Martin has something to prove all over again
Doug Martin says he’s ready to prove to everyone that he can carry the workload and be a No. 1 running back in this NFL. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Martn Fennelly Published: September 5, 2014 TAMPA — We’ve nearly forgotten how good he was. He raced into his NFL career in the Bucs’ 2012 season opener against the Carolina Panthers, 95 yards rushing. It was only the beginning. The year would become a breakout. Then came the bumps.Now it’s the Panthers again, a new year, this Sunday.“It kind of feels like my rookie season again,” Doug Martin said. “I’ve got to come out and prove to everybody that I’m still that guy. I can’t wait.”This guy has crammed a lot into two seasons.He has been the dazzling rookie, making 12 touchdowns and rushing for 1,454 yards, including a team-record 251 yards (with four touchdowns) at Oakland. He has been the struggling sophomore, unable to maintain his rookie form (a lack of holes didn’t help) after 144 yards against the Saints early in 2013. And he has been injured, that torn left labrum that ended his season in November.And Doug Martin has been surrounded ... by a small army of other runners, other options, including Bucs draft pick Charles Sims. There were times this offseason that we wondered exactly where Martin stood in this new offense, and if those 319 carries as a rookie took a toll, if his life would be the life of many a star NFL running back, sweet, but short.That’s a lot for two seasons.Now he’s back, the “bell cow,” as Lovie Smith says.Moo.Sims is injured. He won’t be back until November. Mike James is coming off an injury. Jeff Demps, a world-class speedster, only made the practice squad. People are talking about Bobby Rainey as a punt returner as much as anything.Doug Martin is the guy, and he needs to be.I’m not saying the Bucs should run him into the ground. Lovie Smith won’t. But Doug Martin wants the ball.He needs to prove something all over again.“I guess the ‘bell cow,’ I guess that’s the cow who has to carry the load,” he said. “I believe my body can take it and I’m ready to go.”“I know he’s been a Pro Bowl back,” Smith said. “Yeah, he is our bell cow. For us to be successful, he needs to have a great year.”About that crowded backfield in training camp ...“I see it, in my eyes, as a good thing,” Martin said. “The more competition you have, the better you’re going to get. That’s how I look at it. They push you.”He needs to be pushed. He needs to raise his all-around game. He is a decent pass catcher (49 grabs in 2012). If the Bucs drafting Sims eventually cuts into Martin’s numbers, it speaks to reality. In today’s NFL, you need options at running back.Doug Martin remains option No. 1.Remember the 2012 Martin? Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly does. After those 95 yards in the opener, Martin rushed for 138 yards later at Carolina. He missed both Panthers games last season.“Doug is one of those guys, you have to know where he is,” Kuechly said. “He can catch the ball coming out of the backfield. He can run the ball tough inside and he’s got speed to get outside. It’s one of those things. You’ve got to kind of pick your poison on him.”Doug Martin has done the rookie sensation thing. And the letdown thing. And the injury thing.That’s a lot of living for two seasons.“To me, it’s kind of in the past now,” Martin said. “People say you’re only as good as what you’ve done recently, and I understand that. I have to go out as if it’s my rookie year again this year and do it all again.”Hand him the ball.Then we’ll have our answer, moo or less.link
