The Return Of The Muscle Hamster
August 24th, 2015
Doug Martin takes a handoff from “America’s Quarterback.” Joe thinks it is safe to say the “Muscle Hamster” has returned. Photo courtesy of Buccaneers.com.
Joe had heard Doug Martin say how he is healthy and ready to rock and roll this year.
Then again, what did Joe expect Martin to say, he wanted to barf on Evan Smith and get cut?
So Joe was skeptical entering the preseason games of what Martin could do.
He hadn’t done much at all the past two years. Entering training camp, Martin clearly was slimmed down and appeared quicker. Then again, the defense is not allowed to tackle running backs, so Joe couldn’t get a fair observation of any Bucs running back.
Tonight, Martin proved he is back. The dude is quicker than before and he is able to find daylight. He had 59 yards on six carries and clearly kept the Bengals’ defense honest, which certainly helped “America’s Quarterback,” Bucs signal-caller Jameis Winston, have an outstanding first half.
“I felt good,” Martin said at halftime. “Coach Lovie, he really harped on the idea of coming out here and starting fast, and that’s what we did. He challenged the O-line to open up and play strong, play hard, and that’s what they did.
“The momentum couldn’t have happened without the line starting fast, doing their jobs and opening holes for me. It allowed me to continue to do my job.”
The Muscle Hamster is back. Martin was the old Muscle Hamster tonight, maybe better. Yes, Joe knows it is still August. But if Martin can carry over to the regular season what he has done thus far in preseason, then this is very, very good news for the Bucs.
August 24th, 2015 at 10:55 pm
Great to see Martin alive again!
BTW the backup center has played good.
August 24th, 2015 at 10:58 pm
he broke more tackles on one run than all of last year. He is back for sure. That makes me smile
August 24th, 2015 at 11:00 pm
It was so great to see Martin in rare form. He had great burst and was peeling off tackles. That big run he had looked like a wall he was running into, then he just squirted out of nowhere.
If he can stay healthy and the line opens up some holes like they did tonight this may be the most balanced and dangerous offense we’ve had in a loooong time.
August 24th, 2015 at 11:01 pm
Tampa 2 scores again!
August 24th, 2015 at 11:06 pm
OL too many penalties.
August 24th, 2015 at 11:13 pm
Ray Rice what does that have to do with Doug Martin having a good night?
August 24th, 2015 at 11:31 pm
Joe,
I’ve frequently pointed out to you that the Buccaneer problems with the running game have been the result of (1) No true offensive coordinator; (2) Abysmal line play (penalties/getting dominated at the LOS); and (3) lack of carries/opportunities due to injuries & time-share. They were successful tonight because, as Martin stated, they committed to the run early, the line executed, and they let him get into a rhythm.
I find it funny how the “numbercrunchers” have focused so much on YPC or low yards after contact without actually turning on the film to see what little support he’s had the last few years. I don’t know how successful this team will be this year, but regardless, I hope that people will learn to recognize that it takes a complete team effort to be successful on offense. Talent only goes so far.
August 24th, 2015 at 11:33 pm
^^^^^^^ 🙂 🙂 🙂
August 24th, 2015 at 11:35 pm
I never wavered in my support and belief that Martin would regain his past form. Good job Doug!
August 24th, 2015 at 11:36 pm
Doug marin back B!tches….
August 24th, 2015 at 11:37 pm
San Fran joe
Yes an OC and a line help.
The great ones get it done anyway – Peterson, Sanders …
Martin has just been injured and they haven’t stuck with the run.
August 24th, 2015 at 11:43 pm
He’s back , because he have a QB who can get the ball out. Teams no longer can put 8 in the box against him.
August 25th, 2015 at 12:03 am
Agree completely that “Muscle Hamster” returned tonight. That’s great.
I thought Sims also had a decent game backing him up.
And Mike James had a pretty good game although by then it was against backups. Rainey had a good run.
The Oline showed some actual potential tonight. Let’s enjoy being Bucs fans for at least the next five days!!!
August 25th, 2015 at 12:27 am
Your saying the muscle hampster is back because of a few good runs in a couple of series of a preseason game? I was excited and on my feet the entire first quarter but of all people you should know how ridiculous that sounds
August 25th, 2015 at 12:33 am
Abdominal Snowman Says:
“If he can stay healthy and the line opens up some holes like they did tonight this may be the most balanced and dangerous offense we’ve had in a loooong time.”
A looooong time? We’ve never had a balanced and dangerous offense have we?
August 25th, 2015 at 12:34 am
Bucs4lyfe…Martin also played good down the stretch last season. So yes he MIGHT be back.
August 25th, 2015 at 1:27 am
Bucs4lyfe,
Ignore the numbers and use your eye test. He was hitting the correct holes, turning downfield, and arm tackles were a no-no. I think he might just be the guy Schiano drafted.
August 25th, 2015 at 1:44 am
Teach me how to Dougie.
August 25th, 2015 at 9:37 am
That long run had everyone in the stadium thinking he had been tackled out of bounds. We were all sitting back down when Doug squirted out of the mass of humanity and blasted toward the end zone. Needless to say, we stood back up!
August 25th, 2015 at 10:20 am
not just explosive, he had some of that warrick dunn wiggle going too. there were a few times where the whole stadium and the TV audience thought he was down and somehow he emerged from a knot of blockers and defenders. that’s how you get yards after contact as a little guy
August 25th, 2015 at 10:23 am
I always said, give him a good oline and he’ll be a 1,500 yard back. Rainey’s max is more like 900.
Sims? He seems to be developing a little bit. At present, if he were made starter, I could predict about 1,000 yards combined.
Props the the offensive line. It is coming along quickly. I knew it would be the running game that would improve first, but even the pass protection (so far) is better. Of course, the Bengals didn’t get pass rush aggressive for the most part.
August 25th, 2015 at 8:41 pm
agreed^