Bryce Young took a snap from under center on October 4th against the Detroit Lions, pivoted, and pitched the ball to Chuba Hubbard, who then sprinted 15 yards for a momentum-turning touchdown. That wasn’t just a fluke; it was one of at least three “explosive” runs Hubbard had after Young got out of his usual shotgun formation, adding serious twists to an already developing Panthers offense that’s got everyone talking. Panthers coach Dave Canales flat-out said on Monday, “We like the balance. There are a lot of variables and it’s got to be a part of what we do.” You can bet other teams are scrambling to figure it out right now.
Canales’ Vision Is Forcing Defenses to Adapt
This shift isn’t just for kicks. Young’s rookie season was brutal, taking a franchise-record 62 sacks in 16 starts, despite often being deep in the backfield out of shotgun. That extra cushion did basically nothing for the 2023 No. 1 overall pick in their 2-15 campaign. Enter Canales, hired in ’24, specifically because he’s known as a “QB whisperer” and a guy who designs diversified, run-first offenses. Now, in their third season together, Young, Canales, and first-year playcaller Brad Idzik are sculpting what’s becoming a scoring juggernaut. We’re talking about a unit that’s leading the NFC South at 2-2, and already put up 30-plus points in three of their first four games, a first for the franchise. Young is even hearing MVP buzz, with the league’s top grade at the position, even though he’s under pressure on a crazy 47.2 percent of his dropbacks, according to PFF.
Hubbard’s Numbers Are Exploding With the New Look
The running game had a sluggish start, no doubt, but Canales’ under-center strategy is clearly paying off for guys like Hubbard. The Panthers’ run game currently sits at No. 18, averaging 104.5 yards per outing. But look at Hubbard on October 4th: after a slow opening, he popped off for 122 yards on 20 rushes and two touchdowns in that 32-26 primetime win over Detroit. Canales highlighted how Young going under center really changes things: “The good part about being under center is your runs can hit a little bit more direct. It gives Chuba, gives the guys an ability to press the hole a little bit longer then make their decision.” Hubbard might have only had 22 rushing attempts in the first two weeks, but he’s ripped off at least one run of 11 yards or more in every start, averaging a solid 5.0 yards per carry. He’s got 390 total yards on 71 touches so far, already making last season’s 734 total yards in 15 appearances after losing his starting job look like a distant memory. The cherry on top? Right tackle Taylor Moton, who’s been out with blood clots, is projected to make his season debut this Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field against the Philadelphia Eagles. That kind of veteran presence is huge and could give both Young and Hubbard an even bigger boost.
This Sunday, the Panthers head to Philly for a Week 6 showdown with the Eagles, and with Taylor Moton possibly back on the line, the run game, and especially Young’s evolving under-center attack, is something to seriously watch. This team is finding its identity, and it’s a dynamic one.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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