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NFL Playoffs: 5 reasons Tampa Bay Buccaneers will make it

By Parker Hurley

Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Lavonte David (54) takes the field prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Lavonte David (54) takes the field prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 27: Running back Doug Martin #22 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs with the ball against the Chicago Bears in the first second quarter at Raymond James Stadium on December 27, 2015 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Cliff McBride/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 27: Running back Doug Martin #22 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs with the ball against the Chicago Bears in the first second quarter at Raymond James Stadium on December 27, 2015 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Cliff McBride/Getty Images) /

3. Doug Martin

Of course, as the season wears on and the weather gets colder, the spread it out and pass offenses get more and more one-dimensional. These winter months are those in which running the ball are key to establishing an identity.

The Bucs came into this season wanting to be a run first team. Doug Martin got injured, and they still tried to be a run first team behind Jacquizz Rodgers. Now that Martin is back, this team will continue to be a run-first team, but as displayed in their three-games winning streak, they will be successful at it.

The Bucs currently rank fourth in the NFL in carries per game. However, in yards per attempt, they rank 27th. Doug Martins injury had a lot to do with it, but so far this year he is also averaging just 3.0 yards per attempt.

However, in his first game back from injury he put up a touchdown to ignite the three-game win streak, and against the Chiefs and Seahawks, two of the elite run defenses in the NFL, he ground out 150 yards on 47 combined carries. It was the presence of the run that can free up Evans, and the opponents will get easier in the coming weeks.   

The Bucs three-headed playmaking monster may be hitting its stride at the right time and they may have a chance at a December run because of it.

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