"Ship Chuba Hubbard off you found the better RB": NFL fans react to Panthers HC Dave Canales' comment on Rico Dowdle

Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales has taken a U-turn on his workload-sharing approach for running backs Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle. Canales has been using the two-man approach since Hubbard’s return from injury two weeks ago.

Before that, Dowdle held the fort in Hubbard’s absence, earning the praise of fans and analysts alike. Deciding against popular opinion to continue with Dowdle as the starter, Canales stuck with the two running backs. However, with Dowdle outplaying Hubbard in the Panthers’ last two games, Canales is having a rethink. He said on Monday:

“Chubba Hubbard has meant a lot to this team. We wanted to give him an opportunity following his calf injury. But we can’t ignore the fact that Rico [Dowdle] has been exceptional.”

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NFL fans have taken to social media to share their reactions to Canales’ comments. Blazed One commented:

“Ship Hubbard off; you found the better RB.”

Daniel and Michael also commented:

“Treating him as a make-a-wish kid in the NFL, no wonder we lost 40-9 at home. When Dowdle just ran for over 200 yards back-to-back and outgains him on less carries back-to-back, you feed the hot hand. Dave is not serious in the slightest.”

Dan wrote:

“Chuba can still get an opportunity. He has the opportunity to hold the Theragun on Rico’s legs in between drives.”

Steve Bartman 2.0 also wrote:

“To my friend Chuba Hubbard. Rest now, brother. We have the watch. And I’ll see you at Valhalla.”

Aidan LaPorta added:

“Dowdle has been way better lol. They should still use them both tho like the Lions do with their guys. But they should NOT split carries. Should be 70/30.”

Backwater Citizen commented:

“Chuba’s heart and soul for Carolina, but Rico’s explosion demands the rock. Tough call, Dave, but ride the hot hand, or we’re cooked this season.”

Rico Dowdle’s performance compared with Chuba Hubbard’s performance

Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard have been sharing the workload in Carolina’s offense over the past two games. Since Hubbard returned from injury against the New York Jets, the running back has tallied 26 carries, while Dowdle has rushed 25 times.

While Dowdle averaged 4.6 yards per carry against the Jets, Hubbard only averaged 2.2 yards per attempt. Meanwhile, Dowdle averaged 6.8 yards per carry in the Panthers’ loss to the Bills. Hubbard, on the other hand, managed just 2.8 yards on average on each attempt.

Edited by Kayode Akinwumi