LAS VEGAS — Chuba Hubbard, known for his usually stoic demeanor, couldn't help but smile as teammates celebrated with him after the Panthers secured their first win of the season. The 36-22 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders was more decisive than the final score suggested.
"Obviously, it's been a long time since we won, a long time since we won on the road," Hubbard said. "So just to come out here, you know, after all the adversity we faced and get a win, it was, it was big."
Hubbard contributed significantly to the Panthers' first 100-plus rushing performance of the season. He amassed 114 yards on the ground and added another 55 receiving yards for a total of 169 scrimmage yards.
Dave Canales has emphasized establishing the run game to set up the offense. Hubbard played a key role early in the game by gaining 24 yards on four touches during an opening drive that ended with his six-yard touchdown.
"It was everyone; everyone played a part in it," Hubbard said. "The offensive line, the receivers, the tight ends, the running backs, the coaches—they trusted it and we just came together and played as one."
One notable play involved guard Robert Hunt's block on a Hubbard catch-and-run. Hunt described how he maneuvered past blockers Austin Corbett and Damien Lewis to execute his block.
"Usually I ain't even supposed to get out on that screen," Hunt explained. "But I was looking down the line... I've done this block a lot in my career."
Though there were only three explosive runs from Hubbard—including one for 14 yards—the consistent ground attack against a Raiders defense averaging 163.5 rushing yards allowed per game helped open up an otherwise struggling offense.
"That's Panthers football, team football right there," Canales said. "I get to show them how it all complements and plays off each other."
Receiver Diontae Johnson also had an impressive day with eight receptions for 122 yards and a touchdown—his first 100-plus yard game since Week 12 of 2021.
"I didn't even know that," Johnson laughed. "I was just out there playing!"
Johnson benefited from play action set up by runs from Hubbard and Miles Sanders. His touchdown came from splitting defenders and catching a pass from Andy Dalton.
"It was man coverage... Andy threw a great ball to the back of the endzone and I made a play on it," Johnson explained.
Canales praised Johnson's ability: "It's just about taking advantage of his opportunities... You can see what he can do with the ball after the catch."
As celebrations continued into their ride home, Robert Hunt's voice echoed through metal lockers as he sang lyrics from Future and Metro Boomin’s song: “You ain’t (expletive) till you become a big dog.”
Since being promoted to general manager, Dan Morgan has sought players with tenacity—on Sunday in Las Vegas, those players showed their bite.
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