5 major factors behind Carolina Panthers’ win at the Falcons in Week 8
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers running game was on form
If Matt Rhule wanted the Carolina Panthers to set some sort of tone with the running game, it got off to the worst possible start. Rookie Chuba Hubbard fumbled on the very first play, after all.
Thankfully, things got much better after this mishap.
The Panthers were dominant in the run game en route to 203 yards from 47 rushes. More importantly, it was a collective effort and also included some exceptional lanes created consistently by Carolina’s much-criticized offensive line.
Much has been made about their lack of ability in pass protection. But this was a game they dominated from start to finish on running downs and made things much easier for Sam Darnold under center.
Everyone deserves credit for what turned out to be the Panthers’ best rushing display of the season. Proving that yards on the ground can be generated without Christian McCaffrey in the backfield.
- Chuba Hubbard – 82 yards (24 carries)
- Sam Darnold – 66 yards (8 carries)
- Ameer Abdullah – 31 yards (8 carries)
- Royce Freeman – 25 yards (6 carries)
This is something Rhule desired last weekend at the New York Giants. While it didn’t quite go according to plan there, this was more in keeping with what the head coach had in mind.