Fansided

Doug Martin’s Days In Tampa Bay ‘Are Numbered’

By Trisity Miller

Oct 26, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) runs off the field before facing the Minnesota Vikings at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) runs off the field before facing the Minnesota Vikings at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports /
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We could be seeing the end of Doug Martin in Tampa Bay. 

Sports are a fantastic thing. One day, a specific player can be on top of the world. The next, he can be out the door. Take Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin for example.

Just two seasons ago, Martin looked to be the ‘running back of the future’ for Tampa Bay. On 319 attempts, Martin rushed for 1,454 yards and 11 touchdowns. Fast forward to now? He’s out of the rotation, often injured, was on the block when the trade deadline approached and now, according to Ira Kaufman of Tampa Tribune, he could be on his way out in Tampa after this season.

Because of injury, Martin has only appeared in 5 games, rushing for 166 yards and 1 touchdown in that time. While the attempts weren’t plenty (58), Martin did little when given the chance to lead the offense, rushing for 2.9 yards per carry, the lowest of his career.

It would shock few if the Buccaneers did decide for the Martin era to be over. Lovie Smith isn’t the head coach who drafted him, and there seems to be little incentive from Smith to get Martin back going. Could it be a mistake? Possibly, but with the running back position being one you could draft for late in the NFL draft or attack by committee, there may be little worry in Florida.

We’ll see how this relationship plays out come the off-season.

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