The Panthers find themselves in the luxury position of having to decide how to distribute carries between their preferred top back and his outrageously productive backup, a position Carolina hasn’t been in in some time. While it’s a juicy headline, there’s no internal dispute about their lucky conundrum.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to look at both guys and find a way for them to help the team,” coach Dave Canales said.
Instead of worrying about how they’ll keep both happy, the Panthers will likely be happy to use Hubbard and Dowdle however they see fit in a game most expect the lowly Jets to win. For his part, Hubbard will be just happy to be back on the court.
“All that is in the hands of the coach and then the only thing we can control is to go out and produce at a high level,” he said. “That’s all we really have to manage. We’re pretty close and there’s no hard feelings either way.”
If all goes well, both will be successful and the Panthers will improve to 4-3. Don’t be surprised if it contains another healthy dose of Dowdle.
“I think he’s earned everything he’s done in the last two weeks,” Canales said. “He’s earned the right to help this team, and he’s going to do it and we’re going to find a way to do it.”