“All Due Respect To AP … But I’m Riding Wit Doug”
February 7th, 2017
Yes, Joe is ready to wish Doug Martin well on his next team.
Joe can’t endorse a running back who has been injured significantly in three of the past four seasons and suspended for the first three games of 2017.
Joe must live life with both eyes open.
However, not everyone agrees. And one of those dissenting opinions belongs to the bully of the Bucs’ defense, defense end Robert Ayers.
Ayers recently took to Twitter to answer a fan question about adding potential free agent Adrian Peterson to the Bucs’ roster.
Ayers said a polite, No thanks.
All due respect to AP (best rb of our era) but I’m riding wit Doug.. he bout to tear shit up next year when he healthy
Has Ayers heard encouraging news about Martin? Mike Evans hadn’t as of 10 days ago. Joe hopes things are looking up for Martin.
Regardless, Joe can’t take Martin’s potential comeback seriously.
At minimum, the Bucs need to draft a starter-caliber running back — in a draft deep at the position — and re-sign Jacquizz Rodgers while Charles Sims enters his contract year. If Dirk Koetter likes 2016 rookie Peyton Barber, which Koetter claims he does, then he can be your No. 4 back.
February 7th, 2017 at 11:19 am
Great for Ayers sticking up for a teammate. Doug has sucked for 60% of his time with the Bucs. Next year he is GUARANTEED to suck for at least 16% of the time!!! Missing the first three games because of a drug suspension is the very definition of suckitude!
Man everybody here is yammering about how easy it is to find a back in the later rounds…then do it!!! Before we freaking have to put up with Doug “Muscle Turtle” Martin.
February 7th, 2017 at 11:40 am
sorry but i have little trust in #22 even if is is still on the team he will miss the first 3 games and i cant picture him coming in and being a starter week 4. i think its time to move on and draft a RB round 2 or 3 and use QUIZZ as a bridge so the new RB can take over fully next season when we let sims walk also. If #22 signs with another team and does well will we get any compensatory draft pick?
February 7th, 2017 at 11:49 am
Agree with Ayers completely.
February 7th, 2017 at 11:50 am
I will agree to roll with Doug, but if we do not get a fast good blocking good hands RB in this draft. We will all not be liking it, if Rolling with Doug has some rough roads next season. This draft has some very interesting RB’s from the first round on, we need to bring in one or two. The first 3 games without Rolling with Doug sounds like a rough ride to me, we could help smooth those 3 games out with some new RB’s. From this draft.
Go Bucs!
February 7th, 2017 at 11:54 am
All Do Respect To AP and Doug … But I’m Riding With Dalvin Cook.
February 7th, 2017 at 11:55 am
Martin is Done! Ayers is just being politically correct unfortunately.
February 7th, 2017 at 11:56 am
Always hope for the best but prepare for the worst. I think Licht will do exactly that.
February 7th, 2017 at 12:02 pm
Big serious…..comp picks are based on free agents that aren’t released so no Doug wouldn’t count as a free agent, also comp picks are given based on the contracts our free agents get compared to the free agent contracts we sign, for example say Gholston gets a $50 million deal and Glennon get a $35, and we only sign a couple of lower tier free agents like Stills for $24 million and some one else for $12 million then the Bucs would probably get a decent comp back, but seeing how the Bucs have over $70 million after cuts, the Bucs should spend more money than Gholston and Glennon would get, of course Gholston is probably getting resigned
February 7th, 2017 at 12:11 pm
Someone is gonna give martin a second chance, might as well be us, just renegotiate his deal, make it incentivized. Get rid of Sims, he is not special. I know a lot of people on JBF like him, my opinion is he is a 3rd down back and he is an average one at that.
JMO but I have seen much better.
February 7th, 2017 at 12:13 pm
If Dirk Koetter likes 2016 rookie Peyton Barber, which Koetter claims he does, then he can be your No. 4 back.
———————————-
Joe: what’s the deal with Barber? I’ve asked about him several times. He looked promising in what little snaps he’s played.
February 7th, 2017 at 12:17 pm
It’s called loyalty TB wouldn’t know anything about that. Some say real recognize real. I see no reason to let go of dougie except to please TBs moral superiority.
February 7th, 2017 at 12:21 pm
P.S.
Barber > Simms
Did you guys see how josh Daniels used white on Sunday? Of course you didn’t. 14 catches 110yards and some yuge first downs.
Simms IS NOT AN NFL RB.
February 7th, 2017 at 12:28 pm
Hope we are riding with Dalvin Cook.
February 7th, 2017 at 12:35 pm
I agree with Ayers. If Doug comes back and lights it up, it’s one less need in the off season. It’s the smart way to go…provided he doesn’t continue to have a problem.
Doug has ALWAYS been a good teammate. I see no reason to think otherwise now.
February 7th, 2017 at 12:41 pm
2 good seasons in 5 tries. the other 3 years, ridin’ with doug has blown up in the team’s face. i was one of the guys who felt like a 2 year deal was a smart play (it turned out to be, albeit for all the wrong reasons), but i just don’t see any GM with a playoff mandate risking their offense on doug martin as the presumed bell cow back. i wouldn’t put it past him to bounce back a la demarco murray, but even the titans hedged that bet with a high draft pick
February 7th, 2017 at 12:51 pm
Puke if he comes back.
February 7th, 2017 at 12:52 pm
“Doug has ALWAYS been a good teammate.”
Man Bonzai you sure set the bar low…as in beneath the ground.
A good teammate doesn’t sit on the sidelines hurting his team because of a drug problem.
Show me the freaking numbers!!! I do not care one bit about the morality of the drugs…I’m not angry or judging “The Muscle Turtle” because of his personal desires. I’m judging him because of his INCREDIBLE lack of production. We have a five year history now…and Doug is not even 50-50…based on his history you hve a less than 50-50 chance Doug will succeed. Based on his being a “good teammate” you are absolutely sure he will MISS the first three games.
Hey Doug way to help us get off to a fast start…who needs a starting RB at the beginning of the year. Then you have to wonder how long it will take to get up to game speed…game four? Five? Six?
Time to cut our losses with the Muscle Turtle and hopefully our next “feature” back will not get pulled down from behind after the OL gets him into the secondary
February 7th, 2017 at 12:54 pm
What the Commenter said😁…
February 7th, 2017 at 12:57 pm
Martin hosed the Bucs when they needed him most. If he was 1/2 the player he was the previous year…pre-pay day…the Bucs make the playoffs. Look how far Atlanta went last season…NFC was basically up for grabs. Having said all of this…I think there’s a better chance that Vincent Jackson returns…and those odds are just above 0%.
February 7th, 2017 at 1:03 pm
I need you guys to think Legarette Blount.
February 7th, 2017 at 1:10 pm
I respect Ayers for backing his team mate like that, I mean I wouldn’t expect him to do less. But from a fans and the the front office POV, Martin has been a scam artist his entire career, only good his rookie and contract year, and that smells fishy to me. The Bucs almost got scammed by him and I am glad he screwed up. Time to move on.
February 7th, 2017 at 1:21 pm
I wouldn’t consider bringing Martin back unless he is willing to renegotiate his contract. A one year deal for 3 mil loaded with incentives. I still think he is to slow, not very quick and lacks vision. The suspension doesn’t help his case either. His choice. I think we can live with him or without him but I would give him one more shot. Either way I really want to see what Quizz can do as a starter and I would bring someone in through FA or draft. May the best man win.
February 7th, 2017 at 1:40 pm
love the family first, that’s no BS with this team.
February 7th, 2017 at 1:43 pm
I don’t care either way. Just win and win big. I’m just happy I’m not a Falcons’ fan 🍻
February 7th, 2017 at 2:16 pm
A “healthy” Doug playing with a chip on his shoulder and with a cap friendly contract would be fine by me in2017. With that said I’d still like to see the Bucs add another RB in the draft, but it could be day 2 or 3 of the draft.
February 7th, 2017 at 2:30 pm
SPBF that “Muscle Turtle” cracked me up. Thanks
February 7th, 2017 at 2:31 pm
Exactly what the Commenter said.
February 7th, 2017 at 2:35 pm
Love the loyalty. I agree with tmax on this one tho. Just the politically correct thing for him to say. Not all that hard to upgrade over Dougie. The starter would just have to play 16 games.
February 7th, 2017 at 2:38 pm
Goodbye Drug Martin.
February 7th, 2017 at 3:04 pm
I wouldn’t expect to hear any news about Martin for at least another month, unless he skipped out on his rehab. Any news right now would be bad news for his recovery.
If he makes his recovery and agrees to restructure his contract, I would think he deserves another chance. But that said, The Bucs need to draft a RB, probably in the third or fourth rounds.
February 7th, 2017 at 3:07 pm
StPeteBucsfan Says
“A good teammate doesn’t sit on the sidelines hurting his team because of a drug problem.”
See now, that is the ONLY thing that has happened, and he is a first timer. Everyone deserves a second chance.
Do I prefer they rework his contract? yeah, I do. But if he does, I see no reason not to keep him.
“Show me the freaking numbers!!!”
The number two RB in the NFL in 2015. That showed he is capable of producing.
So okay, when it came time to give him a contract, I was one of the voices against it. I saw the 2 great years and 2 crap years…now 3 crap years. I wanted to franchise him while 90% of the people saying to cut him now wanted him under contract, no matter how many of use spoke against it.
Even so…I cannot help but think you are at least partially biased because you want a RB in the first round (or second).
And yet…all year long fans were making excuses for Jameis Winston, saying that the offensive line was really bad. When discussing Martin (or any RB), we must also acknowledge that the OL was bad for them too (which it was).
The lines MUST come before any position in the draft, unless we address the issues properly in free agency. If we land JPP, then clearly we won’t need DL. But we do need OL. And we need WR more than we need RB, because we have capable backups at RB, one of which did better than Martin.
As far as I’m concerned, running back is the forth need down the list as of this moment.
February 7th, 2017 at 3:09 pm
A running back will not win as many games for us as a good OL. Period.
February 7th, 2017 at 3:10 pm
HOWEVER…I also don’t think Martin should be handed to starting role. Quiz did great, and he deserves his shot.
Rework Doug’s contract and let them compete to start. Split the reps.
February 7th, 2017 at 3:34 pm
I’m with the bully!
February 7th, 2017 at 3:54 pm
@Buccaneer Bonzai
He could get a second chance. Just might be with a different team.
February 7th, 2017 at 4:08 pm
I love how everyone trashes Doug Martin after his first screw-up which he admitted to like a man…
Probably the same a**-hats who complain about getting rid of Talib, Blount, etc…
#suckit
February 7th, 2017 at 5:06 pm
I’m riding wit whatever back is lined up behind Winston. If that’s Martin (it won’t be) then, I’ll support Martin. We will be finding another back either through FA or the draft to pair with Sims.
February 7th, 2017 at 5:09 pm
For those of us wanting Dalvin Cook which includes myself, are you prepared to give up at least our 2nd round pick to get him? I am. It will likely take at least that much to move up into the top 10 to get him.
February 7th, 2017 at 5:22 pm
You guys will be supiesed at a fully healthy Charles sims running and receiving above average next year he’s really good I don’t think he’s a starter yet but he’s still young next year he very well could break out even more
February 7th, 2017 at 5:24 pm
Martin could be a MONSTER rb if he wasn’t injury prone. Now one thing to wonder is are the injuries more prone to happen with the drug use? I would think it’s a good possibility.
The other question is does he change? Will he grow up and put it in his past for good, or screw up again.
I would love to see Martin carrying the rock next season, but my guess is the glaziers and licht are going to Winston behind closed doors and see what he thinks.
If Jaboo backs him, I’ll back him. But It better be on a new contract and make him prove it.
February 7th, 2017 at 5:26 pm
If not, Zach Zenner is looking better and better at 19. He fills multiple needs with one pick. EXCELLENT vision, very good in the return game and has outstanding hands. Basically Charles Simms but can actually run. He’s also a really good route runner and elusive. I wouldn’t be opposed to the pick, but so many other good options as well. Tough call this year.
February 7th, 2017 at 5:29 pm
Zach Zenner at 19? What are you talking about Kevin?
February 7th, 2017 at 6:25 pm
Umm super confused about Zachary Zenner comment too.
February 7th, 2017 at 6:44 pm
ElioT
Talib and Blount are horrible comparisons they are world champions and Doug Martin was never anything more than a injury prone 50/50 back who was slow, unreliable and always hurt. most likely his injuries were related to the many rumors of his partying ways. soft tissues injuries. hard to stay hydrated when you are all LICKED up all the time. Stop with this is the first thing he has done. He has been hurt 60% of the time hes been here. Martin is just another pathetic loser who threw millions of dollars away to get high. LOSER and a horrible teammate. screw him.
Comparing a loser like martin to outstanding football players like Blount and Talib is laughable. little Dougie has never accomplished anything meaningful in his career other than a great game against the raiders years ago and a few garbage yards. NOT A WINNER!
February 7th, 2017 at 7:59 pm
Brady missed 4 Games
February 7th, 2017 at 8:15 pm
Uh……no. For one thing, he’s already out for three games to start the year. Second, he sucked out load in the games he did play this year. Literally, any RB can average 2 yards a carry, any RB.
February 7th, 2017 at 8:19 pm
Don’t be surprised if martin returns as a Buc. He will get his 2nd chance. And I’m predicting he will tear the league up in league leading yardage..with or without you guys blessings. The man made a mistake. Let he among you without sin or mistake..cast the 1st stone…I’ll be waiting for that stone….
February 7th, 2017 at 8:28 pm
Bonzai
Even so…I cannot help but think you are at least partially biased because you want a RB in the first round (or second).
Oh you can think that for sure because you’re absolutely correct. I want a difference maker…Dalvin for sure and if we go Samuels for his speed and versatility and take an RB later I’m OK with that.
I’ve never been a big Martin fan. YEAh he’s a nice guy who doesn’t make trouble…I got NO problem giving him a second chance simply based on his drug issue…I can easily get past that…it’s just that he brings nothing to the program. He ran well for a couple of years when the OL was playing very well…everybody keeps saying there are so many RB’s grab one late…OK even a late grab has to be better than Martin.
Again addressing this “find a player in later rounds”. Of course that is a possiblity but the FACTUAL bottom line to drafting is the lower you go in the rounds the greater the gamble. Dalvin is not a gamble unless he suffers Cadillac fate and somebody destroys his knee. ME was not a genius move because he was a great player who went in the top ten. Kwon is the surprise…4th rounder who can really ball.
I’m just more willing to believe our OL is not nearly as bad as folks are saying but our RB’s are!!! I really like Quizz and wouldn’t mind seeing him a rotation with a genuine stud…Dalvin…just as I like Hump and don’t mind seeing him in a rotation with talented 3rd WRs’.
If you really want to build a Cowboys style OL then you gottas start investing the draft picks as in #1…especially a left tackle which are really hard to find.
Can you find one late…maybe…same for WR or any other position.
February 7th, 2017 at 10:01 pm
Actually I could give a rats patootie if the Bucs keep Doug Martin. The arguments against keeping Martin are convincing.
February 7th, 2017 at 11:05 pm
Keep Doug, and BUILD A WALL! But not in Mexico dumb ass!
February 8th, 2017 at 3:17 am
Doug first injury came from the dumb ass coach sending him on a will route against Puke Kuechley. That was before he became Luke. Sims was hurt and Doug was left with catching when all he wanted to do was run. Freeman threw him a jump ball and he 5’2. Doug tore his labrum. He doesn’t have any knee surgeries and that the main thang. Y’all so quick to forget!
Doug has not had any major surgeries in these 5 years either. Ya know it alls!
February 8th, 2017 at 9:14 am
tmaxcon, I hear what you are saying about Martin, but both of those guys Talib and Blount both were given 2nd (and 3rd) chances BEFORE they became champions. I like Martin but if we got rid of him I would understand. I am pissed that he basically ruined our season. All we needed was one more win. The point is that someone will give him a chance so it might as well be us. We still need 1 maybe 2 RBs in draft or FA. If he sucks in camp cut or trade him. I am in the camp of going O-Line if Cook and M Williams are gone, which they both will be. We have to protect Jameis better and open better holes. BTW Charles Sims sucks and can’t stay healthy so we may need 3 RBs
February 8th, 2017 at 12:13 pm
tmax
when you type, I imagine an angry man at his keyboard sweating. You said that Blount and Talib are such great athletes, well did you forget that blount knocked out several teammates multiple times. One could argue that that behavior is worse than taking a drug. Or what about when Talib shot at his sister’s boyfriend. Or even himself. I would say that that behavior is worse than taking a drug. LOL
He’s nothing more than an injury prone 50/50 back? Well what about the two 6 consecutive month streaks when he was a top 5 back in the league in 2012 and 2015? I’d say that was more than a 50/50 injury prone back. Your bias is eliminating the merit in your rebuttal. I get why people wouldn’t want him and I agree to some extent, but I couldn’t disagree more with your logic. It’s not even rational. Doug plays better when he’s healthy and motivated and he is arguably more healthy and motivated than he has ever been. bring him back. Less holes to fill.