Chuba Hubbard’s costly fumble in OT seals Panthers’ loss to Buccaneers
The Panthers had the game won until Chuba Hubbard's overtime fumble cost them against the Buccaneers.
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Chuba Hubbard sits alone in the dugout after Panthers defeat (Image via ESPN/X)
Chuba Hubbard gave his all against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 13 but came away with another defeat. Even though the Carolina Panthers forced overtime, a costly fumble from the fourth-year running back shifted the momentum away from his team.
Five minutes into OT, Panthers quarterback Bryce Young handed the ball over to Hubbard on first and ten. After crossing the line of scrimmage, Bucs linebacker Anthony Nelson brought Hubbard down, and once he hit the ground, the ball popped out.
Nelson’s teammate YaYa Diaby fell on the ball and recovered it. On the following play, Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield, who shook off a massive injury scare earlier in the game, presented McLaughlin with the chance to win the game from 30 yards, which he easily converted. The game finished 26-23 for the Bucs.
FUMBLE! IT'S BUCS BALL!
— NFL (@NFL) December 2, 2024
?: #TBvsCAR on FOX
?: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/BqfnAJ9fXq
After the final whistle, everyone left the pitch for the locker room except Hubbard. A photograph revealed that the 25-year-old sat alone in the Panthers dugout with his head hung in disappointment.
That is Chuba Hubbard still sitting on the Panthers bench. pic.twitter.com/QAt3OefXIj
— Joe Person (@josephperson) December 2, 2024
Teammates stick by Chuba Hubbard
Hubbard finished the game with 12 carries for 43 yards, which was his lowest outing since week one against the New Orleans Saints when his chances were limited as he had just recovered from injury.
The Panthers have won just three games since then, but Hubbard has remained one of their best players in the offense. He leads the team with 189 carries for 919 yards and seven touchdowns.
His backup, rookie Jonathan Brooks, played only his second game on Sunday as he was on IR due to an ACL tear. Brooks ran with the ball six times against the Bucs for 18 yards. After the game, the Texas graduate spoke with the media and revealed that Hubbard is like an older brother to him.
I am basically just like his little brother. He has taken me under his wing and has taught me a lot of stuff on and off the field. A lot off the field, as far as recovering and obviously on the field during practice and meetings and everything. He is a good help.
Jonathan Brooks said via Alex Zietlow of the Charlotte Observer
Hubbard has already crossed last year’s tally and should add a few more yards to his total. The Panthers are out of playoff contention, taking the pressure off him. In the remaining games, the Panthers can try out different things until the season ends and build for the future.
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Ishan Misra
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