Chuba Hubbard has taken his fair share of criticism over the last two years. But after another starring performance against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6, his importance to the Carolina Panthers' chances of making a deep postseason run is unquestioned.
The Panthers tasked Hubbard with a lot. Jonathon Brooks is on injured reserve, A.J. Dillon missed the game at Lincoln Financial Field, and Trevor Etienne was in his first contest back after an extended spell on the sidelines.
They needed Hubbard to step up. And he delivered accordingly.
Chuba Hubbard gave the Carolina Panthers exactly what they needed in Week 6
The more work Hubbard gets, the better he seems to perform.
It took him a while to find his groove, but as the game wore on, Hubbard started to dictate proceedings. This helped the Panthers control the clock and come away with a comfortable road triumph.
Hubbard eventually finished with 120 rushing yards and one touchdown from 28 carries. He can be the workhorse back this team needs, and he thrives with extra responsibilities on his shoulders. His work as a pass blocker is also vastly underrated, and the confidence that was seemingly lost last season has returned.
The 2021 fourth-round pick out of Oklahoma State is already at 426 rushing yards, ranking ninth league-wide. It's a testament to his resolve, and Hubbard deserves all the recognition coming his way.
According to Next Gen Stats, Hubbard was hit behind the line of scrimmage on 17 of his carries against the Eagles. He managed 56 rushing yards on those runs, an astonishing statistic that matches his outstanding physicality and contact balance.
Chuba Hubbard is the glue guy Carolina Panthers' offense needs
Hubbard may still have his critics outside the building, but nobody in the locker room wavered.
He leads from the front. He almost always comes through when the Panthers need him. He has the complete trust of head coach Dave Canales, offensive coordinator Brad Idzik, and quarterback Bryce Young.
Simply put, Hubbard is a glue guy.
And the Panthers are lucky to have him.
With Brooks on the shelf until further notice, Hubbard's expanded role will continue. Dillon can provide relief when he returns, and Etienne could also help as a change-of-pace option once he's fully up to speed.
But when the Panthers need dependability, Hubbard is the man.
There is nothing flashy about Hubbard. He's an understated character who just gets his business done effectively. He's not the quickest, and he may never be classed among the elite running backs in the NFL, but he does everything well.
And that's all the Panthers require.
Hopefully, Brooks will contribute in the second half of 2026. Until then and even beyond that, Hubbard will be there to pick up the slack.
His performances over the last two games show a player hitting his stride once again.
Long may it continue.
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