South Charlotte Today

Chuba Hubbard, running back for the Carolina Panthers, faced a challenging moment during the recent game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After fumbling the ball in overtime, which led to a Buccaneers' field goal and their 26-23 victory, Hubbard was visibly upset on the sidelines.

"Just disappointed in myself, obviously," Hubbard said after the game. "With everything that happened in the game for us to be in that position to just put it away. I expect better for myself. I know everyone does. They trust to give me the ball in that situation. I got to do my job."

The Panthers had taken a lead with a late touchdown before allowing Tampa Bay to tie with a field goal as regulation ended. In overtime, following a missed 55-yard attempt by Tampa Bay, Carolina's Adam Thielen made an impressive one-handed catch that shifted momentum temporarily back to the Panthers. However, Hubbard's fumble on the next play allowed Tampa Bay's Yaya Diaby to recover and set up their winning score.

"Fundamentals," stated coach Dave Canales about what needed focus after the loss. "Just take care of the ball... lock it up like we talked about, just the basics."

Hubbard acknowledged his mistake but remained committed to improving: "I own it. I'm going to be better... all I can do is own it."

Despite this setback, Hubbard has been a key player for Carolina this season with 919 rushing yards and eight touchdowns so far.

Teammates like Adam Thielen and Tommy Tremble emphasized their support for Hubbard following his fumble.

"It's probably easiest not be upset with him because of way he works," Thielen noted. "He puts so much into preparation... not one person is thinking about him losing us that game."

Tremble added: "We all got his back... it's team effort; we got overcome anything."