Jacquizz Rodgers Returning?
November 22nd, 2016
Team mulling availability.
There has been chatter at One Buc Palace that Jacquizz Rodgers could return to practice and be available Sunday.
That’s the word from Bucs coach Dirk Koetter who admitted serious discussions are taking place within the walls of One Buc Palace to gauge if Rodgers can go. Rodgers has been nursing a bad foot injured against the Raiders in Week 8.
“There was some talk about that when [General Manager] Jason [Licht] met with the doctors [Monday] morning,” Koetter said. “So, we’ll see what Wednesday brings. I know I glanced outside and Jacquizz was out working on the field with the trainers, so we’ll see.”
As Joe suggested yesterday, call it rust or whatever, Doug Martin seems much more like the nondescript Doug Martin of 2013 and 2014 than the bruising running back of his rookie and contract 2015 seasons. Shoot, Peyton Barber showed Joe more than Martin did in Kansas City.
Adding Rodgers to the mix can only help the running game and, of course, America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston.
November 22nd, 2016 at 7:44 am
A healthy Rodgers is a huge asset. He softens up defenses effectively and Martin will benefit. I like this running back combo more.
November 22nd, 2016 at 7:49 am
Gonna need quizz for the stretch run!
November 22nd, 2016 at 7:51 am
I thought Martin played pretty good for what he had to work with. He made 3rd down manageable for the most part. Yeah no 40 yard runs but I don’t think we win that game without him. Not to mention the negative carries he had when u got the whole kc d line in backfield.
November 22nd, 2016 at 8:03 am
And don’t forget the brilliantly called delayed screen pass that he took for a huge gain!! Strange, but it appears that all of the injuries from early this season have created a sweet bit of depth around the roster. Great job by Light there!! So next year, pluck a few more starters in the draft and free agency, making some of these guys backups, and look out!! GO BUCS!!!
November 22nd, 2016 at 8:09 am
I think did ok. Not great but ok. Going off of memory, I think he was hit three yards before the LOS at least 6 times Sunday. I do remember twice specifically he made it to the LOS and I said out loud, “I’m just impressed he made it THAT far.”
November 22nd, 2016 at 8:20 am
Martin is unreliable and simply not that good never has been. Rogers will be an upgrade when he returns
November 22nd, 2016 at 8:24 am
The biggest difference between Doug and the others right now is blocking and picking up blitzes. He was a beast on Sunday. That is huge!
November 22nd, 2016 at 8:39 am
Getting Quizz back just bolsters the run-game even more. I don’t think that we can rely on Martin for 20-30 carries coming back from the hammy.
November 22nd, 2016 at 9:07 am
well Joe…. it seems like quite the turnaround on Doug Martin for you…. I remember when it was a TOP priority to sign him – whatever the cost. But as some of us warned then…. sure, he had a great rookie year when he had something to prove (and to keep his job)…. then TWO years of NOTHING (just like this year)…. granted he was injured in his 2nd year but NOTHING again in his third year (when he actually appeared not wanting to take hits – and although Joe and others give him another “injury” cop-out, I distinctly remember him stating (several times) that year that he was healthy). Then, of course, in his 4th year with something to prove again (to keep his job) — he goes off like he did in his rookie year… Some of us suspected NOTHING again this year because we could see the pattern…… don’t you Joe(s) see it too ???
November 22nd, 2016 at 9:09 am
Doug Martin has the record for most yards per game in the past 5 seasons. He also has second best record for most yards per game in the past 5 seasons. Oakland in 2012 and Philly in 2015. He had nearly 2,000 yards in 2012 and was considered a legit contender for roty. He was the second leading rusher in the NFL last year. Yes, he has had injuries and it has hampered his career thus far, however, he has been excellent when not injured. The inconsistency is the issue. To say he is “simply not that good never has been.” is completely inaccurate and ridiculous if you ask me. It never ceases to amaze me how our own fan base consistently bashes our players on here, especially when they aren’t even right.
It’s simple, when Doug is healthy, he is one of the best in the league. Quiz is not an upgrade over him no matter what anybody thinks. It’s common sense really, he wouldn’t have been a free agent or have mediocre stats if that were the case. I sincerely believe the rust is shaken off and we’re about to see the Dougernaut in action. However, I’m sure still see clueless fans bash him unfortunately.
November 22nd, 2016 at 9:12 am
Yeah Eric! I don’t think it’s coincidence that the offense has looked better since he returned. It’s not the production, per se, it’s the threat. This offense will continue to improve along with Martin’s health.
November 22nd, 2016 at 9:40 am
@Eric Agreed and It’s refreshing to hear someone with perspective.
Joe, what’s your deal? you’ve been bashing Martin since before the KC game.
I agree that it will be great to get Rodgers back but no need to bash Martin here or question his commitment.
November 22nd, 2016 at 9:42 am
Eric
!00% on board with your assessment. When Doug is healthy he is good. Like Bucsfanman says when he is not 100% he is still a threat. Rogers return will help Doug, the team, and Jameis.
November 22nd, 2016 at 9:57 am
I’m glad you guys agree. I don’t think Doug has ever done anything to lose our faith or trust in him. Injuries are simply an aspect of the game. Look at all the injuries in the league so far- Adrian Peterson, Jamaal Charles, Charles Sims, Giovanni Bernard, CJ Anderson, Ameer Abdullah, Jacquizz Rogers, Arian, Foster, Eddy Lacy, Shane Vareen, Deangelo Williams, Danny Woodhead, CJ Prosise, etc. It seems like it’s inevitable for every team at some point. It’s unfortunate when Doug is hurt that he receives a negative stigma that he’s a bad player just because of his history. We are fortunate he wasn’t put on IR and there is a correlation between us getting hot at the right time and his return. There are so many intangibles involved with him active. Just look how our team rallies behind him and their excitement as displayed when he scored his first touchdown against Chicago. He brings more than elite play when healthy, he brings confidence.
Doug is an excellent player and I couldn’t be happier to watch him play on Sundays.
November 22nd, 2016 at 10:24 am
Doug had more yards after contact than total yards which means, on average, he was first hit before he reached the line of scrimmage. I think Jameis success was due to KC concentrating on stopping Doug.
November 22nd, 2016 at 10:28 am
Cray hopper I agree. Not sure what Joe was watching.. Martin probably had -20 rushing yards in plays where he had absolutely no chance
November 22nd, 2016 at 10:31 am
anything that helps Jameis throw less against that secondary and pass rush is a blessing. michael bennett might be back in the lineup and you know he’d love to join Talib, Donald Penn, Mark Barron, and others in the parade of former bucs who come to RJS and star in a buttkicking of the home team
November 22nd, 2016 at 10:59 am
Dont bash the muscle hamster … With JR coming back we can have one of the best duo in the NFL… This helps our backfield thats the best part
November 22nd, 2016 at 11:07 am
Dude, have you seen the blocking? Not sure what the hell you want Martin to do. He’s still routinely turning water into wine out there.
November 22nd, 2016 at 12:10 pm
briandorry55, eggzacly!
November 22nd, 2016 at 1:33 pm
Let Mike James start and pickup where he left off, just kidding, let Doug run and get out the backfield. He is still our best back and the line knows when a running back can hit the hole
November 22nd, 2016 at 1:42 pm
We’re really good at play action and Quizz coming back the same is gonna make it that much better.
November 22nd, 2016 at 1:47 pm
Of all the Bucs blog sites, this one seems the most outlandish and reactionary in terms of the articles. It also puts more content out, so that probably explains why… But, sometimes I read these articles and I just can’t understand the observations. This team is noticeably better when DM is in the field. No question. He made so many loss plays into short gains against KC, without that effort we wouldn’t have had so many 3rd and managble downs and I’m sure we wouldn’t have had such a high 3rd down conversion rate. Is he the best back in the league, no, but he’s the best back we have currently.
November 22nd, 2016 at 1:55 pm
Having three runners will make three runners better. Competition will make them work harder.
November 23rd, 2016 at 12:43 pm
I thought Martin did a fine job Sunday, forcing the Chefs to stack the box. Play action was key to Jameis’ success.