The running back conundrum

So now, at least for a while, the team has a new Double Trouble.  Would love to see Canales get creative and get both backs on the field at the same time....especially the 1st play.  A lot he could do there and they are both starters.  Win, win.

The great thing this does for us is open up the receivers downfield. Just like the past two weeks, with Rico running the ball and defenders having to account for him, that will leave Bryce more time to throw to receivers who are more likely to be open with the defenders looking to stop the run. With Chuba back, this should up the ante quite a bit.

I think the plan will be to use pretty much as the Lions us Montgomery and Gibbs. Two or three series as a time and a few sets as LP mentioned with them both in the backfield. (The Lions throw quite a bit when they use that formation). Gosh I wish we had a QB.

I appreciate all that Rico did the last two weeks. As a matter of fact, I was amazed he did it on almost every play . Putting smiles on each of our faces. I did notice the announcers saying they that Rico was being worked on when another running back spelled him. One time it was deep in the red zone. We did score. But that much of a workload is telling. I think ,He could use Chubba to give his legs a break . The holes the o line were opening were large. I also think play calling was better or the execution were better the last two weeks.

As for our QB , the running game had helped him the last two weeks. I’m hearing more and more , Bryce is becoming a good ‘ game manager’ . I guess it’s true.
I do not believe Bryce will ever be the magical quarterback. One that can make things happen because of him., weather we like these QBs or not, they all have “IT” . Can take over a game. Rogers, Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen , Patrick Mchomes etc.
That’s what we want , but Bryce isn’t that. That doesn’t mean Bryce is bad. It just means we all like a little gun slinger in our Qb .

I’m still concerned with the. J E T S, jets jets jets on the road. If the defense can smack Fields around early , they will melt and our running game with scores will demoralize them. But we rarely smack any one around on defense. Very little pass rush. Don’t let Fields run free and out linebackers trying to catch him.

Goooood Morning from our Carolina Coast

My opinion. The panthers, Canales and Morgan have totally mishandled this RB situation.

Rico is here for the rest of the year, Chuba most likely the next three. Plus Chuba has shown success and is our guy (or was) longterm.

They should have brought Chuba back slowly while Rico was so hot. Instead they through him back in and he has not been as effective… only to do it again in the next game. Now there is controversy.

Now we “bench” Chuba! Maybe he will request a trade and then we will have crap. I know most will disagree but our inexperienced staff once again screws up a situation when it wasn’t needed.

Sounds like Canales has admitted Rico is the more effective RB at this time and that he will get more if not most of the carries.  Chuba is being the great team player about it. Says he jus cares about winning.  Sounds like that Canales personal feelings' about Chuba has clouded his judgement. (As I mentioned before...also wonder if someone has the same issue)

Injuries in the NFL are very common among running backs ( most all positions really ) .
If we traded Chuba or RIco ( 2,5 million contract for 1 yr for Rico ) and the other become injured , that's a problem . Next season Rico will get paid by someone. I'd like it to be us. Is that too much money on the cap for 2 running backs ( depending on what Rico might sign for ) ?

But if we're going to be a run first team then I think its well spent .
With Bryce , we don't have a gun slinger. Bryce is also, not a running QB like many in the NFL .

Sounds like Canales has admitted Rico is the more effective RB at this time and that he will get more if not most of the carries.  Chuba is being the great team player about it. Says he jus cares about winning.  Sounds like that Canales personal feelings' about Chuba has clouded his judgement. (As I mentioned before...also wonder if someone has the same issue)

Injuries in the NFL  are very common among running backs ( most all positions really ) .
If we traded Chuba or RIco ( 2,5 million contract for 1 yr for Rico )    and the other become injured ,  that's a problem .  Next season  Rico will get paid by someone.  I'd like it to be us.  Is that too much money on the cap  for 2 running backs ( depending on what Rico might sign for )  ?

But if we're going to be a run first team then I think its well spent . 
With Bryce , we don't have a gun slinger.  Bryce is also, not a running QB  like many in the NFL  .

Everything mentioned here is definitely true. However there is one more fly in this ointment. Remember the Panthers also have Jonathon Brooks - drafted @ #46 in the 2nd round in 2024. We gave up a LOT to move up and draft him. A whole lot..!!  That was a severely unbalanced trade that we took a whooping' on, especially after he had a 2nd ACL tear -- IN THE SAME KNEE.!!  He will be going into his 3rd year in 2026 with only a little work in the pre-season and maybe a smidgin in 2 or 3 games.

Canales is still talking him up like he is something special...