QB WHO? Rico Dowdle Is CARRYING the Panthers — But Coach Canales REFUSES to Name Him the Starter Yet!
Rico Dowdle may be forcing the hand of Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales.
Another week without usual starting running back Chuba Hubbard resulted in another monstrous output from Dowdle. The sixth-year veteran rushed for 183 yards on 30 carries while leading the team with 56 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown in yesterday's 30-27 win over the Dallas Cowboys.
Between that raging revenge game and last week's award-winning performance versus the Miami Dolphins, Dowdle has amassed 473 scrimmage yards—the most in a two-game span in franchise history. He, additionally, became the first player—and seventh since the 1970 merger—to put together back-to-back games of at least 200 scrimmage yards.
So with Dowdle on a wild run, Canales was asked on Monday if the Panthers plan on starting the white-hot back over Hubbard moving forward.
Here was his (very interesting) response . . .
Has Rico Dowdle earned the right to be the #Panthers starting RB? Dave Canales: ‘’We’ll see.’’ pic.twitter.com/w6cb3qL3rc
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) October 13, 2025
Hubbard has missed the last two contests due to a calf strain. He rushed for 217 yards on 53 attempts in the four prior outings.
Dowdle, meanwhile, is in line for a second consecutive NFC Offensive Player of the Week nod after Sunday's showing. He's also currently, before kickoff of tonight's doubleheader, the third-leading rusher in the NFL.
David Pastrnak’s Jaw-Dropping Save Proves He’s the Ultimate Leader – But Bruins STILL Fall Short in Heartbreaking 4-3 Loss to Tampa Bay
In a game that had fans on the edge of their seats, David Pastrnak delivered a moment of pure heroism that left everyone in awe. With only seconds remaining and the Boston Bruins clinging to a one-goal lead, the Tampa Bay Lightning had a golden opportunity to steal the game. But Pastrnak, the Bruins’ undeniable leader, wasn’t about to let his team go down without a fight. As the Lightning fired a shot at the open net, Pastrnak made a jaw-dropping save that could have easily been the play of the season.
Despite his stunning save and an equally powerful shot on Nikita Kucherov’s net, the Bruins couldn't close the deal. In a heartbreaking twist, Boston fell 4-3 to Tampa Bay. However, Pastrnak's performance wasn’t just about the play; it was a reminder of why he’s the backbone of this team — a leader in every sense of the word.
"I don’t do it for the recognition or the glory. I do it because this team means everything to me," Pastrnak said after the game. "We fight, we win, we lose, but we always give it our all. I’ll keep putting everything on the line, because that’s what being a leader is about. The game’s not over until that final buzzer goes, and as long as I’m on the ice, I’ll never stop fighting for my team."
Pastrnak's commitment to his teammates was crystal clear throughout the game. Head coach Marco Sturm praised his forward’s leadership. “HE’S OUR LEADER!” he exclaimed. “He does everything. He wants to win. He played well on the bench. But yes, he does everything.” It's clear that Pastrnak is much more than just a scorer — he’s the heart and soul of the team, a player who will stop at nothing to give his squad a chance at victory.
Teammates shared the same sentiments. Morgan Geekie, who witnessed the incredible save firsthand, expressed his admiration for Pastrnak’s effort. "When your best player does things like that, it’s easy to get behind him," Geekie said. "That was an incredible save. I wish we could’ve gotten another one for him." And as the game ended in bitter disappointment, the entire locker room was united in one thought — Pastrnak gave everything for the team, and they couldn’t have asked for more.
Despite the loss, Pastrnak’s leadership continues to shine, especially after the departure of Brad Marchand and his promotion to assistant captain for the 2025-26 season. As Casey Mittelstadt pointed out, “You see Pasta play goalie, and moving around the players, it makes it easier for us. I think it helps us.” Pastrnak is stepping into a bigger role, and his influence on and off the ice is undeniable.
The Bruins’ first loss of the season may sting, but fans are taking solace in the fact that they have a player like David Pastrnak at the helm. With a road trip ahead against the Vegas Golden Knights, Colorado Avalanche, and Utah Mammoth, the true test of the Bruins' resilience is just beginning. But if there’s one thing the team can rely on, it’s that Pastrnak will be there, leading by example, fighting until the very end.
