“A Lot Of Soul Searching”
February 7th, 2016
Doug Martin talks about “soul searching.”
Joe wrote previously about Doug Martin talking contract on CBS Sports Radio, but during that chat with Brandon Tierney and Tiki Barber last week, Martin also referenced the challenges that led to a bounce-back year.
It was the first time Joe heard Martin express any kind of mental struggle to overcome a 2013 season that got off to a rough start and ended with shoulder surgery, followed by a 2014 that was second rate and marred by minor injuries.
Martin said he had to go through “a lot of soul searching” (he said it twice) to dig out of those two rough years and the doubt they conjured.
He emphasized that Dirk Koetter “loved me” immediately, and that early confidence from Koetter helped inspire his revival.
Again, Joe really had never heard Martin talk about having any kind of significant mental challenge coming back from those rough seasons.
What does it mean? Probably not much. But it’s interesting, and perhaps Martin’s past struggles were as much mental as they were physical.
February 7th, 2016 at 4:24 pm
Any player coming off 2 injury plagued years is gonna be dealing with some doubt and worry, whether they admit it or not. Seems normal to me.
February 7th, 2016 at 4:31 pm
I think you have to be very tough mentally to overcome injury and improve your game going forward….seems like Martin looked failure in the eye and said….”Oh no….not me”!!!
February 7th, 2016 at 5:39 pm
I think the important line from your piece Joe….
He emphasized that Dirk Koetter “loved me” immediately, and that early confidence from Koetter helped inspire his revival.
OK…#3 and now #22 are definitely on board with Koetter. They may feel sorry for Lovie but they know who is going to lead them to the promised land.
February 7th, 2016 at 5:42 pm
But then again, the Offensive Line back then was lucky not to get all the QB’s and RB’s killed.
February 7th, 2016 at 6:23 pm
The fans voted Jameis Winston rookie of the year because he is the best
February 7th, 2016 at 6:23 pm
Doug will tear up, as in rip up the yardage this coming season also.
February 7th, 2016 at 7:13 pm
tom brady was the only nfl mvp who was booed sunday.
tom brady is the true america’s quarterback! winston has to do more and is not as hated as brady. so by any definition, tom brady is america’s quarterback!
ps michael bennett did not want to be here when the bucs didn’t give him the money he originally wanted.
these are the truths and reality
February 7th, 2016 at 8:14 pm
@lurker
I heard it as well!!! He should just go full wrestling bad guy!! Tom grabs the mike and says “I must be in San Fran, Because it stinks around here!!!” As the crowd boos even louder!!!
February 7th, 2016 at 8:26 pm
We need #22, or the threat of #22 in the hearts of the defense we will face, next year.
February 7th, 2016 at 8:27 pm
Doug now has the yards after contact reputation, perhaps the best in the league right now.
February 7th, 2016 at 9:06 pm
Off topic……but am I the only one wondering what Warren Sapp is doing tonight?
February 7th, 2016 at 10:47 pm
Not for nothing, but all the talk about offense? The Super Bowl pitted the #1 and #2 defenses, and the #1 prevailed. We must improve on D.
February 7th, 2016 at 10:53 pm
That is why Lovie is gone!
February 7th, 2016 at 10:54 pm
@Bucs Fan Since ’76
Very true. Ironically, they play 4-3 schemes too. A lot of cover 2.
That thing some people say doesn’t work.
February 8th, 2016 at 12:10 am
With all due respect, the Broncos are about as far away from a 4-3 or cover 2 as you can find. Not going to even bother explaining. Carolina plays some cover 2 looks but Norman is a straight up man corner. 4-3 yes absolutely, cover 2 with a 30 point lead.
February 8th, 2016 at 12:12 am
Remember, loving fired Rivera not because he loved his defense.
February 8th, 2016 at 2:05 am
you can improve a defense all you want but you need great quarterback play to get anywhere.
i bet jj watt wishes their quarterback play was better.