What to do about the Rico situation

[The Lobo]

2 minutes ago, BEASTfromdaEAST said:

I mean this is kind unfair and down playing the contribution that Chubba has made to this team. For the last couple yrs he actually has been the ONLY consistent offensive weapon.

Agreed, Chubba has improved every year with this team and was one of the few bright spots last year. Getting injured this year and having the backup play like a mad man this year is just bad luck for him. I’ve been back and forth on if trading him should be an option, I think it’s best to let Rico start and feed him until he cools off (if he cools off). If a team makes an absurd offer for Chubba, you’d have to consider. 

[Pantherxtreme]

16 minutes ago, Swaggasaurus said:

“You can get a RB anywhere”. All right, tell that to the Carolina Panthers teams post CMC. They’ve had a few big games from Foreman, now a few from Dowdle and not a goddamn thing in between. Don’t quit your day jobs. 

They definitely shouldn't quit those days jobs.

Philadelphia Eagles just last season rode Saquan Barkley to a Superbowl. 

You need a playmaker at that position for teams who don't have Mahomes, Manning, or Brady quarterbacking the team. 

 

[Bear Hands]

Step one is to just run it out this year.  See what happens using him as the guy. See if we can ever get a passing game going with running so effectively w/Dowdle.

He'll be 28 next year and we're talking RB.  It's easy to get sucked into this, and get all excited and emotional, but I just can't agree with paying a FA RB. 

Javonte and Dobbins are in very similar situations on 1 year deals, and both a year or more younger than Rico.   

Ride it out, see if we can bring him back on a modest deal.  If not, no problem.  Don't rope in the moon for him.  

[electro's horse]

40 minutes ago, Swaggasaurus said:

“You can get a RB anywhere”. All right, tell that to the Carolina Panthers teams post CMC.
 

They had at least 100 yards on the ground 11 times in 2023.

That was after their 10 mil a year running back from a Philly Super Bowl team busted. The panthers best rb was drafted in the fourth round by a former coach’s wife; Chuba Hubbard. 

[Pantherxtreme]

21 minutes ago, electro's horse said:

They had at least 100 yards on the ground 11 times in 2023.

That was after their 10 mil a year running back from a Philly Super Bowl team busted. The panthers best rb was drafted in the fourth round by a former coach’s wife; Chuba Hubbard. 

2023: 17 games

Chuba Hubbard: 902 yards - 3.8 ypc

Only once in 17 game season did he go over 100 yards, when he rushed 104 against Tampa. Panthers had 2-15 record. 

2025: 9 games

Rico Dowdle: 735 yards - 5.6 ypc

Averaging 173 rush yards in his only 3 starts, team has won all 3 games, above .500 in November. 

Levels to it. 

 

 

 

[Swaggasaurus]

Serviceable RB may be a dime a dozen. Game changers are not. Chuba Hubbard has never been a game changer. I appreciate his service,  but the Carolina Panthers have needed to level up for a LONG time. Thanks Chuba for helping us not get blown out every week I guess? The guy is not getting a statue for best player on 2-15 and 5-12 teams. 

[Swaggasaurus]

“Guys you just can’t forget about what Nick Goings was for us in 2004” 

[Pantherxtreme]

3 minutes ago, Swaggasaurus said:

Serviceable RB may be a dime a dozen. Game changers are not. Chuba Hubbard has never been a game changer. I appreciate his service,  but the Carolina Panthers have needed to level up for a LONG time. Thanks Chuba for helping us not get blown out every week I guess? The guy is not getting a statue for best player on 2-15 and 5-12 teams. 

Agreed Chuba's been a good player on some bad teams not knocking him for giving his all.

But Panthers should be trying to upgrade the roster across the board when given the chance and playmakers you can lean on week to week don't just fall out the sky. 

[Dave Gettleman's Shorts]

55 minutes ago, Bear Hands said:

Step one is to just run it out this year.  See what happens using him as the guy. See if we can ever get a passing game going with running so effectively w/Dowdle.

He'll be 28 next year and we're talking RB.  It's easy to get sucked into this, and get all excited and emotional, but I just can't agree with paying a FA RB. 

Javonte and Dobbins are in very similar situations on 1 year deals, and both a year or more younger than Rico.   

Ride it out, see if we can bring him back on a modest deal.  If not, no problem.  Don't rope in the moon for him.  

This

Rico's 28 and looking for his final big payday after this season. Use him like crazy this season if he continues to produce. And it looks like he's starting to pick up a few nagging injuries like his groin today.

Once the offseason hits, if he walks for a bigger contract, there's a chance we end up with a comp pick. If not, we can re-sign him to a more reasonable 1-2 year deal.

[Matthias]

Jerry Jones right now watching Rico running wild....

[Growl]

he adds a dimension out of the backfield that this team has sorely needed as well. It’ll probably a be a lesson they keep in mind with the position regardless of where dowdle ends up. 

[Jon Snow]

1 minute ago, Matthias said:

Jerry Jones right now watching Rico running wild....

[electro's horse]

35 minutes ago, Pantherxtreme said:

2023: 17 games

Chuba Hubbard: 902 yards - 3.8 ypc

Only once in 17 game season did he go over 100 yards, when he rushed 104 against Tampa. Panthers had 2-15 record. 

What does it matter if it’s from one player or a committee? I posted total running numbers, not individual. 

the main thing you’re missing is the panthers spent big money on a free agent running back 2023 and he busted. 

plus they’re simply not going to have the cap space to sign dowdle. You can post as many bland platitudes as you want it doesn’t change the fact. 

unless you want to find out if dowdle runs as well with Ickey holding out for a new contract. 

Edited 6 hours ago by electro's horse

[Davidson Deac II]

I think Canales answered this question (temporarily) today.  I do wonder if Rico will be able to go next week though as he was pretty beat up today.