5 big changes the Panthers should consider at the Cowboys in Week 4

Carolina Panthers adopting a two RB approach

Not having Christian McCaffrey is a huge blow. His presence on the field has been a real asset this season and it remains to be seen how the offense copes without its focal point over the next few weeks.

While there is some hope quarterback Sam Darnold can make the necessary improvements, if the Carolina Panthers don’t get notable production from their running game things could become one-dimensional in a hurry.

That’s why it’s imperative for rookie Chuba Hubbard to produce the goods. Although putting too much on the Oklahoma State product’s shoulders right out of the gate is unlikely to come with much success.

Hubbard carried the ball well at the Houston Texans. But the Dallas Cowboys boast a formidable second level that can make things very difficult – especially for someone like the fourth-round pick who tends to go down on first contact more often than not.

That’s why it might be beneficial for the Panthers to adopt a two-back approach with Royce Freemen, who was scooped up quickly off the waiver wire following his release from the Denver Broncos.

Freeman has gained some success in a professional environment. Certainly, enough to suggest he might be of use with McCaffrey on the sidelines.

A tandem of Hubbard and Freeman – perhaps even on the field at the same time – would at least give Dallas something else to think about rather than focusing their attention on thwarting Darnold.