1,038 Yards, And Five Games From A Showdown
November 29th, 2015
Joe can’t find any real happiness this evening, but there’s plenty of appreciation for Doug Martin as Joe sits in the Indianapolis press box.
Martin had 14 rushes for 96 yards today, highlighted by a 56-yard explosion behind Logan Mankins and Donovan Smith, and a nice block downfield by Vincent Jackson. Here’s the video. Martin, as usual, was caught from behind on the big play. But that’s ok. Bucs fans will take it.
So Martin now sits with 1,038 yards through 11 games — and no contract for 2016.
Joe’s happy for Martin’s consistency and success, but the Bucs must make him finish the season healthy and strong.
There is nothing to fear. The Bucs could always franchise Martin next season and pay him the one-year, prove-it-again, this time for $10 million, deal mandated by the franchise tag.
Today, Joe would have loved to see Martin get more touches early, as he started the game pounding the rock.
Also, Joe would like to see Dirk Koetter get Martin the ball more often in the passing game. A guy with Martin’s explosiveness should have more than one ball thrown his way. Back in 2012, Martin was a much bigger threat out of the backfield.
November 29th, 2015 at 6:12 pm
Martin is a priority, as Sims is not a every down back and his running has taken pressure off Winston
November 29th, 2015 at 6:14 pm
It’s clear the bucs don’t wanna sign him. Everyone with eyes can see it. Why else do they keep taking him out of games or sitting him for long periods of time?
Because they are trying their best to make sorry as s sims the “guy” and giving him opportunities to take the lead role which he can’t do because he’s a marginal talent at best. Pathetic teams stay pathetic for a reason.
If they don’t re sign Martin it shows they are not committed to winning.
November 29th, 2015 at 6:17 pm
3 years/ 15M with 10 guaranteed is more than enough to get him signed. Anything more than that, he’s gotta go.
Backs are easy to find.
He’s good when healthy but that’s nothing to count on.
November 29th, 2015 at 6:53 pm
We have way to many needs but would love to see a true two headed monster at rb – derrick king henry in the 2nd round.
November 29th, 2015 at 6:56 pm
KW Buc Says:
November 29th, 2015 at 6:17 pm
3 years/ 15M with 10 guaranteed is more than enough to get him signed.
Haha no it’s not. For 3 years you’re looking $24 million at least. He’s likely gone without a franchise tag.
November 29th, 2015 at 7:43 pm
It seems like the Bucs players usually get caught from behind on breakaways. I don’t see that as much watching other teams. Is there just a severe lack of breakaway speed?
November 29th, 2015 at 11:28 pm
#20 had the angle to catch Martin….the only way he out runs him is if he has Chris Johnson/ Darrell Green speed.
November 30th, 2015 at 2:16 am
I really think they’re preparing to draft Dalvin Cook. Martin gets the tag and one more chance to show some hunger on the field as well.
November 30th, 2015 at 8:14 am
What more does he have to show??? He’s further ahead at this time than his rookie season just not the tds. It’s nit hus fault he only gets 3 touches in the 2nd half and isn’t thrown the ball. He can easily turn a 5 yd screen into 50 yd dash. He’s got the best stiff arm in the nfl! He’s more explosive than Sims will ever be! He leads the league in runs of 20yds and more, making people miss, broke tackles and yards after contact so what more than scoring can he do? It is Koetters fault he doesn’t get the ball more. 97 yards on the day and he couldn’t get a chance to break 100??? Ridiculous! !!