Doug Martin

Hard to believe we are talking about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers being a playoff contender. For a long time, this team was one of the most forgotten teams in the league. They have lacked flashy players and playmakers on both sides of the ball over the years. Quarterback, Josh Freeman, has had moments during his professional career that gave fans hope that he could be the guy to lead this team for the next decade. However, inconsistent play has haunted him. The Bucs obviously needed something more than Freeman.

As a result, last offseason became a spending spree for Tampa Bay as they attempted to build talent among the organization through free agency and the NFL draft. They made some bold signings during the free agency period by acquiring All-Pro offensive guard Carl Nicks, two-time Pro Bowl receiver, Vincent Jackson, and cornerback, Eric Wright. They entered the draft with two first round picks. The 7th overall pick was spent on safety, Mark Barron, out of Alabama. It has turned out to be a fine pick, but the 31st overall pick was spent on a running back that has turned out to be the perfect compliment to Freeman; Boise State running back, Doug Martin.

Martin isn't always flashy, but he is an effective runner. He is small at 5 foot 9, but is stalky (215 lbs) and has recently drawn comparisons to players such as Ray Rice. For the first 6 games of the season, Martin had his up and down moments. His play went unnoticed until week 8 against the Oakland Raiders. His performance consisted of 25 carries for 251 yards and 4 TD's. He also added 4 catches for 21 yards. He gained much leaguewide notoriety from this game and is already emerging as the focal point of the defensive coordinators that are gameplaning against Bucs. On the season the running back has 197 carries and 1,000 yards on the ground. He is also a decent receiver, highlighted by his 27 catches for 319 yards through 10 games this season.

 Rookie RB Doug Martin is bringing optimism for Buccaneers fans

http://www.gannett-cdn.com/media/USATODAY/gameon/2012/11/04/gty-155478176-4_3_r560.jpg?f061b7ce9937c38b702e6f308816ac2a14e2a4ec

The Buccaneers take on the Falcons on Sunday and should give Atlanta a run for their money by pounding the football with their exciting, young, running back. Regardless, Martin is giving a reason for Tampa Bay fans to be excited about their future. Look for him to continue to develop into one of the better backs in the NFL.




For more Doug Martin stats refer to the links below...
http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/gamelog/_/id/14885/doug-martin
http://www.fbschedules.com/nfl-12/2012-tampa-bay-buccaneers-football-schedule.php
http://www.bucsnation.com/2012/4/28/2985108/2012-nfl-draft-results-tampa-bay-buccaneers-draft-picks
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7684603/tampa-bay-buccaneers-add-carl-nicks-eric-wright-signing-vincent-jackson