Buccaneers coaching staff changes mind, believes in Doug Martin as pass-catcher
By Sam Richmond
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin was a massive disappointment during the 2013 NFL season. The back rushed for just 456 yards on 127 carries than saw his season end 10 games early due to a shoulder injury.
More from NFL
- NFL rumors: Dalvin Cook suitor maintaining very ‘real’ interest
- Packers training camp news: Jordan Love struggles, Bakhtiari schedule, position switch
- 3 Cowboys who won’t be on the roster after training camp
- Packers: Aaron Rodgers reached out to Jordan Love this offseason
- Damar Hamlin is a ‘full go’ at Bills training camp
But Martin could be in store for a monster comeback year, considering the change-in-mind the Bucs’ new coaching staff has had about the 25-year-old’s abilities during preseason play.
From ESPN Insider (subscription needed):
"The Bucs’ new coaching staff came in believing starting tailback Doug Martin could not be effective as a pass-catcher. But that opinion changed in a big way after Martin used training camp and the preseason to show his versatility. The team drafted Charles Sims to be its pass-catching running back, but he is out with an injury for at least half the season. So not only will Martin get the bulk of the Bucs’ carries, he will get plenty of chances as a receiver out of the backfield. — Pat Yasinskas"
Martin showed flashes of greatness during his rookie season, so the fact that he’s impressed Lovie Smith and Co. isn’t too shocking. He rushed for a whopping 1,454 yards (4.6 yards per carry) and 11 touchdowns in 2012. He also caught 49 balls for for 472 yards and one more score.
That well-rounded ability clearly caught the Bucs’ staff’s mind and it’s why Martin could be the focal point of the team’s offense.
Tampa Bay drafted Martin with the No. 31 pick of the 2012 NFL Draft.