Patriots defense vs. Chuba Hubbard – Carolina Panthers RB
Rookie running back Chuba Hubbard is no Christian McCaffrey, at least not yet, but we know that.
However, the young runner has consistently improved throughout the season and is beginning to show some potential.
Enter the New England Patriots defense that allowed a hobbled Austin Ekeler to rush for more than 60 yards while also giving up almost 80 to backup Justin Jackson.
That would classify as a glaring weakness. Something that is not common for a Bill Belichick-led team.
Even though McCaffrey is technically able to come back from the reserve/injured list in time to play, I wouldn’t look for him to start or even have the majority of touches. This is Hubbard’s time to shine and the Oklahoma State product is finally making the most of it.
Running the ball is the best way to limit the impact of a pass rush and the Carolina Panthers finally learned that in Week 8.
However, Belichick is no slouch.
The coach knows how vital the run game is, especially to a team with the struggles of the Panthers. This will be the primary focus at practice leading up to this Week 9 matchup and is going to be on everyone’s minds from the word go.
Hubbard is growing quickly, but the rookie needs to prove that he can rise above adversity and be someone the team can lean on in the big moments. This game is the perfect opportunity to solidify that position in the minds of the coaching staff and fans alike.
If Hubbard can come through in a big way against a team trying everything in their power to stop him, the Panthers may finally have that complement to McCaffrey they’ve sorely needed.