Don’t Worry About Doug Martin

May 17th, 2014

doug martin 0814

The drafting of running back Charles Sims out of West Virginia sure opened up a lot of people’s eyes. Bucs fans started to worry about the job status of fan favorite Doug Martin.

Lovie had told Joe at the NFL Scouting Combine that Doug Martin would be his bellcow and he lauded the Bucs’ stable of running backs.

Then, the night he drafted Sims, Lovie said the Bucs were looking for a pass-catching running back.

Joe thought Sims’ arrival could signal the Bucs want to keep Martin on a pitch count to extend his years.

Lovie stated yesterday there is no need for concern about Martin.

“Doug is our starting tailback, he’s on most of the billboards around here,” Lovie said yesterday. “He’s an All-Pro running back; there’s nothing to dislike about Doug Martin. At the same time, we want Doug around for many years and by that you need to have some other guys, you can’t carry it every second of the way. He’s done everything we’ve asked him to do and couldn’t be more pleased with him.”

Keeping Martin on a pitch count is just smart. Not only does it keep a valuable running back fresh, it protects a major investment. Running backs are simply abused in the NFL from the punishment they take.

Besides, this will also keep defenses from keying on Martin.

16 Responses to “Don’t Worry About Doug Martin”

  1. Espo Says:

    No mo wheel routes

  2. LUVMYBUCS Says:

    Agreed-Keep’em fresh

  3. Harry Says:

    I believe this over the Bucs needing a back who can catch. Ppl took it to mean the Bucs drafted Sims bc Martin can’t catch – he has good hands and did a good job in an offense that did not throw a lot to the RB.

  4. SeanyMac in SC Says:

    Carry count is a great idea. The NSO was going to wear out DM22. I’d like to see Doug around a long time.

  5. FLBoyInDallas Says:

    Keep calm and count carries.

  6. Joseph Says:

    Nice to see this change of pace over Schiano’s “I will run him into the ground AND use him as a receiver in situations that are likely going to get him killed or seriously hurt!” method.

  7. The Real Drew Says:

    “pitch count”…..No baseball references allowed for the ‘dunkaneers’

  8. pablo Says:

    Didn’t Lovie say he was going to keep Revis ???Muscle hamster is as good as a goner

  9. Jim Says:

    Espo – absolutely agree. One of the dumbest things I saw last season!

  10. Macabee Says:

    There is no doubt that Doug Martin is the bell cow and will be afforded all the props that go along with being the #1 RB. Expectations are high though due to his 2013 year, though no fault of his own, all eyes will be on him to repeat his 2012 pro bowl performance.

    When you’re the lead dog, you want to stay the lead dog. Remember in the Iditarod sled dog race, only the lead dog gets to see new scenery! lol

  11. Surf Buc Says:

    Here here. And we have gr8 stock in running back talent. It would be a shame to not use what we have.

  12. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    At first….I was surprised by the Sims pick…but then saw his highlight reel (3 times)……now I’m excited about adding him to the roster.
    Dominick would have never picked a RB in this draft…..and I think before all is said and done Sims will be a steal!!!

  13. Macabee Says:

    It is somewhat surprising to see the interest the Bucs are showing in the RB position given the talent we already have on board. Greg Auman tweeted that the Bucs have added a 13th undrafted rookie free agent in Cal RB Brendan Bigelow. Played for offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford in college. I watched tape on this kid and he’s one to keep an eye on!

  14. nate Says:

    See joe I told yah if he was on the new jersey photo shoot we would keep him…

  15. Buc1987 Says:

    Palblo…how many times do you have to be wrong before you’ll get something right?

  16. Buc1987 Says:

    Tampabaybucfan…I concur. I saw it 2 times.