Extra Catching Work A Daily Routine For Martin
August 19th, 2014
The Bucs had so much confidence in Doug Martin’s pass-catching prowess they drafted running back Charles Sims in the third round primarily for his elite pass-catching ability.
Draft a guard to block for Martin? Nope. Draft a running back who would limit Martin’s touches out of the backfield.
But the NFL was true to its nickname, “Not For Long.” Sims had ankle surgery last week and will miss at least half the season, and the Bucs could shelve him until 2015.
Martin is the “bell cow,” Lovie Smith reminded media yesterday.
As for Martin, yesterday he said he’s always taken his pass catching seriously and has taken it up a level this season. Jeff Tedford’s playbook demands it, Martin said.
“Every day during special teams [practice period] I have an assistant coach throw me balls and go through different type of situations, you know, low ball or high ball,” Martin said. “And I’ve done a good job of catching the ball.”
Martin went on to say he likes that he might be underestimated as a receiver.
Joe’s very interested to see who the Bucs trust to complement Martin. Mike James sure seems like the best change of pace. During the radio broadcast of Saturday’s preseason game, analyst and former Bucs tight end Dave Moore threw his hat in the ring for James, as well.
(You can listen to Martin chat with media below, via 620wdae.com audio.)
August 19th, 2014 at 10:09 am
I have no doubt that Martin can do whatever he wants to….
I also really like everything I have seen from Mike James…..he seems to get yards no matter what the situation…..
August 19th, 2014 at 10:09 am
My man Muscle Hamster has all the talent we need in a number 1 back. With Javorski “the Hammer ” lane opening holes for him is all we need.
August 19th, 2014 at 10:11 am
As a collegiate coach, I can tell you it’s always the ones who put in the work on the side that tend to excell. Does robert Herron or MIke Evans spend any extra time on catching or route running?
August 19th, 2014 at 10:22 am
he looked like he had a bit more aggression to him in the Miami game. maybe a weight had been lifted, chip on his shoulder…either way i liked it. just don’t sen him on 50 yard bombs
August 19th, 2014 at 10:31 am
Bigger workload for Doug, as it is now his show, no Sims packages.
August 19th, 2014 at 10:36 am
I can’t wait for this season to start. Cant wait to see D. Martin’s stats up from last year. Without Sims we pretty much got the same talent from last year. Which is not bad at all. I also hope the FB Lane sticks. I can see Tedford using him too.
August 19th, 2014 at 10:58 am
Joe, on the press conference on the Bucs site, at about the 7:30 point, a reporter is asking about Verner getting playing time this week, and how important it is because he probably will not get to play until week 4.
http://www.buccaneers.com/multimedia/videos/Press-Conference-Lovie-Smith/b137df90-eac0-4473-a781-b5185f4ba9b2
Is Verner facing a suspension possibility we do not know about?
August 19th, 2014 at 11:03 am
The uniforms are putrid, especially the “mute” grey/pewter/brown….
August 19th, 2014 at 11:15 am
This season is screaming 7-9 already (at best). Who in our division is scared of us ??
August 19th, 2014 at 11:48 am
Sims not a reaction to Martin’s lack of catching prowess. I have always thought Martin was at least adequate at catching balls. Sims is more of a reaction to the scheme used by Tedford, as well as what Lovie likes in a back. Also, what have we heard of Mike James out of camp this year, supposedly the #2 back in our “stacked” backfield? Not a helluva lot. A lot of this season may come down to how the Dougernaut performs. Really looking forward to seeing how he reacts.
August 19th, 2014 at 11:53 am
Can Jeff Demps get some extra work too?
August 19th, 2014 at 12:08 pm
Bonzai,
I think the reporter was referencing Verner not playing in preseason week 4 where starters usually don’t play at all.
August 19th, 2014 at 12:12 pm
James must not have fully recovered from his broken ankle yet because if he looked in practice like he did before he went down last year, then I don’t think it would even be a discussion who the #2 back is now that Sims is out.
August 19th, 2014 at 12:50 pm
@ Pearls….. I would guess all 3
August 21st, 2014 at 10:51 am
@tampamac
Ah, that makes more sense. Thanks 🙂