4 Panthers players with potential to get hot down the stretch in 2022
By Dean Jones
Chuba Hubbard – Carolina Panthers RB
D’Onta Foreman is gaining plenty of plaudits for his production since the Carolina Panthers traded Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers. But one cannot overlook the encouraging development of Chuba Hubbard since Matt Rhule was removed from the equation.
Hubbard found life difficult under Rhule’s guidance. The 2021 fourth-round selection couldn’t absorb contact effectively and his struggles in the passing game left many wondering what his long-term future in Carolina would look like with a new regime potentially coming into the fold next year.
Steve Wilks has given Hubbard a huge confidence boost in the immediate aftermath of McCaffrey’s departure. He looks comfortable coming in on a complimentary basis and his performance at the Seattle Seahawks was arguably the most important of his young career to date.
The Panthers will likely move forward with a run-first mentality, which has been incredibly successful of late. Their committee approach means additional opportunities are coming for Hubbard and how he performs will go a long way to determining whether or not Carolina can win the NFC South against all odds.
The former Oklahoma State standout is probably still prone to a mistake or two. But the Panthers must be pleased with what they’ve seen from Hubbard in recent weeks and long may it continue.