Taking a snap under center, Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young pivoted and pitched the ball to running back Chuba Hubbard, who sprinted down the sideline for a momentum-turning, 15-yard touchdown run against the Detroit Lions on Oct. 4.
The scoring scamper was one of at least three "explosive" runs for Hubbard after Young accepted snaps out of his familiar shotgun formation, adding additional twists to the Panthers' developing offense.
"We like the balance," Panthers coach Dave Canales said during Monday's teleconference. "There are a lot of variables and it's got to be a part of what we do."
It wasn't always that way. During his rookie season, Young predominantly received shotgun snaps and was still sacked a franchise-record 62 times during 16 starts, despite starting deep in the backfield.
The extra time didn't rescue the 2023 No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick much during the 2-15 campaign.
Enter Canales, hired in '24, in part, to serve as a QB whisperer and designer of a diversified, run-first offense.
Now, in their third season together, Young, Canales and first-year playcaller Brad Idzik are creating a scoring juggernaut, despite the running game's sluggish start.
Panthers coach Dave Canales needs more out of running game
Entering Sunday's Week 6 matchup at the Philadelphia Eagles, Young commands a record-breaking unit, sparked by the league's No. 2-ranked passing offense, generating 301.3 yards per game.
The NFC South-leading Panthers (2-2) produced at least 30 points in three of their opening four games, marking a franchise first.
Young continues to hear MVP buzz, earning the position's top grade, despite experiencing pressure on a league-high 47.2 percent of his dropbacks, per Pro Football Focus (PFF).
With right tackle Taylor Moton (blood clots) projected to make his season debut at Lincoln Financial Field, Young could benefit from the veteran's presence.
Hubbard could benefit, too.
The Panthers' running game earns Sunday with a No. 18 rating, averaging 104.5 yards per outing. Following a slow start, Hubbard produced 122 yards on 20 rushes and two touchdowns during the 32-26 primetime victory over the Detroit Lions on Oct. 4.
Canales said Young taking more snaps under center could provide additional running variables for Idzik to exploit.
"The good part about being under center (is) your runs can hit a little bit more direct," Canales said. "It gives Chuba, gives the guys an ability to press the hole a little bit longer (then) make their decision."
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Despite registering just 22 rushing attempts during the opening two weeks, Hubbard has collected at least one run of at least 11 yards in each start. He is averaging 5.0 yards per carry. He has compiled 390 total yards on 71 touches. Last season, after losing his starting job, he accumulated 734 total yards in 15 appearances.
Young rarely stepped away from shotgun snaps early in his career. As the Panthers' offense continues to evolve, Canales would like to take advantage of the situation more, although shotgun formations will likely remain prominent.
"I don't want to say it's going to be more, gun versus pistol," Canales said. "That'll be a week-to-week thing depending on what the defense is presenting to us.
"(Snsps under center have) always been a part of what we've done since I've gotten here," Canales said. "It'll continue to be that."
