeman at some stage. Although he’s been used sparingly as he gets up to speed with the offense.

That might change in the not-too-distant future given Carolina’s struggles in picking up short yardage. Something that Hubbard will no doubt be aware of.