“There’s Some Tentativeness There”
November 15th, 2016
Ready?
So how long will it take for Doug Martin to shake off his rust?
It’s an important question as the Bucs prepare for a cold weather game in Kansas City.
Dirk Koetter acknowledged that Martin had a challenging but expected return against the Bears on Sunday after a two-month hamstring injury.
“There’s some tentativeness there,” Koetter explained on the Buccaneers Radio Network.
The head coach added he’s seen Martin perform a lot better but Martin deserves major praise for little things that were big things in the Bucs’ victory.
“I think two of the biggest plays Doug made all day were on [pass] protection, where he helped a lineman on his way out,” Koetter said. “What we call a ‘chip,’ but it’s not always a chip on an outside rusher. He chipped on an inside rusher twice that allowed Jameis to make big throws down the field. Those are plays that always go unrecognized by 99 percent of the people, including me, during the game. That’s the kind of stuff you don’t really see if you’re not the running back coach, until you watch the tape. … We call it a ‘save.’ He had a couple of big ones.”
Martin finished with 16 carries, which Joe believes should be plenty for him to shake off all his rust, especially after a full week practice this week. Martin was “limited” in practice last week and ran a lot with the scout team.
Joe can’t shake the vision of Martin’s unbreakable ear-to-ear grin in the Bucs’ happy postgame locker room Sunday. He looked and felt like a million bucks.
November 15th, 2016 at 11:58 am
Good stuff Joe, hope he comes ready to ball at K.C because we are going to have to have a run game against a very disciplined defensive that plays the pass well as the run. This will be a great test to see if our defense is healthy and truly have stepped up and have learned “Smitty” scheme. Spence looks good coming of the edge bad shoulder or not. Aryes is also a nice addition as well as having C. McDonald back. Hopefully with all the injuries we have had and our defense is healthy and looked like world beaters against a good defense but poor offensive in my opinion. Looking forward to this week against a playoff team in K.C. Go BUC’S
November 15th, 2016 at 12:47 pm
I think the shake up on off line had something to do with this also. I think as time goes by and the OL gets more chemistry playing together the holes will open up.
November 15th, 2016 at 12:52 pm
If I were Doug coming back to my first game in a long time from a hamstring with a practice squad center and first game rookie guard would give me the jitters also. Got the opportunity to spin his wheels on the game field to see how he felt and now hopefully he’s feeling more confident. Hopefully Pamphile will be back this week to help him out some more.
November 15th, 2016 at 1:35 pm
Not that this matters a hill of beans on here, but I’m starting Dougie on my FF team this Sunday.
(wisely held him out against the Bears)
November 15th, 2016 at 2:55 pm
This is to be expected. It might take another game to get him juiced up but I feel much better about him in the lineup. Barber has performed OK so there’s no need to give Doug 30 carries.
Having our feature back will do wonders for this offense. Watch the improvement!
November 15th, 2016 at 3:03 pm
I just unfollowed Miko.
I like her speaking her mind, but she’s been especially raunchy. I’m sure she’ll miss me 😉
November 15th, 2016 at 3:06 pm
Are Hawley & Pamphile expected back?
Go Bucs!
November 15th, 2016 at 3:23 pm
I’m glad I’m in the 1%
November 15th, 2016 at 3:47 pm
Josh Huff and his attorney was a no show at the new jersey courthouse concerning his gun charge
I think this is another of Jason Gumps Fvkups
new jersey dont play with carrying guns without permits and hollow point bullets
mandatory prison time
Forrest is just not a smart man
November 15th, 2016 at 4:05 pm
@pete
I heard they were but you never know
@Kobe Faker
He was smart enough to bring in Josh Robinson who’s been killin it at gunner and got the game ball on Sunday.
November 15th, 2016 at 5:23 pm
Kobe Faker, they’ve got zilch at WR2 right now. I’d sign Charles Manson if he could get separation from a DB.
November 15th, 2016 at 5:26 pm
About Doug Martin – he’s going to need several games to get going like his old self. Anyone who thinks otherwise doesn’t know RB’s very well.
That being said, he didn’t look that good before the injury. So far in his career he’s alternated seasons with being terrific to injured/mediocre. I’m guessing next year will be a great one based on his pattern.