Dirk Koetter Answers A Doug Martin Question
May 8th, 2017
As regular readers here know, Joe doesn’t snooze on Tampa Bay fans. There are no off hours while Joe scours the globe for interesting Bucs news, notes and nuggets to share.
It’s a life obsession for Joe.
So, of course, Joe was ready when winning Bucs coach Dirk Koetter joined SiriusXM NFL Radio late at night after the third round of the NFL Draft.
Koetter was asked about the status Doug Martin by USA Today writer Tom Pelissero.
Here’s the exchange:
Tom Pelissero: There was a lot of speculation about Dalvin Cook potentially being the target on No. 19. Three rounds now, you haven’t taken a running back. What if anything does that tell us about how you feel about Doug Martin?
Dirk Koetter: Well, I don’t know just if you just single out Doug Martin. But, you know, we feel pretty good about our running backs in general. You know, people tend to forget that it was just the 2015 season, just two seasons ago, Doug was the No. 2 rusher in the entire league. So, you know, we do have Doug Martin. We brought in Jacquizz Rodgers last year. And Jacquizz, all he did was play good football for us. Charles Sims is another guy that had some injury problems for us last year who had a really nice year in 2015. And then we got a young guy that came on here as a free agent last year, a rookie out of Auburn, Peyton Barber. Peyton is a guy we have high hopes and high expectations for. He’s come in here and done a good job. The draft’s not over yet, No. 1.
But you can’t, you know with seven picks and we traded one, so now six picks, you can’t, you can’t, you’re not going to draft guys at every position. You have to feel good about the guys you have. And then if you’re taking the best players that you think are going to help your team for the long run, plus there’s 31 other teams picking, it just doesn’t always fall exactly the way you want it to.
Joe will leave Bucs fans to interpret the head coach’s answer however they wish. There’s a lot of directions to explore there, especially with plenty of time to kill in early May. And, of course, the Bucs drafted a running back in Round 5.
Somebody poke Joe when a team official says anything that resembles, “Doug Martin is a our No. 1 running back and we can’t wait to pound the rock with him.”
That’s not happening, despite what various media wants you to believe. Joe hopes Martin scampers for 2,000 yards with the Bucs next season, but Joe would be quite surprised if he’s even on the roster when his suspension ends in Week 4.
May 8th, 2017 at 1:30 pm
and go !!!!!!
May 8th, 2017 at 1:37 pm
@Joe … “but Joe would be quite surprised if he’s even on the roster when his suspension ends in Week 4.” Prepare to be surprised Joe. We’ll most likely start the season with Rodgers, Sims, Barber & McNichols. By Game 4, gut feel is that we’ll add Doug as the 5th RB, ease him in for 2 games (which will take us through Game 5), and by then ‘something’ will have happened (one of them proves to be ineffective, injured … whatever) and we’ll be back down to 4 RBs. ‘Something happens’ every year it seems. Having Martin not count against the 53-man roster until Game 4 is like getting a free insurance policy.
May 8th, 2017 at 1:40 pm
Well Joe, I don’t say this to upest you, but I fear your prediction regarding the Martin situation will go the same way your Riley Cooper/ Dalvin Cook predictions have gone. Joe offered predictions on Riley Cooper and Dalvin Cook? Where is that written?–Joe
May 8th, 2017 at 1:43 pm
What is the big freaking deal with him he made a mistake kwon got suspended his first year and no1 brings that crap up ! Yeah he went to a rehab but no1 knows what happened ! Trust in Licht and the process
May 8th, 2017 at 1:50 pm
The reason nobody brings up Kwon and his suspension is a couple reasons. First off, he produces on the field. Second, he wasnt knowingly putting banned substances in his body.
Whether it was adderall or the rumored ecstasy, both are banned substances and Doug Martin should be aware of that. Plus him being productive 2 years and injured 3 years isnt impressive. Then add on the fact he voided his contract and isnt owed any money, there are more reasons to cut him than keep him.
But, I think they will be keeping him this season.
May 8th, 2017 at 1:54 pm
And there have been a lot of players suspended for adderall. Dont recall any of them needing rehab for it, just sayin…
May 8th, 2017 at 1:59 pm
I think we have a decent RB by committee group, if it comes to that. Now with 2 TEs, we can run from that formation, which should also help. I think we get the running game going regardless of how Dougie turns out.
May 8th, 2017 at 2:01 pm
The only fact is no one who actually knows has said what Kwon took or what Doug took. Nor have they said if he will be on the team or be cut. It’s all speculation
May 8th, 2017 at 2:03 pm
“…Joe would be quite surprised if he’s even on the roster when his suspension ends in Week 4.”
If the new guy does well enough, you may be right, but I think Barber is the odd man out…not Sims, as some have said.
Blake_bucsfan Says
“Well Joe, I don’t say this to upest you, but I fear your prediction regarding the Martin situation will go the same way your Riley Cooper/ Dalvin Cook predictions have gone.”
Actually, the only predictions Joe made was that the Bucs would have to draft a running back and a wide reciever at some point in the draft. That’s it.
He said he hoped it would be Dalvin Cook as the RB, but he did not predict it. It’s there in the articles if you go back and look. Readers tend to attribute what OTHER people say to Joe. Remember…he quotes other sources most of the time and then comments on what they say.
May 8th, 2017 at 2:04 pm
I’m kind of over this topic at this point. I don’t think he’ll be back, but many swear on their life he will. None of us know. None of us have inside info. We are just interpreting the information we have and drawing our own conclusions. Reality is, the Bucs probably don’t know what they are going to do. If they know they are bringing him back, they would have said something. If they know they are getting rid of him, I would imagine they would have gotten rid of him by now. If we are sitting at 3-0 and running the ball great with the backs we have, why would we cut one of them and mess up chemistry? If we are 1-2 and are clearly missing Doug, I could see them bringing him in to hopefully give us a spark (albeit at a pay cut). It could also depend on injuries, or if another back we like around the league becomes available.
May 8th, 2017 at 2:05 pm
And it was most of the fans yesterday who said Riley Cooper would be signed.
Not me though. I saw him not making it 😛
May 8th, 2017 at 2:07 pm
who cares about the drug use. he was dumb enough to get caught so he must pay the price the reason the team needs to move on he has SUCKED ARSE 3 of the last 5 years and is injury prone. martin is 100% proven unreliable and this up and coming bucs team needs a reliable running back. martin has never ever been consistent nor reliable.
May 8th, 2017 at 2:07 pm
@pop- kwon “siad” he didnt knowingly do it. The nfl cant state exactly what he got popped for and its up to the players to spin their stories the way they want. At least doug admitted his was a problem and sought help. Not to say anything negative about kwon, but i find it hard to believe all these players pee dirty for adderall all the time. When was the last guy that had it come out that they were taking peds or anabolics?
May 8th, 2017 at 2:14 pm
Hawaiian Buc, just to drag you back into the subject ( 🙂 ) here’s what I think…
…I think if Doug stays clean,healthy, and stays out of trouble, he stays, regardless of how Jeremy McNichols does. Only the fans and media ever assumed he was gone (at least one Joe included).
And if that’s the situation, it is a smart move this year. Licht and Koetter are both right…Martin was the number two RB in the NFL two years ago. Now, you and I might assume he was playing for a contract and/or hopped up on drugs, but as coach and GM, they sort of have to take a one year chance on Martin. Just because of that one year.
It’s not a long term commitment. If he sucks, they can still cut him next year without penalty, because none of his contract is guaranteed now. They probably figure there is plenty of cap room, so why not?
I think McNichols has to make the team unless he really stinks it up in training camp. That either means the Bucs keep 5 RBs or move on from Sims or Barber. I think it’s Barber, because Koetter seems to like Sims too much. Not sure if Barber would qualify for practice squad still, but I also doubt he would clear waivers.
May 8th, 2017 at 2:19 pm
tmaxcon Says
“Who cares about the drug use. he was dumb enough to get caught so he must pay the price the reason the team needs to move on he has SUCKED ARSE 3 of the last 5 years and is injury prone.”
I cannot argue your point…but keeping him one more year may be the best option to give Jeremy McNichols time to adjust. Consider Martin a bridge player at this point.
Mojiska Says
“kwon “said” he didnt knowingly do it. The nfl cant state exactly what he got popped for and its up to the players to spin their stories the way they want. At least doug admitted his was a problem and sought help. Not to say anything negative about kwon, but i find it hard to believe…”
Kwon drank Red Bull energy drink, which is on the banned list. He did it at the start of training camp, before he knew it was banned. He got tests shortly after. Huge difference.
May 8th, 2017 at 2:22 pm
Joe…I cannot express enough how much this website distracts me from work! Grrr.
Never going to finish this book…
May 8th, 2017 at 2:23 pm
“It’s not a long term commitment. If he sucks, they can still cut him next year without penalty, because none of his contract is guaranteed now. They probably figure there is plenty of cap room, so why not?”
———
Help from Joe – is this true? I was thinking that his guaranteed money was voided if they cut him before he plays in the regular season. Now that I’m thinking about it, if what Bonzai is saying is correct, then that’s a game changer for me. Can we get some clarification on this?
May 8th, 2017 at 2:23 pm
Well i don’t have the time to scour through the archives for the Dalvin stuff…
https://www.joebucsfan.com/2017/05/rudy-slot-wrs/
“As for the 11 receivers to start training camp? Let Joe do some dart-throwing.
Jeez. Dart-throwing is a prediction? Sheesh. And do we really know Cooper is out, or that they’re just still looking? Big difference.–Joe
1. Mike Evans.
2. DeSean Jackson.
3. Humphries.
4. Godwin.
5. Riley Cooper.
6. Josh Huff.
7. The misplaced Calgary Stampeder, Donteea Dye.
8. Bernard Reedy.
9. Freddie Martino.
10. Derel Walker.
11. Bobo Wilson.
Bubble: Thomas Sperbeck, an undrafted free agent.”
May 8th, 2017 at 2:23 pm
let me ask you “IF” people… What percentage of a roster can and should be made of “IF THEY STAY THIS OR THAT” and still contend for a championship. I mean really contend not that 2 playoff win crap like under the severely flawed and failed dungy regime. I mean contending – nfc championship game or better. again the bucs have had a roster full of fan favorite IF THEY STAY HEALTHY guys for a decade now and how did that work out???? one and done in the playoffs is not contending for the standard challenged crowd.
May 8th, 2017 at 2:24 pm
Hawaiian Buc, his contract has switched from guaranteed to year-to-year. If he plays in the regular season, that year is locked in…but not the following years.
May 8th, 2017 at 2:24 pm
The drug suspension has something to do with the possibility the Bucs moving on from Doug. It has a lot to do with his 5 year inconsistency. Plus a lot of injuries. Coach Koetter made a comment about Doug and his productivity during his first season with the Bucs as an coordinator.
Per Greg Auman of the Times August 2015.
“What Doug did in the game … that’s how Doug’s been practicing every day. That was not surprising,” Koetter said. “Doug definitely has a pep in his step and a smile on his face. … Contract year. We’ve all been there.”
That comment Coach made seem as if he wasn’t sure who is the real Doug Martin. Was he playing well for the money? Then last season he was not happy with his production. I truly doubt he trust Doug.
May 8th, 2017 at 2:25 pm
The Doug Martin articles on JBF have reached click-bait level critical, stop feeding the troll ppl
Such nonsense. The head coach goes on national radio and talks about Doug Martin. So Joe should ignore? What is this the newspaper? –Joe
May 8th, 2017 at 2:25 pm
lol, Blake…I know I could never predict who will be in training camp at this time of year, outside of the obvious players.
May 8th, 2017 at 2:28 pm
the only troll is doug martin. you should be feeling sorry for those that bought into a part time back and bought full time jerseys.
May 8th, 2017 at 2:30 pm
tmaxcon, Apples and Oranges.
Because injuries and off field issues are unpredictable, they always play a factor.
For example, IF Martin were starting and carrying the lions bulk of running plays, him getting injured is predictable, yes. But if Jeremy McNichols and Quizz are getting more carries, he might stay healthy longer.
In regard to playoff runs, I would say it all depends on depth at key positions. We’re deeper on WR this year, so injuries there would hurt less. But if, say, your favorite DT is placed on IR, that would hurt our chances.
Luck of the draw, really.
May 8th, 2017 at 2:32 pm
@Bonzai,
That’s great info, and something that I really didn’t consider. That definitely makes it a little more reasonable to keep him for this year only. That being said, I don’t know if he’s even the 4th best back on this team. Obviously when he’s healthy and hungry he is, but is he going to be either this year? Having him healthy is at best a crap shoot, and having him hungry seems even less likely. If he play anywhere near like what he played last year, he shouldn’t make the team at all based just on skill level. He was bad in the preseason, bad in the first game, and bad when he got back. Rodgers was clearly better than him last year. I just wonder if Doug’s time has passed him by. There’s not to many backs at his age whose career ascends at this point. It’s much more common for it to fall off a cliff. Don’t get me wrong, I hope he tears it up, but I wouldn’t bet a dollar of my hard earned money on it.
May 8th, 2017 at 2:32 pm
Stephen Says
“The Doug Martin articles on JBF have reached click-bait level critical…”
The same has been said for nearly all the players and Hard Knocks. I mean, come on…Joe has to report on the Buccaneers, right? There are only so many topics available.
May 8th, 2017 at 2:33 pm
bonzi those are all excuses… championship teams and organizations win they don’t blame injuries they deal with them. patroits lose gronk every year. they have lost brady they just win without excuses bucs are all excuses for the last decade and the standards need to be raised.
May 8th, 2017 at 2:34 pm
Again, why would they say anything about Doug starting? They hold all the cards. He’s in their plans until he is not. Simple as that.
May 8th, 2017 at 2:34 pm
Hawaiian Buc
If playing for money…that;s key in what you said. Without the guaranty, every year is a contract year now.
Come to think of it…it;s sort of like 3-4 years of Franchise Tags at a reduced cost! Hmmn.
May 8th, 2017 at 2:35 pm
Question regarding Martin. Is there a benefit to cutting Msrtin sooner than later? My understanding is thst he is basically on contract now from game to game. I’m not aware of any “trigger” that would cause the contract to be reinstated. Given that reasoning, why the rush to cut him prior to week 4? Feature him in the preseason, act like he’s your feature back. If a solid team loses there Feature back early in the season then maybe you can get a draft pick or what happens if we have a back that goes down. What are the chances all 5 make it thru training camp, preseason and week 3 healthy?
May 8th, 2017 at 2:36 pm
tmaxcon Says
“bonzi those are all excuses… championship teams and organizations win they don’t blame injuries they deal with them”
Ah, but that’s because championship teams are preferred teams. They get the best free agents at reduced costs. Teams that are trying to reach that milestone have to settle until they build depth.
May 8th, 2017 at 2:37 pm
Bonazi,
again more BS no offense… you either win or lose period…. bucs has an organization has not been competitive from the ownership, front office, coaching to players for a decade and the results prove that. everything else is an excuse.
May 8th, 2017 at 2:38 pm
@Tnew
That’s a very good point.
I would only say that the new RB will need plenty of experience in the preseason to get his NFL legs up to par, so that might limit Martin being featured. But you are right, the Bucs pay Martin nothing (except maybe camp salary?) until after week three.
May 8th, 2017 at 2:40 pm
RB is such a fragile position in terms of injury. I get ALL the arguments for and against Martin. The question I pose is this: Take Martin out of the equation. Sims/Quizz are your “starters”. BOTH were injured last year and Sims has never been consistent like Martin. In all likelihood, one or both will be sidelined. That leaves you with Barber, who’s unproven as an “every-down” back and McNicholls, a rookie. I don’t feel as comfortable with that scenario as I would with Martin in the mix because the other backs are not as good as or not as experienced as Martin.
This is the reason I continue to bang the drum for keeping Martin. If you apply all other arguments, say like tmax’s above, it’s more reasonable to assume the risk.
It’s just opinion, but the backfield is more threatening with Martin (healthy of course!). It’ll all shake out accordingly but I would feel better about the run-game with Martin there.
May 8th, 2017 at 2:42 pm
I said this before the draft…Jason Licht will make a lot of Buc fans angry. But it’s time to move on and unite behind the players who are actually on the roster.
May 8th, 2017 at 2:42 pm
bonzi
winners are preferred and if the bucs raise the standards and win and accept nothing less than winning year in and year out we too can become preferred. becoming a preferred destination is EARNED by winning not handed out because the weather and no state taxes.
May 8th, 2017 at 2:45 pm
bye doug, bring in THE WEAPON, nuff said
May 8th, 2017 at 2:47 pm
bonzi
not trying to brawl with you today. maybe later lol.. but i am just interpreting the Win at all cost mentality Licht was mentioning. That is what it takes to contend consistently. every team has adversity it’s how the entire organization Prepares and Reacts to those adverse situations depends on whether its a winning organization or a losing origination every thing else is irrelevant until the change the object of the game from winning to something else.
May 8th, 2017 at 2:50 pm
I personally do not like to make guarantees or even predictions anymore. I have done so, specifically during Lovie’s first year, in the past and they have burnt me quite a bit.
However, I am willing to not only predict, but bet Doug will be on the roster all season long.
Not only that, I bet he puts up monster yards. In fact, I don’t think I have disagreed with Joe more.
I get all the Doug doubters. You guys have a point and it makes sense, I just think his presence and production this year is a lot more likely.
We’ll see….
May 8th, 2017 at 2:50 pm
Idk to me it sounds like he is trying to warm people up to the fact that Martin is staying at least for this year by saying hey this guy was 2nd leading rusher in 2015. Just makes sense to keep him for now. Reason being is if the other backs don’t do anything this year u have Martin that can maybe rejuvenate the offense because regardless of what anyone wants u to think Rodgers had 2 good games and one was against the panthers so do what u want with that info. Fact is imo 1 as I said if the other backs aren’t producing u have Martin and hope that at least that’s your ace up your sleeve if necessary. If u let him go u have nothing. And number 2 I don’t see defenses really respecting the run or fearing any of our other backs. Off of who he is alone he demands respect when he is in the backfield because I guarantee u opposing defenses aren’t concerned with martins off year. They are instead focusing on what he can do to them when healthy and motivated. Bucs fans have to stop getting mad at players and then forgetting what that player is capable of. Happened just over a year ago when everyone was mad at Evans. I’m not saying Martin will or won’t produce this year. Just from a football standpoint makes absolutely zero sense to get rid of him now unless someone offers a high draft pick
May 8th, 2017 at 2:51 pm
Your not going to find the answer to the Doug Martin situation in hidden meanings from quotes. At this point the Bugs have no reason to say or do anything. If they already do know how they are going to handle this they are making a mistake.
Martin should be a big part of training camp because it will create competition and should get the most out of all our runners. A lot will happen from now til the start of the season and the Bugs are in a good spot with Martin in the mix for now.
There is no right or wrong answer here because no matter what you want or think they should do something could happen to make you switch your mind. You guys are trying to predict the rate of Doug Martin before anybody has even put on cleats or before we have gotten a look at the rookie. Y’all need to learn patience. The Bugs are best to let this thing play out………typical kneejerk reactions from fans.
May 8th, 2017 at 2:51 pm
I don’t know about anyone else but I, as a Buc Fan, am certainly rooting for Doug Martin to be his best self and succeed as a Buc running back next year…..why on earth not?
While I think his contract should be renegotiated, we certainly have the money to retain him.
I root for all Bucs until they aren’t.
May 8th, 2017 at 2:55 pm
@tampabaybucfan I agree. I can’t understand why everyone wants to run with 3 backs 2 of which haven’t proved they can do anything at the position instead of rolling the dice on Martin who has proven at least that every other year he can produce and this is that other year. We have nothing to lose by retaining him
May 8th, 2017 at 2:57 pm
@TBBF- Harumph! 100% agreed!
May 8th, 2017 at 2:58 pm
Everything else is “just excuses” PERIOD
May 8th, 2017 at 3:00 pm
Doug Martin is an active member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Until they release him, he’s a Buc. I’m 100% in Doug Martin corner. I also believe that the Bucs did right by not spending a high draft pick on a RB. And Jeremy McNichols will shine as a Buc.
May 8th, 2017 at 3:07 pm
All I want is for the Buccaneers to be a great team. If Doug gives us the best chance to be great, then by all means I want him on the team. If he’s going to hold us back (like I believe he did last year), then I hope we move on. I will understand the decision either way. I just hope we get it right.
May 8th, 2017 at 3:20 pm
Jude held us back more than Doug Martin did. His stupid holding penalty against the Raiders cost us a game and possibly a playoff berth. No one here is saying anything about him. It’s always Doug,Doug,Doug,Doug it’s like a broken record. So it has to be more to this story, than Doug failing a drug test.
May 8th, 2017 at 3:26 pm
@TampaBayBucFan
I do not think that Drug Martin’s contract will be “renegotiated” as that would likely take one of the options for NFL GM Jason Licht off the table!!!! And that option is to show case DM22 in the preseason and another team has a major injury at RB!!! With the 3 game suspension his total this year is a palatable, with just over 5 million, and would give the team trading for DM22 control next year.
Don’t just throw something away if it has value!!!!!!!!!
Go Bucs!!!!!!
May 8th, 2017 at 3:44 pm
Doug will be back next year no matter what Joe thinks!
May 8th, 2017 at 3:49 pm
Dm is coming back. Let it go.
May 8th, 2017 at 3:49 pm
There is *ZERO* reason why Koetter or Licht would say ~any~ RB is the #1 guy.
None.
Koetter has a history of running back by committee.
Martin is going nowhere.
History of running back by committee? Of course, as a 10+-year playcaller he’s used that approach, but that’s not his thing–Joe
May 8th, 2017 at 3:51 pm
@LakeLandBuc,
You’re talking about one play versus a guy that was out partying and putting himself over the team. Huge difference, and I know you are smarter than that. I can deal with guys making mistakes on the field, but Doug has a lot to make up for with his actions off the field. Doug was terrible in every game last year. Jude is a part time player that actually played pretty well. Corners get called for holds all the time. That was really a silly statement.
May 8th, 2017 at 3:58 pm
The Buc Realist
come on now sir it’s a huge stretch to say martin has any value at all. his past unreliability will over shadow his part time production.
May 8th, 2017 at 3:59 pm
Tmaxipad: with all of your talk, I hope you are a very successful person in your business life. I would be seriously disappointed if you don’t own your own business and do nothing less than 7 figures a year in business while you personally gross in the 6 figures. I mean, you did mention and I quote “you either win or lose period.” There is no in between in your eyes.
May 8th, 2017 at 4:00 pm
Saints just suffered a blow. Unger suffered a injured foot. Supposedly will miss the beginning of the season.
May 8th, 2017 at 4:05 pm
@ Bonzai: I can assure you that the NFL sends reps to rookie camp telling players EXACTLY what they can and cannot put in their bodies, and who they can and cannot associate with.
This is like the first night of reporting.
Been that way forever. I have never played on a team, college or pro, where that was not the case.
The NFL is hamstrung by the CBA to release *any* information about substance ban. The player and player agent can say anything they want.
Because Kwon said “Red Bull” or Freeman said “adderall” does NOT make it so.
And what better way for a busted player to show sincerity than to check into a “rehab” facility? I can assure you, having disciplined numerous employees who get into trouble for all manner of addiction that all “rehab” is not the same.
I’m impressed by how the FO has handled this, and I’ll bet Martin’s friends on the team do also. It’s all about “family” to these guys.
The worst thing the Bucs could have done to destroy the Zen of the Bucs locker room is trash Martin (within the constraints of the CBA) or cut him. I have heard ZERO comments that Martin “betrayed” or let the team down by his teammates. Maybe they have, but I’ve not heard it.
ASJ was a different issue entirely. It was clear to all he was an assclown who put himself over team, and few if any of his teammates came to his aid or verbalized support. Not the case with Martin.
@ TBBF: dittos. I would be surprised if there is any renegotiation going on, because the only card the Bucs hold is cutting him. Martin knows he’d be a hot commodity on the free market if that were to happen.
1000+ yards by Martin in 13 games would not surprise me one bit.
May 8th, 2017 at 4:06 pm
did he answer any questions why desean jackson wasn’t there today? great teammate already showing. lol
May 8th, 2017 at 4:10 pm
@Cobraboy,
Doug got popped for Molly’s. It was reported, and no one from the Bucs or Martin’s camp has denied it. He may have gotten popped for another substance, but he was doing a recreational drug because he was out partying like Josh Freeman on a bye week.
As for Kwon, he made a mistake. I don’t really believe it was energy drinks, but it doesn’t really matter. He hurt his team, but there’s a big difference between a rookie taking PED’s versus a 28 year old veteran who just signed a huge contract going out partying and taking Molly’s.
May 8th, 2017 at 4:13 pm
BRING BACK BLOUNT!!!! You want mismatches, let’s grab him up!
May 8th, 2017 at 4:28 pm
The current administration/coaches have seen Martin and his prep/state of mind during a successful training camp and then season less than 2 years ago.. I’m sure they are well equipped during training camp to determine if he has “it” this year. He has every incentive to stay clean and perform. I have no problem with him staying on a restructured one and done deal with no guarantees if the brain trust thinks he’s good to go. If he sucks before or during, cut him. This team has certainly survived much greater recent monetary losses (Ghost Johnson, Sweezy to date). It’s not that hard.
May 8th, 2017 at 4:30 pm
Argh the only mismatch Blount would bring this team is his skill set with our offense.
May 8th, 2017 at 4:39 pm
If every Buc running back was out for the year I still don’t think the Bucs would sign Blount
May 8th, 2017 at 4:49 pm
@Joe
I agree with you most of the time, but I really hope you are wrong about Martin.
May 8th, 2017 at 5:04 pm
Just an idea – if there is a general feeling that Martin does best when his feet is to the fire, when he feels the need to prove himself – then why would you take the heat off? Martin is playing for his contract now – he has to perform to get paid as there are no guarantees. Personally I believe Martin is the kund of guy who is hugely embarrassed by what happened and is out to prove he’s not a problem guy, that he is one of the best in the NFL. I don’t know Martin but that is the feeling I get based off what I do know about him. I could be wrong, but I don’t think I am. Bell in Pittsburgh was suspended for 3 games to open last season and he did pretty well in fact if you want to see two careers that look similar, at least on paper, go look at Bell’s numbers. For 2 of his years he’s been one of the best in football – in two other seasons he’s been injured or suspended and didn’t do that much. No one talks about cutting Bell to prove a point, that’s what loser teams do. If Martin again is injured or just isn’t himself then sure, cut him, but to stand on a platform and talk about how a guy needs to be run out of town over a suspension – well I guess that means Kwon needs to have been cut as well – which is a really dumb thing to think.
May 8th, 2017 at 5:25 pm
tmax…did you catch the GMC basher caller on Bucs uncensored? The host seemed a little peeved at that opinion. I still like Martin, one of his fanmans. He should be back for a redemption shot.
May 8th, 2017 at 5:33 pm
I never agree with you lol and from what I see Martin will be here it almost always goes opposite of what you sayha,ha
May 8th, 2017 at 5:37 pm
Seems to me that Joe wants nothing more than Martin off the team. That you can poke a stick at!
Not accurate. Does Joe trust Martin to be part of a winning Bucs team? Nope.–Joe
May 8th, 2017 at 5:56 pm
Every single RB the bucs had on roster last season missed time to injury. But please keep talking like Martin is the only RB in the league to get hurt. I would bet over half of the league missed their starting RB to an injury last season. It happens far to often to make it an excuse not to keep Martin. If the bucs think Martin is not the best RB, by all means cut him. But the injury excuse is pathetic. RBs get hammered all day long. They are often injured. All of them. ‘Durable’ and ‘RB’ sadly don’t go in the same sentence very often. That isnt a martin flaw, that is a rb flaw.
May 8th, 2017 at 6:22 pm
Jude was suspended for PED, just like Doug Martin. But he gets a pass.
May 8th, 2017 at 6:28 pm
@ Joey – you can bet your a$$ that Kwon knew what he was putting in his body and that it was illegal. It was not some energy drink that he refused to name. C’mon man! Nobody is really doing Adderall either. It sounds a lot better than mollies and steroids. The NFL can’t call them out for lying so they go ahead and make up some ridiculous story. I guess they should though since people like you are still out there believing the lies.
May 8th, 2017 at 6:52 pm
I think Joe will need a “surprise” party (that he finances) when Doug Martin starts in Week 4, here in Tampa, Oct 1st, against the NYGs…despite the health of the rest of the RB corps.
Joe should rent four or five RVs, roll them into Lot 14 outside the RayJay, get a whole bunch of beer and wings, and we have a big Doug Martin party.
I’m betting Joe is game for that. Can be written off as a business expense.
May 8th, 2017 at 6:53 pm
Shoutouts to (RB) Rawleigh Williams III.
The young man decided to quite the game he loves today.
The same game he’s been playing since he was 4yrs old – because of growing concerns about his neck.
I wish him grand success and bright future in all his endeavors.
Sound Off
Rawleigh Williams III
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9bnMx5P7F8
May 8th, 2017 at 7:01 pm
@ Hawaiian: there is ZERO evidence what substance Martin took. None. A non-answer is neither denial or agreement.
And that bloviator over at 620 is still sticking to his story that the Bucs were going to be sold to the DeBartolo’s aaaannnnny day.
And, no, Kwon was not a “mistake.” He knew damn well what he was doing.
Some folks just don’t think they’ll get caught, that’s all. Just like real life, cheating on taxes, driving too fast, stepping out on the wifely babe, slacking at work, etc. Most of the time you don’t get popped. But sometimes it just isn’t your day. Can you imagine how Kwon, Martin, Jude, etc. felt when they got that note proclaiming them as the Big Winner of the Mandatory Random Pee Sample Lottery?
There is no difference in a rookie or veteran getting caught. They both know the deal, and they have both the NFL and their agents (part of the agent approval process is assurances the agent emphasizes banned substance use) in their grill about it from early on. And guess what: agents take a financial % haircut when a player gets whacked so most assuredly agents make the point perfectly clear.
May 8th, 2017 at 7:03 pm
There is a reason RB’s have the shortest lifespan in the NFL. They take the hardest hits and get hurt the most.
May 8th, 2017 at 7:07 pm
Cobraboy
Yep
May 8th, 2017 at 7:14 pm
Hawaii..you missed my point. It wasn’t just the stupid holding call on Jude that cost us a game. It was his suspension for PED also, so you can say that he let his team down more than once. But hey as long as he’s not Doug Martin, it don’t matter.
May 8th, 2017 at 7:58 pm
I think Martin will stay with a new 2 yr prove it contract, with little guarantees and full of incentives.
May 8th, 2017 at 8:00 pm
Its going to be a long summer lol. Just my opinion but until further notice, Doug is our starting running back. The rest have all of ttaining camp/pre season to start while Doug is suspended. Then whoever wins will have three games to take Dougs spot as the starting running back. How much production is needed to remain the starter, I haven’t the slightest.
May 8th, 2017 at 8:46 pm
Joe is correct with the last part of the article. Never gonna happen.
May 8th, 2017 at 8:53 pm
The latest study says energy drinks are very bad for your heart, everybody probably already knew that.
May 8th, 2017 at 9:25 pm
Cobra – there is one huge flaw in your theory. While I agree these guys know they are cheating and hoping they dont get caught, their agents probably don’t mind it at all. Just look at baseball if you need an example. A guy goes from 15 homers a year to 50 and gets a $100M contract because of it. The agent gets the same percentage regardless. If a guy can cheat and quadruple his income the agent quardruples his income. Agents have the exact same motives the players do to cheat and cut corners.
May 8th, 2017 at 9:31 pm
@LakeLandBuc,
I actually totally forgot about Jude getting suspended. In that case, it’s hard for me to argue your point. The only thing I would say is that this is a business, and Doug makes a lot more money. I know it’s not our money so we don’t (and shouldn’t) care, but everybody in every front office feels differently.
May 8th, 2017 at 9:33 pm
@Cobraboy,
You’re so naive. You do realize if those accusations were false, everyone from Doug Martin all the way to the Bucs front office would have had a $h!t fit, don’t you? Their silence is deafening. This is the real world we live in, and if you really believe they would let that happen, then you’re out of your freaking skull (in my best Jon Gruden voice).
May 8th, 2017 at 9:36 pm
“There is no difference in a rookie or veteran getting caught. They both know the deal, and they have both the NFL and their agents (part of the agent approval process is assurances the agent emphasizes banned substance use) in their grill about it from early on. And guess what: agents take a financial % haircut when a player gets whacked so most assuredly agents make the point perfectly clear.”
——–
Simply not true. Rookies are kids. By the time you are on your second contract, you are a veteran, which means you are getting paid more, which means you carry heavier expectations. It’s reality. If my 6 year old does something, he doesn’t get the same consequences as if my 12 year old does the same thing. Yes, Kwon screwed up. I’m not excusing him. If he does it again, then we have been duped by him and we have to replace him. Doug got his money, and then decided he want to Josh Freeman it. If you don’t see the difference, then there’s no use in continuing this conversation.
May 9th, 2017 at 12:45 am
With Sweezy,Marpet, and Pamphile up the middle and a new TE/OT in O.J. Howard, if Jason’s tales of an awesome new Doug Martin are valid and he can stay healthy, he could break out week 4. He’s definitely on the opening day roster.
May 9th, 2017 at 1:34 am
📝 to all dougnator haters can back up and sit the buc down he is and still will be a T.B.B BABY 👶
May 9th, 2017 at 2:25 am
@Defense Rules Says
I like your strategy of letting this play out until the 4th week and then making a decision as one of the 4 backs will probably be in on IR by that game. If not Duggie gets back into the swing of our NFL family at a really reduced rate and competes with the four and we keep 5 backs.
May 9th, 2017 at 12:56 pm
Hawaiian Buc Says:
One thing I’m not is naive.
Fact: Under the CBA, no team can respond to the substance taken. That includes a denial.
The “real world” of the NFL you mention is chock full of lawyers.
May 9th, 2017 at 1:03 pm
CB Says:
——–
Hawaiian Buc Says:
<blockSimply not true. Rookies are kids. By the time you are on your second contract, you are a veteran, which means you are getting paid more, which means you carry heavier expectations. It’s reality. If my 6 year old does something, he doesn’t get the same consequences as if my 12 year old does the same thing. Yes, Kwon screwed up. I’m not excusing him. If he does it again, then we have been duped by him and we have to replace him. Doug got his money, and then decided he want to Josh Freeman it. If you don’t see the difference, then there’s no use in continuing this conversation.
You are simply incorrect. I told you why: the NFL spends an enormous amount of time and money educating Rooks before they take the field on all manner of behaviors and topics, and vetting, training and approving player agents on the same topics.
The NCAA does the same thing (but not for agents.)
I have sat through enough of the talks both in College and the pros to know, and that was way back in The Day before today’s far more sophisticated and litiginous league.
The NFL has a vested interest in ALL players knowing ALL the rules of conduct. To think otherwise IS naive.
Kwon knew. His agent knew. Martin knew. They all know.
May 9th, 2017 at 1:06 pm
ARRRRRG….
CB Says:
Hawaiian Buc Says:
You are simply incorrect. I told you why: the NFL spends an enormous amount of time and money educating Rooks before they take the field on all manner of behaviors and topics, and vetting, training and approving player agents on the same topics.
The NCAA does the same thing (but not for agents.)
I have sat through enough of the talks both in College and the pros to know, and that was way back in The Day before today’s far more sophisticated and litigious league.
The NFL has a vested interest in ALL players knowing ALL the rules of conduct. To think otherwise IS naive.
Kwon knew. His agent knew. Martin knew. They all know. The NFL makes sure. It’s in the CBA.
May 9th, 2017 at 1:08 pm
TouchDownTampaBay Says:
Apples and Oranges.
The NFL is far more controlling than MLB.