The Carolina Panthers may have stolen the spotlight with Tetairoa McMillan’s spectacular performance. However, Chuba Hubbard delivered the physical edge that powered their 32-26 Sunday Night Football victory over the Detroit Lions. After Carolina improved to 2-2 and snapped a five-year organizational drought, head coach Dave Canales made it clear what he valued most from his starting running back: his ability to break tackles and keep driving forward.

With Jonathon Brooks on injured reserve, Hubbard carried the backfield burden. He responded with 122 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries. Canales specifically praised Hubbard’s physicality after the game, saying, “What I liked about Chuba was breaking tackles.”

That toughness translated into production. According to ESPN research, Hubbard generated 77 rushing yards before initial contact against Detroit. That's the fourth-highest single-game total of his NFL career. Carolina’s offensive line repeatedly created running lanes. This allowed Hubbard to attack downhill and punish the Lions’ defense. His 25-yard third-quarter burst helped set up his second touchdown and highlighted the impact of his vision and leg drive.

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Selected 126th overall by Carolina in the 2021 NFL Draft out of Oklahoma State, Hubbard has developed into a dependable workhorse. He posted 1,195 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024 before signing a four-year, $33.2 million extension. Now in his sixth NFL season, Hubbard has surpassed 5,000 career yards from scrimmage and 30 total touchdowns. He has firmly established himself as a centerpiece of Canales’ offense.

With Bryce Young leading a dangerous passing attack, Hubbard’s tackle-breaking style gives Carolina the balance it needs. Sunday showed exactly why Canales continues to trust him as the Panthers’ offensive engine.