Bold Prediction
February 11th, 2018
Immediate future forecast.
There are bold predictions and there are obvious predictions. And frankly, Joe isn’t sure where this one belongs.
ESPN recently decided to have its NFL beat writers make a “bold” offseason prediction for their respective teams. And when it comes to the Bucs, Jenna Laine has a hunch what will happen with Doug Martin.
The Bucs will move on from running back Doug Martin
The two-time Pro Bowler was given a second chance after a four-game suspension and a stint in a drug rehab program in 2016, but he has averaged just 2.9 yards per carry the past two seasons, which doesn’t warrant a $6.75 million salary for next year. The Bucs no longer owe him any guaranteed money and can move on with three years remaining on his contract without any penalty.
Now on face value, this is a total no-brainer. Honestly, this was a no-brainer prior to the 2017 season, but the Bucs kept Martin and Dirk Koetter seemed as if he was in a time warp thinking it was 2015. He was constantly counting on Martin and continued to start him even though it was clear the guy was done in 2016.
The reliance on Martin doomed the offense probably more so than the bum shoulder of America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston.
Joe really doesn’t expect the Bucs to release Martin until Joe actually sees the e-mail where the team announces the move.
Should the Bucs move on from Martin? Of course.
February 11th, 2018 at 12:36 am
She hasn’t impressed me in quite some time to be honest. Might as well bring back Pat lol.
February 11th, 2018 at 12:36 am
That was an obvious prediction not a bold one.
February 11th, 2018 at 12:37 am
Yea! The Bucs just fired our D Line Coach, Jay Hayes !!!!!!!!!!!
February 11th, 2018 at 12:39 am
Yep..just caught that Chris..damn..maybe steps are being taken..damn..I am in shock though..but not really..
February 11th, 2018 at 12:46 am
I know I got my son a Doug #22 jersey a couple of years back and a VH3 one…he told me tonight..DON’T EVER PICK MY JERSEYS AGAIN!!!
February 11th, 2018 at 12:53 am
I am glad he is gone, Jay Hayes, Mr too many stunts
McCoy and a few others were not fond of him
February 11th, 2018 at 1:01 am
I like Hayes..but I think he’s too caught up with his kids athletic careers coming up..Jaxson Hayes is always mentioned on his Twitter feed..nothing about the Bucs..
February 11th, 2018 at 1:13 am
Wow Joe! Out scooped! Hayes fired and no mention here. A little too long at the watering hole?
February 11th, 2018 at 1:17 am
Where is the reports of Hayes being fired?
February 11th, 2018 at 1:23 am
Kansas95…I caught it breaking news on my Twitter feed..
February 11th, 2018 at 1:29 am
Life…i just read it on ESPN, now it’s a waiting game of when the Joe’s will report it and read some of the reactions
February 11th, 2018 at 1:31 am
Here is a bold prediction. Doug Martin stays with the Bucs and with move back to RG with Marpet, Hawley to C and the addition of Nelson the Bucs have the leading rusher in the NFL Doug Martin.
2012 16 319 1,454 4.6
2013 6 127 456 3.6
2014 11 134 494 3.7
2015 16 288 1,402 4.9
2016 8 144 421 2.9
2017 11 138 406 2.9
Notice how Martin’s career is trending? Do I need to say anything else?
February 11th, 2018 at 1:40 am
Maybe the XFL will sign this drug bum
February 11th, 2018 at 2:07 am
Captain Obvious …
February 11th, 2018 at 2:46 am
#7 OG Nelson + OG Marpet + #38 RB Michel + RB Barber.
Spend money on a good Center. This is the running game we’ve so desperately needed for so long.
or:
Defense four first rounds. Lots of people have been saying Derwin Jamaes, but DB/LB aren’t allowed to tackle with their shoulder and not have it called a PF, and he bangs a lot of dudes lol. Only allowed to wrap tackle in the NFL now a days. Thanks Rog.
February 11th, 2018 at 3:08 am
I don’t have the intense, insane hatred for Martin that Joe does, but there is no way the Bucs bring him back. I think the overwhelming vast majority of issues was blocking and play calling, watch the film, Martin again and again is having to dodge people in the backfield when they just put 8 in the box on 1st down and Dirk runs between the tackles anyways. It was amazing that once Dirk remembered what a play action pass was and started using them in the first half, suddenly things opened up. It also didn’t happen until Dirk was coaching for his job near the end of the season.
I don’t know what Martin will do next, it’s hard to say. If he went to a team with a good o-line I could see him easily put up 1200 yards, or if he went to a team that has no offensive line like the Bucs do, say he goes to Seattle he’ll do blah.
Wherever he goes I wish him the best, so long as it’s not against the Bucs.
February 11th, 2018 at 6:17 am
On the Doug Martin front. The last time the Bucs needed a drive to run out the clock was week 16 vs the Panthers. Koetter, could’ve chosen Rodgers who he trusts, Sims who he loves or Barber who seemed to have the hot hand. Instead he chose Martin.
I wanted Martin back for this season and I wanted him released in favor of a practice squad guy in week 12. Koetter stuck with Martin. As ludicrous as it seems, I will be equally surprised either way on Martin. Koetter sees something, that I am clearly missing. I will say, of all the positions, RB is the one that I have the least faith in his evaluation. Second to Guard.
February 11th, 2018 at 6:39 am
Shouldve been cut last year. Its an overdue move.
February 11th, 2018 at 6:41 am
@godzilla13
If thats his career “trend” then why would you want a guy thats gonne be good once every 3 years?
February 11th, 2018 at 9:28 am
Doug Martin was as much a product of terrible offensive line play more than anything.
See: Legarett Blount, back to back Superbowl winning role player.
Both teams used as many as three running backs with assigned roles.
Trade Doug Martin for more picks. Draft a premium player, then a bruiser in one of the later rounds.
February 11th, 2018 at 10:07 am
Cook was the pick.
February 11th, 2018 at 11:32 am
It’s obvious here in Tampa yes but I can see why you say that Joe, I could easily see this idiot coaching staff bringing Martin and all of these back in another year and so something stupid like restructure the contract. The regime almost refuses to invest in the trenches or a fresh running back
February 11th, 2018 at 12:30 pm
Yeah this bold prediction from Laine was anything but
February 11th, 2018 at 1:38 pm
Off the cuff
Who is going to give up any pick much less pick(s) for Doug Martin. I ask because I would take anything we could get for him now I just don’t see his value.
February 11th, 2018 at 1:53 pm
Start Barber have Martin back him up.
To many needs to be stressing a RB this year…
Perhaps a Jajai (Dolphins to Philly) trade will be available…
Seriously, FORGET ABOUT A RUNNING BACK TILL THE SEASON STARTS.
February 11th, 2018 at 6:28 pm
ESPN is such garbage. Laine is right there with them. They’ve dragged her down to their level. “Bold Prediction”? So stupid.
Best part of Koetter’s press conferences is the look on his face when he hears a dumb Laine question she’s asking so she can lay a quote inside of a cookie cutter ESPN article.
February 11th, 2018 at 7:02 pm
StPeteBucsFan
Some desperate team would be willing to part with a 6 or 7th round pick for Martin. Typically throwaway picks, but can be made useful if used correctly.
The first thing we need is #VeatotheBay
February 11th, 2018 at 9:20 pm
@Joeypoppems Says: “If thats his career “trend” then why would you want a guy thats gonne be good once every 3 years?”
Just in the 3rd year.
February 11th, 2018 at 9:21 pm
Off the cut,ain’t no team in the NFL gonna trade for Doug Martin when they know he is gonna be cut and vita would die in this Tampa heat!he isn’t worth the 7th pick in the draft.he was getting his ass handed to him against Penn state one on one!go watch some tape,that big clumsy clown will melt like a candy bar in the Tampa heat !
February 11th, 2018 at 9:26 pm
If Jason light picks one player that isn’t a defensive lineman or offensive lineman,he should be fired within 24 hours after the draft!
February 11th, 2018 at 9:38 pm
For the millionth time, Joe does not hate Doug Martin. At all. Not even close. Joe actually likes Doug Martin.
What Joe does hate is non-production.
February 11th, 2018 at 9:40 pm
Well, when a writer/reporter gets an assignment, given how the industry continues to scuttle jobs right and left, it’s best for career preservation to take an assignment, put your head down, thank your editor and do as told.
February 11th, 2018 at 9:45 pm
Well said joe!!