The Carolina Panthers' passing attack is getting all the plaudits, and it's deserved. But at running back, Chuba Hubbard is an overlooked yet important cog in the wheel.
Hubbard won't blow you away. He's not an elite burner by any stretch of the imagination, and the 2021 fourth-round pick is never discussed among the league's most prolific backfield threats.
But he has a few traits the Panthers value highly.
Chuba Hubbard's underrated pass blocking is helping the Carolina Panthers thrive
Leadership. Effort. Dependability. A willingness to go above and beyond to help the team in any way.
That's what Hubbard has relied upon to carve out a successful career for himself. With Jonathon Brooks now dealing with a groin injury and considered day-to-day, the onus remains on the Oklahoma State product to lead the charge.
Hubbard's performance was nothing spectacular in Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons. He gained 55 rushing yards on 12 carries. He caught both his receptions for 11 yards and a touchdown. It was solid enough, but he stood head and shoulders above the rest in one area.
Nobody will ever talk about it. But it won't go unnoticed in the building when Carolina examines the game film.
Hubbard's pass-blocking was nothing short of exceptional. He goes looking for work, and he isn't afraid to get physical against oncoming rushers to keep quarterback Bryce Young's pocket clean. And with the offensive line struggling to get into an early rhythm before picking things up later, this was vital.
Chuba Hubbard is the ultimate professional and Carolina Panthers are lucky to have him
It's the sort of attitude that saw Hubbard emerge from a Day 3 pick to become an important piece, respected in the locker room as the ultimate professional.
And even though Brooks is the shiny new toy after so long out of action, Hubbard does the little things well enough to stick.
The Panthers recognized Hubbard's importance and gave him a new four-year, $33.2 million contract with a $7.53 million signing bonus and $16.45 million guaranteed during the 2024 season. Last year was a frustrating one due to injury and losing his starting spot to Rico Dowdle. Instead of sulking, he persevered, won back the No. 1 spot, and did enough to ensure Dowdle took his chances elsewhere in free agency.
And his influence is only growing, even if the rushing numbers might not be in the upper echelons right now.
Hubbard is making the most of his touches. The Panthers have placed more emphasis on pushing the football downfield. Not really what a running back wants to hear, but the sixth-year pro is still influencing proceedings in different ways.
As the season goes on, the ground game will be needed when the opposition gets tougher. When that time comes, Hubbard has a good chance of delivering.
That's just the sort of guy he is, and the Panthers are lucky to have him.
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