2 winners and 2 losers from Carolina Panthers’ loss at the Saints in Week 17
By Jason Huber
Chuba Hubbard – Carolina Panthers RB
It’s been an up-and-down season for the rookie running back, but Chuba Hubbard did all he could in a game that was brutal offensively for the Carolina Panthers.
When Hubbard was thrown back into the starting role when Christian McCaffrey got injured again a few weeks ago, his opportunities really weren’t much with Cam Newton, arguably the greatest rushing quarterback ever, back under center.
Hubbard hadn’t run the ball more than 10 times in a game since October, and only averaged more than 3.3 yards-per-carry once in that same time period.
On Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, the Oklahoma State product still only averaged 3.3 yards for every time he ran the football but accumulated 17 rushes for 55 yards. This also included a 21-yard rushing touchdown that was the highlight of Carolina’s afternoon.
Considering how bad the offensive line that Hubbard is working with is, it was nice to see him get a big play.
Hubbard is obviously no McCaffrey. However, he’s proven this year that if Carolina gets better offensively, he can be a guy that is worthy of being utilized.