Blame Dumped On Doug Martin
October 10th, 2014
NFL Films analyst Greg Cosell identified a change in Bucs RB Doug Martin
Joe doesn’t know who is more peeved at the lack of a running game, Bucs fans or Lovie Smith.
This week, Lovie was asked about the run game and he went oily Drew Rosenhaus in his press conference, blurting “Next question,” like the time Rosenhaus conducted a press conference for his client, Terrell Owens, who was doing sit-ups in his driveway in the background.
Naturally, Bucs fans began blaming the offensive line for the running back woes because how dare anyone suggest Doug Martin is remotely responsible for his startling decline in rushing yards? Per NFL Films analyst Greg Cosell, that’s the lazy fan’s way of assigning blame.
Joe’s good friend Justin Pawlowski of Scout.com writes that Cosell believes is not the same running back Bucs fans grew to love as a rookie.
“That’s always easy to do,” Cosell said of the Bucs offensive line taking criticism. “When backs don’t run for a lot of yards, people always assume it’s not being well-blocked.”
For Cosell, the play of Doug Martin has been the biggest disappointment for the Bucs offense this year.
“I don’t think Doug Martin at this very moment is a very good runner,” Cosell said of the Bucs run game woes. “I think he’s stiff. I don’t think he has the same lateral agility and explosion that he had his first year in the league. I don’t think he gets more yards than what are there. To me, that’s a problem with a running back.”
This is exactly what Joe noticed against the Saints. Joe often had his binoculars on Martin last Sunday, and Joe has written this previously: It appears Martin has become a fullback. He doesn’t make tacklers miss; he 0ften doesn’t try to make tacklers miss. He just runs straight and looks to barrel through tacklers.
Bobby Rainey, for example, can be elusive. Martin doesn’t seem to be even trying to be elusive. Cosell is noticing the same thing.
Now whether Martin is being coached up to just plow through people like a modern version of Mike Alstott, Joe cannot say. He sure seems like a different back — on that isn’t getting the job done.
Joe sure hopes somehow, someway, that rookie version of Martin reappears. And soon.
October 10th, 2014 at 5:23 am
Maybe Cosell can follow me around and tell me how else I’m wrong throughout the day?
Dougie might be playing like crap but no-one can tell me the line is getting a good push. The eye test doesn’t fail.
October 10th, 2014 at 5:59 am
He looks like Pittman now.
October 10th, 2014 at 6:38 am
Its probably a combination of things…..Definately Martin has lost something….the line isn’t blocking well for any of our backs, the playcalling is very predictable and we have faced three very good defenses.
We should have been able to run the ball well against the Saints, but didn’t.
I am puzzled why we don’t try to go outside once in a while. We have big recievers and tight ends that can block but we seem to try to go right up the gut with our running game almost exclusively.
October 10th, 2014 at 6:53 am
Maybe Martin needs to gain his weight back. Maybe he lost strength for his old burst.
Yes, it would be nice to see a one two punch from Martin and Rainey before Sims comes into the picture.
October 10th, 2014 at 7:03 am
Maybe those powerful imaginary gods called “history & fate” are showing us that all who share a birthday with Josh Freeman will encounter BUST in their career…..lol
October 10th, 2014 at 7:10 am
I’ve been saying the saying thing for some time now. Rainey is the better back right now. If it wasn’t for the costly fumbles, he would already be the starter or at least should be anyway.
October 10th, 2014 at 7:17 am
4.7 YPC vs 2.5 YPC.
I know who I would rather have running the ball. Take the name off the back of the jersey and 4.7 is an easy choice.
October 10th, 2014 at 7:22 am
I’ll say it again, they had to alter the handoff timing for Martin his rookie year after about the third game because he cant see the field well enough to know how plays are going to develop. I have said this a thousand times, his vision sucks and he cant process fast enough. He runs like a robot that lacks an natural instincts.
I have been crucified for my opinion on him since his rookie year. The stars have to align for Martin to break off a big run, he cannot create on his own, and he knows that and thats why you see a guy out there right now running with zero confidence.
October 10th, 2014 at 7:35 am
Martin needs to keep his head up and watch old Buccaneer tape of Warrick Dunn. Martin needs to add some wiggle.
October 10th, 2014 at 7:37 am
Gotbbucs,
I remember you making that statement. Sad to say, good call. 🙂
I can’t wait to see Charles Simms.
October 10th, 2014 at 7:51 am
“He looks like Pittman now.”
Minus being top heavy and tripping over a blade of grass lol.
October 10th, 2014 at 7:58 am
Martin was toast the day Lovie took the job and it was confirmed the day Sims was drafted, imo, and he knew it. Remember, Lovie sat back and watched from his basement last season. He knew, more than any of us, which head coaching jobs would more than likely be available. He had his ear to the ground and knew that the Schiano experiment was doomed. Lovie may have had his list of “what if’s” and put together a plan just in case. Unfortunately, Martin wasn’t on it. It wouldn’t be the first time that a player played conservatively. Playing not to get hurt. He’s not going to play all out. Lovie has been bringing in “his” players since day one. Sims is no different. Is it Martins fault that the run game is inept? Absolutely not. But he isn’t being replaced because the running game is bad.
Speculation on my part? Sure. Out of left field? Maybe. Unpopular theory? Probably.
Go Bucs!
Bob
October 10th, 2014 at 8:10 am
If Rainey won’t be given more carries because of fumbling fears, give Mike James more carries. But 2.5 YPC is not just the offensive line, it’s a running back not playing his best.
October 10th, 2014 at 8:15 am
BucFaninMI said it best…hes become like Pittman, gets the ball, then does a Muhammad Ali foot shuffling dance 2 feet away from the line!
Hit the damn hole!
October 10th, 2014 at 8:18 am
Doug Martin didn’t just forget how to run the football, If the offensive line opened up constant lanes for him to run through he’d be more effective as a runner.
October 10th, 2014 at 8:26 am
Yeah I noticed that doug isn’t puttin the same jukes on the defense that he used to but I think the saints game he put some nice moves in there. There’s was one particular run play he sidestepped a saints defender as soon as he was handed the ball n hit the hole with speed up the gut. I think he got 13 on that play. Also his run after catch had some pep. He cpuld be comin around. That 2.7 is collectively he has to be consistently better not just on 2 or 3 touches a game
October 10th, 2014 at 8:28 am
2.9 YPC, would bench this guy?
His name is LeSean McCoy
“Stats are for losers” I don’t really believe that, I just like using stupid raheem quotes!
Martin, like 99% of other NFL RB’s needs a decent team around them to be productive (Pot smoking, child beating AP and is the exception). Martin does not have that right now. He is getting contact behind the line of scrimmage and if you watch, every LB is running free. Second level blocks are a myth this year.
October 10th, 2014 at 8:29 am
Yes, we need Incognito and one of the Mathews to come back from retirement and we will have a swiss cheese offense of line that I could run 1000 yards for the remaining of the season…..lol
October 10th, 2014 at 8:47 am
Martin went from a fan favorite and Lovie’s bellcow to ridicule from fans pretty damn fast. It’s too early to call him a bust, imo. Rainey’s fumblethon and James barely seeing the field are signs of no confidence there by the coaching staff. The answer for the lack of a running game may just be quit being so predictable in playcalling. As far as Lovie’s “next question” reply when asked a legitimate question, this sounds and looks like the same disdain for press and fans one would expect from a politician.
October 10th, 2014 at 8:48 am
I’m sorry, but we’ve all seen Mike Rainey come into the game and had almost the same poor results. When you are constantly running into the backs of the OL, because there isn’t even a small crease to sneak through, you’re dead meat. When you are constantly running the same ineffective play on every first down try, it’s called predictable and stupid. So, there are multiple reasons why the running game isn’t producing. Here’s a novel idea…..try something different. Play action passing on first down? Stretch the defense with runs outside tackle?
More screens and short passes to the backs? At least you are TRYING to change what hasn’t been working.
October 10th, 2014 at 8:56 am
I’m not sure either one of our running backs are good enough to start in the NFL. One can’t have a single run where he gets more than he should, and the other has caused more turnovers in 3 games than a starter should have in 2 years.
Which one of these guys do you want to turn to if you’re Smith? I’d stick with Martin, at least we can guarantee we’ll be able to punt 35 yards (and no more). If Sims can get 4 yards a carry, not turn it over – and pick up a blitz – the job is his to lose. It’s not a lot to ask for, not really at all.
October 10th, 2014 at 9:00 am
more than one player on a team
October 10th, 2014 at 9:25 am
Who is Mike Rainey???
October 10th, 2014 at 9:53 am
Hard to have a big hole to run through when the defense knows when and where you are running to. Walter Payton would have had trouble getting yardage with the run plays called on this team.
Always SOS
October 10th, 2014 at 9:56 am
I’m of the belief that the oline determines the success of RBs. In other words, a team could get multiple RBs to gain 100y behind a solid oline ala Denver Broncos and the Redskins in their hay day.
Last year 3 of our RBs had 100 yards games behind our oline. This year the same backs are non-existent. The only difference is our oline. That is not a coincidence.
October 10th, 2014 at 10:01 am
As soon as we play another RB that consistently has big games, doesn’t fumble, and can pass protect, I’ll believe the blame game that it’s Doug Martin’s fault. Until then, he’s like every other NFL running back that needs a hole to run through and a defense that isn’t 100% sure a run is coming. Play calling needs to be improved, and our running opportunities will improve along with it, regardless of who is running.
October 10th, 2014 at 10:02 am
Martin is on the same list as Zuttah, Larsen, penn and Joseph. No need to look any further. Lovie once again made a call that backfired in his face ala josh mccown. Lovie can’t possibly be this bad of a coach.
Martin will leave and be productive on another team ala Tim wright and mike williams.
October 10th, 2014 at 10:06 am
i see hints of the old doug when he is carrying the ball. i think the blocking scheme has changed a little and has created some hesitation from him, but overall he looks like he is really close to breaking a big run a few times a game. it doesn’t help that a couple of his biggest plays have been called back due to penalties. there’s nothing doug can do about those…
October 10th, 2014 at 10:27 am
Yeah cmon he might be a little different but its not easy when there are three d linemen in the backfield on every run play. How about some first n second down play action to loosen em up aroyo. Cmon man
October 10th, 2014 at 10:34 am
I have been screaming this but nobody seems to give it any attention. What is difference between our offense when Doug was flourishing to now. Specifically what change would most affect a runner out of the backfield. When Doug was balling out, we ran a power run blocking scheme. In that offense All Doug had to do was hit that initial hole, then when his momentum got up he juked people out of their shoes, but he wasn’t juking d-lineman, he was juking linebackers, which means that he just followed the blocks, and hit the hole that was pre-determined prior to the ball even being snapped.
NOW, he is dealing with a zone blocking scheme. It requires better initial reads which is something that was not required previously. I am starting to see that Bobby Rainey is the better back because of his efficiency in both schemes. In addition, it seems that would-be tacklers just fall off of bobby, where Doug gets brought down by someone tapping him on the shoulder.
I have repeatedly asked the media to address this, through my comments to 620, during normal radio hours and total access, but nobody seems to ever discuss it.
The only other thing that is different is that doug has lost a little weight. This may play a part in his being brought down so easy. It seemed like he bounced around like a pinball 2 seasons ago. I would have argued that his balance was his greatest attribute.
I hope that someone talks about his fit with this new blocking scheme, because I haven’t heard that conversation yet. AND NO I am not saying the line shouldn’t bear some of the responsibility.
October 10th, 2014 at 10:40 am
How about this, Make DM your RB and feed him the ball 25 times. Great backs need the ball, alot. Barry Sanders would be on the bench these days. The multiple backs system sucks IMO.
October 10th, 2014 at 11:19 am
He also had at least 2 big plays (over 10 yards, I think 1 run and 1 short pass) that were called back from penalties in the saints game. Not saying those drastically change his numbers, but it surely doesn’t help.
October 10th, 2014 at 11:22 am
Last year fans blamed the line for Martin’s woes. Then James & Rainey come in and run wild behind the same o-line.
New line this season. Same results. At some point it’s not the lines fault anymore.
I’ll also add that Dougie is the only current Buc that I have a jersey of, so I’m not exactly a hater.
October 10th, 2014 at 11:46 am
I watch the game film every week and if there are holes Martin is missing, then I am missing them, too.
It is hard to get started when you have one or two defensive lineman In the backfield when you get the handoff.
Add to the fact there is hardly any decteption in the running attack also gives defenders a good idea of where to go to get any Buc RB.
Also, if Rainey had been performing any better I would say by all means play him more. But unfortunately, except for the Rams game, he hasn’t.looked like an ex wife murderer either
October 10th, 2014 at 1:06 pm
@Barry you can’t feed the ball like that if we are behind. Notice the Lions didn’t win anything either. The days of feeding the rock to your bell-cow are gone. We need to start throwing on 1st down. For those blaming the OL for Martin’s woes, its amazing that Rainey has success behind that very same line.
October 10th, 2014 at 1:19 pm
So you’re going to come to JoeBucsFan.com and insult Joe? Really no reason for that. Not much has changed here since 2008. Joe produced a wide variety of content for various sources. And fans come here in droves for various reasons, one of which is Joe’s opinion. If you don’t like it here, visit another website. –Joe
October 10th, 2014 at 1:27 pm
Joe – don’t mean to offend you, just food for thought and the content reported really is great. Just sayin
Joe’s not offended, but Joe’s not going to let anyone misrepresent here without getting called on it. Again, Joe reports from the locker room, including each game of the recent three-game road trip. Also in 2014, Joe reported from the NFL Scouting Combine, Super Bowl Media Day, the Pro Bowl and more. Yes, Joe shares Bucs nuggets from many sources. That’s because Joe only cares about sharing what’s interesting and is not so ego-focused that he’ll only deliver his own work. As for Joe’s opinions, that’s part of the fabric of the website. –Joe
October 10th, 2014 at 2:50 pm
It’s the one dimensional game of LeGarrette Blount! He just has no vision, can’t catch and…..oh wait!
October 10th, 2014 at 5:13 pm
Bobby Rainey is more elusive, but that doesn’t mean he’s a better running back. I’ll take Martin any day and twice on Sunday. I’d work on improving the o line blocking schemes before I change the rb.
October 10th, 2014 at 6:07 pm
Sorry True but that’s the one thing that separates College RBs from NFL RBs and that is the ability to make guys miss or shed tackles. If you can’t do either in the NFL, you won’t make it for long.
October 11th, 2014 at 1:07 am
DB55 says :
“Last year 3 of our RBs had 100 yards games behind our oline. This year the same backs are non-existent. The only difference is our oline. That is not a coincidence.”
No offense dude, but you have to be the most impatient person on this site. That paragraph sums it up.
You’re talking about last season. ALL 16 games and comparing them to the 5 games so far. Rainey has already ran for 144 yards against the Rams this season with 11 more games to go. Don’t cha think it’s a little premature to say the words non-existent until all the games are played and then compare the seasons?
October 11th, 2014 at 9:11 am
DB55 “Last year 3 of our RBs had 100 yards games behind our oline. This year the same backs are non-existent. The only difference is our oline. That is not a coincidence.”
We lost a great RB Coach in Earnest Byner. Big difference with his loss.