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Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Will Doug Martin be the starting running back?

By Nick Ziegler

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be looking to rebound from having the worst record in the NFL last season in 2015.

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One of the many problems for the Buccaneers was their inability to run the football. Last season, the Buccaneers ranked 29th in the NFL in total rushing yards, The 1,375 rushing yards by the Buccaneers was only better than the San Diego Chargers, Arizona Cardinals, and Oakland Raiders.

Last season, the Buccaneers’ leading-rusher was former first-round pick Doug Martin. The Buccaneers selected Martin with the 31st overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. Martin had a fantastic rookie season, as he totaled 1,454 rushing yards, 11 rushing touchdowns, 49 receptions, and 472 receiving yards.

The Buccaneers looked like they had a starting running back for years to come after Martin’s 2012 season, which included a trip to the Pro Bowl. In the last two years however, Martin has struggled.

In 2013, Martin played in just six games, totaling 456 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown, and a poor 3.6 yards per carry average. The Buccaneers and Martin certainly were hoping to see Martin bounce back in 2014, but he once again had a poor season, and only played in 11 games. Last season, Martin totaled 494 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, and a 3.7 yards per carry average.

After the poor 2013 season from Martin, the Buccaneers would use their third-round pick on running back Charles Sims. In his rookie season, Sims was a disappointment as well, as he totaled just 185 rushing yards with a dreadful 2.8 yards per carry average.

Arguably the Buccaneers’ best running back in 2014 was the undrafted Bobby Rainey. While Martin was the team’s leading-rusher, Rainey was certainly the most effective one. Last season, Rainey totaled 406 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown, 33 receptions, 315 receiving yards, and one receiving touchdown.

Jun 4, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) and teammates work out at One Buc Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Buccaneers hope that Jameis Winston will be their franchise quarterback. In order for a smooth transition for Winston to the NFL, an improved running game would help him greatly. Martin showed in his rookie season that he can be a very valuable weapon for a quarterback, but he needs to regain his form.

After the bad 2014 season, the Buccaneers declined Martin’s fifth-year option, but Martin still looks to be their starting running back.

“He’s on the first team like he has always been,” Head Coach Lovie Smith said to Zach Shapiro of the PewterReport.com. “He’s one of our guys, he’s our running back. He’s showing up and he is getting good work. I think it is just as simple as that.”

2015 will now be a contract season for Martin, and that can bring out the best in a player.

“I believe it’s like every other year, I’m playing for the team,” Martin said to Shapiro. “I love this team, I love the players around here and I love playing for the city of Tampa… I already have my own house here and I’m just doing the backyard right now and it’s almost finished, so I would love to be back here.”

As of now, it looks like Martin will be the starting running back in 2015, but with Martin’s injury history, Sims and Rainey will have to be ready if called upon.

Next: What was the best offseason move made by the Buccaneers?

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