Fansided
Fansided

Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Doug Martin Primed For Comeback Year

By Erik Lambert

facebooktwitterreddit

Dec 28, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) runs past New Orleans Saints free safety Pierre Warren (42) during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

At one point in time it looked like Doug Martin would be part of the next generation of elite running backs.  His dominant rookie season of over 1,900 total yards and 12 touchdowns was proof enough of that.  Sadly, as is the case for many at the position, Martin had to endure a run of injury problems over the next two years.

Not to mention a coaching change.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers experts and fans all would’ve sworn the 26-year old had played his last downs as a starter in 2014.  Then a surprising development occurred over the past three months.  Martin seemed to regain his old form.  That burst he had as a rookie seems back, and it was enough to convince head coach Lovie Smith he should be the lead guy for the Bucs this season.

"“We talked about being able to establish the run. Doug will be the lead guy doing that, so it’s very important that we open up some holes and let him do his thing.”"

A huge part of making that a possibility is the presence of rookie quarterback Jameis Winston.  In years past Tampa Bay hasn’t had the threat in the passing game to make life easier on the rushing attack.  Winston changes that.  Despite his inexperience, his sheer talent and the presence of Vincent Jackson and Mike Evans at receiver will be enough to compel defenses to keep extra defenders out of the tackle box.

Provided Martin gets even modest blocking from his offensive line, he should have a bounce-back season that puts him at the forefront of Comeback Player of the Year.

Smith is a defensive coach who showed during his years in Chicago that he believes strongly in a consistent ground attack.  That means the Buccaneers are going to stick with it.  Their primary reason will be protected Winston of course, but balancing the offense is also a key goal.  If Martin is truly back to his old form, then the only thing keeping him from a resurgence is the same as it was the past two seasons.

Health.

Next: NFL Power Rankings: Top 10 Draft Busts Of Past Decade

More from NFL Mocks

Home/NFL News