Read-Option: Martin, McNichols & More

Oh, what do we do; what do we do?

Now it’s your turn to sound off on the running back plan going forward.

What do you think about Martin? I asked this question back in the early part of the offseason and the opinions were certainly strong towards moving on. But, now things have changed, at least from our point of view on the outside. Martin is in the building every day. He’s working hard, and I can tell you from watching him at OTAs, he’s by far the best running back out there right now.

I think it would be silly to ask the question whether or not you think Martin should stay or go. He’s obviously staying as long as he doesn’t have a slip up. But, with him staying, do you think the running back roles should change? Should it still be Martin as the feature back when he returns in Week 4, or is missing the first three weeks enough to make this more of a running back by committee than it ever has? Regardless, you can never have too many running backs, so keeping him on what we believe to be a discounted contract is a no-brainer.

Bucs QB Jameis Winston and RB Charles Sims – Photo by: Getty Images

And what of Charles Sims and McNichols? McNichols is still recovering from the surgery he had after the Combine to repair his shoulder. So, he hasn’t been practicing at any of the OTAs. We won’t get to see what he looks like until training camp. But, if you were in charge, would you give Sims the benefit of the doubt knowing he’s finally healthy, or would that go to the rookie you believe might have more promise?

If you want to go even more in-depth with your answer, you can give me a running back depth chart for Weeks 1-3, and then another one for Week 4 and beyond when Martin returns. Do you think there should be split third down roles early on, or even when Martin gets back?

What do you think of Martin and McNichols and where do you think they fit in 2017?