Don’t Worry About Doug Martin
May 17th, 2014
The drafting of running back Charles Sims out of West Virginia sure opened up a lot of people’s eyes. Bucs fans started to worry about the job status of fan favorite Doug Martin.
Lovie had told Joe at the NFL Scouting Combine that Doug Martin would be his bellcow and he lauded the Bucs’ stable of running backs.
Then, the night he drafted Sims, Lovie said the Bucs were looking for a pass-catching running back.
Joe thought Sims’ arrival could signal the Bucs want to keep Martin on a pitch count to extend his years.
Lovie stated yesterday there is no need for concern about Martin.
“Doug is our starting tailback, he’s on most of the billboards around here,” Lovie said yesterday. “He’s an All-Pro running back; there’s nothing to dislike about Doug Martin. At the same time, we want Doug around for many years and by that you need to have some other guys, you can’t carry it every second of the way. He’s done everything we’ve asked him to do and couldn’t be more pleased with him.”
Keeping Martin on a pitch count is just smart. Not only does it keep a valuable running back fresh, it protects a major investment. Running backs are simply abused in the NFL from the punishment they take.
Besides, this will also keep defenses from keying on Martin.
May 17th, 2014 at 2:32 pm
No mo wheel routes
May 17th, 2014 at 2:47 pm
Agreed-Keep’em fresh
May 17th, 2014 at 2:51 pm
I believe this over the Bucs needing a back who can catch. Ppl took it to mean the Bucs drafted Sims bc Martin can’t catch – he has good hands and did a good job in an offense that did not throw a lot to the RB.
May 17th, 2014 at 2:54 pm
Carry count is a great idea. The NSO was going to wear out DM22. I’d like to see Doug around a long time.
May 17th, 2014 at 2:57 pm
Keep calm and count carries.
May 17th, 2014 at 3:03 pm
Nice to see this change of pace over Schiano’s “I will run him into the ground AND use him as a receiver in situations that are likely going to get him killed or seriously hurt!” method.
May 17th, 2014 at 3:05 pm
“pitch count”…..No baseball references allowed for the ‘dunkaneers’
May 17th, 2014 at 3:07 pm
Didn’t Lovie say he was going to keep Revis ???Muscle hamster is as good as a goner
May 17th, 2014 at 3:09 pm
Espo – absolutely agree. One of the dumbest things I saw last season!
May 17th, 2014 at 3:20 pm
There is no doubt that Doug Martin is the bell cow and will be afforded all the props that go along with being the #1 RB. Expectations are high though due to his 2013 year, though no fault of his own, all eyes will be on him to repeat his 2012 pro bowl performance.
When you’re the lead dog, you want to stay the lead dog. Remember in the Iditarod sled dog race, only the lead dog gets to see new scenery! lol
May 17th, 2014 at 3:25 pm
Here here. And we have gr8 stock in running back talent. It would be a shame to not use what we have.
May 17th, 2014 at 3:29 pm
At first….I was surprised by the Sims pick…but then saw his highlight reel (3 times)……now I’m excited about adding him to the roster.
Dominick would have never picked a RB in this draft…..and I think before all is said and done Sims will be a steal!!!
May 17th, 2014 at 3:32 pm
It is somewhat surprising to see the interest the Bucs are showing in the RB position given the talent we already have on board. Greg Auman tweeted that the Bucs have added a 13th undrafted rookie free agent in Cal RB Brendan Bigelow. Played for offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford in college. I watched tape on this kid and he’s one to keep an eye on!
May 17th, 2014 at 3:51 pm
See joe I told yah if he was on the new jersey photo shoot we would keep him…
May 17th, 2014 at 8:38 pm
Palblo…how many times do you have to be wrong before you’ll get something right?
May 17th, 2014 at 8:39 pm
Tampabaybucfan…I concur. I saw it 2 times.