Chuba Hubbard powers Carolina Panthers past Detroit Lions 29-21 with 126 rushing yards

Charlotte, NC - Chuba Hubbard rushed for 126 yards and a touchdown, and the Carolina Panthers emerged as the lone unbeaten team from their Week 4 matchup with the Detroit Lions, winning 29-21.

Both teams arrived at 3-0, but Carolina left at 4-0 after producing a sizable advantage on the ground. The Panthers rushed for 225 yards, compared with 73 for Detroit, and finished with 366 offensive yards. Hubbard accounted for more than half of Carolina's rushing production on 22 carries, highlighted by a 79-yard run.

"We knew this was a matchup between two teams that had started well, so the result means a lot," Hubbard said. "There were yards available, and I wanted to be decisive every time I got the ball. Finishing with 225 as a team is something the whole offense can take pride in."

Bryce Young complemented Hubbard with 37 rushing yards on only two attempts, including a 21-yard run. Through the air, the Carolina quarterback completed 16 of 23 passes for 141 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Tetairoa McMillan was his leading target, catching five passes for 55 yards and a touchdown.

The Panthers' statistical profile was built around rushing volume and repeated trips inside the Detroit 20. Carolina reached the red zone five times, finishing those opportunities with two touchdowns and two field goals. The Panthers also recorded 20 first downs and converted 4 of 10 third downs, along with their only fourth-down attempt.

Carolina's defense contributed two sacks and an interception. Detroit did not record a sack but also came away with one interception, leaving the teams even in that category.

The Lions found much of their offensive production through the connection between Jared Goff and Sam LaPorta. Goff completed 14 of 22 passes for 204 yards, three touchdowns and one interception, earning a 114.3 passer rating. LaPorta caught four passes for 62 yards and accounted for all three of Goff's touchdown throws.

LaPorta's production stood out despite a relatively limited reception total. His longest catch covered 32 yards, and each of his four receptions averaged more than 15 yards. Jahmyr Gibbs added five catches for 41 yards while also carrying 12 times for 73 yards.

"Sam gave us a lot in the passing game, and we were able to finish some opportunities," Goff said. "But going one of seven on third down is tough to overcome. We have to be better at extending possessions and giving ourselves more chances."

Detroit finished with 224 passing yards, 83 more than Carolina, but the Panthers held a 152-yard advantage in rushing production. Carolina also recorded four more first downs and finished with 69 more offensive yards.

The difference in third-down efficiency was another notable contrast. Detroit converted only 1 of 7 attempts, though it succeeded on its lone fourth-down try. The Lions made three red-zone trips, scoring two touchdowns and no field goals on those possessions.

Young's passing line was modest compared with Goff's three-touchdown performance, but Carolina's quarterback was part of an offense that generated production in multiple areas. Between Hubbard's 126 yards, Young's 37 and the rest of the Panthers' rushing output, Carolina reached 225 yards on the ground while averaging more than six yards per attempt.

"There are still things I want back, especially the turnover," Young said. "But we had a lot of different contributions, and Chuba gave us a big day on the ground. To come out of a game between two unbeaten teams at 4-0 is something we appreciate."

Detroit's first loss dropped the Lions to 3-1 and ended their three-game winning streak. Carolina, meanwhile, preserved its perfect start and moved to 4-0 with an eight-point victory over another team that had entered Week 4 unbeaten.

Up Next

The Detroit Lions will look to rebound on the road against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 5. The Carolina Panthers will next travel to face the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6 as they look to build on their 4-0 start.