What's the best way to split RB carries?

[Khaki Lackey]

I know according to the huddle that Chuba sucks now that Rico has had two great games. Regardless, the splitting drives just seemed off. How is a back supposed to get rhythm if his drive is a 3 and out with two inclomplete passes? Word is Canales is going to stick with this plan again. Rico was gassed by the end of the Cowboy's game, giving him 40+ touches just isn't sustainable. What's the best way to go about it? Give Rico the majority and let Chuba spell him? I DEMAND ANSWERS!

[PantherBoy95]

Ride the hot hand. The hot hand is Rico.

I don't get what's so hard about that to Canales, but that's why I'm just a fan.

[falconlynx]

Start with giving the ball to Rico. Give him the first 10 carries and then make a decision from there. 

[Jon Snow]

Ride the hot hand until he gets tired and spell him as needed. Rince and repeat. 

[carpanfan96]

65-35 split and play to their strengths. Not alternate drives since that outs your offense in a weird position. 

[tukafan21]

9 minutes ago, PantherBoy95 said:

Ride the hot hand. The hot hand is Rico.

I don't get what's so hard about that to Canales, but that's why I'm just a fan.

This is the only correct answer when you have two RBs who are so similar.

Realistically splitting RB carries only works when they're different enough that the swapping of them changes what the defense wants to do against them.  

Rico and Chuba are just too similar, neither are the quick twitch make you miss and run away from them type of RB.  So when we sub them for each other, the defense doesn't need to make any personnel or scheme adjustments.

Edited October 20, 2025 by tukafan21

[PanthersNCSU]

Whatever it is, alternating drives ain't it. 

As said above, ride the hot hand. Give Chuba 10 carries a game, but right now that means spelling Rico until he falters. 

[Captroop]

I know it's not in fashion as much these days, but man would I love to confuse some defenses with dual-HB sets!

[LinvilleGorge]

Start Rico since he's the hot hand. Play Chuba when he gets tired. Keep playing the guy who gets hot. Rinse and repeat week to week starting out with the guy who played best last week.

[Davidson Deac II]

5 minutes ago, Captroop said:

I know it's not in fashion as much these days, but man would I love to confuse some defenses with dual-HB sets!

I would like to see what Chuba and Rico could do if we had a fullback leading the way.  Bring back the I formation.  

Edited October 20, 2025 by Davidson Deac II

[strato]

It is not going to be a big issue every week because they each will likely miss time for a sprain or something. It is a 17 game season. 
I don’t know the answer but I would probably split the scripted plays on the opening drive and see how they look. 

 I think after that you probably should give them 2 drives each where they are the primary ball carriers but get the other guy a couple of plays to keep them loose and their heads in the game. 
Rather than straight alternating drives where one sits out  

If you are in a good place to running and wear the defense down in the second half you might lean towards who looks better that day. And maybe if you need to throw you lean on Rico a little more. 

Edited October 20, 2025 by strato

[Basbear]

There isn't one.

Panthers had Davis&Foster

Dwill&Jstew

laugh but CMC&hubbard

They never figured it out either. 

The hot hand?? I don't know, but I feel "rhythm" needs to be factored in. 

I mean if you are going into the game and want to hit 30 carries, that's an awful lot of carries even with a 15 split.  This is still a passing league.

 

Chubba was coming off an injury(calf), before we crown Rico the lead dawg, need a couple more games......BUT it does feel like Rico gets more yards, those constant 12 yard gainers are back-breaking for Ds. Plus Rico has good hands too. I mean contract needs to be included. If Rico keeps beasting, some teams will pay him around 8-12 million per for 3 years. That's a 4th comp if the panther don't resign a similar FA. 

[Waldo]

A good playcaller would just sub and not miss a beat. Both RB are good enough to do this so with so just keep running and subbing. Start the hot hand from last week and split the carries throughout. They are pretty similar in quality and ability with pretty minor differences. It's completely on the playcaller since they are so interchangeable. 

Give them both 20 touches and lots of playaction with Dalton.

Edited October 20, 2025 by Waldo

[countryboi]

Detroit does every other drive, but I think every other drive with a mix of riding the hot hand is best. that said Rico had 17 touches im ok with that I just dont like moments they picked Chuba.