Tampa Bay Buccaneers Must Fear Sophomore Slump From Doug Martin

By Andy Schmidt
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The 2013 NFL season is going to have many big storylines. There is one storyline that catches my attention: if Doug Martin can avoid a sophomore slump for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Martin rushed for 1,454 yards and 11 touchdowns during his rookie season in 2012 and could be looked upon to do even more in 2013 if Tampa wants to avoid missing the playoffs again. The things that really worries me about Martin are his size and if the number of hits he is enduring will take an early toll on him.

Martin rushed the ball 319 times this past season, which isn’t an unbearable load–just under 20 carries per game. If Tampa Bay wants to improve on their 7-9 record, however, it is very possible that Martin will be expected to carry the ball closer to 360-370 times in 2013. I don’t like that idea at all because Martin is a player that is better in space and can’t be taking hit after hit. Tampa Bay appears to be getting enough out of their wide receivers, but if Martin can become a pass-catching running back as well, and tops 70 catches, he has the potential to make Tampa Bay a playoff team.

The climb back to the top doesn’t seem too much longer for Tampa Bay if they can improve on their pass defense. The offense is there with Martin. After finishing fifth in the league in rushing yards in 2012, Martin needs to avoid having that dreaded slump next season. This is something I will be paying very close attention to when the 2013 season arrives.

Andy Schmidt is a columnist/writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter @ASchmidtSports, like his Facebook page or add him to your network on Google.

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