Bucs GM Says It’s Doug Martin’s Job To Lose
May 31st, 2015
Lovie Smith said Doug Martin was a first team running back last week, but then Lovie backed off that moments later and said there was no depth chart, during a chat with media about second-year RB Charles Sims.
Perhaps things have changed.
Bucs general manager Jason Licht joined NBC Sports Radio on Friday and was asked point blank if the starting running back job is Martin’s to lose.
“You know what, it is,” Licht said.
“Doug has never looked better,” Licht added, before explaining that Dirk Koetter has been very high on Martin since he arrived and reviewed Martin’s film.
Licht also said the Bucs will look to use multiple backs, and said Charles Sims has shown his talents early in spring practices. “He’s a very explosive athlete with great hands.”
Bobby Rainey has “great shake,” Licht said, and he added Rainey is “tough to tackle in space and he’s got great hands.
“So those three right there, I think that’s a pretty good combination.”
May 31st, 2015 at 12:22 pm
Its time that we see the Rb as they are. And that is at best average, and most likely a below average bunch. Last year you could barely tell when one was subbed for another. so if all of these 4 RB are so good L&L would have traded one of these scary talents. But they can not and that is because they are below average RB!
May 31st, 2015 at 12:41 pm
If you have the $hitest offensive line in the NFL you don’t know what you have at running back or QB for that matter.
May 31st, 2015 at 12:47 pm
It’s funny a certain element always seems to be anxious to be the first to post.
May 31st, 2015 at 12:49 pm
Our RBs are dam good. Give that shite a rest, and see what happens with a real OC this season.
May 31st, 2015 at 12:51 pm
Someone is stuck on an anxious element of when someone posts something!!!!!
Hmmmm…. very interesting?
May 31st, 2015 at 12:53 pm
What type of scheme will Capt’ Dirk run? What type of scheme is Martin good in? To me that will say alot
Yo Joe!!!
Go Bucs!!!
May 31st, 2015 at 12:54 pm
Jim Brown at his best would not have produced behind the Bucs’ offensive offensive line! Rainey, Martin and James would all have been ok on another team.
May 31st, 2015 at 12:57 pm
@nole
Yea man, chill on that who post first stuff.
Let’s talk Bucs
May 31st, 2015 at 1:00 pm
Well there go my hopes of seeing mike james get a good shot at some carries this season….
May 31st, 2015 at 1:03 pm
Hope that Sims pick from last season makes sense at some point in the future, right now it just looks dumb, then, and now. Even when he is discussed it seems forced.
May 31st, 2015 at 1:03 pm
A never before wanna be offensive coordinator has a lot to do with the problems on the o line and the entire offense. Lets see what dirk can do
May 31st, 2015 at 1:10 pm
This should be a big for us guys. All RB’s healthy and a new scheme along with better QB play should really help all of our RB’s and add some trade value for them heading into next year.
May 31st, 2015 at 1:12 pm
I have this feeling in my gut that says 22 is gonna have a monster year!
May 31st, 2015 at 1:13 pm
Dag now that was insight Arealbucsfan.
May 31st, 2015 at 1:18 pm
Dag I agree with you Bawlmerbucfan. To others see how easy this is.Feel free to post what you please,but man how positive post provide me with a since of encouragement when it comes to this team.
May 31st, 2015 at 1:28 pm
Run hamster run.
May 31st, 2015 at 1:34 pm
Kinda hard to be positive about anything when you’re 30-70 in the last 100. Those are facts. Do I think Tampa will be worse this year than they were last season? No. but that’s only because it’s damn near impossible to be worse than what they were. It doesn’t matter who the QB is or who the OC is. It the offensive line can’t block then the offense will fall apart. I think that Tampa will shock some people this season but we also need another draft to get here so we can draft more offensive lineman. It’s hard to not be optimistic because I’m so bias. At the same time I’m sick of getting my hopes up in May only to be let down by October. It’s A Bucs Life!!!
May 31st, 2015 at 1:46 pm
I loved when the Glazer’s hired Lovie but I think he has the ability to give both answers to absolutely everything he is asked. He does not avoid questions he answers them, at different times in the conversation giving all possible answers. (“It’s not about the future; it’s all about the future”). I understand he doesn’t want to tip his hand but he seems to treat all answers as some sort of state secret. I must admit, it is quite annoying….it would be easier to take when the team is finally winning. Go Bucs!
May 31st, 2015 at 1:57 pm
I gotta believe (or hope to, anyway) the team knew early on—really, when Tedford got sick—that ’14 was going to be a disaster, and they tanked the season angling for one of the best QB’s to come out in quite a while (whether Winston or Mariotta).
They also know McCown sucked and Martin & Sims werre banged up.
That could explain keeping McCown at QB when he became healthy (to preserve Glennon who did NOT play that badly), and giving Martin limited carries.
They didn’t know how bad they needed to be. They just needed to be worse than the next bad team.
Let’s face it: if they had won even one more game thay may not have had a shot at one ot the top QB’s, and no way if they won 2 more.
May 31st, 2015 at 2:10 pm
The fact that Martin and Koetter are both Boise St guys helps Martin. Hopefully he can get his career back on track.
May 31st, 2015 at 2:17 pm
The combination of: 1) a Oline so friggin bad we give away a kings ransom for a one legged guard and dump 2 linemen at the end of the season, one of which was a healthy scratch from the last couple of games, 2) an OC running the show that has NO NFL experience on any level (not even as a water boy), and 3) a Set of QBs who are rated at the very bottom of the entire league.
THAT will pretty much kill your running game, and everything else. That will also be a huge factor for me in predicting the # of wins we have next year. I will be going much higher than “no-balls” Joe(s), lol.
May 31st, 2015 at 2:30 pm
Still don’t understand why James is not in the conversation. When given a chance he seemed to have a higher upside than Martin and Rainey, Sims is yet to be determined.
May 31st, 2015 at 2:33 pm
It should be Martin’s job to lose Sims has shown nothing.
May 31st, 2015 at 2:58 pm
The muscle hamster had more yards in his rookie season than all these guys combined dude… He has proven that he is a 3 down back… W jameis at qb and koetter calling plays downfield we can get the play action going… Still one of the most reliable plays in football and we bucs haven’t been able to run it since Jeff Garcia
May 31st, 2015 at 2:59 pm
I feel you PA bucs fan,but Jamies had nothing to do with that 30 and 70 record. My expectations are different because I know what he brings to the table. All this O line talk everyday to me I understand it but at the same time I know mouths have to be fed. If peolpe don’t think this group will be performing at a greater effort level with this investment under center then I’ll respectfully leave you to your opinion. I feel other wise.
May 31st, 2015 at 3:04 pm
@ P’cola
That used to bother me too. but when you have Joe making comments like-
“Joe is here to dissect every last word out of the mouth of Lovie Smith.”
That he used just a few articles ago, then its easy to understand why Lovie is noncommittal during his interviews. One slip of the tongue and the media will nail his nuts to the floorboard. And I’m not just picking on Joe, it’s everyone in the media. Lovie HAS to keep it vague.
May 31st, 2015 at 3:48 pm
If I remember correctly Martin had “great hands” and was a “great blocker” when he was brought in to replace Blount. Now somehow this changes? Nope…don’t believe it for a second.
May 31st, 2015 at 4:42 pm
It seemed to me nearly half of the comments here were for trading Martin away before the draft. No loyalty and what have you done for the Bucs lately mentality. This after a stellar rookie season and an obviously bad shoulder injury limited his effectiveness after that. Now he is pumped up stronger, that bodes well for him to return to form with his tough scampering style. Poor O line play is a legitimate excuse for all the Bucs runners, I think they are all a good bunch.
May 31st, 2015 at 4:51 pm
Im all for Martin. Im all for a combination of all of them. They all have their special skill sets. With Winston at QB and a better(fingers crossed) line…We will finally see what we have. Barring injury too. Martin will carry the load. Simms will be brought in on 3rd downs to run and catch out of the backfield. Also go into slot position. Rainey will spell Doug. James short yardage situations.
May 31st, 2015 at 5:03 pm
@Danati74
Sounds way to predictable if you line up all your running backs like that. And I do wish Doug Martin a good year, especially since this is his last chance to prove that he is a worthy nfl RB to the bucs. Because if it is like the last 2 years he is out of here. It is just not good when undrafted and 6th and 3rd rounder all look more explosive than the 1st round running back.
The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The Realist adjusts the sails.
May 31st, 2015 at 5:18 pm
When did the GM start anouncing who would start? Isn’t that the head coaches job???
May 31st, 2015 at 5:57 pm
Our offensive line has sucked the last few years. That’s no secret. Doug’s gonna have a great season given the chance . Sims is gonna be a good change of pace back who will catch balls from outta the backfield. And rainy is gonna give competition. We got more of an athletic line this year. Martin can get back to his rookie form. It wasn’t a fluke. We’ve got a real offensive cordinator. And most important Doug’s not injured. It all really depends on our line. So let’s do it. The time us now. ..we’re going 11-5!!!! Go Bucs. Donovan smith and Ali Marpet. Matkins and am the shield your leadership and why we brought you here. You guys were used to winning..well it’s part of your blame.
May 31st, 2015 at 6:11 pm
It’s gonna be fun watching Winston throwing the ball to 3 6’5″ rages in Jackson, Evans, and Safari -Jenkins. Bells gonna turn slants into 75 yard TDs. Doug’s gonna be bank to his rookie form with Sims changing the pace and catching the ball outta the backfield. Our defense is gonna wreck shop. Especially with that DT rotation. Our linebacker. CBs abs the competition at saftey. Jaques smith is the real deal. I hope G. Johnson#can rush the Passer and William Gholston can stop the run…go Bucs! !!
May 31st, 2015 at 8:13 pm
Koetter made ATL line look good (and their line sucks imo) i believe we’ll atleast go 8-8
May 31st, 2015 at 8:17 pm
@realist if the plays are executed correctly and the players finally get into groove. It wouldn’t matter if they knew. We’ve all seen plays where we knew what was gonna happen and it couldnt be stopped.
May 31st, 2015 at 8:19 pm
He did Arealbucsfan. Folks talk with this whole I’ve have my hopes before I’ll believe it when I see attitude like the people in decision making positions have been with the organization for years. The O line play next season will be just fine. I feel strongly this won’t be as big a topic this time next year.
May 31st, 2015 at 8:29 pm
Call the group average all you want, but the chance of Doug Martin refinding his rookie magic is far greater than career backups like Justin Forsett becoming a valued starter. RBs in the NFL are an odd bunch. There are 60-70 potential 1000 yard rushers on rosters and walking the streets as free agents but I honestly feel that we have three of those guys in Martin, Rainey, and Mike James.
May 31st, 2015 at 8:47 pm
@ Bucs Realist
Very True. Im just stating their skill sets and what their stats may end up being. As far as Doug carrying most of the load. C.Sims is a great receiver out of the backfield and Rainy is more of a scat back that can’t carry the load. Im sure Koetter will be creative, but what I stated is a good idea of what they may do and be used for. Sure they didn’t pick up Dougs 5th year option, but its hard to blame him for all the rushing attack problems the last two years. Sure he wasn’t the same player as his rookie year, but he does have the rookie record for most rushing yards his rookie season for Bucs. Yes, more rushing yards than all the other running backs combined. Honestly thats a bold statement to say all the other RBs look more explosive than Doug. For one the 6th rounder averaged 1.7 yards last season. The 3rd rounder averaged 2.8 yards, and the undrafted was benched for fumbling. You call that explosive?
May 31st, 2015 at 8:55 pm
It all depends 100% on the olines develpment and how the OC designs the plays. Martin has poor vision and Sims isn’t a good between the tackles runner at this point. Short passes and a good screen game will have to supplement our running attack.
May 31st, 2015 at 8:56 pm
WS99 Says:
May 31st, 2015 at 2:10 pm
The fact that Martin and Koetter are both Boise St guys helps Martin. Hopefully he can get his career back on track.
…………………………
Sup DB. You are really on to something here and it isn’t Jus
May 31st, 2015 at 8:59 pm
just because of Bosie St. It is also because Koetter’s Offense involves more RB Carries than receptions. Koetter will be starting the career of ASJ. Lets hope he can be TG2
May 31st, 2015 at 9:10 pm
OMG Buc if he turns into anything somewhat resembling TG it’s over for this league.
May 31st, 2015 at 9:26 pm
I know rite Nole???
Color me stupid but ME and VJAX are at least as good as JJ and Roddy White IMO.
Koetter is gonna feel RIGHT at Home this year I think
May 31st, 2015 at 9:55 pm
How about the A-Train, the Hawaiian Stallion, Joey “The Hitman” Iosefa where is he going to land on the roster? Spc teams, goal line?
May 31st, 2015 at 9:58 pm
Buc
If ASJ is anything even close to tg then we hit a home run. I pray that it happens. I also pray that Matt forte and martellus bennett show up to training camp, so there’s that too.
May 31st, 2015 at 10:12 pm
Just got my tickets for week 1. This first game will be huge for us and for Winston personally. He will be forever linked with Marcus Mariota. I predict that whichever QB wins that game will be a star and the other one will be a bust. It’s the Heisman curse. There is no way that both of those guys will make it. I just hope that they don’t both bust. Please dear baby Jesus, don’t let Winston bust!
May 31st, 2015 at 10:25 pm
Well by all accounts DB, ASJ has 2 inches in height and has a higher vert. I am banking on the fact that since the regime is completely committed to JW they will find a way to protect him be it with great OL play or schemes. Either way to have VJax on one side and ME13 on the other there will be a whole bunch of leftovers for ASJ and THEN what do opposing D’s do?
May 31st, 2015 at 10:31 pm
“Either way to have VJax on one side and ME13 on the other there will be a whole bunch of leftovers for ASJ and THEN what do opposing D’s do?”
I agree but this is the EXACT same talk from last season after Evans and ASJ were drafted. With Winston and Koetter I think we will be in better shape, but then again it all comes down to that darn offensive line.
May 31st, 2015 at 10:53 pm
I agree Walkda, however we were only guessing that ME13 would be good. We had no idea how good in all reality.
June 1st, 2015 at 12:51 pm
[…] he was asked if “the starting running back job is Martin’s to lose,” according to JoeBucsFan.com. “You know what, it is,” Licht […]