Doug Martin Crucial For Success
September 5th, 2016
Critical for offensive success.
A lot of folks believe if the Bucs are finally going to break that five-year streak of finishing in the basement of the NFC South, a sorry and embarrassing rut, it will be because America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston, will carry the team to a higher level.
Hold your horses, says Andy Benoit. The respected X’s and O’s analyst for theMMQB.com believes the catalyst will be running back Doug Martin.
In an era of wide-open passing, Doug Martin is a throwback runner in a throwback offense. Martin is at his best rushing between the tackles; no one locates and slithers through small cracks as effectively as he does. While today’s backs prefer to operate out of spread formations, which create more space in the box, Martin, who is shrewd at setting up blocks and reading angles, is better in heavier sets, with more bodies around him. The Bucs’ system is conducive to this. Because Jameis Winston is a slower-twitch fastball thrower who needs time in the pocket, and because receivers Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson are big-bodied but also slower-twitch playmakers, Tampa’s passing game features deep drop-backs and deep routes that use the heavier sets Martin prefers. It’s an old-school system, one in which the back’s style fits perfectly with that of the QB and receivers.
Joe cannot disagree with what Benoit types, but let’s look at the ugly truth here. Martin, now in his fifth season, has yet to have back-to-back successful seasons. He had a fantastic rookie year, two rotten years that damn near cost him his gig with the Bucs, and a wonderful bounceback season last year.
So this is one area Joe is keen to watch in the first few weeks of this new season. Which Doug Martin will show up? Will it be the 2012 and 2015 Martin, or the invisible 2013-2014 Martin?
If Martin truly is the key to the offense as Benoit suggests, then he needs to replicate his season from last year.
September 5th, 2016 at 11:04 am
Take a look at him. You tell me which guy we’re getting. Doug clearly recommitted last season and showed up in fantastic shape…he’s still in fantastic shape. I think he’ll have a better year in 2016.
September 5th, 2016 at 11:19 am
I don’t see him regressing. Even if he wanted to, Jameis would be all over him. He’s the one that changed the group text name that they have to “Super Bowl Champs”. He wants to win bad.
We need not worry about the Muscle Hampster.
September 5th, 2016 at 11:48 am
Joe,
Martin has nothing more to prove. I love how people want to talk about his down years in 13 and 14 but they conveniently leave out the fact that he was not healthy. Obviously health is no guarantee but give me a break with the friggin questioning of Martin’s ability and commitment.
If healthy, he is one of the top 5 backs in this league. Although health is never a guarantee I have faith that the Bucs having a legitimate offensive coordinator who understands Martin’s strengths, having a solid back up in Sims, a very promising QB, and an improved O-line, have put Martin in a position to succeed. Go Bucs!
September 5th, 2016 at 12:07 pm
Martin is in shape and motivated…..give him the ball….
September 5th, 2016 at 12:07 pm
Its either The Muscle Hamster or BUST!!!
September 5th, 2016 at 12:10 pm
I’ve been saying this for how long now??? I mean its people out there madd at NosBos for saying this very thing. I guess its acceptable coming from a somebody seeing is how I’m a nobody in ya eyes right.
September 5th, 2016 at 12:13 pm
Monster run game mean pass rush. Look at every superbowl winner over the last thirty years and tell me you can’t detect that formula.
September 5th, 2016 at 12:43 pm
Martin was able to self motivate himself to transform into the player he became last season. This season he has the added mativation from Jameis Winston demanding and pushing his teammates to be better than they were and to be their best selves. I have no worries about players not being properly motivated. Money is a heck of a motivator in itself, add the emotional bond between brothers on the field and it only pushes them further.
I have great hopes for this season, but reserved expectations.
September 5th, 2016 at 12:52 pm
also in Dougs favor is the emergency of Simms,cutting down on his workload.
Believe Schiano ran Doug into the ground adding to his injury woes.Even beastmode is out of the league now.Being the everydown runner is risky business.
September 5th, 2016 at 10:28 pm
If Doug Martin even comes close to the year he had last season? We got a shot!
September 6th, 2016 at 10:29 am
its pretty basic. Every year Martin is healthy he looks awesome and gets over 1000 yards. I know its only his fifth season but its not like you would call him injury prone. Word is from himself and others he’s in the best shape ever and feeling good. Im always excited to see what Doug can do when he gets through tiny wholes so Im looking forward to watching him having another terrific year