Former Oklahoma State running back Chuba Hubbard hadn’t long forgotten what happened four weeks ago. Hubbard lost a fumble in overtime with the score locked at 23. The Panthers would have been within field goal range but ultimately fell to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers by a score of 26-23.
On Sunday, he eliminated the Arizona Cardinals in overtime with a 21-yard touchdown run to secure the 36-30 victory. The victory not only gave Hubbard some redemption, but it also ended the Cardinals’ hopes of making the NFL playoffs this season.
“I had a big chip on my shoulder from the previous overtime loss,” Hubbard said. “I just told myself if I had the chance, I had to end it. I’m so blessed right now. God’s timing is undefeated.”
Chuba called the game
📺: Fox@Hubbard_RMN | #ProBowlVote pic.twitter.com/W4EOGtZDF2
– Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) December 22, 2024
Hubbard has been the poster child for Panther football this season. It’s a brand of football that first-year head coach Dave Canales is trying to build in Carolina. Hubbard’s ability to bounce back from Week 13’s overtime fumble allows Canales to put even more faith in his starting running back.
“That’s exactly who he is,” Canales said. “He’s just going to go back to work and we’re going to continue to give him the ball, especially in these kinds of moments.”
Hubbard had a career day in football against the Cardinals. He carried the ball 25 times for 152 yards. His 152 rushing yards were just one yard short of his NFL career high.
He has 1,195 rushing yards this season, which ranks 7th among NFL running backs this season. His 10 rushing touchdowns are tied for 11th and his 250 carries rank in the top 10 in the league.
Hubbard has four games this season with 100 rushing yards and is on pace to finish the season with over 1,300 rushing yards. Of the Panthers’ four wins this season, three of those victories came when Hubbard rushed for over 100 yards in the game.
He clearly showed that he is ready to be mentioned among the best running backs in the league.
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