5 things to keep an eye on as the Panthers prepare for Washington

Stop us if you’ve heard this, but Chuba Hubbard could have another big day on Sunday. The running back has already posted more than 100 yards from scrimmage in three games and was just five yards shy of it the fourth time around.

According to Next Gen Stats, Chuba Hubbard has gained more yards than expected on 55.4% of his runs this season, the highest among running backs (at least 50 carries).

Hubbard generated +129 rushing yards above expectations in 2024, which is fifth-highest in the league. He was an effective rusher off the tackle, recording the most yards per carry on such rushes among running backs (7.9, min. 25 carries) and the fourth-most RYOE (+110).

The Commanders have allowed the second-most yards per carry to outside rushers this season (5.9).

Furthermore, the Commanders’ front seven – normally a stalwart team player – has come under increasing distress over the last seven days. Defensive tackle Jonathan Allen was out for the season on Sunday and starting defensive end Dorance Armstrong was out for the week. According to Pro Football Focus, Armstrong leaves the Commanders without their leading pressing man, totaling 20 pressures, including 11 hurries and five quarterback hits.

The loss of Allen, a former Pro Bowler, fundamentally changes the Commander’s front, but Hubbard isn’t discounting who will be next.

“I mean, just like us, you have that next-man-up mentality,” Hubbard said Thursday. “Obviously they reached a great depth there. It’s obviously a tough defeat for them, but I’m sure whoever they bring back up will be fine.”

Center Brady Christensen added: “It’s a great front and those linebackers play hard too. They play really hard, and that’s one thing that jumps out at me straight away, and then how solid their defense is, it’s a very solid defense.”