The Doug Martin Drama
December 26th, 2016
Will he remain a starter?
Just because the Bucs are eliminated have playoff hopes dangling by a thread, it’s not like there isn’t reason to pay close attention through the final days of the 2016 season.
That’s because we have a running back controversy.
The Bucs deactivated Martin on Saturday for a lack of production. (What else could it be unless you smell the scent of something going on behind the scenes after over-the-top damage control?)
Jacquizz Rodgers, who for the time being appears to be the No. 1 running back of the Bucs, had 63 yards on 15 carries against a soft Saints defense. Martin, it is believed, was benched because of his NFL-worst 2.9 yards per carry for running backs with at least 100 attempts.
Josh Alper, typing for Pro Football Talk, seems to suggest the Bucs ought to stick with Rodgers.
…[T]he performance edge definitely goes to Rodgers.
Again, we shall see come Sunday. If seems Dirk Koetter played a hunch on Saturday. He was trying to jump-start his stagnant offense. It may have succeeded a little, as far as stats go, but the desired outcome — a win — didn’t happen.
Joe isn’t sure Koetter’s call to start Rodgers and bench Martin is the reason the Bucs lost.
December 26th, 2016 at 5:33 am
If Dalvin Cook falls to the Bucs, we better take him, vision, speed, power, and has great pass catching skills, total package, this draft is deep with RB talent, so waiting later makes sense, but put Cook in the backfield opens up Evans, use FA to shore up the defense and offense line, give WR Alshon a front loaded contract, and boom Super Bowl
December 26th, 2016 at 6:39 am
We need speed speed n more speed at wr.MEvans is a one demensional player. Love his jump balls n block out but also love the tenacity n determination of Steelers ABrown n Chiefs THill. That’s what Winston is missing playmakers n game changers at wr. Y r we using MEvabs on a bubble screen…r u serious who do they think he is Beckam or aABrown. With speed on that play one missed tackle n u score with MEvans one missed tackle n 5 yards u gain. I’m starting to doubt Koetter. Can someone tell me on the muffed kick off from saints before huff screwed up y didn’t our player (don’t know who it was) cover the ball at the 45 yard line when he had a chance to.
December 26th, 2016 at 6:44 am
Joe isn’t sure you can point to Koetter’s call to start Rodgers and bench Martin as the reason the Bucs lost. Me: Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha …..ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha, stop it Joe you gonna make me puke/up my sweet potato pie!
December 26th, 2016 at 6:49 am
I’m with you Guzzie. Davin Cook in the draft and pick up Alshon Jeffries and a proven lineman in FA. Give Jameis some real options to work with and he will flourish. Add a few defensive players in the draft and look forward to the 2017 season. We can’t be too upset with our finish, but we also know the parts that are missing and have the money to obtain them.
December 26th, 2016 at 6:58 am
You guys are completely off when it comes to the draft….
We some great offensive lineman…..
No offense will be good without those hogs out front…….period!!!!
December 26th, 2016 at 7:29 am
What recent first round lineman drafted really worked out? The one in Kansas City? No. The one in Jacksonville? No. Cook is the speed game changer we need and then pickup ur linemen. Look at the 2 RBs in Atlanta, Leshon McCoy, Laveon Bell, Zek Elliott, and even the kid from Miami. All game changers and we need one.
December 26th, 2016 at 8:12 am
Survey says you are correct for 4000 Guzzie. Dalvin in the draft Alshon in freeagency and superbowl champs we quickly become.
December 26th, 2016 at 8:45 am
Yep. Need huge hogs. Seems like Ali Hobart College has run out of gas. Smith just doesn’t have the passion. Very important draft coming up.
December 26th, 2016 at 8:52 am
The bucs anthem
Exactly. Offensive linemen. Our rbs are fine. We need to get the extra guy out of the box too. A fast wr is needed. No need to take a rb at all, better yet in the first round
December 26th, 2016 at 9:40 am
Question for joe. ..do you think the bucs might trade Martin for a desent second Rd draft choice in 017 and take a back like Cook or another top back if available . Martin doesn’t have that break away speed looks like bucs will be drafting.between 15th and 18th
December 26th, 2016 at 10:33 am
29 year old injury prone unproductive back for a 2nd round pick, good luck on that
December 26th, 2016 at 11:26 am
M.Stevbobucfan :
If there was am owner drunk enough to pitch such a trade, Joe doesn’t think Licht could say “yes” quick enough.
Don’t think Licht would initiate a conversation for a second round pick because he wouldn’t want to get hung up on.
There really isn’t much of a market for a soon-to-be 28-year old running back who is inconsistent and has a history of injuries.
December 26th, 2016 at 11:27 am
It’s funny how the Falcons drafted Devonta Freeman in the 4th round and Tevin Coleman in the 3rd round. The best teams, draft the best.
December 26th, 2016 at 11:29 am
Joe still cannot figure out how Charles Sims graded out higher than Devonta Freeman coming out of college.
December 26th, 2016 at 12:45 pm
Jacquizz had a good game and averaged 4.2 ypc.
If DM22 had played it would have been yet anohter sub 3.0 ypc game and maybe even worse of a score.
Koetter made the right call.
December 26th, 2016 at 12:48 pm
I dont think we can trade DM22.
What about LVD?
People always say GMC is the reason for losing culture but I dont see it. He is respected by every team in the NFL for good reason, has like 5 consecutive pro bowls, and is just an overall beast.
LVD tho? the new Loafer on this team. Some team might bite, I mean he has tremendous raw talent, and unlike dougie isnt at the age where his production should drop off.
I think LVD could land us some high picks. We can replace LVD with a larger LB so we can play better against the run while we still keep the speed of the smaller Kwon.