Bucs RB Doug Martin celebrates after scoring his short -yardage touchdown in the win over Buffalo. Photo courtesy of Buccaneers.com.

The thing that jumped out at Joe about this win over the Bills was the play of the man known affectionately as “The Muscle Hamster,” Doug Martin.

Bucs fans, rightly so, were wringing their hands over the Bucs offense and the game began terribly. Call it a coincidence if you will, but it sure seemed like once Martin got rolling, the Bucs offense began rolling as well.

Martin ran well and caught the ball well and finished the first half with 63 all-purpose yards and a touchdown. His play was certainly noticed by both Bucs coach Lovie Smith and quarterback Josh McCown after the game, as told to the Bucs radio network.

“Doug Martin was really sweet,” McCown said. “The pass over the middle down to the goal line, we saw that on film this week. That was sweet. Made a great catch. The thing about Doug, he is dedicated. He missed a pass this week in practice and asked me to stay late to throw more balls to him. Getting him rolling will be huge for us.”

Martin also seems to be opening Lovie’s eyes to more plays.

“Doug dis a lot of good things of course,” Lovie said. “We are pleased with his pass catching out of the backfield. He has really picked it up. How can you not like him? He’s a tough, hard-nosed football player.”

Joe has a feeling that the more Martin tears through defenses, the more it will open up the offense.

Welcome back, Doug!